Media Converter

Overview

Purpose of the device

The Media Converter is designed to convert RS-485 ↔ LAN protocols.

Changelog

1.0 19th of May 2025

• Firmware revision v1.32

Device construction

Technical characteristics

Dimensions

LED indicators

The module is equipped with several LED's that indicate:

• POWER,
• Link – Connection with another module via TCP,
• TX/RX – RS-485 lines activity,
• LINK – Active LAN connection,
• ACT – Active LAN connection.

Module connectors description

The module is equipped with screw terminals that are used to connect input/output circuits and power.

• GND,
• Data + (B) – RS485 communication line,
• Data – (A) – RS485 communication line,
• Reset button,
• LAN,
• Power – 10–24V DC power input.

Network configuration

After the initial power-up, it's needed to configure the device.

Changing the computer's subnet address for configuration

During configuration without Discoverer programme, it's needed to change the subnet address of the computer on the same network.

To access the computer's network configuration, do one of the following:

• Press Win + R, type in ncpa.cpl, and then press Enter.
• Alternatively, go to: Start → Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and sharing center → Change adapter settings.

Then:

1. Select the network connection.
2. Right-click it and select Properties.
3. After selecting this option, network connection configuration screen will appear.

Select Internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and type in the following parameters:

After applying the configuration with OK, start a web browser and type in the following address: 192.168.111.15. (Default user and password: admin/admin00)

Device configuration

Home tab

After correct module log-in, the following basic parameters are visible on the home page:

• Model – Device model,
• Firmware – Module's firmware version,
• IP – Module's IP address,
• MAC – Module's IP address,
• Name – Module name assigned by the user.

Status table

• Status – Current communication mode,
• RS Baudrate – RS485 baudrate,
• RX Counter – Received characters counter,
• RX Error Counter – Erroneously received characters counter,
• TX Counter – Sent characters counter.

Communication Port tab

In this tab, the RS485 port communication settings can be changed.

• Baudrate – Transmission speed (1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 230400bps),
• Parity – Parity bits setting (none, none and 2 stop, Even, Odd, Mark, Space),
• Minimum chars – Minimum number of received characters that cause an IP frame to be sent,
• Timeout – Time that will have to pass since the last character is received until an IP frame is sent.

Network tab

In the Network tab, LAN parameters and module operation settings are located.

• Host Name – NetBios name,
• DHCP – Enable DHCP. Selection of this field will force the use of an IP address assigned by the DHCP server,
• IP Address,
• IP Mask,
• Gateway,
• Communication Mode:
  • TCP Server,
  • TCP Client,
  • UDP Multicast,
  • UDP Server,
  • UDP Client.
• Communication IP Address – Module's address in 1:1 or multicast mode,
• Communication IP Port – Port in 1:1 or multicast mode,
• Reset to default.

LAN connection modes

Client TCP → Server TCP connection

Module operating in Server TCP mode, awaits connection from the module operating in Client TCP mode.

After a connection is established, RS485 port data from the first module is sent to the second one and vice versa.
Only a single client module can be connected to the server module.
This connection can be made both in local networks and the Internet.
It does not matter which module is connected to the MASTER/SLAVE device.

Example configuration

Client UDP → Server UDP connection

All data received by the RS485 port in the client module is sent to the server module and vice versa. Higher data throughputs can be achieved by using the UDP/IP (connection-less) protocol.

Only a single client module can be connected to the server module.
This connection can be made both in local networks and the Internet.
It is important that the MASTER device is connected to the Media Converter operating in UDP Client mode (as shown below). This is because the client sets the network connection parameters by sending the first data packet to the server. If the server does not receive any packet, it will send its data to the broadcast address.

Example configuration

UDP Multicast connection

All data received by the RS485 port is sent to the network's multicast address and is received by all modules operating in multicast mode.
This connection can only be made in a local network.

Connection in UDP / Multicast:

Example configuration

Administration tab

The Administration menu allows the user to configure the services that should be active in the device and enables him to change the access passwords.

• Module name – Module name assigned by the user,
• User Password – Change the user's password (Home tab access only):
  • New Password,
  • Re-type Password.
• Admin Password – Change the administrator's password (access to all settings):
  • Current Password,
  • New Password,
  • Re-type Password.
• Services – Active services:
  • Enable User Password,
  • Enable Admin Password,
  • Enable TFTP Bootloader.

Changing the user password

To change the user password, enter the current password into the User Password → Current Password field. Enter the New Password and apply the change using Save. The user only has access to the Home tab.

Changing the administrator (admin) password

To change the administrator password, enter the Current Password into the Admin Password table. Enter the New Password and Re-type it. Apply the new password using Save.

Factory settings

To restore the factory settings, press and hold the Reset button for 8 seconds.

Once the above steps have been completed, the device will be set to the following parameters:

• IP address: 192.168.111.15
• IP mask: 255.255.255.0
• User: admin
• Password: admin00

Warranty and manufacturer's liability

The manufacturer undertakes to respect the warranty agreement, if the following conditions are met:

• All repairs, changes, expansions and device calibrations are carried out by the manufacturer or an authorized service center,
• The power supply system meets the applicable standards,
• The device is operated in accordance with the suggestions presented in this manual,
• The device is operated in accordance with its intended purpose.

The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for consequences resulting from improper installation, improper use of the device, failure to comply with the instruction manual, and repairs made by unauthorized personnel.

Storage, operation and transport conditions

The device should be stored in enclosed rooms, where the atmosphere is free from vapours and corrosive substances:

• Environment temperature from -30°C to +60°C (-22°F - 140°F),
• Humidity from 25% to 90% (condensation unacceptable),
• Atmospheric pressure from 700 to 1060 hPa.

The device is intended to operate in the following conditions:

• Environment temperature from -10°C do +55°C (14°F - 131°F),
• Humidity from 30% to 75%,
• Atmospheric pressure from 700 to 1060 hPa.

Recommended transport conditions:

• Environment temperature from -40°C do +85°C (-40°F - 185°F),
• Humidity from 5% to 95%,
• Atmospheric pressure from 700 to 1060 hPa.

Installation and device operation:

• The module should be operated in accordance with recommendations provided later in this manual.

Disposal and decommissioning

In an event the device needs to be decommissioned (eg. after its intended life period is surpassed), it is recommended to contact the manufacturer or his representative, who are responsible to respond appropriately, i.e., to collect the device from the user. The user can alternatively contact companies specializing in electronic device or computer equipment disposal and/or decommissioning. Under no condition should the device be placed with other waste.