Connecting To TB8100 Base Stations Via An Asynchronous Port Switch TECHNOTE/TN 906 TN

TECHNOTE/TN-906-AN - Connecting to TB8100 Base Stations via an Asynchronous Port Switch TN-906-AN - Connecting to TB8100 Base Stations via an Asynchronous Port Switch

TECHNOTE/TB8000/TN-906-AN - Connecting to TB8100 Base Stations via an Asynch TN-906-AN - Connecting to TB8100 Base Stations via an Asynch

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TB8100 base station

Connecting to TB8100
Base Stations via an
Asynchronous Port Switch

Application Note TN-906
30 September 2004

Contents
1

The Purpose of an APS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Supported APS Units and their Main Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.1 Units Supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Main Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Physical Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Configuring the Service Kit and Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1 Configuring the Service Kit for Dial-in via an APS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.2 Configuring the Service Kit for a Direct Connection via an APS . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.3 Configuring the Base Station to Dial Out to an Alarm Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Configuring the APS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.1 Ensuring the Security of Configuration Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.2 Configuring the Set-up Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.3 Configuring the Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Testing the Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Essential Modem Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Known Issues or Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Document Conventions
‘Configure > Communications > Alarm Center’ means ‘click the
Configure icon on the toolbar, then in the navigation pane find the
Communications group, and select Alarm Center from it’.

Associated Documentation
TN-742: Remotely Monitoring and Configuring the TB8100 Base Station
TB8100 Installation and Operation Manual
TB8100 Service Kit and Alarm Center User’s Manuals and online Help
Your APS User’s Guide

Page 2 of 20

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

This Application Note provides information on how to connect multiple
TB8100 base stations to a Service Kit or Alarm Center using an
Asynchronous Port Switch (APS). It covers connection via direct serial link,
and via PSTN lines using modems. Typical physical connections, APS
configurations, base station configurations, Service Kit configurations, and
modem settings are also described.

The Purpose of an APS
One of the most powerful features of the TB8100 base station is its ability
to be remotely configured and monitored. This feature includes Service Kit
access, for remote configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics, and
automatic dial-out to an Alarm Center, as a result of an error condition or
Task Manager stimulus. TN-742 describes the use of this feature in detail.
Without using an APS, however, a dedicated PSTN line is required for each
base station installed on a site. The cost of these lines is very high, especially
when the base stations are installed in remote locations. Using an APS
allows a single phone line to service up to 31 base stations.
A typical connection scenario is shown in Figure 1 below. The diagram
shows:

Figure 1

■

four base stations connected to various ports on an APS

■

the dial-up modem at the remote site

■

the PSTN connection

■

the modem at the local site

■

a PC running either Service Kit or Alarm Center software.

Typical APS Connection

Dial-up Modem

APS
Calls initiated

TB8100
Calls initiated
Dial-up Modem
Service Kit

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

Page 3 of 20

Supported APS Units and their Main Features

2.1

Units Supported
The APS support feature in the TB8100 base station is intended to work
with third party products. Tait Electronics Limited does not manufacture its
own unit. The following third party units are supported:
■

Western Telematic Inc. (WTI) APS-4, APS-8, APS-16, CMS-16, and
CMS-32

■

Black Box SW543A.

Any other APS that uses simple ASCII connect and disconnect commands
and responses may work satisfactorily.

2.2

Main Features
These features are standard on the supported APS units listed above.

Page 4 of 20

■

You can connect up to 3, 7, 15, or 31 base stations per site to a single
PSTN line or PC, depending on the APS chosen.

■

The units are configured as DTE (Data Terminal Equipment).

■

The units will support all baud rates recognised by the base station, i.e.
1200, 2400, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200.

■

Although the APS ports can be individually configured, and may be
password protected, the TB8100 base station does not support this.
(Note that in “Common Configuration for all Ports” on page 14 the
password is left undefined)

■

The APS configurations are stored in non-volatile memory.

■

Data clashes are prevented using a Busy response, i.e. if one base station
tries to dial out while another is connected, it will receive a Busy
response, and can try again later if configured to do so.

■

The Service Kit or base station alarm dial-out software handle all
common errors such as busy, lack of response, or communications failure.

