Serial connection to I/A Series R2 UNC VxWorks Target Shell using Windows HyperTerminal

[Product_Support]

Issue

Serial connection to I/A Series R2 UNC VxWorks Target Shell using Windows HyperTerminal

Product Line

TAC IA Series

Environment

• I/A Series R2 Universal Network Controllers:
• UNC-410-1
• UNC-410-1-N
• UNC-520-2
• UNC-520-2-N

Cause

There maybe a need to access the UNC via its serial port if the IP address of the UNC is unknown or for troubleshooting purposes when the UNC's Ethernet port is not functioning.

Resolution

Hardware required for connection to UNC's RS-232 port:

• 8-conductor flat silver satin stranded cable with standard male (plug) RJ-45 connectors
• RJ-45 to DB-9 adapter (part number: UNCC-405) or a socket-to-plug type RJ-45 to DB-25 adapter (part number: UNCC-430)
• A functioning COM port on a computer
• A 2-pin jumper for connection to the UNC's "Mode" connector

Refer to the Installations Instructions for UNC-520 (page 15) for details on the cable and adapter (applies for both UNC-410 and UNC-520). Pinout configuration for a RJ-45 to DB-9 Null Modem Adapter (part number UNCC-405) also refers to these pin outs.

Connection to UNC's VxWorks Target Shell using Windows HyperTerminal (for operating systems without HyperTerminal, please refer to Hyperterminal on Microsoft Windows Operating Systems😞

1. Connect the cable and adapter between the UNC's RS-232 port and the RS-232 COM port used on the computer.
2. Start HyperTerminal (Programs > Accessories > Communications > HyperTerminal).
3. In the 'Connection Description' dialog, type a name for this session. For example, 'Connection to UNC'. Click OK.
4. In the 'Connect to' dialog, use the 'Connect using' drop-down list to select the COM port used on the computer. Click OK.
5. In the Com(n) Properties dialog, choose the following settings:
   • Bits per second: 9600
   • Data bits: 8
   • Parity: None
   • Stop bits: 1
   • Flow control: Hardware
   • Click OK.
6. On the UNC circuit board, locate the 4-pin Mode connector and put a 2-pin jumper on the 2 outer pins. Refer to page 17 UNC-520 Installation Instructions for position of the Mode connector (top right corner).
7. With the HyperTerminal session active, remove power from the UNC, let it cycle down, then reapply power. After some number of seconds, text should appear in the HyperTerminal window similar to:
   Press any key to stop auto-boot...
8. To enter commands to the UNC, press any key to break out of the boot sequence. A prompt similar to the following is shown:
   [VxWorks Boot]:
9. To determine the IP address / subnet mask of the UNC, do not break the auto-boot sequence as described in step 7. Allow the UNC to finish booting.
10. When the controller stops displaying new messages, press ENTER to reach the command prompt. The prompt is similar to the following:
    ->
11. Using the scroll bars on the HyperTerminal window, scroll up until the section that begins with the line 'Press any key to stop auto-boot...'. The IP address of the UNC is listed on the line that begins 'inet on ethernet (e)' The IP address is listed (in dotted decimal), followed by a colon, and then the subnet mask (in hexadecimal).

Disconnect from the UNC when complete.

1. Press the 'Disconnect' button on the HyperTerminal toolbar.
2. Exit from the HyperTerminal application, selecting to Save if planning to reuse this HyperTerminal setup for future connection to an UNC.
3. Remove the 2-pin jumper from the Mode connector of the UNC.
4. Reboot the UNC by removing the power connector, waiting for all lights to extinguish, and plugging the power connector back in.

* If troubleshooting the UNC, send the HyperTerminal start up messages to Product Support for analysis.