How to Troubleshoot RS232 Communication between Controller and xPortal Software

Problem (Issue) Statement:How to troubleshoot RS232 communication between controller and xPortal software
Description:Controller failed to establish RS232 communication with the xPortal software.
Related Software:
  • xPortalNet
  • xPortal3000
Related Hardware:
  • XP-GT1200L
  • XP-GT3200L
  • XP-GT1200LABX
  • XP-GT3200LABX
  • XP-GT3200LE
  • XP-GT3200LCPX
  • XP-GT500LE
  • XP-GTR1200L
  • XP-GTR3200L
System Application:NIL
Symptom and Finding:
  • Controller's status in the Device List is shown as "Down"
  • The software's Latest Event List failed to record any transaction updates from the controller
  • Controller setting is not updated when users download settings from the software
  • In the software Delivery Report, the delivery status is shown as "Sent Error" when downloading settings or updating the card user info to the controller 
Cause:
  • Wiring termination issues between controller and RS232 port or USB-to-serial converter
  • Incorrect Comm Port No selected
  • Incorrect controller Unit No. / System Addr No. selected in the controller and software xPortal Server
  • Incorrect Baud Rate Setting between the controller, MCI, and/or xPortal Server
  • USB-to-serial converter unit may be faulty
  • Comm Port may be faulty
Solution:

Step 1: Check and reconfirm that the wiring termination between the controller and MCI or USB-to-serial converter are terminated correctly and properly:
Wiring Termination from the XP-GT or XP-GTR (old series) to the RS232 Port
Figure 1: Wiring Termination from the XP-GT or XP-GTR (old series) to the RS232 Port

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Figure 2: Connection Instructions for the RS232 Port

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  • To check and reconfirm software and hardware configuration settings:

Step 1: In the Edit Connection window, check and ensure that the Comm No and the Speed is configured according to the appropriate hardware connections
Add Connection Window
Figure 3: Add Connection Window

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Info

  • Users can identify the Comm Port connected to the USB-to-serial converter via the Device Manager
  • The Speed field should match with the MCI baud rate jumper settings

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Step 2: In the Edit Controller window, check and ensure that the controller's Unit No is configured according to the System Address in General Parameter of the controller's programming menu.
Edit Controller Window
Figure 4: Unit No Field in Edit Controller Window

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Figure 5: System Address Setting in General Parameter Menu on XP-GT / XP-GTR (old series) Controller

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Step 3: Check and ensure that the software is allowed communication access through the Windows Firewall and the respective antivirus software.

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  • To check the RS232 port or USB-to-serial converter:

Step 1: If none of the above works to solve the issue, users are advised to swap the RS232 port and USB-to-serial converter to ensure that both components are working correctly.

Common Issues:NIL
Porting Date:22/2/2019

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