■

The APS can be powered from 115/230VAC or –48VDC. The power
consumption is approximately 5W.

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

Physical Connections
In all the following connection types, only two or three base stations are
shown connected to the APS for graphical convenience.
The modem is shown connected to the highest numbered port of the APS.
This is for user convenience only, and allows an easy mapping between the
base station number and port number when configuring the Service Kit.
Any port could be used if desired.
A single null modem cable is supplied with the APS. The user must supply
all other cables.

Figure 2

PSTN connection to base stations without a TaitNet RS-232 system interface board

APS Power

Modem Power

Cable 4

Cable 5

APS

Dial-up Modem

Cable 6

PSTN

Cable 1
Cable 3

Cable 2

Cables 1, 2 & 3

9-way straight through (not null modem) RS-232 cable

Cable 4

APS power cable, either AC mains or –48VDC, depending on the model chosen

Cable 5

modem power cable, usually AC mains

Cable 6

Telco connection, usually RJ11

Notes

■

RS-232 connections are made via the control panel at the front of the base station.

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

Page 5 of 20

Figure 3

PSTN connection to base stations with a TaitNet RS-232 system interface board

APS Power

Modem Power

Cable 5

Cable 6

APS

Single channel

Dial-up Modem

Cable 7

PSTN

Cable 1

Cable 4

Dual channel
Cable 2
Cable 3

Cables 1, 2, 3 & 4

9-way straight through (not null modem) RS-232 cable

Cable 5

APS power cable, either AC mains or –48VDC, depending on the model chosen

Cable 6

modem power cable, usually AC mains

Cable 7

Telco connection, usually RJ11

Notes

■

The TaitNet RS-232 system interface board is essential if you want remote
diagnostics to both channels in dual channel subracks. It is optional for single
channel subracks.

■

Connections to the TaitNet RS-232 system interface board are on the rear panel of
the reciter.

■

Front or rear panel connections to single channel subracks can be mixed with rear
panel connections to dual channel subracks, in any combination, on a single APS.

■

The TaitNet RS-232 system interface board can be installed by the user, with care
(refer to the TB8100 Service Manual). The reciter firmware will automatically
detect the system interface board type, and route the RS-232 signals appropriately.

■

If the TaitNet RS-232 system interface board is fitted, the control panel does not
shut down in Power Saving modes, resulting in a small compromise in power
saving effectiveness.

Page 6 of 20

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

Figure 4

Direct connection to base stations with or without a TaitNet RS-232 system interface
board

APS Power
Cable 5
APS

Single channel

Service Kit

Cable 1
Cable 4

Dual channel
Cable 2
Cable 3

Cables 1, 2 & 3

9-way straight through (not null modem) RS-232 cable

Cable 4

9-way null modem RS-232 cable

Cable 5

APS power cable, either AC mains or –48VDC, depending on the model chosen

Notes

■

The illustration above shows base stations with TaitNet RS-232 system interface
boards, but front or rear connection can be used.

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

Page 7 of 20

Figure 5

Combined PSTN and direct connections

APS Power

Modem Power

Cable 6

Cable 7

APS

Single channel

Dial-up Modem

Cable 8

PSTN

Cable 1
Cable 4

Dual channel

Cable 5
Cable 2

Service Kit

Cable 3

Cables 1, 2, 3 & 4

9-way straight through (not null modem) RS-232 cable

Cable 5

9-way null modem RS-232 cable

Cable 6

APS power cable, either AC mains or –48VDC, depending on the model chosen

Cable 7

modem power cable, usually AC mains

Cable 8

Telco connection, usually RJ11

Notes

■

The illustration above shows base stations with TaitNet RS-232 system interface
boards, but front or rear connection can be used.

■

If possible, the PC should be connected to a spare APS port so that normal dial-in
and dial-out is not disrupted. If there is no spare port available, any port can be
used, but some disruption may then possibly occur.

Page 8 of 20

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

Configuring the Service Kit and Base Station

4.1

Configuring the Service Kit for Dial-in via an APS
1.

Run the Service Kit and select Connect > New Connection. The
Edit Connection screen appears.

