Black Box FlexPoint RS-232 to Fiber Converter, 850-nm Multimode, 2.5 km, SC

The Black Box FlexPoint RS-232 to Fiber Converter delivers robust, long-distance serial connectivity by transforming traditional RS-232 signals into a reliable fiber link. Engineered for mission-critical data transmission, this 850-nm multimode converter supports auto-sensing speeds up to 115.2 kbps, ensuring seamless communication between legacy equipment and modern fiber networks. Its flexible design lets you deploy it as a standalone unit for immediate use or integrate it into a hot-swappable FlexPoint chassis for scalable deployments. With a straightforward installation and a DC power supply included, you can expand your serial infrastructure quickly, or power multiple units from the space-saving 19" FlexPoint Power Chassis for centralized power management. The device features DTE/DCE configuration to simplify connections, making it an ideal solution for point-to-point serial extensions, data collection, industrial automation, and rugged networking environments where distance and reliability matter more than ever.

• Auto-senses speeds up to 115.2 kbps for effortless serial data transmission across fiber, eliminating bottlenecks and preserving timing accuracy between devices.
• Flexible deployment options: operate as a standalone unit or plug into a hot-swappable FlexPoint chassis for scalable, rack-ready deployments in labs, data centers, or field sites.
• Power options designed for convenience: includes a DC power supply, with the option to power multiple units from the 19" FlexPoint Power Chassis, saving space and simplifying cable management.
• DTE/DCE configuration for easy wiring: clear, straightforward connector orientation reduces setup time and minimizes miswiring when integrating legacy equipment with modern fiber links.
• Reliable 2.5 km link with 850-nm multimode fiber and SC connectors: rugged, industrial-grade performance suitable for many factory floors, campuses, and surveillance networks that demand durability and consistent fiber performance.

Technical Details of Black Box FlexPoint RS-232 to Fiber Converter

• Data rate: Up to 115.2 kbps (auto-sensing)
• Optical wavelength: 850 nm
• Fiber type: Multimode
• Distance: Up to 2.5 km
• Connector: SC
• Power: DC power supply included
• Mounting options: Standalone unit or compatible with FlexPoint Power Chassis for rack-mount configurations
• Configuration: DTE/DCE support for straightforward RS-232 connections
• Application: Point-to-point RS-232 to fiber extension

How to install Black Box FlexPoint RS-232 to Fiber Converter

Installing the FlexPoint RS-232 to Fiber Converter is designed to be simple and quick, so you can get your serial devices talking over fiber with minimal downtime. Start by choosing your deployment method—standalone for immediate use or in a FlexPoint Power Chassis for scalable installations.

• Determine the placement: position the converter close to the RS-232 device on the DTE side and within reach of the fiber link’s SC connectors. Ensure the environment is clean, dry, and free from excessive vibration.
• Connect the RS-232 side: attach your DTE device (computer, controller, or instrument) to the converter’s RS-232 interface, observing the DTE/DCE orientation to prevent wiring errors.
• Link to fiber: connect the 850-nm multimode fiber to the SC fiber port, ensuring the link is clean and the connector ferrule is free of dust. Route fiber to the remote converter or receiver, maintaining proper bend radii to protect the fiber.
• Power the unit: plug in the included DC power supply to energize the converter. If you are deploying multiple units in a FlexPoint Power Chassis, mount the chassis in a standard 19" rack, connect the chassis to a suitable power source, and install the standalone converters as required.
• Verify link and configuration: confirm link status indicators, verify that the device auto-senses speeds up to 115.2 kbps, and ensure the DTE/DCE configuration matches your connected equipment. Test data transmission to validate performance before placing the system into production.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the maximum data rate supported by this converter?
  A: The converter auto-senses up to 115.2 kbps, providing reliable RS-232 communications over fiber.
• Q: How far can the RS-232 signal be extended over fiber?
  A: The link distance is up to 2.5 km using 850-nm multimode fiber with SC connectors.
• Q: What power options are available?
  A: The unit includes a DC power supply. For larger deployments, you can power multiple units from the 19" FlexPoint Power Chassis, enabling centralized power management in rack environments.
• Q: Is this device suitable for standalone use?
  A: Yes, it can operate as a standalone converter, or be integrated into a hot-swappable FlexPoint chassis for scalable networking.
• Q: Does it support DTE/DCE configuration?
  A: Yes, the converter features DTE/DCE configuration to simplify connections with RS-232 devices and ensure proper signal orientation.
• Q: What type of fiber and connector are used?
  A: It uses 850 nm multimode fiber with SC connectors, designed for easy compatibility with standard multimode fiber infrastructure.