AD4305

RS-485 AND RS-232

MULTIPLEXER
Installation & Operation
47102 Mission Falls Court
Fremont, CA 94539-7818
PHONE (510)360-7800
FAX (510)360-7820
an ISO 9001 certified company
AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E 11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

 2001 NexWatch. All Rights Reserved

DigiReader, QuadraKey, 2Smart, NexKey, KeyMate and NexStar are
trademarks of NexWatch
Printed in the United States of America
2

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

.....

LIMITED WARRANTY
NexWatch warrants to the original user the equipment manufactured by NexWatch as described herein to be
free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase by such
user or fifteen (15) months from the date of shipment from the factory, whichever is sooner (command key /
magnetic stripe card warranties differ, see below*), provided:
I

NexWatch has been notified within such period by return of any alleged defective equipment, free
and clear of any liens and encumbrances to NexWatch or its authorized dealer at the address specified, transportation prepaid; and

II

the equipment has not been abused, misused or improperly maintained and/or repaired during such
period; and

III

such defect has not been caused by ordinary wear and tear; and

IV

such defect is not a result of voltage surges/brownouts, lightning, water damage/flooding, fire,
explosion, earthquakes, tornadoes, acts of aggression/war, or similar phenomena; and

accessories used as integral to NexWatch systems have been approved by NexWatch (e.g., coaxial
cables, batteries, etc.); and

VI

the equipment has been installed, the installation supervised or installation tested by an authorized
NexWatch dealer.

NexWatch shall at its option, either repair or replace, free of charge, the equipment found, upon NexWatchs
inspection to be so defective, or, if agreed upon, refund the purchase price, less a reasonable allowance for
depreciation, in exchange for the equipment.
NexWatch makes no other warranty, and all implied warranties including any warranty of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose are limited to the duration of the expressed warranty as set forth above.
NexWatchs maximum liability hereunder is limited to the purchase price of the equipment. In no event shall
NexWatch be liable for any consequential, indirect, incidental or special damages of any nature arising from
the sale or use of the equipment.
Some states do not allow limitations on incidental or consequential damages or how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitations may not apply. This warranty gives specific legal rights; however, other rights
which vary from state to state, may pertain.
* Analog command keys are warranted for 5 years; digital command key / magnetic stripe card warranties
varysee product literature.

The information in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, NexWatch assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear. Possession of this manual does not imply the granting of
licenses to make or sell equipment or software constructed according to descriptions provided.

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

FCC RF INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

The NexStar RS-485 Multiplexer sold by NexWatch has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions herein, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for correction.
The user may find helpful the following booklet, prepared by the Federal Communications
Commission: How to Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems." This booklet is
available from the US Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402, stock number:
004-000-00345-4.

UL-294 Notice
The NexStar RS-485 Multiplexer is UL-294 listed and
may be used in a UL-294 listed access control system.
All system components must be UL-294 listed and
installed according to manufacturers' instructions to comply with UL-requirements.

.................................
47102 Mission Falls Court, Fremont, CA 94539-7818

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

.....
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Physical Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
PC Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Termination Resistor Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connections and RS-485/RS-232 Personality Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
RS-232 Adaptor Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
RS-232 Adaptor Decal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Phoenix Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Wire Insertion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
S-NET Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

Figure Table
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

1
2
3

5
6

Description

Page

Using AD 4305 NexStars in a Complete System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

AD 4305 NexStar Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
AD 4305 NexStar Base and Mounting Holes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
AD 4305 NexStar Component Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
AD 4305 NexStar Pin Usages/Designations for RS-485/232. . . . . . . . 10
AD 4305 NexStar LEDs, Fuses, Switches and Connectors. . . . . . . . . 11
AD 4305 Com-Active andTransmit LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
AD 4305 Nexstar Switches and Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Approved Fuse Vendors for the AD 4305 NexStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
AD 4305 NexStar Termination-Resistor Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
AD 4305 NexStar RS-485/232 Personality Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
AD 4305 NexStar RS-232 Adapter (Piggy-back) Module. . . . . . . . . . . 14
AD 4305 NexStar RS-485 Printed and RS-232 Decal Pin-Outs. . . . . . 15
AD 4305 NexStar S-NET Connector Pin-Outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Wire Insertion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Recommended S-NET Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
S-NET Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

SCOPE

SCOPE

..........................................................
This manual provides information necessary to install, use and troubleshoot a NexStar RS485 Multiplexer. It is assumed that the person reading this manual is familiar with access
control systems and standard installation practices. The information provided in this manual
is not intended to conflict with the building, electrical, fire or safety codes required for any
given installation.