In the Connection type list, select Modem Dialup. The Edit
Connection screen changes to the one shown below.

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

Page 9 of 20

Set up the parameters in the Connection tab as usual (use the online
Help if required).

In the Port Switch tab, select the Port switch check box.

In the Connect command field, enter ^M/Cx^M.
This means:
^M

instructs the APS to enter command modea

requests a connection

the port number of the base station you wish to connect to

terminates the sequence

a. This is equivalent to the carriage return character.

Note

Use the ^ (carat) symbol to instruct the Service Kit that this is a
control character. Do not use the control key.

In the Connect response field, enter 1.

In the Disconnect command field, enter ^Mxxx^M/X^M.
This means:
^M

instructs the APS to enter command mode

xxx

three instances of the logoff charactera

terminates the sequence

/X^M

exits command mode

a. This must match the logoff character chosen when setting up the modem (L
was chosen in this case). Refer to “Common Configuration for all Ports” on
page 14.

Page 10 of 20

In the Disconnect response field, enter 3.

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

4.2

Configuring the Service Kit for a Direct Connection via an APS
This configuration is similar to the one described in the previous section,
except that you set the Connection type to Direct Connection. You can
then connect the computer running the Service Kit software to any spare
port on the APS, and connect to any base station that is not currently busy
with either a dial-in or dial-out session.

4.3

Configuring the Base Station to Dial Out to an Alarm Center
This section provides details on configuring the Alarm Center connection,
the port switch, and the connection timing. For full details on configuring
the modem, refer to TN-742.
1.

Run the Service Kit and select Configure > Communications >
Alarm Center.

In the Alarm Center form, enable the Alarm Center connection and
the Port switch (use the on-line Help if required).

In the Baud rate list, select 57600. If you select a different baud rate,
ensure that the APS is set to the same rate (refer to “Configuring the
Set-up Switches” on page 13).

In the Connect command field, enter ^M/Cx^M.
This means:
^M

instructs the APS to enter command modea

requests a connection

the port number to which the site modem is connected

terminates the sequence

a. This is equivalent to the carriage return character.

The site modem is usually (but does not have to be) connected to the
highest port number available. The above screen shows the settings
for port 8 of an 8-port APS.

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

Page 11 of 20

In the Connect response field, enter 1.

In the Disconnect command field, enter ^Mxxx^M/X^M.
This means:
^M

instructs the APS to enter command mode

xxx

three instances of the logoff charactera

terminates the sequence

/X^M

exits command mode

a. This must match the logoff character chosen when setting up the modem (L
was chosen in this case). Refer to “Common Configuration for all Ports” on
page 14.

In the Disconnect response field, enter 3.

In the Connection timing area, we recommend the following
settings:

Note

Page 12 of 20

■

Set the number of retries to 20, the maximum allowed.

■

Set the time between retries to 60s for the first base station, and
increment in steps of 5s for other base stations (e.g. set base station
2 to 65s, base station 3 to 70s, etc.). This prevents all base stations
from retrying at the same time if a fault occurs that affects them all.

■

Set the minimum interval to at least 30 minutes. The interval
should be long enough to allow all base stations to dial out if
necessary; we suggest 30 minutes plus an extra 3 minutes for each
base station on the site.
If there is a particular condition that can be guaranteed to affect all
base stations (e.g. mains failure), we recommend that you enable
this alarm on only two base stations. This precaution will prevent
a mass dial-out attempt, but will still allow you to check for false
alarms.

TN-906
© Tait Electronics Limited 30 September 2004

Configuring the APS

5.1

Ensuring the Security of Configuration Data
The configuration data of many APS units is stored in RAM which has a
battery back-up. This battery should have a life of approximately 3 years
when the APS is not powered up, and may need to be changed periodically.
You may also wish to replace the battery before installing your APS to ensure
maximum battery life and security of configuration data. A typical symptom
of battery failure is the loss of configuration data when the APS is powered
down for some time.
The battery is typically a BR1225 and is located under a clip on the main
board of the APS. To replace the battery, proceed as follows:

5.2

Disconnect the AC mains power.

Remove the top cover.

Carefully replace the battery, observing normal antistatic precautions.

Replace the cover.

