1.
Introduction
The CAS-81 Code Activated Switch brings the convenience of code-based RS232 switching to
sites with multiple terminals, printers, and peripherals. The CAS-81 enables a single RS232
Control Port to switch between 8 devices via an ASCII code sequence.
Code based switching lets you control the CAS-81 from your PC or mainframe. When a
modem is attached to the Control Port, the CAS-81 can also be managed from a remote
location. Devices can be connected or disconnected by sending commands from a remote PC
via modem.
The CAS-81 can operate at speeds up to 115,000 bps and passes data in "real-time" with no
delays. Binary and graphics files can be safely passed due to the unique 8 character switch
instruction, which considerably reduces the chances of false switching.
A broadcast mode makes it easy to mass-address a group of printers, display devices, or an
array of laboratory instruments by directing the data on the Control Port to all Serial Ports
simultaneously. The broadcast mode may be selected by code or permanently selected by the
Select Switch.
An Auto-connect feature allows the Control Port to automatically connect to Serial Port 1 each
time the unit is powered up, or after a timeout or disconnect. This provides a data path to a
critical device in case of a power failure, or convenient connection to commonly used
equipment.
Each Serial Port may be configured for a balanced RS422 long distance line driver by simply
removing the socketed RS232 driver chip and plugging in an optional RS422 module. When
the module is installed, an LED on the back panel indicates the port is RS422.
Applications
·
Industrial Robotic and Numeric Control
·
Remote Diagnostics
·
Laboratory Equipment Polling
·
Data Acquisition
·
Network Management
Typographic Conventions
Throughout the manual, typefaces and characters have been used to denote the following:
^
(e.g.
^X
)
Indicates a key combination that is used to invoke a command.
For example, the text "
^ X
" (Control X) indicates that the
[Ctrl]
key and
the
[X]
key should be pressed simultaneously.
COURIER FONT
Indicates characters typed on the keyboard.
For example,
^VS
or
^C#
.
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