Lantronix WiBox WBX2100E Serial Device Server setup notes

This document describes a method for using a Lantronix "WiBox" WBX2100E wireless serial device server on a Mac OS X "Lion" or later system, for the specific purpose of using an Apple ImageWriter serial printer with current production Macs running OS X. Sections of it may also be applicable to other serial printers or devices (see Appendix). It has been verified to work with each succeeding OS X version through OS X "Yosemite". The procedure contained herein is equally applicable to the WBX2100 model.

For communicating with the ImageWriter, it assumes the user has already added the ImageWriter printer drivers explained in the document "Apple ImageWriter printer installation in OS X". Since it includes instructions for using a USB to serial adapter, it is necessary to follow only steps 2, 3, and 4 in that document before proceeding with this one.

0. How to use this document

Before proceeding with any installation, please read this entire User Tip including any disclaimers that may appear.

This document is intended to augment but not supersede or contradict the manufacturer's instructions. Refer to Lantronix's website for documentation and support. Its User Guide is here: http://www.lantronix.com/pdf/WiBox_UG.pdf.

Screenshots may vary depending on the specific OS X version installed. Click a screenshot to make it larger and more legible. Screenshots have been an ongoing problem with Apple's support website and may not appear.

Hyperlinks in this document may appear to contain spaces. This is an apparent limitation of the software this site uses. Click or copy / paste but don't attempt to type them manually. Readable URL addresses have been incorporated that way intentionally, so that the user may confirm they are not redirecting to some undesired site.

For OS X "Lion" and later, Gatekeeper settings may prevent opening packages downloaded from the sites described in this document. To temporarily bypass Gatekeeper settings hold a control key while opening installer packages, select Open from the contextual menu, read the disclaimer and then click Open. This security feature should not be bypassed indiscriminately. For more information regarding Gatekeeper please refer to Apple's support resources.

1. Initial device configuration

Disconnect power from the WiBox if it is connected.

Before doing anything with the WiBox it must first have an IP address. There are a number of ways to do that, and if you know or can determine its IP address you can simply use its web page for configuration. As with all devices used for printers or other devices whose network configuration is not likely to change, I recommend assigning it a static IP address for simplicity. Put a label on the device so others don't have to guess what it is.

Cable: To use the WiBox's serial port for configuration I used a standard Apple "Mini-DIN 8" cable, a Mini-DIN 8 to DB 9 adapter (see the note below), and a gender changer. Connect it to a serial device, such as the Keyspan USA-28XG installed as described in this document. It has been discontinued. Other USB to serial adapters with OS X support are available from vendors such as TrendNet or USConverters but I have not tested them.

• Note: I can no longer to find any of those adapters sourced by anyone. The eBay vendor from whom I purchased it is no longer active. Suggestions welcome.
• I have not been able to find a commonly available single DB9F to Mini-DIN 8 cable that works either.
• Constructing your own cable is an option. The device's instructions contain detailed pinouts.
• To fabricate your own cable refer to the document linked in Additional Resources below.

Connect the cable to the WiBox's Port 1. Port 2 may not be used for configuration.

Software: Use any Mac or PC running a terminal emulator program or the equivalent. For the Mac, I suggest SerialTools by Control Technologies Pty Ltd. It's in the App Store. Other options are available such as the overwhelmingly robust ZOC by EmTec, but SerialTools is simple and free.

Instructions for using SerialTools: Configure as shown in the following screenshot

For programs other than SerialTools, or if the screenshot does not appear:

• Serial Port > KeySerial1 (for the Keyspan / Tripp-Lite USA-28X)
• cr/lf, Raw, Local Echo, RTS, DTR, Auto Reconnect > all deselected.
• 9600 / 8-N-1
• Connect button > press.
• CTS should change to "green". If it does not check your serial cable. It should be straight through cable, not a "null modem" cable or adapter.

Repeatedly press the x key while connecting the WiBox to power. You must do this within three seconds of power up.

It should respond in your terminal emulator thus:

*** Lantronix WiBox Device Server ***

MAC address 00204AB7ED64A

Software version V6.7.0.0 (100118)

AES library version 1.8.2.1

Press Enter for Setup Mode

If you don't press Enter within three seconds the WiBox will echo the characters ?!? and exit Setup Mode.

If you press Enter the WiBox will reply with its current configuration. The prompts should be self-explanatory. The most important part is to assign it an IP address so that you can use its embedded Web server for additional configuration. Be sure to select Save and exit to write the configuration changes, after which the WiBox will reboot.

Confirm your wireless network now recognizes the device by pinging the IP address you assigned to it. Disconnect the serial cable.

• If you have reason to question your serial cable's integrity, and have a working Apple ImageWriter, here is a quick verification to consider. Connect the cable to the ImageWriter and query the printer using the key sequence esc ? (that is, the Escape key followed by a question mark, no spaces or Return key involved). The ImageWriter should immediately respond in SerialTools with the string IW10. As far as I know that is the only data an ImageWriter ever provides to its host. That in itself does not verify the integrity of hardware handshake (CTS/RTS) but the CTS status indicator in SerialTools should provide confirmation.
• Pay attention to the LED Functionality Errata Sheet that applies to Firmware V6.7.0.0 (and perhaps later versions). Unless you enable Radio Power Management, which reduces the WiBox's overall power consumption in exchange for a minor degradation of its wireless response time, it is normal for the WiBox's Wireless Link LED to be off.

