OONO RS232 Breakout Tester LED Monitor Module F-1068 User Manual

1. Introduction

The OONO RS232 Breakout Tester LED Monitor Module F-1068 is a diagnostic tool designed for testing RS-232 serial data links. It features DB9 male/female and DB25 male/female interfaces, allowing for flexible connection configurations. This module enables users to monitor data flow and signal states without the need for an oscilloscope, simplifying serial communication troubleshooting.

2. Key Features

• Versatile Connectivity: Equipped with DB9 male, DB9 female, DB25 male, and DB25 female connectors, supporting various RS-232 configurations.
• In-line Testing: Connects in series with any RS-232 interface for real-time data link testing.
• LED Signal Monitoring: Features 8 double-color (red/green) LEDs to indicate logic states for DCD, RXD, TXD, DTR, DSR, RTS, CTS, and RI signals. Green indicates logic HIGH, and red indicates logic LOW.
• DIP Switch Control: A 9-position DIP switch allows individual disconnection or reconnection of specific signal lines for advanced testing.
• External Probe Support: Provides external probe test points for signals from male or female positions.
• No External Power Required: Operates passively, drawing power from the RS-232 line.
• Plug and Play: Requires no drivers or complex installation.
• Removable Jack Sockets: Connector nuts can be unscrewed for compatibility with cables that also have jack sockets.

3. Components Overview

The OONO RS232 Breakout Tester F-1068 integrates multiple serial connectors, LED indicators, and a DIP switch for comprehensive RS-232 signal analysis.

Figure 3.1: Front view of the OONO RS232 Breakout Tester F-1068. This image displays the central OONO branding, the RS-232 Breakout Tester label, the 9-position DIP switch, and the array of LED indicators for various RS-232 signals (DCD, RXD, TXD, DTR, GND, DSR, RTS, CTS, RI). The DB9 male and female connectors are visible on the sides, along with DB25 male and female connectors. A pinout table is also printed on the device's label.

Figure 3.2: Angled view of the OONO RS232 Breakout Tester F-1068. This perspective shows the robust casing and the DB25 male connector on one side and the DB9 female connector on the other, along with the DIP switches and LED indicators on the top surface.

Figure 3.3: Angled view of the OONO RS232 Breakout Tester F-1068, illustrating the device with its included mounting screws. This view emphasizes the physical design and the provision for secure connections.

3.1 Connectors

• DB9 Male (M): 9-pin D-sub male connector.
• DB9 Female (F): 9-pin D-sub female connector.
• DB25 Male (M): 25-pin D-sub male connector.
• DB25 Female (F): 25-pin D-sub female connector.

3.2 LED Indicators

The module features 8 dual-color LEDs, each corresponding to a specific RS-232 signal line. These LEDs illuminate green for a logic HIGH state and red for a logic LOW state. The monitored signals include:

• DCD (Data Carrier Detect)
• RXD (Receive Data)
• TXD (Transmit Data)
• DTR (Data Terminal Ready)
• DSR (Data Set Ready)
• RTS (Request To Send)
• CTS (Clear To Send)
• RI (Ring Indicator)

3.3 DIP Switch

A 9-position DIP switch allows for individual control over each signal line. Moving a switch to the 'ON' position connects the corresponding signal, while moving it to the 'OFF' position disconnects it. This feature is useful for isolating specific signals during testing purposes.

4. Setup and Connection

1. Identify Connectors: Determine the appropriate DB9 or DB25 male/female connectors on the tester that match your RS-232 serial link.
2. In-line Connection: Connect the OONO F-1068 module in series with the RS-232 data link you wish to test. One connector will serve as the input (Master), and another as the output (Slave).
3. No External Power: The module operates without external power. It draws necessary power from the RS-232 line.
4. No Drivers: No software drivers are required for operation. The device is plug-and-play.
5. Adjusting Jack Sockets (Optional): If your existing cables have jack sockets that interfere with the tester's connectors, the jack sockets (nuts) on the tester can be unscrewed to ensure a proper mate.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Monitoring Signal States with LEDs

Once connected, the 8 dual-color LEDs will immediately display the logic states of the respective RS-232 data lines. Observe the LEDs to understand the signal activity:

• Green LED: Indicates a logic HIGH state for the corresponding signal line.
• Red LED: Indicates a logic LOW state for the corresponding signal line.
• Flashing LEDs: Rapid changes between red and green (or on/off) indicate active data transmission on that line.

