Ascentic E-216 SIG-1 Communication Bridge Serial to Internet Gateway User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- Ascentic
Table of Contents
Ascentic E-216 SIG-1 Communication Bridge Serial to Internet Gateway
Introduction
The SIG-1 Communication Bridge connects an RS-232 to an RS-858 port to facilitate communication between the RS-485 and your network devices. This device can be controlled and monitored remotely via Telnet. The SIG-1 mounts directly to a flat surface using the mounted flanges.
Features
- Serves as a communication bridge between serial devices and network portal devices.
- Enables control of a system from a remote location via Telnet
- Records time-stamped activity logs of all serial traffic for a session
- Measures and reports current draw for the connected system
- Controls switch power on and off to a +12V DC system up to 7A remotely
- Logs any known RS-485 or RS-232 commands for remote log analysis
- Configures information into memory via serial commands or a configuration file on a microSD card.
Configuration Methods
Configuration Mode
The SIG-1 features a configuration mode, which allows the device to be configured over an RS-232 port. In Configuration Mode, the following list of commands are accepted: See page 2
Commands
| Name | Description | Format | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enter Configuration | Enables Config Mode | +++ | n/a |
| Exit Configuration | Returns to command mode | [DEV=254;EXIT] | n/a |
| Query Link Status | Ethernet Link UP/DOWN | [DEV=254;NET;LINK?] |
[DEV=254;NET;LINK=UP]
Query IP Address| Returns the SIG-0’s current IP Address|
[DEV=254;NET;LINK;IP?]| [DEV=254;NET;LINK; IP=10.0.0.2]
Query Server TCP Port| Returns currently set Server TCP Port|
[DEV=254;NET;SERVER;PORT?]| [DEV=254;NET;SERVER; PORT=23]
Set Server TCP Port| Changes the target Server Port|
[DEV=254;NET;SERVER;PORT=23]| n/a
Reset Defaults| Resets the SIG-0 to factory defaults| [DEV=254;RESET;DEFAULT]|
n/a
Reboot Device| Reboots the SIG-0 to implement change| [DEV=254; REBOOT]| n/a
Communication
The SIG-1 Communication Bridge has the default device ID 254. It can send and receive serial commands via RS-485 at 57600 Baud, 8-N-1, and Half-Duplex; and via RS-232 at 115200 Baud, 8-N-1, and Full-Duplex. Either port may be set for Null or Straight using the switch located between the RS-232 port and the RS-485 bus. Both configuration ports utilize a modular RJ-45 jack with the following pinouts
RS-485 Pinout
| Pin # | Function | Pin # | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | Orange White – Ground | P5 | Blue White – Switched Power Bus (12V Dev Only) |
| P2 | Orange – Ground | P6 | Green – Data B Negative |
| P3 | Green White – Data A Positive | P7 | Brown White – Ground |
| P4 | Blue – Switched Power Bus (12V Devices Only) | P8 | Brown – Ground |
RS-232 Pinout
| Pin # | Function | Pin # | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | Orange White – Ground | P5 | +12V DC Power |
| P2 | Orange – Ground | P6 | Green – RX or TX |
| P3 | Green White – TX or RX | P7 | Brown White – Ground |
| P4 | +12V DC Power | P8 | Brown – Ground |
Quick Start Instructions
- Connect the SIG-1 device to RS-232 and/or RS-485 devices. Connect +12V power out to any devices that are not connected to, or able to be powered by, the RS-485 bus.
- Connect the SIG-1 device to a known-working network port, then power on the device. The SIG-1 will power up other devices after a few seconds.
- Communicate with the SIG-1 Device, as well as interact with other devices.
- From the Telnet connection, send a log query command to the SIG-1 to have it respond with the next available log entry. Repeat until the log is empty.
Troubleshooting
No RS-232 communication
- Ensure connections are fully seated.
- Ensure devices are using the correct protocol settings.
- Ensure the Null/Straight selector is set correctly.
- No Ethernet Connectivity Lights
- Ensure connections are fully seated.
- Ensure the End Device is powered on with Ethernet Enabled.
- Power cycle all devices to clear out previous TCP connections.
- LED periodically blinks fast (No TCP Socket connection)
- Ensure connections are fully seated.
- Ensure both the SIG-0 and End Devices have been configured correctly.
- Power cycle all devices to clear out previous TCP connections.*
- Some devices have a limitation on the number of connected TCP clients and may require a delay period or reboot to clear.
Example System
SIG-1 Bridge Between RS-232 and Network with Audio
This Display uses audio to attract and communicate. It leverages the MH6 MediaHub’s multiple audio output options to demonstrate a variety of products. Each of the four audio output jacks can play either digital or analog audio, depending on the requirements of the device. The ethernet port interfaces with the network to receive commands and output analytics; with the added capability to control and monitor the system remotely. The sound bar connects directly to an RS-485 port and is visually highlighted by a lit platform.
Product Specifications
- Inputs and Outputs
- Standard Inputs: 1x MicroSD Card
- Standard Outputs: 2x Switched Power Bus (5.5 x 2.1mm barrel jacks)
- Standard In/Out:
- 1x RS232 Port w/ Null/Straight Switch (RJ45)
- 1x Ethernet Port (RJ45)
- 2x RS485 Ports with Switched Power (RJ45)
- Indicators: 1x Green Power Heartbeat/Connection Indicator, 1x Yellow Status Indicator
Power Input Specification
- Power Entry Port: 2x Barrel Jack Connectors (5.5 x 2.1mm, bussed, Center Positive) Voltage: 12VDC
- No-Load Current: XXmA
- Maximum Load Current: XXmA
Mechanical Details
- Case Type: AAC Universal Case, Molded ABS
- Case Dimensions (Inches, WxLxH): 7.5 x 4.1 x 1.5 Case Dimensions (millimeters, WxLxH): 190 x 104 x 38 Mounting Locations: Molded Flanges
- 2x 0.165” (4.5mm) Diameter centerline holes 4x 0.165” x 0.28” (4.5mm x 7mm) Slots 1.0” (25.4mm) Above/Below centerline holes.