Description: The VIP-345 “ReversePipe”™ Protocol Converter converts the output of a standard PC keyboard to RS-232 format, effectively making it an ASCII keyboard. The VIP-345 also can be connected to a PC’s standard keyboard port. Then, the keyboard’s output is routed simultaneously to the PC and to the RS-232 output, forming an RS-232 tap on the PC keyboard connection. It is not necessary that the VIP-345 be connected to a PC for it to operate, but will require a +5 Vdc power supply (VIP-210) for stand-alone applications. Code Conversion for the VIP-345 The standard ASCII code set is very common in RS-232 applications, but the standard PC keyboard does not generate ASCII codes, but its own set of scan codes. If ASCII codes are desired from a PC keyboard, translation to ASCII is necessary. All Vetra Protocol Converters have switch selectable PC keyboard scan code to ASCII code translation. The translation of PC keyboard keys to equivalent ASCII codes is shown in the "PC Key Code to ASCII Translation" Table. To use the table, find the key in the table, then read the code in hex from the column/row digits. For example, the @ sign will produce hex 40. Codes beyond the standard ASCII table have been added to support keys found on the PC keyboard, but not in the ASCII character set. For instance hex codes A0 to AB will be generated for the twelve function keys, F1 to F12. With code translation disabled every character generated by the PC keyboard is copied unaltered to the RS-232 output. The Converters do only a voltage and protocol conversion between the PC’s bit synchronous TTL level protocol, and the asynchronous RS-232 protocol. Therefore the user is responsible for interpreting the RS-232 data from the scan codes generated by the PC keyboard for every key pressed and released. The DB-9 connector on the VIP-345 transmits data on Pin 3, and Pin 5 is ground. The VIP-345 uses the following RS-232 format. 1 start bit, 1 stop bit, 8 data bits, and no parity. There are four baud rates to choose from 1200, 2400, 4800, and 9600 baud.

Features: Designed and manufactured in the USA for use around the world Backed by a Limited 3 Year Warranty Compatible with all popular keyboards and all operating systems Error free boot-up for all connected devices Custom versions available

Models: VIP-345: Converts PC Keyboard scan code to RS-232 ASCII codes. $179.00  VIP-345-OEM: Same functions as above, but is assembled PCB only (has no housing). Size of the PCB is 4.1 in x 4.785 in (10.4cm x 12.15 cm). Click (here) for detailed PCB dimensions.). $119.00 All prices subject to change without notice. For International Representatives click here.

Connections: A standard 6 pin mini-DIN male - male extension cable, provided with the unit, is used to connect the VIP-345 Protocol converter to the keyboard port of the PC (where desired) (no cable is provided with the VIP-345-OEM). It is not necessary that the VIP-345 be connected to a PC for it to operate, but will require a +5 Vdc power supply (VIP-210) for stand-alone applications, see Accessories. A cable terminated in a standard DB-9 female connector is required to interface RS-232 data to the converter. Vetra offers a selection of DB-9 cables, see Accessories. The captive cable of the keyboard is used to connect it to the VIP-345 Protocol Converter. Adapters are available for keyboards and / or PCs utilizing 5 pin DIN connectors, see Accessories. Specifications: Dimensions for the VIP-345 Protocol converter are 1.5 in H x 5.08 in W x 5.25 in D (3.81 cm x 12.90 cm x 13.34 cm). For dimension data for the VIP-345-OEM click here. The housing is molded of black GE Cycolac-T, a high impact ABS material, and is internally shielded with an acrylic base nickel coating for RFI attenuation. Front and rear panels are fabricated from .062 in thick aluminium and finished with low gloss black paint. FCC and CE marked. Shipping weight is less than 2 lbs per unit.

Environmental	Operating Temp: Storage Temp:	5 to 104 deg. F (-15 - 40 deg. C)  -4 to 122 deg. F (-20 - 50 deg. C)
Supported Hardware	Computer: Peripherals:	IBM PC/AT, PS/2 and 100% compatibles AT and PS/2 keyboards
ReversePipe is a trademark of Vetra Systems Corporation, Copyright © 1995-2005 by Vetra Systems Corporation, All Rights Reserved

For user instructions for the VIP-345 click here.
For user instructions in PDF format.
For a copy of Adobe's Acrobat® Reader™.

All Vetra Systems products are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA for enterprise mission-critical applications and are backed by a Limited 3 Year Warranty

[ Home ]

[ Products ]

[ About Us ]

[ Site Map ]

[ Contact Us ]

[ Order Info ]

[ What's New ]

[ KVM Switches ]

[ Dual-Head KVM Switches ]

[ Touch Screen Products ]

[ Video Products ]

[ KVM Splitters ]

[ PC Keyboard Encoders ]

[ Keyboard & Mouse Terminators ]

[ KVM Extenders ]

[ Safe Computing Products ]

[ Foot-operated Devices ]

[ Protocol Converters ]

[ Accessories ]

VETRA Systems Corporation 275 Marcus Blvd. Ste-J Hauppauge, NY 11788-2022 USA Toll Free 1-800-537-9296 Tel: 631-434-3185 Fax: 631-434-3516 e-mail: sales@vetra.com