Black Box 5000 - Manual (Page 97)

CHAPTER 9: Data-Channel Configuration
95
Table 9-8. Asynchronous Channel Characteristics
Option Default Description
1. Data Rate 9600 Sets the data rate (in bps) for the port. It is recommended that ports
attached to a host port be set for a fixed speed. (ABR=autobaud rate
detection. See explanation of ABR in text.)
2. Code Level 8 Sets the bits-per-character rate for data and messages at 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
This includes the parity bit (see Table 9-10). The code level on each side
of the channel (both local and remote ports) must be the same and they
must match the attached devices. Special considerations:
• If flow control (option 10) is to be set for X-ON/X-OFF, code level must
be 7, 8, or 9.
• If you select a code level of 5 or 6, ABR (data rate) and X-ON/X-OFF
(flow control) are not supported.
• For code level 5, you must set the parity to none.
• Do not configure the dedicated Command Port or Log Port on the NMS
module for a code level of 5 or 6.
3. Parity None If code level is 9, then parity choices are even or odd. If the code level
selected is 5, 6, 7, or 8, parity choices are space, mark, even, odd, or
none. If you have a code level of 5, you must set the parity to none.
Parity conversion is supported for all switched and force-connected async
ports (Phase 3.0 and above). Because of parity conversion, space, mark,
even, and odd need not match on the local and remote end of the
channel. The Multiserver has automatic parity conversion. Note that parity
errors will be detected on channels configured for odd or even parity
regardless of the code level. Those characters will be discarded.
Channels with characters configured for mark, space or none will be
forwarded, even if received in error.
Parity conversion is not supported on force connected channels, feeder
muxes, or phase 2.5 software. The parity parameters in these instances
must be set to match.
4. Stop Bits 1 Selects the number of stop bits (1, 1.5, or 2) inserted at the end of a data
character. To ascertain the correct stop bits to be selected, consult the
user manual for the equipment to be connected to the port.
5. Echo Off Enables or disables the echo function. This is only valid if the port is
connected to a terminal.
6. Channel End to Terminal Configures the port (channel) for a host or a terminal connection. Flow
Host/to Terminal Control, Echo, and delays (LF, FF, and CR) are inoperable on ports
configured as host. If a terminal port on one unit is connected to a terminal
port on the other unit, then conversion of interface signal DTR to X-ON/X-
OFF does not occur on this channel.