Configuring the Set-up Switches
1.

Power up the APS.

Configure the set-up switches as shown below. These switches are
located on the rear panel of APS units with up to 8 ports, and on the
bottom cover of units with 16 or more ports.
Switch

Setting

Function

SW1

ON (down)

sets the baud rate to 57k6

SW2

OFF

SW3

OFF

SW4

OFF

SW5

OFF

SW6

OFF

terse messages

SW7

OFF

echo disabled

SW8

–––

currently not used

no handshaking

The settings for SW1, SW2, and SW3 are optional, however the settings for all other switches are mandatory. We recommend a baud rate
of 57k6, as it will give the highest possible data transfer rate through
the modem on a “good” PSTN connection. If you select a different

Page 13 of 20

rate, you must select the same rate for the Alarm Center connection
(Configure > Alarm Center > Port Settings > Baud rate; refer to
“Configuring the Base Station to Dial Out to an Alarm Center” on
page 11).
3.

After you have set the switches, you must validate the set-up as
follows:
a. Simultaneously press the SET and CLEAR buttons on the front of
the APS.
b. Release the CLEAR button, wait for the port ACTIVITY LEDs
to flash, then release the SET button.

5.3

Configuring the Ports
Connect a PC running a terminal program (HyperTerminal, ProComm,
TerraTerm or similar) to any unused port on the APS, using a null modem
cable.
Note

Common
Configuration for
all Ports

Refer to the APS User’s Guide for a detailed explanation of all the
command codes. The commands shown in the following section
are in upper case for clarity, however you can use lower case if you
prefer.

Enter Command Mode using the [Enter] key.

Type the following commands:
/CP [Enter]

copies port parameters

7 [Enter] 1 [Enter]

sets all ports to Any-to-Any mode

9 [Enter] x [Enter]

where x sets the logoff character
Note that this must be the same character you
chose in the Service Kit procedures described
in Section 4.1 and Section 4.3 (L in the
examples shown). It must also be different
from the character used to take the modem
out of data mode, which is usually “+”, but
can be changed by the user. You can also
choose control characters, which are shown by
a preceding ^ (carat).

10 [Enter] 1 [Enter]

sets the disconnect sequence to 3 consecutive
logoff characters, instead of just 1
Note that this is essential to avoid the
possibility of random logoffs.

Page 14 of 20

11 [Enter] 6 [Enter]

enables the timeout to 1 minute

12 [Enter] 3 [Enter]

sets the response type to Terse

13 [Enter] 1 [Enter]

disables the command echo

[Esc]

copies to all ports

Y [Enter]

answers the question “Are you sure (y/n)?”

/W [Enter]

displays port parameters

Verify that the following is displayed.
PORT PARAMETERS #01:
1. Port Name:
2. Password:
3. Baud Rate:
4. Bits/Parity:
5. Stop Bits:
6. Handshake Mode:
7. Port Mode:
74. DTR Output:
8. Supervisor Mode:
9. Logoff Character:
10. Sequence Disconnect:
11. Timeout Disconnect:
12. Response Type:
13. Command Echo:
14. Accept Break:

(undefined)
(undefined)
57.6K
8-None
1
None
Any-to-Any
Pulse
Permit
L
Three Characters
1 Min
Terse
Off
Yes

If everything is correct, proceed to step 4, or re-enter the incorrect
parameter as required.
4.

WTI APS-4, APS-8 and APS-16 Units Only
This step is required because of a bug in the firmware of the APS-4,
APS-8 and APS-16 units. The Copy Port Parameters command does
not work for the timeout setting.
Type the following commands:
/Pn [Enter]

sets RS-232 parameters
where n is the port number

11 [Enter] 6 [Enter]

enables the timeout to 1 minute

[Esc]

Repeat this procedure for all ports.
5.

If you do not want to configure a port as a modem port (refer to
“Configuration for a Modem Port (if a modem is used)” below), exit
Command mode by typing:
/X [Enter]

exits command mode

Otherwise, continue with “Configuration for a Modem Port (if a
modem is used)” on page 16.