INTRODUCTION

..........................................................
The NexStar is a symmetrical 5-port repeater with built-in arbitration logic. Any one port will
relay the data it receives to the other four ports. Bus arbitration is done on a first-come, firstserved basis. During periods of no activity, the NexStar automatically places all 5 ports into
the receive mode to wait for the next message. Make sure your AD 4305 NexStar is Rev.C or
later. (You can confirm this as follows: temporarily remove the case of the NexStar unit;
observe the PLD at U6, part number 62109921001: it should have a label stating Rev.C,
checksum B5A1.)
The AD 4305 NexStar can be used to link multiple NexWatch access control units, such as
the NexSentry 4100/Star I or SE818SC to a host. The optional RS-232 module can be
placed into one of the channels to allow host connection (25 feet maximum cable length).
The controllers can then be up to 4000 feet (1200 meters) from the NexStar. The NexStar
also provides a link between the ACU and multiple S-NET runs. A single S-NET run can be a
maximum of 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).

Using all of the NexStar s five symmetrical ports,

the end-to-end S-NET length can span up to 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) and contain up to
20,000 feet (6,000 meters) of installed wiring.
In the simplest configuration, the NexStar allows home-run wiring, which eliminates excessively long wire runs and the need to make multiple connections to a single terminal block.
Any or all of the RS-485/S-NET ports may be configured to communicate via RS-232 by
installing an optional RS-232 adapter module.

This application is typically employed

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

.....

INTRODUCTION

between a Host PC and several local ACUs. In this configuration, One NexStar port is connected to the Host, and up to 4 ports may be connected to ACUs. If an ACU port is configured for RS-485, up to 16 Star Controllers may be connected on one RS-485 loop. If an ACU
Port is configured for RS-232, one ACU, or one CoBox master Thinserver (Ethernet adapter)
may be connected. The NexStar acts as a replacement for the CI-8, or an RS-232 to RS-485
converter, depending on the specific application.

4000 FEET
(1200 METERS)

RS232 Host Port

ACU
(RS485
Host Port)

TB3
RS485
Up to
4000 feet
twisted pair +/1 wire for GND
shielded

Star I
or
Star II
NexStar
Ports 3, 4 & 5
All RS485

5
4
3
2
1

4100
(4108)

HOST

DR4203
NEXSTAR

ACU

NEXSTAR

DR4203 DR4203 DR4205K

RS485
(SNET)

For NexStar 2,
all 5 ports are RS485
NexStar
Ports 1 & 2
RS232

MSRK DR4208S

5
4
3
2
1

All
RS485
(SNET)

DR4205K DR4205K
DR4220

DR4205
For NexStar 1,
ports 1 & 2 have RS232 adapters;
ports 3, 4 & 5 are all RS485

DR4205K

DR4205K

Figure 1: Using AD 4305 NexStars in a Complete System

For more examples, see the NexWatch web site at www.nexwatch.com. Click on SERVICE
SUPPORT MATRIX, and then on WIRING FAQ.

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

..........................................................
Specifications for the NexStar are shown in the table below.

Input Voltage

+12.5 VDC to +24 VDC

Operating Current

50 milli-ampres

Pass-Through Current

up to 3.15 ampre (rating of fuses)

Operating Humidity

0% to 90%, non-condensing

Operating Temperature

19 F to 120 F

-7 C to 49 C

Dimensions

8.0 x 4.5 x 1.5

20.32 cm x 11.43 cm x 3.81 cm

Weight

13 oz

400 grams

Table 1: AD 4305 NexStar Specifications

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

..........................................................
The NexStar consists of a single printed circuit board (PC board) in a two-part housing. Male
Phoenix connectors on the PC board are accessed through the side of the housing for port
connections.

Cover
The cover of the NexStar snaps onto the base. The LEDs mounted on the PC board are visible through holes on the cover and identified on the cover. The cover also identifies the RS485 pin-out wiring for each port. For any of the ports optionally used for RS-232 a decal is
provided (to overlay the RS-485 information) to identify the RS-232 pin-out wiring. See Figure 9: AD 4305 NexStar RS-485 Printed and RS-232 Decal Pin-Outs.

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

.....

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Base
The base of the housing has four through holes for mounting the NexStar to a wall or other
surface. Four standoffs are affixed to support the PC board.

7.29 in
18.52 cm

3.20 in
8.13 cm
Mounting Hole x 4

Stand-Off x 4

Figure 2: AD 4305 NexStar Base and Mounting Holes

PC Boa rd
All components and circuitry are contained on the single PC Board. Figure 3 shows the
board locations of LEDs, fuses, switches and connectors. These components are listed in
Table 2 and further described below.

