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Black Box ME661A-MST FlexPoint Async RS232 Fiber Extender - DB9 Female to ST Duplex Multi-mode - 5 km Range
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Product Features
Technical Overview
Engineered for robust asynchronous serial extension, the ME661A-MST operates at data rates up to 115.2 kbps with full-duplex transmission over 1310 nm multi-mode fiber. The integrated DCE/DTE switch allows direct connection to serial equipment without custom cables, simplifying deployment and reducing installation complexity.
Remote loopback capability enables diagnostic testing of the fiber link from either end, while status LEDs provide real-time monitoring of power, data activity, and link integrity. The extender supports hot-swappable operation and is compliant with RoHS and WEEE environmental directives.
This section brings together practical product details such as Total Number of Ports, Number of ST Ports, ST Port Type, Media Type Supported, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
This fiber extender delivers reliable serial communication over extended distances with immunity to electrical noise, ground loops, and voltage surges. Its versatile mounting and compact footprint allow integration into space-constrained environments such as control cabinets, server racks, or field enclosures.
Extended Reach and Reliability
Converts RS232 signals to optical fiber for transmission up to 5 km, far beyond the limitations of traditional copper serial cables, while eliminating signal degradation and interference.
- Full-duplex operation ensures bidirectional data flow
- 1310 nm multi-mode fiber compatibility
Deployment Flexibility
Supports standalone, rack, DIN rail, or wall mounting with a small 1×3×4 inch footprint, adapting to diverse installation scenarios without requiring additional hardware.
- Hot-swappable for maintenance without downtime
- LED indicators for quick status checks
Deployment / Use Cases
The ME661A-MST is ideal for extending serial communications in environments where distance, noise immunity, or security are concerns. It connects legacy serial devices like industrial PLCs, CNC machines, serial consoles, or older point-of-sale systems to network operations centers or control rooms over fiber backbone.
Common applications include manufacturing floor automation, remote monitoring of utility substations, extending KVM over serial in data centers, and linking security access control panels across campus facilities. Its TAA compliance makes it suitable for U.S. government and defense contracts requiring domestic sourcing.
Industrial Automation
Connect programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) over fiber to central SCADA systems, ensuring reliable communication in electrically noisy factory environments.
Infrastructure Monitoring
Extend serial sensors and meters in remote locations like water treatment plants or electrical substations back to control rooms, leveraging fiber's distance and isolation benefits.
Physical Profile
The extender measures 1 inch in height, 3 inches in width, and 4 inches in depth, with a lightweight 6.4-ounce design that minimizes rack space or mounting surface requirements. Its sturdy metal enclosure dissipates heat efficiently and provides mechanical protection in demanding installations. Multiple mounting options include standard rack ears, DIN rail clips, and wall-mount screw slots for versatile placement in equipment cabinets, control panels, or field enclosures.
- Width
- 3" (76.20 mm)
- Depth
- 4" (101.60 mm)
- Height
- 1" (25.40 mm)
- Weight
- 6.40 oz (181.44 g)
- Length
- 1310 nm
What's in the Box
The package includes the FlexPoint Async RS232 Extender unit and a compatible DC power supply supporting 9 VDC/500 mA or 5 VDC/750 mA input, ensuring immediate deployment out of the box.
Highlights
- Extends RS232 serial signals up to 5 km over multi-mode fiber
- Full-duplex operation at data rates up to 115.2 kbps
- DB9 female to ST duplex fiber port conversion
- DCE/DTE switch eliminates need for special crossover cables
- Remote loopback capability for fiber link testing
- Status LEDs for power, data activity, and link monitoring
- Flexible mounting: standalone, rack, DIN rail, or wall
- TAA compliant and manufactured in the United States
- RoHS and WEEE environmental compliance
- 2-year limited warranty for reliable performance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Black Box Corporation |
| Manufacturer Part Number | ME661A-MST |
| Brand Name | Black Box |
| Product Line | FlexPoint |
| Product Name | Flexpoint Async RS232 Extender - Fiber DB9 Female ST MM 5-km |
| Product Condition | New |
| Product Type | Transceiver/Media Converter |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of Ports | 1 |
| Number of ST Ports | 1 |
| ST Port Type | Duplex |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Optical Fiber |
| Fiber Mode Supported | Multi-mode |
| Fiber Optic Cable Wavelength | 1310 nm |
| Maximum Distance Supported | 5 km (3.11 Mile) |
| Power Description | |
| Power Source | DC |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Standalone,Hot-swappable,Rack-mountable,DIN Rail Mountable,Wall Mountable |
| Height | 1" (25.40 mm) |
| Width | 3" (76.20 mm) |
| Depth | 4" (101.60 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 6.40 oz (181.44 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | Flexpoint Async RS232 Extender - Fiber DB9 Female ST MM 5-km DC Power Supply (9 VDC/500 mA or 5 VDC/750 mA) |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What type of fiber cable does this extender support?
The ME661A-MST supports multi-mode fiber optic cables with ST duplex connectors. It operates at a 1310 nm wavelength, which is standard for multi-mode fiber applications, ensuring compatibility with common infrastructure in industrial and networking environments.
What is the maximum distance this extender can achieve?
This extender supports a maximum distance of 5 kilometers (approximately 3.11 miles) over multi-mode fiber when operating at data rates up to 115.2 kbps. This extended range is ideal for connecting serial devices across large facilities or between remote sites without signal degradation.
How does the DCE/DTE switch simplify installation?
The integrated DCE/DTE switch allows direct connection to serial equipment without requiring special crossover or null-modem cables. By toggling the switch, you can configure the extender to match the device type, streamlining setup and reducing the need for additional cabling components.
What mounting options are available for this unit?
The extender supports multiple mounting methods: standalone placement, rack-mounting using included ears, DIN rail mounting with optional clips, and wall mounting via screw slots. Its compact 1×3×4 inch footprint and lightweight design make it adaptable to tight spaces in control cabinets or field enclosures.
What power supply is included, and what are the input requirements?
The package includes a DC power supply that accepts either 9 VDC at 500 mA or 5 VDC at 750 mA input. This dual-voltage flexibility ensures compatibility with various power sources, facilitating deployment in different electrical environments without needing external adapters.
Is this product compliant with U.S. government sourcing requirements?
Yes, the ME661A-MST is TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliant and manufactured in the United States. This makes it suitable for federal, state, and local government contracts that mandate domestic sourcing or specific trade agreement adherence.
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