Features

• The EZL-90 development kit contains the EZL-80c module => EZL-80 a EZL-80c
• Ethernet Network ( WiFi IEEE 802.11b ) - slot for WiFi Compact Flash card 
• 1x full RS-232 serial port accessible over WiFi Ethernet
• Virtual serial port (ezVSP) for Windows - in PC for example as a serial port COM 7 
• Devices together can wirelessly interconnect RS-232 port over WiFi.
• Intuitive simple configuration software for Windows (by means of   WiFi, RS-232, AT commands), very easy installation
• Data safety - support of all safety precautions for WiFi technology - SSID, WEP 64bit/128bit coding, selection of communication channel, password-protected access into settings
• LED indication of operation and communication
• Powered by an external DC 5V power supply unit. A voltage regulator is a part of the module.

Datasheets & Links

Datasheet EZL-90 (1 page) - ezl90-ds.pdf (103kB) Manual for EZL-90 = Manual for EZL-80c (37 pages) => ezl80cen.pdf (633kB)   Manual for ezVSP program (10 pages) - ezVSP14a.pdf (553kB) Official producer's webpage (Sollae company) - http://www.eztcp.com/

EZL-90 datasheet

EZL-80c manual

Application

The EZL-90 converter connected to the device communicating via serial RS-232 transmission. Opposite side is represented by other WiFi device (in so called Ad-hoc mode) or WiFi AP (Access Point), which accesses serial port into classic Ethernet network. In case of using more WiFi Access Points connected into single network the converter can move freely between them.

EZL-90 is only a sample of the development kit but the modules EZL-80 and EZL-80c are for example suitable for these applications:

• Remote communication of sensors and general enter component parts (e.g. electronic thermometers) and PC.
• Wireless data transmission for information projection on displays.
• Immediate retrieving data of the MaR system (Measuring and Regulation) by a notebook or PDA attendance.
• Wireless realization of factory networks with connection to LAN and Internet.
• Security systems
• Remote controlling of mobile machines
• Data synchronization of portable devices with PC
• Wireless communication of measuring devices (multimeters, oscilloscopes and others)

Parameters

RS-232 interface:

Ethernet communication  modes :

Converter can behave as a client/server device according to chosen MUX TYPE (function modes):

Other supported communication protocols : ARP, EZCFG, DHCP, TELNET

Experiences

EzVSP program (Virtual Serial Port):

• Instalation of this program is conditioned by ownership of at least one module.
• During installation it's necessary to enter the MAC address of the module and a key which is obtained by a registration on Sollae webpage. Further installation description can be found in the program manual.

Configuration over ezSerialConfig:

• To create contact between configuration program with a module the communication WiFi card must not be connected.
• Configured baud rate of the module's serial port doesn't affect the communication speed at configuration (communication baud rate is 19200bps).
• Do not confuse the EzSerialConfig program for EZL-80 with the same program for EZL-300W. They are two different programs.

Common:

• The interconnection of the module's serial port and the application must be performed by so called "zero mode" principle. That means interconnection of the RxD - TxD and RTS - CTS pins from the view of both ends of the connecting cable.
• Considering the module's internal supply voltage 3.3V (modul contains the s tabilizer from 5V) it's necessary for reliable function to use a WiFi card for operation at the 3.3V level.

Package

• Actual prices can be found in the pricelist.

Download software

• ezConfig - for module configuration from PC via LAN and WiFi. Allows setting parameters for Ethernet and serial transmision.
• ezcfg24.zip (85kB)
  
• ezSerialConfig - for module configuration via serial RS-232 interface
  Allows configuring all parameters (for WiFi, Ethernet, serial transmission).
• ezSerialConfig_20f.zip (17kB)
  
• wflash - for loading firmware via RS-232.
  The latest firmware can be freely downloaded from producer's webpage.
• wflash13a.zip (69kB)
  
• hotflash - for firmware loading via WiFi
• hotflash.zip (97kB)
  
• ezTerm - for testing communication (terminal for PC)
• ezterm.zip (69kB)
  
• ezVSP - Virtual Serial Port for Windows - creates on the PC a virtual serial port (e.g. COM 7) which can be referenced by other programs and communicated as with the RS-232 interface even though the data transfer is actually via TCP/IP.
  Note: Program is intended for Windows 2000/XP only
• ezVSP14a.zip (4,3MB)

Note: All programs (except ezVSP) work under OS Windows 98 and higher

Frequently Asked Questions & support..

Question: Is it necessary to program the module some way if I only need a simple GateWay from RS-232 (TTL) to TCP/IP or UDP/IP?
Answer: NO, you only need to use the module and set necessary parameters. You don't have to program anything!

Question: Would the module work as a Virtual Serial Port under Windows?
Answer: YES, the converter fully supports the function of remote Virtual Serial Port through TCP/IP. Moreover the producer offers free program ezVSP to download. It's only necessary to register and give the MAC address of the module you've bought.

Question: Is it possible to configure the module also by other means than through Windows programs?
Answer: YES, by the means of AT commands through serial port and any terminal. The sequence of ASCII chars as AT commands can be thus transmitted even from singlechip microcontroller. The list of usable AT commands with examples of correct configuration sequences contains the detailed manual for specific module.

Question:  Does a kit for WiFi PCMCIA card exist ?
Answer:  There are some samples within the frame of distributors and producer (Sollae company) but this kit is not yet intended for sale. But an encased module EZL-300W Lite can be chosen instead which already contains the slot for a PCMCIA card. Other its properties (conversion, configuration etc.) are consistent with the EZL-80 module.

Question:  Does a built-in module with already integrated slot for PCMCIA card exist?
Answer:  No, slot for such a large card cannot be directly integrated on the module with in reference to keep its small proportions, low weigh and sufficient mechanic strength. It's possible to use encased EZL-300W Lite module as an alternative, which already has built-in slot for a PCMCIA card.

Question:  Does the ezVSP (Virtual Serial Port) software allow creating more than one virtual port?
Answer:  Yes, this software allows to set up to 127 virtual ports on one PC. Detailed guide on this can be found in the program's manual which is free to download on this page in menu item "Datasheets".

Related

More Sollae WiFi converters:

• EZL-80 - incorporated EZL-80 and EZL-80c modules
• EZL-300W - complete encased converter with a LED indication and power supply
• EZL-300W Lite - simpler EZL-300W module version

• All about RS232 - http://www.hw-server.com/rs232