Using Terminal, you may then Telnet to the device. By default, the WiBox requires that you use port 9999 for configuration:

Johns-iMac:~ john$ telnet 10.0.1.103 9999

Trying 10.0.1.103...

Connected to 10.0.1.103.

Escape character is '^]'.

*** Lantronix WiBox Device Server ***

MAC address 00204AB7ED64A

Software version V6.7.0.0 (100118)

AES library version 1.8.2.1

Press Enter for Setup Mode

You may also use a web browser to configure the WiBox. Use the IP address you assigned to it, but Safari can't be used for configuration (see Appendix for the explanation). If you use Safari the WiBox will report absurd parameters, and its configuration cannot be altered or saved. Use Firefox instead.

By default, no name and password are required to log in. If you did not configure them at its initial setup, leave those fields blank at the Authentication Required dialog and just press OK.

For use with the ImageWriter, most if not all its default parameters can be left as is. The only important ones to set are the ImageWriter's communication parameters, which are shown in the following screenshot:

In case the screenshot does not appear:

• Protocol: RS232 (there are no other options for Port 1), 9600 / 8-N-1 / CTS/RTS (Hardware)
• Everything else > de-selected, "none" or "no".
• If you make changes, press OK before leaving each page.
• To write configuration changes you must select Apply Settings. The WiBox will reboot.

2. Adding the printer to OS X:

In the Mac's System Preferences > Print & Scan, click "+" then "add other printer", "IP" tab, protocol "HP Jetdirect - Socket" and the WiBox's IP address followed by a colon and the port number that corresponds to the desired serial port. The default port number for Port 1 is 10001 and Port 2 is 10002. I do not know the reason HP Jetdirect is required, but choosing LPT won't work.

For "Use:" > "Select Software..." then select "Apple ImageWriter II, Foomatic..." This document assumes you already have drivers downloaded from Linux's Open Printing website and that they have been successfully installed.

Earlier versions of OS X will show "Print Using:" and "Select Printer Sofware…" respectively.

Verify your Add Printer dialog resembles the following, particularly the Address and Protocol.

In case the above screenshot does not appear:

• IPpane: select
• Address: 10.0.1.103:10001 (use the IP address you assigned the WiBox)
• Protocol: HP Jetdirect - Socket
• Queue: leave blank
• Name and Location: Any human-readable names are permitted.
• Use: Select Software...
• Printer Software dialog: select Apple ImageWriter II, Foomatic + iwhi (or whatever driver applies to your serial printer)

Click OK. If the printer is not added almost immediately, a communication problem exists.

3. Appendix

Firmware:

Device firmware updates can be downloaded from Lantronix's website and subsequently uploaded to the WiBox via TFTP from the command line. Refer to the instructions Chapter 10. I have not attempted this.

Browser compatibility:

Regarding Safari's inability to configure the WiBox, the following explanation is excerpted and paraphrased from Lantronix technical support:

The old WiBox WiFi device server runs a legacy operating system called CoBos. Recent versions of Safari do not work well with Lantronix device servers running CoBos, especially on iOS devices.

The WiBox is still available for sale, but we recommend the PremierWave XN for new installations and/or replacements for the xPrintServer: http://www.lantronix.com/device-networking/external-device-servers/premierwave-x n.html

The PremiereWave XN's web manager works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Internet Explorer.

The PremiereWave XN runs an improved Linux-based operating system with a lot more functionality than the old WiBox. It costs about $30 less than a WiBox. It supports WPA2 Enterprise. If you need support from mobile devices then this is the WiFi Device server you need.

CoBos is a very compact operating system that is now used for our "value" line of device servers. As far as we know there are no imminent plans to release a new version of CoBos with a web client that works well in Safari and Chrome. We recommend Internet Explorer or Firefox for use with CoBos.

In general, if you need advanced functionality we recommend newer device servers that use Evolution or Linux as their operating system. The CoBos device servers are intended for folks who don't need or want a lot of bells and whistles.

Other devices:

The WiBox also works with the HP LaserJet 4MP's serial port. The HP automatically selects the active port and no particular configuration is required. No additional drivers are required, though HP's website does not appear to be able to find this driver any longer (see note), OS X's generic PostScript driver works. Use a straight DB9M to DB9F cable. Baud rates up the the HP's maximum 57600 have been verified. The HP's default is 9600, same as the WiBox.

Note: The driver I used is named "HP_LaserJet_and_Edgeline_print-only.dmg". If you install that package it is normal for OS X's Add Printer dialog to complain about its permissions being incorrectly set ("The printer software was installed incorrectly, would you like it to be repaired?" Of course you would. Click Repair. You will need to authenticate. It will take a moment.).

This source appears to be legitimate (this site corrupts certain "clickable" links so just copy the following):

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software9/COL21838/lj-57300-1/HP_LaserJet_and_Edgeline_print-only.dmg


Use caution if you find that installation package hosted on some dubious website. Most "printer driver" download hosting websites are notorious sources of malware.

4. Additional Resources

Apple ImageWriter printer installation in OS X

Lantronix EPS2-100 serial / parallel print server setup notes

Lantronix WiBox WBX2100E to ImageWriter II Mini-DIN 8 cable

5. Disclaimer

The user assumes complete responsibility for system instability, crashes, data loss, and other miseries that may result from following the procedures described in this document.

Always have a verified and reliable backup plan should something go wrong. Retain all downloaded .dmg files since their installation packages also contain uninstallers that you may require in the future, and there is no guarantee they will always remain available to download from their respective sources.