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

PC Board Location
Label

Function

LED

Connector

Fuse

Comm
Switch

Comm
IC

TX-1

Port 1 Transmit

CR14

J1

F1

S1

U1

TX-2

Port 2 Transmit

CR15

J2

F2

S2

U2

TX-3

Port 3 Transmit

CR16

J3

F3

S3

U3

TX-4

Port 4 Transmit

CR17

J4

F4

S4

U4

TX-5

Port 5 Transmit

CR18

J5

F5

S5

U5

COM ACTIVE

Activity

CR19
Table 2: AD 4305 NexStar Component Locations

RS485
Pin Use for
Pins 1 to 5
for
connectors
J1 to J5

Pin 5

Shield

Pin 4

GND

Pin 3

DATA B

Pin 2

DATA A

Pin 1

+ 24 VDC

RS232
Pin Use for
Pins 1 to 5
for
connectors
J1 to J5

Pin 5

Shield *

Pin 4

GND

Pin 3

RX D

Pin 2

TX D

Pin 1

+ 24 VDC *

* Not necessary for data-only connection

Table 3: AD 4305 NexStar Pin Usages/Designations for RS-485/232.....

10

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

.....

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

+24VDC

GND
SHIELD
RS-485 Comm IC

+24VDC
DATA A
DATA B
GND
SHIELD

DATA B
GND

o o o

DATA A

o o o o

+24VDC

SHIELD
RS-232 Adapter Module

+24VDC
DATA A
DATA B
GND
SHIELD
+24VDC

RS-485/232 Personality Switch

A
B
C

DATA A

RS-485 with
terminator

OFF

ON

OFF

RS-485 w/o
terminator

ON

OFF

GND
SHIELD

ON

DATA B

RS-232

Figure 3: AD 4305 NexStar LEDs, Fuses, Switches and Connectors.....

LEDs
The COM ACTIVE LED will be illuminated when any data is being passed through the NexStar. The five port LEDs will illuminate when the associated port is transmitting. On the left
side of Figure 4, the NexStar is receiving data from an ACU on port one. This data is then
transmitted to all the remaining ports. All LEDs except TX-1 are illuminated. On the right
side of the figure, the NexStar is receiving data from an S-NET device on port 3. Again, data
is transmitted to all other ports; all LED's except TX-3 are illuminated.

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

11

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

COMM ACTIVE

TX-5 TX-4

TX-3

TX-2

COMM ACTIVE

TX-1

S-NET S-NET S-NET S-NET ACU

TX-5 TX-4

TX-3

TX-2

TX-1

S-NET S-NET S-NET S-NET ACU

Figure 4: AD 4305 NexStar Com Active and Transmit LEDs.....

Note: High speed network communications may cause all LEDs to appear illuminated.

Fu ses
Each of the five ports on the NexStar is individually fused. Fuses for the ports are located at
positions F1 through F5 on the PC Board. These fuses are 2-amp, normal-blow. Approved
suppliers for replacement fuses and the vendors' part numbers are shown in Table 4.

Figure 5: AD 4305 NexStar Switches and Fuses.

...

12

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

.....

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Approved Manufacturers Part Numbers

Description

Fuse
F1 - F5

S-NET Connector J1-J5

Type
3.15-Amp LF

Wickman
TR5 Series

Schurter
MST Series

Bel
MRT Series

19372K-124

#34.6620

0692-3150-01

Table 4: Approved Fuse Vendors for the AD 4305 NexStar.....

Termi nati on Resi stor Swi t ches

Termination is made within the five RS-485/232 personality switches
shown in the figure below and described below.

ON
RS-485 with
terminator
OFF
Figure 6: AD 4305 NexStar Termination-Resistor Switches.....
The need for termination increases with bus length. With short S-NET runsshorter than
500 feettermination is not needed. Around 500 feet, it becomes desirable for at least one
end to be terminated. For runs over 1,000 feet, terminate the runs at each end.

Conn ect ors an d RS -4 85/ RS- 232 Perso nal i ty S wi tch es

Five connectors, J1 through J5, are used to connect equipment through the NexStar. Five
RS-485/232 personality switches, S1 through S5, are associated with these connectors,
switch S1 with connector J1, and so forth. One connector may be used to provide a shortrange attachment to the ACU and the switch associated with this connector should not be set
for termination. Set any of the remaining switches, S1 through S5, appropriately for longer SNET buses which might require termination, as described below.

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

13

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

OFF

RS-485 w/o RS-485 with

terminator
terminator

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

RS-485/232 Personality Switch

A
B
C

RS-232

Figure 7: AD 4305 NexStar RS-485/232 Personality Switches.....

There are three valid settings for the switches. Setting A for RS-485 without termination, the
two outside toggles on and the middle toggle off. Setting B for RS-485 with termination, all
toggles on. Setting C for RS-232, all toggles off.

