Western Telematic CAS-81 manual Introduction, Applications, Typographic Conventions

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1.Introduction

The CAS-81 Code Activated Switch brings the convenience of code-based RS232 switching to sites with multiple terminals, printers, and peripherals. The CAS-81 enables a single RS232 Control Port to switch between 8 devices via an ASCII code sequence.

Code based switching lets you control the CAS-81 from your PC or mainframe. When a modem is attached to the Control Port, the CAS-81 can also be managed from a remote location. Devices can be connected or disconnected by sending commands from a remote PC via modem.

The CAS-81 can operate at speeds up to 115,000 bps and passes data in "real-time" with no delays. Binary and graphics files can be safely passed due to the unique 8 character switch instruction, which considerably reduces the chances of false switching.

A broadcast mode makes it easy to mass-address a group of printers, display devices, or an array of laboratory instruments by directing the data on the Control Port to all Serial Ports simultaneously. The broadcast mode may be selected by code or permanently selected by the Select Switch.

An Auto-connect feature allows the Control Port to automatically connect to Serial Port 1 each time the unit is powered up, or after a timeout or disconnect. This provides a data path to a critical device in case of a power failure, or convenient connection to commonly used equipment.

Each Serial Port may be configured for a balanced RS422 long distance line driver by simply removing the socketed RS232 driver chip and plugging in an optional RS422 module. When the module is installed, an LED on the back panel indicates the port is RS422.

Applications

·Industrial Robotic and Numeric Control

·Remote Diagnostics

·Laboratory Equipment Polling

·Data Acquisition

·Network Management

Typographic Conventions

Throughout the manual, typefaces and characters have been used to denote the following:

^ (e.g. ^X)

Indicates a key combination that is used to invoke a command.

 

For example, the text "^X" (Control X) indicates that the [Ctrl] key and

 

the [X] key should be pressed simultaneously.

COURIER FONT

Indicates characters typed on the keyboard.

 

For example, ^VS or ^C#.

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Contents Users Guide CAS-81Table of Contents Introduction ApplicationsTypographic Conventions Unit Description Front Panel IndicatorsBack Panel Back PanelTimeout Selection Switches 4 InstallationSet DIP Switches Data Rate Baud Selection Switches 1 throughForce DCD Switch Auto Connect Serial Port 1 SwitchBroadcast Mode Switch Force CTS SwitchRS422 Line Driver Option Connect Power CableConnect Devices to Serial Ports Connect Control PortAscii Characters Power UpCommand String OperationClose Port Gating Command ResponsePort Gating Open Port GatingControl Port DB25 Female Description of System Interfaces1. RS422 Line Driver Option Serial Ports 1 through 8 DB9 MaleInterface SpecificationsCommand Response FCC NoticeTrademark and Copyright Information Customer Service