The Tim1B is the heart of the TNET System.
The TNET (TransTerm Network) is a "Message System" where up to 250 data
collection terminals send and receive messages from a single host computer. The TIM1B
Network Controller simplifies the interface by performing all of the detailed network
device maintenance. The TIM1B is a self contained device with a high-speed microprocessor,
data storage memory, and five high-speed serial communication ports (up to 19.2K baud).
One port plugs into the host computer (RS-232C via a DB25F). The other ports go out to
TNET network devices (RS422/485 compatible using RJ-45s).
Real-time Communication
The Tim1b can communicate in real-timewith the host computer. The HOST computer generates prompting message strings computer and sends them to the TIM1B. The TIM1B sends the message immediately to the addressed terminal. Data entered on the terminal is polled and collected by the TIM1B. The HOST can ask
for the messages one at a time or take them as fast as they come. This configuration gives
the host the power to validate the data, time/date stamp transactions and respond to the
TNET terminals faster and with greater flexibility.
Data Storage
The Tim1b can store data to be later
batch-uploaded to the host computer. The TIM1B generates a sequence of prompting
message strings and sends them continuously to the connected terminals. Data entered on
the terminal is polled and collected by the TIM1B. The TIM1B has 32K bytes of internal
data storage memory (expandable to 64K bytes). Ni-Cad batteries inside the TIM1B provide
backup for the memory. An optional internal clock can time and/or date stamp each entry.
TNET Terminals
TNET Terminals include a variety of
ComputerWise products. These devices must have the RS-422 TNET interface option. TNET
terminals include the TT4C, TT5, TT5C, TT6, TT6B, TT9, TT9B, TK1 and
TSD1. Barcode readers, (wands, lasers, CCDs, card readers) magnetic card readers, extra
serial ports and several other options are available on most models. Other network devices
include TLD2 hubs and TIM2Bs. TLD2s are distribution/line drivers. The TIM2B is a remote
RS-232 gateway into TNET. Modems, scales, printers and other types of RS-232 products can
be connected to the TNET via a TIM2B. TIM2Bs are independently addressable.
Polling Devices
TIM1B polls a list of terminal addresses. If a terminal has data, the data is transmitted to the TIM1B as a DATA BLOCK. If a terminal does not have data, the TIM1B proceeds to the next address on the polling list. Data transfer between the TIM1B and the host computer (both directions) is by DATA BLOCK. A DATA BLOCK consists of a unit address and the ASCII data to be transmitted. The address field and the data field are separated by a delimiter character and the data field is followed by a terminator.
Network Configuration
Four TNET terminals can be connected directly to the TIM1B or up to 250 devices can be connected to the TIM1B using the TLD2 hubs in a "star-node" topology. Each TLD2 has one input port and seven output ports (RS-422 via RJ-45 connectors). Output ports can be connected to TNET terminals or TLD2s.
Powering TNET Terminals
The Tim1b can power tnet terminals with
some limitations. Powered terminals cannot be more than 100 feet from the TIM1B. A device
with it's own power supply, can be up to 2000 feet from the TIM1B. Devices can also be
powered by the TLD2 Hubs (also with limitations).
Host Computer Interface
The host computer interface is a standard
RS-232C configured as a DCE device. The interface can connect directly to a PC's
COM1 or COM2 serial port and looks like a modem to the host.
Host Interface Signal List (RS-232C)
DB25 |
SIGNAL |
DESCRIPTION |
1 |
GND |
Frame Ground, common to pin # 7 |
2 |
TD |
Received Data from Host |
3 |
RD |
Transmitted Data to Host |
4 |
RTS |
Request-to-Send from Host |
5 |
CTS |
Clear-to-Send to Host |
6 |
DSR |
Data Set Ready |
7 |
GND |
Logic Ground, common to pin # 1 |
8 |
DCD |
Data Carrier Detect |
20 |
DTR |
Data Terminal Ready from Host |
The TNET interface consists of four RS-422 serial
ports. The RS-422 interface allows cable lengths as great as 2000 feet between
devices. These ports use RJ-45 modular connectors and connect directly to TNET
terminals TLD2s.
TNET Interface Signal List (RS-422/RS-485)
RJ45 |
NAME |
DESCRIPTION |
1 |
PWR |
12VDC supply to power for
Terminals |
2 |
GND |
Signal Ground, common to pin #7 |
3 |
DRD+ |
RS-422/RS-485 Receive Data (+) |
4 |
DRD- |
RS-422/RS-485 Receive Data (-) |
5 |
DTD+ |
RS-422/RS-485 Transmit Data (+) |
6 |
DTD- |
RS-422/RS-485 Transmit Data (-) |
7 |
GND |
Signal ground, common to pin #2 |
8 |
OPW |
Optional 12 VDC power for
terminals |
Developer software is available from ComputerWise for PC/DOS environments on an IBM or compatible PC/XT/AT. Contact ComputerWise for more information.
Host Communications Port
- Serial asynchronous 'DCE' orientation
(modem)
- EIA RS-232C interface (DB-25S connector)
- Format: 1 Start Bit, 1 Stop Bit, 7 or 8 Data
Bits, 1 Parity Bit (MARK, SPACE, EVEN, ODD)
- Baud Rates: 110, 150, 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19.2K
TNET Communications Port
- Serial asynchronous compatible
- Both EIA RS-422 and RS-485 interfaces (RJ45
connector)
- Format: 1 Start Bit, 1 Stop Bit, 7 or 8 Data Bits,
1 Parity Bit (MARK, SPACE, EVEN, ODD)
- Baud Rates: 110, 150, 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19.2K
Construction
- Light weight aluminum extrusions on left and
right sides, aluminum top and bottom, panels with front and back ABS end caps.
Dimensions
- Height: 1.75" (4.4cm)
- Width: 6.9" (17.5cm)
- Depth: 5.6" (14.6cm)
Weights
- Basic Unit: 1.330 lbs.
- Power Adapter: 1.150 lbs.
Environment
- Operating: 0ºC to 60ºC (32ºF to 140ºF); Humidity: 5 to 95% noncondensing
- Storage: -30ºC to 70ºC (-20ºF to 158ºF); Humidity: 0 to 100%
Max Power Consumption
- TIM1B: 1.8VA
- TIM1B & powered terminals: 12 VA
Standard Power Adapter
- Input: 95 - 125V rms single phase 2-wire 47-63Hz
- Output: 12 VDC (unregulated) 1000ma
Optional Switchable Power Adapter
- Input: 198-256V or 95-125V rms 2 wire 47 - 63 Hz
- Output: 12 VAC (unregulated) 500ma