12. Console Access

12.1 RS232

The console is accessible via an RS232 interface for direct connection to a computer’s serial (COM) port. This is performed by connecting the unit’s RS232 port to the computer’s serial port via a standard straight-thru serial cable.

12.1.1 Requirements

All that is needed is a computer with a serial (COM) port containing some sort of communications software (such as HyperTerminal, included with Microsoft Windows operating systems) and a straight-thru serial cable, such as the Belkin 6’ serial extension cable (Belkin part #F2N209-06). Refer to Figure 6 for a representative example cable. Any communications software and PC will work, provided they support ASCII communications at 38.4kbaud.

Figure 6: A Typical Serial Extension Cable

12.1.2 Connection

Connect one end of the serial cable to the gateway’s RS232 port, and connect the other end to the computer’s serial port. Make sure that CFG DIP switch #2 is in the “OFF” (left) position to force the RS232 port to act as the serial console. If the unit is currently using the RS232 port for control protocol communication, then it must be rebooted (powered down and then back up again) with CFG switch #2 in the OFF position to enable the serial console on the RS232 port.

27