RS- 232 Adap t or Modu le

For S-NET, RS-485 operation, the RS-485 Comm IC, is left in place on the PC motherboard.
For RS-232 operation, this IC is replaced by the RS-232 Adapter module (P/N 62110572001)
in anyor allof the locations U1 through U5, making sure the pin 1 notches match. In addition, for any RS-232 Adapter module installed, the RS-485/232 personality switch associated
with the installed adapter must be with all toggles off.

o o o

o o o o

RS-232 Adapter Module

Figure 8: AD 4305 NexStar RS-232 Adapter (Piggy-back) Module.....

RS- 232 Adap t or Decal

After replacing one or more of the RS-485 Comm ICs with RS-232 Adapter module(s) and
setting the RS-485/232 personality switch(es) for RS-232, close and secure the case of the
14

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

.....

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

AD 4305 NexStar. For all of the RS-232 Adapter modules installed, apply the RS-232
Adapter decal(s) to the front of the case, overlaying the RS-485 legend(s) appropriately. If,
say, U4 has the RS-232 Adapter module installed and the personality switch S4 has been set
with all toggles off, then the RS-232 Adapter decal should be applied to change the connector J4 legend from the RS-485 pin-outs to the RS-232 pin-outs, as shown below.

SHIELD

SHIELD

GND

GND

DATA B
DATA A
+24VDC

RXD
+24VDC

Figure 9: AD 4305 NexStar RS-485 Printed and RS-232 Decal Pin-Outs.....

Ph oen ix Co nn ect ors

The five ports have male, five-pin Phoenix connectors. The pin-outs for the female Phoenix
connector for S-NET branches are shown in Figure 10.
G
+2
4V DA D RO SH
D TA ATA UN IEL
C + - D D

Data twisted pair

Power and Ground
twisted pair

Figure 10: AD 4305 NexStar S-NET Connector Pin-Outs

The shield wire is connected to the ACU ground to provide single-point grounding. See the
appropriate ACU manual for additional information.

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

15

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Wire In serti on
For wire insertion to Phoenix connectors, the following procedure is recommended:
1. Strip the wire end.
2. Twist the exposed strands tightly and tin the ends.
3. Crimp an appropriate size ferrule on the end of the wire. Be sure that the ferrule is
crimped on bare conductor metal, not the insulation.

Phoenix
Connector

Wire
Crimp
Sleeve

Figure 11: Wire Insertion

4. Insert ferrule in the appropriate Phoenix connector terminal. Tighten the connector binding screw and torque to 5 inch-pounds (0.56Nm).

S- NET Wi ri ng
S-NET is a serial network for communication between the ACU and node devices. Typically,
the cable used is two twisted-pairs with an overall shield; one pair is for data, the other pair
is for DC power. While the maximum length of an S-NET branch is 4,000 feet (1200 meters),
it is recommended that separate twisted-pair cables for data and power when lengths exceed
500 feet (150 meters). Table 5 lists recommended cable

16

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

S-NET Length < 500 Feet

(Data & Power)

S-NET Length > 500 Feet

(Data Only)

Belden 9552
Belden 1069
Belden 9841

18 AWG

2-Pair

16 AWG

1-Pair

24 AWG

Belden 9341
S-NET Length > 500 Feet

(Power Only)

Belden 9342

.....

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

18 AWG
2-Conductor

Belden 9343

16 AWG
14 AWG

Table 5: Recommended S-NET Cable

NexWatch strongly discourages the use of drop wiring. When failures occur, it is tedious and
time-consuming to trace the fault back to a soldered drop, perhaps in an out-of-the-way
place. If all terminations are made at a device connector, this frustrating activity is avoided.

Terminate
ACU
Controller
RS-485
Port

Terminate

Shield

Power

DigiReader
or other
S-NET Device

DigiReader
or other
S-NET Device

Last S-Net
Device or
Cable End

Data

Maximum S-NET Length

4000 feet (1200 M)
* Note the avoidance of drop wiring
Figure 12: S-NET Wiring

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch

17

TROUBLESHOOTING

TROUBLESHOOTING

..........................................................
Table 6 lists error symptoms and suggests troubleshooting actions.

Power Faults
Check fuses
Check Wiring

No LEDs illuminated

Verify DC voltage to unit

If power is present, ACU may be offline

No communications on one port

Check port fuse

Check port wiring
Check fuses for affected ports

No power at one or more ports

Check wiring for affected ports

Communications Errors

All lights steady

except on one port
Excessive data errors

Data A & B wiring may be reversed.

Check wiring on port with unlit LED
Check wiring shield connections for ground loops
Check termination resistors and jumpers

Table 6: Troubleshooting

18

AD4305 NexStar66109923001 Rev. E11/15/01 2001 NexWatch