Page 15 of 20

Configuration for a
Modem Port
(if a modem is used)

We recommend that you configure the port to which the modem is
connected as a modem port. This will ensure that the modem is reconfigured after a power outage, and prevent it from using the wrong serial
baud rate.
Type the following commands:
/Pn [Enter]

sets RS-232 parameters
where n is the number of the port to which
the modem is connected, usually the highest
numbered port
Verify that the timeout has been set correctly
to 1 minute. If not, type 11 [Enter] 6 [Enter].

7 [Enter] 4 [Enter]

configures the port as a modem port

71 [Enter] AT [Enter]

sets the reset string to AT

72 [Enter] AT [Enter]

sets the initialisation string to AT
This is just to ensure that no unwanted
commands are issued to the modem.

73 [Enter] +++~~ATH0
[Enter]

ensures that modem hangs up after a timeout
Note that the double ~ (tilde) puts a 2s delay
between +++ and ATH0, allowing the modem
to enter command mode.

[Esc]
/X [Enter]

Page 16 of 20

exits Command mode

Testing the Connection

Connecting to the
Base Station via the
APS

Once everything has been configured, dial in to the base station via the APS.
1.

Run the Service Kit software and click Connect.

Select the APS connection previously set up. The following screen
appears, as for a normal (non-APS) connection.

Once the modems have connected and established their protocol, the
following screen appears. This screen is unique to APS connections.

Shortly afterwards, the correct port is connected, and the base station
responds to its connection protocol. The normal base station logon
screen now appears.

Continue with the connection session as normal.

When you have completed your session, disconnect in the normal
way.

Page 17 of 20

If the Connection is
Unsuccessful

If an error occurs which is related to the APS, the following screen
will appear.

If this screen appears, check the settings of both the APS and the
Service Kit very carefully. If the you cannot resolve the problem, it
may be useful to insert a serial communications monitor between the
Service Kit PC and the modem. Compare the strings actually
transmitted with those expected, and consult the APS User’s Guide.

Essential Modem Features
The ATX0 command must be available in any modem which is used with
the APS. This command limits the result codes to 0-4, i.e:
■

0 – OK

■

1 – connect

■

2 – ring

■

3 – no carrier

■

4 – error

Note

Some modems will include result code 8 (no answer) in the list for
ATX0. This is also acceptable. Refer to TN-742 for modem settings and configurations.

Known Issues or Limitations
Known Issue or Limitation
Some APS units store their configuration
data in RAM with battery back-up. This
data will be lost if the unit is powered
down and the battery fails.

Solution
If you are unsure about the condition of
the back-up battery, replace it before
installing the APS (refer to “Ensuring the
Security of Configuration Data” on
page 13).

Applies to WTI APS-4, APS-8 and APS-16 You must set the port timeout on each
units:
port individually.
You cannot use the Copy Port Parameters
If you try to set this parameter globally, it
command to set the timeout.
will appear to be successful, but the
timeout will not work. Refer to
“Common Configuration for all Ports”
on page 14.

Page 18 of 20

Issuing Authority
This TN was issued by:

John Crossland
Technical Publications Manager

Publication History
Publication Date

Author

30 September 2004

D Reynolds

Amendment Record
Publication Date

Page

30 September 2004

Amendment
First release

Tait Contact Information
Corporate Head
Office
New Zealand

Tait Electronics Limited, P.O. Box 1645, Christchurch, New Zealand
E-mail (Marketing): taitnet@taitworld.com
E-mail (Sales): sales@taitworld.com

Technical Support

Technical Support Manager
Tait Electronics Ltd, P.O. Box 1645, Christchurch, New Zealand
E-mail: support@taitworld.com

Internet

http://www.taitworld.com

Page 19 of 20

Page 20 of 20

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Connecting To TB8100 Base Stations Via An Asynchronous Port Switch TECHNOTE/TN 906 TN

TECHNOTE/TN-906-AN - Connecting to TB8100 Base Stations via an Asynchronous Port Switch TN-906-AN - Connecting to TB8100 Base Stations via an Asynchronous Port Switch

TECHNOTE/TB8000/TN-906-AN - Connecting to TB8100 Base Stations via an Asynch TN-906-AN - Connecting to TB8100 Base Stations via an Asynch

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