ELK-IP232 Ethernet to Serial Bridge — Installation and Configuration Manual

Installation and configuration manual for the ELK-IP232 Ethernet to Serial Bridge — connects any standard RS-232 serial device (PC, A/V distribution system, or ELK-M1 Control) to an Ethernet network for bi-directional communication.

Important Notice: The ELK-IP232 Bridge does not support encryption or secure network connections. If remote (Internet) connections are allowed to it, whatever serial device is connected will be vulnerable. It is recommended that the Bridge be used within a local network only, behind a router and/or firewall.

Overview

The ELK-IP232 is an Ethernet-to-RS-232 serial port bridge that operates as a network server — it accepts (rather than initiates) network connections. Once a connection is accepted, the remote networked device is virtually connected to the serial device on the other side of the Bridge, and both sides can send/receive messages. Up to twelve network devices may be connected simultaneously; data from any one is bridged to the serial port, and data received on the serial side is transmitted to all connected network devices.

It ships factory-defaulted to obtain a dynamic IP address via DHCP, but can also be configured with a static IP address. A software setup utility (on the included CD or downloadable from elkproducts.com) handles serial and network configuration.

Note: the ELK-IP232 does not replace the ELK-M1XEP — unlike the M1XEP, it does not offer a built-in web server and cannot send email or alarm reporting.

Features

• Up to 12 simultaneous TCP-IP network connections
• Selectable baud rate from 300 to 115200 baud
• Supports software handshaking (XON/XOFF) and hardware handshaking (RTS/CTS)
• Multiple Bridges can be used on the same network
• Field-updatable firmware via the Configuration Utility
• Integrated 802.3 compliant 10/100 Mbit network interface
• RS232, DB9M 9-pin serial port connection — connects to the M1 RS-232 serial port (Port 0)
• RJ45 8-pin network jack
• 2.1mm barrel-type power connector (center positive)
• LED indicators for Power, Link, and Data

Specifications

Any required network equipment (Ethernet switch, router, cable modem, etc.) including the ELK-IP232's power supply should be backed up with an adequately sized UPS to keep operating through brief power outages.

Installation & Hookup

1. Remove power from the ELK-IP232 and the serial device before making any connections.
2. Connect the DB9M 9-pin connector to the RS232 serial port of the target device. Use a null-modem cable for a PC; use a standard straight-through cable (e.g. the included W040A RS232 ribbon cable) for most other devices, including the ELK-M1.
3. Connect the RJ45 8-pin network jack to a LAN/WAN Ethernet switch or router using a standard patch cable (not included).
4. Connect the ELK-P1216 power adapter's 2.1mm barrel connector, then plug it into a 110V outlet. The unit should power up and attempt to link with the network.
5. Run the Configuration Utility on a PC connected to the same network to complete setup.

Note on USB-to-RS232 adapters: not all work reliably, and some may not support hardware handshaking. ELK Products stocks a tested adapter (ELK-USB232) that works with the ELK-IP232 in most applications.

Configuration & Setup

Basic Network Setup

1. A router serving DHCP typically needs no configuration for local-network access. For access from outside the local network, you'll need to open a port on the router (see Router Setup below).
2. Start the Configuration software and click "Search" to locate ELK-IP232 units on the local network. Verify the MAC address matches the label on the unit, and note the IP address shown.
3. Highlight the unit and click "Configure."
4. Optionally assign a permanent static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway (obtainable from your network admin/ISP). On a typical local network, the subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 and the gateway is the router's IP.
5. Set the "Device Network Name" if you have multiple units (optional).
6. Set the "IP Port to accept connections" — factory default is 2401 (avoid well-known ports like 21, 80, 8080).
7. Select the serial baud rate to match the connected device.
8. Select serial handshaking method if required; otherwise leave as "None" (default). Note: only 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit are supported regardless of baud/handshaking settings.
9. Click "Save Settings" — the unit stores the settings and reboots.

If DHCP fails to assign a dynamic address, the unit reverts to the static default of 192.168.0.251.

Router Setup / Port Forwarding

For security reasons, the TCP-IP port used for accepting connections should not be routed outside the local network. If you understand the risks and need remote access, this port can be forwarded through the router's setup interface.

Updating Firmware

1. Download the latest firmware from elkproducts.com and save it locally.
2. Search for and select the ELK-IP232 in the Configuration Utility, click "Configure," and note current settings before updating.
3. Click "Update Firmware," select the folder with update files, choose the latest firmware file, and click "Update." Do not interrupt or power down the unit during this process.
4. Wait for the device to reboot when the update completes — do not interrupt until it finishes.

The bootloader may also need periodic updates; update the bootloader first, then the firmware.

Troubleshooting

Forcing DHCP/IP Settings to Known Values

1. Power down the ELK-IP232, remove the housing, and place a shorting jumper across the two pins of the "DEFAULT" jumper near the DB9M connector. Power the unit back up.
2. After a few seconds, the green LED blinks in a coded pattern: 1 quick blink = DHCP mode, 2 quick blinks = STATIC mode (address becomes 192.168.0.251 when forced to static).
3. If the wrong mode is indicated, power-cycle again to toggle it.
4. Once the desired mode is confirmed, remove the shorting jumper and allow the unit to finish booting.

Manufacturer

Elk Products, Inc. — PO Box 100, Hwy. 70W, Hildebran, NC 28637, USA. Voice: 828-397-4200 • Fax: 828-397-4415 • info@elkproducts.com • www.elkproducts.com