On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 1:38 AM, Tom Van Baak <t...@leapsecond.com> wrote: > > And, if you have a couple of 422 devices, consider the economics of a 4-port > unit like: > > http://www.ebay.com/itm/301881123530
As promised, I am reporting on the USR-N540, 4-serial-port to Ethernet box that Tom linked to. I had originally found it for less, but after ordering, the seller emailed back to tell me he had no more at that price. In any event, after about three weeks from China, my unit arrived today. I haven't had any long term experience with this thing, so hopefully it will continue to work. It was very well packed in a small box with hard foam. Included are the converter box, wall wart (switcher), 2-pin screw terminal power adapter, serial cable, Ethernet cable and four DE-9 to 4-pin screw terminal adapters (for RS-422, RS-485). No documentation and no software. The box is made from steel and seems substantial. The power input is labeled "DC: 9-24V". I downloaded manuals and software from here: http://www.usriot.com/p/4-serial-port-to-ethernet-converter/ One annoying thing is that the box is setup with a static IP, instead of DHCP. The default IP of 192.168.0.7 is printed on the bottom, as well as in the manual. The MAC address is not printed on the bottom. The manual also lists the default login credentials. I initially only configured Port 1 in the web interface, to test with my HP Z3801A (RS-232, 19200, 7, odd, 1). I then installed the Virtual Serial Port software. This seems to be a licensed version of the Eltima software http://www.eltima.com/products/vspdxp/. Or, perhaps the Eltimat software is licensed from USR IOT? In the software, you can click on the "Smart VCOM" button and all four ports will be assigned for you, using the first available port numbers on your PC. I wanted a sequential range of 10-13, so I configured each port individually, using the "Add COM" button. The interface box uses TCP/IP ports of 23, 26, 29 and 32 by default, but these can be changed in the web interface. Interestingly, the MAC address can also be changed. The web interface is very well laid out and logical, as is the Virtual Serial Port software. I have been connected to the Z3801A for almost half an hour and things seem to be working just fine. I'll update if I encounter any problems later. I will have to try the RS-422 with my Lucent GPSDO. All in all, I am pleased with this converter box. At $20 per port, it seems like a good deal for a new item. I know that others are using surplus terminal servers that they bought for less. Approximate dimensions: 8.5" (including mounting ears) x 4.75" x 1.2" Joe Gray W5JG _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.