Table of Figures

Table of Figures
Figure 1. The VLINX ESP904 Quad-Port Ethernet Serial Server		1
Figure 2. Quick Start Hardware Setup		4
Figure 3. The ESP Manager Window		5
Figure 4. The Server Properties Window		6
Figure 5. Configuring the Virtual COM Port		7
Figure 6. Dimensional Diagram of the ESP904		10
Figure 7. Side View of the ESP904 – when vertically mounted		11
Figure 8. Top View of the ESP904		13
Figure 9. The ESP904 Serial Port Connectors		13
Figure 10. Internal Setting to Select RS-485 Bias		16
Table 11. Serial Connection Pin-outs for RS-232/RS-422/RS-485		17
Figure 12. The Run Dialogue Box		19
Figure 13. The Install Shield Wizard Window		20
Figure 14. VLINX ESP Setup Window		20
Figure 15. The Choose Destination Window		20
Figure 16. The Install Shield Wizard Complete Window		21
Figure 17. Ethernet Connection via a LAN		23
Figure 18. Direct Ethernet Connection using a Crossover Cable		24
Figure 19. The VLINX ESP Manager Window		25
Figure 20. The Search Setup Window		28
Figure 21. The Server Properties Window		29
Figure 22. The vcomui Window		30
Figure 23. The Search Setup Window		37
Figure 24. The Found Server Window		38
Figure 25. The COMInst Window		38
Figure 26. The Windows Logo Testing Window		39
Figure 27. The Device Manager Window		40
Figure 28. The VLINX ESP (COM3) Properties Window		41
Figure 29. The ESP Manager Window		43
Figure 30. The vcomui Dialogue Box		44
Figure 31. The Control Panel Window		45
Figure 32. The Device Manager Window		45
Figure 33. Confirm Device Removal		46
Figure 34. The Port Settings Window		48
Figure 35. Upgrading in Progress		49
Figure 36. The Console Mode Server Configuration Screen		52
Figure 37. Saving and Restarting the Configuration		53
Figure 38. Assigning a Password		54
Manual Documentation Number: ESP904-0504	Table of Figures	I

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com

Figure 39. The Web Server Page		55
Figure 40. The Web Server Serial Port Properties Page		56
Figure 41. RS-232 Connections in a DB-9 Connector		57
Figure 42. Straight-through (DTE to DCE) DB-9 to DB-9 Serial Cable with RS-232
Signal Designations		58
Figure 43. Crossover (DTE to DTE) DB-9 to DB-9 Serial Cable with RS-232 Signal
Designations		58
Figure 44. Connections for a DB-9 to DB-25 Straight-through Cable		59
Figure 45. Connections for a DB-9 to DB-25 Crossover (null modem) Cable		59
Figure 46. Loopback Connections for RS-232		60
Figure 47. RS-422 Connections in a DB-9 Connector		61
Figure 48. RS-422 Connections with Flow Control		62
Figure 49. Loopback Connections for RS-422		63
Figure 50. RS-422 Connection with No Flow Control		63
Figure 51.	DB-9 Pin-out in RS-485 Mode	65
Figure 52.	2-wire RS-485 Connection	65
Figure 53.	Pin-out for a Standard Ethernet Cable	67
Figure 54.	Pin-out for a Crossover Ethernet Cable	68

Table of Figures

Manual Documentation Number: ESP904-0504

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com

ESP904E, ESP904 specifications

B&B Electronics has established itself as a leader in developing innovative communication and networking solutions, and the ESP904 and ESP904E models are perfect examples of this commitment to excellence. These devices are designed specifically for Serial to Ethernet/IP communication, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in industrial environments.

One of the main features of the ESP904 is its ability to convert serial data from RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 interfaces into Ethernet data, facilitating communication with remote servers or other devices over an IP network. This serial-to-Ethernet conversion enables the integration of legacy serial devices into modern network infrastructures, ensuring that businesses can take advantage of new technologies while maximizing their existing investments.