5.2 Using the DIP Switch

The 9-position DIP switch allows you to individually control the connection of each signal line. Moving a switch to the 'ON' position connects the corresponding signal, while moving it to the 'OFF' position disconnects it. This feature is useful for isolating specific signals during troubleshooting.

Figure 5.1: Connection modes and signal pinout details. This image provides two tables: one outlining 12 supported connection modes (Master/Slave combinations for DB9 and DB25) and another detailing the DIP switch positions, corresponding DB9 and DB25 pin numbers, and LED indicators for each signal function.

5.3 Supported Connection Modes

The tester supports various configurations for connecting master and slave devices. Refer to the table below for common connection modes and DIP switch requirements.

5.4 Signal-Switch-Connector-Indicator Positions

This table details the correspondence between signal functions, DIP switch positions, DB9/DB25 pin numbers, and the LED indicators.

6. Typical Application Scenarios

The OONO F-1068 is an invaluable tool for various RS-232 diagnostic tasks:

• Data Flow Monitoring: Observe TXD and RXD LEDs to determine data transfer direction (e.g., from machine to computer or vice versa).
• Cable Verification: Verify if TXD/RXD wires are correctly wired (crossed vs. straight-through cable) by observing their LED states at rest.
• DTE/DCE Device Identification: Determine if a connected device is Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) or Data Communication Equipment (DCE) and if a null modem is required.
• Modem Control Signal Status: Check if modem control signals are active, even if they are not being asserted.
• Control System Testing: Test control signals between control systems (e.g., AMX) and the devices they manage.
• Connection Integrity Check: Confirm proper serial connection mating and active communication.
• Fault Isolation: Aid in determining whether a wall control, projector, or other serial device is malfunctioning.

7. Operating System Compatibility

As a hardware diagnostic tool, the OONO F-1068 does not require specific operating system drivers. It is compatible with any system utilizing RS-232 serial communication, including but not limited to:

• Windows 98, Me, XP, 2000, 2003, CE, Vista, 7, 8
• Linux
• Mac OS 10.X and later

8. Troubleshooting Guide

The OONO F-1068 is primarily a troubleshooting tool itself. The following points guide you on how to interpret its indications to diagnose common RS-232 issues:

• No LED Activity:
  • Ensure the module is correctly connected in series.
  • Verify that the connected devices are powered on and attempting to communicate.
  • Check the integrity of the RS-232 cables.
  • Confirm that the DIP switches are in the 'ON' position for the signals you expect to monitor.
• TXD/RXD LEDs Not Flashing During Data Transfer:
  • Confirm that data is actively being sent by the transmitting device.
  • Check for correct pinout (crossed vs. straight-through cable). If TXD from one device should connect to RXD of another, and vice-versa, ensure the cable facilitates this.
  • Use the DIP switches to isolate TXD and RXD lines to confirm their individual activity.
• Unexpected LED States (e.g., DTR/DSR always LOW):
  • This may indicate a device is not ready or a control signal is not being asserted.
  • Consult the documentation for the connected DTE/DCE devices to understand their expected control signal behavior.
• Intermittent Communication:
  • Look for intermittent flashing or changes in LED states, which might indicate loose connections or signal integrity issues.
  • Ensure all connectors are securely fastened.

9. Technical Specifications

Figure 9.1: Dimensional drawing of the OONO RS232 Breakout Tester F-1068. This technical drawing provides precise measurements of the device from multiple angles, including length, width, and height, in millimeters.

10. Warranty and Support

Specific warranty details and direct support contact information are not provided in the available product data. For warranty claims or technical assistance, please refer to the retailer or manufacturer's official website, or contact their customer service directly.