The ESP904E model enhances the base ESP904 by adding even more advanced features, including increased processing power and enhanced security protocols. This robustness is crucial for applications where data integrity and security are paramount, such as in industrial automation, transportation, and telecommunications. The device supports a wide range of encryption methods for secure communications, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

In terms of technologies, both models support full TCP/IP networking capabilities, allowing for seamless communication across various network environments. They are equipped with a built-in web server, enabling easy configuration and monitoring via a standard web browser. This eliminates the need for dedicated software and simplifies the deployment process.

Key characteristics of the ESP904 and ESP904E include robust construction designed for harsh industrial conditions, a compact design that allows for easy installation, and the ability to support multiple simultaneous connections. They also feature flexible power options, enabling connections through PoE (Power over Ethernet) or traditional power supplies, enhancing compatibility with different setups.

In addition, both models support various operating modes, including Server, Client, and Proxy modes, giving users flexibility in how they integrate their devices. The modular design of the ESP904 and ESP904E means that they can be easily updated and expanded as technology evolves.

Overall, the B&B Electronics ESP904 and ESP904E are powerful tools for organizations looking to modernize their communication architectures, providing reliability and performance that meet the demands of today’s networking environments. Whether for a small setup or a complex industrial network, these devices offer the versatility and capabilities needed to ensure success.

Figure 1. The VLINX ESP904 Quad-Port Ethernet Serial Server

Figure 2. Quick Start Hardware Setup

Figure 3. The ESP Manager Window

Figure 4. The Server Properties Window

Figure 5. Configuring the Virtual COM Port

Figure 6. Dimensional Diagram of the ESP904

Figure 7. Side View of the ESP904 – when vertically mounted

Figure 8. Top View of the ESP904

Figure 9. The ESP904 Serial Port Connectors

Figure 10. Internal Setting to Select RS-485 Bias

Table 11. Serial Connection Pin-outs for RS-232/RS-422/RS-485

Figure 12. The Run Dialogue Box

Figure 13. The Install Shield Wizard Window

Figure 14. VLINX ESP Setup Window

Figure 15. The Choose Destination Window

Figure 16. The Install Shield Wizard Complete Window

Figure 17. Ethernet Connection via a LAN

Figure 18. Direct Ethernet Connection using a Crossover Cable

Figure 19. The VLINX ESP Manager Window

Figure 20. The Search Setup Window

Figure 21. The Server Properties Window

Figure 22. The vcomui Window

Figure 23. The Search Setup Window

Figure 24. The Found Server Window

Figure 25. The COMInst Window

Figure 26. The Windows Logo Testing Window

Figure 27. The Device Manager Window

Figure 28. The VLINX ESP (COM3) Properties Window

Figure 29. The ESP Manager Window

Figure 30. The vcomui Dialogue Box

Figure 31. The Control Panel Window

Figure 32. The Device Manager Window

Figure 33. Confirm Device Removal

Figure 34. The Port Settings Window

Figure 35. Upgrading in Progress

Figure 36. The Console Mode Server Configuration Screen

Figure 37. Saving and Restarting the Configuration

Figure 38. Assigning a Password

Figure 39. The Web Server Page

Figure 40. The Web Server Serial Port Properties Page

Figure 41. RS-232 Connections in a DB-9 Connector

Figure 42. Straight-through (DTE to DCE) DB-9 to DB-9 Serial Cable with RS-232

Figure 43. Crossover (DTE to DTE) DB-9 to DB-9 Serial Cable with RS-232 Signal

Figure 44. Connections for a DB-9 to DB-25 Straight-through Cable

Figure 45. Connections for a DB-9 to DB-25 Crossover (null modem) Cable

Figure 46. Loopback Connections for RS-232

Figure 47. RS-422 Connections in a DB-9 Connector

Figure 48. RS-422 Connections with Flow Control

Figure 49. Loopback Connections for RS-422

Figure 50. RS-422 Connection with No Flow Control

DB-9 Pin-out in RS-485 Mode

2-wire RS-485 Connection

ESP904E, ESP904 specifications