Black Box RS232 Passive Splitter Rackmount Card - 4-Port

Efficient, affordable serial networking is within reach with the Black Box RS232 Passive Splitter Rackmount Card. Designed to work in tandem with the RS232 Modem Splitter Rackmount Chassis - 2U (TL400A), this compact 4-port RJ45 splitter lets four terminals share a single modem. It’s the ideal solution for environments where multiple serial devices must communicate through one modem, delivering streamlined setup, reduced cabling, and significant cost savings. This passive splitter simplifies your infrastructure by eliminating the need for multiple modems and separate modem lines, while keeping your operation reliable and easy to manage.

Whether you’re running a small data collection network, industrial control panels, or office equipment that relies on RS-232 communication, the Black Box splitter card provides a straightforward path to centralize modem access. By leveraging the familiar RJ45 interfaces, technicians can implement a neat, organized serial topology without complicated power requirements or complex networking gear. The result is a robust, scalable solution that minimizes hardware redundancy while preserving signal integrity across four serial channels.

• Share one modem across four serial devices — Maximize your hardware utilization by allowing four terminals to access a single modem, reducing the number of modems and lines needed in your facility.
• Passive design for simple, maintenance-free operation — No external power supply is required. The splitter relies on the existing RS-232 signaling from the modem and host devices, delivering a low-cost, low-maintenance option for ongoing operations.
• RJ45 RS-232 interfaces — Four ETL-friendly RJ45 ports provide a clean, standardized connection method that simplifies cable management and replacement.
• Rackmount compatibility with TL400A 2U chassis — Specifically engineered to work with the Black Box RS232 Modem Splitter Rackmount Chassis TL400A, enabling a neat, professional 19" rack installation in data centers, labs, utilities, and industrial facilities.
• Cost-effective, scalable serial network — By consolidating modems and lines, you reduce capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance, while retaining the ability to expand as your serial network grows.

Technical Details of Black Box RS232 Passive Splitter Rackmount Card

• Product type: RS-232 passive splitter card
• Ports: 4 RS-232 interfaces accessed via RJ45 connectors
• Connector type: RJ45
• Function: Enables four terminals to share a single modem in a rack-mounted RS-232 environment
• Chassis compatibility: Designed for use with the Black Box RS232 Modem Splitter Rackmount Chassis TL400A (2U)
• Power requirement: Passive—no external power needed
• Mounting: Intended for standard 19" rack installations inside the TL400A chassis ecosystem
• Construction: Robust metal enclosure suitable for industrial and commercial deployments
• Notes: Documentation and exact SKU/UPC details are typically listed in the official specifications; this description reflects the product’s core capabilities and intended use in a TL400A chassis

how to install Black Box RS232 Passive Splitter Rackmount Card

Follow these general steps to install the 4-port RS232 passive splitter in a compatible rack environment:

• Power down all equipment and disconnect input and output cables to prevent any signal surges during installation.
• Prepare your 19" rack by ensuring there is adequate space in the TL400A 2U chassis area for the splitter card and its RJ45 cable routes.
• Insert the RS232 Passive Splitter Card into the appropriate slot or interface area within the TL400A chassis, securing it per the chassis instructions.
• Connect the modem’s RS-232 output to the splitter’s input channel using a standard RJ45 RS-232 cable. Then connect each of the four terminal devices to the four RJ45 outputs on the splitter.
• Double-check all connections for secure seating and correct port alignment. Ensure that the RJ45 cables are not under excessive strain and that labels clearly identify each terminal’s port.
• Power on the chassis and attached devices. Verify that each terminal can communicate with the modem as configured, and run a simple test to confirm signal integrity across all four channels.
• Label cables and keep a simple schematic on file for future maintenance or expansion.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the purpose of the Black Box RS232 Passive Splitter Rackmount Card? It enables four RS-232 terminals to share a single modem, reducing hardware requirements and simplifying cabling in rack-mounted environments.
• Is the splitter active or passive? The splitter is passive, meaning it does not require external power and relies on existing RS-232 signaling from the modem and host devices.
• What equipment is required to use this splitter? A compatible Black Box RS232 Modem Splitter Rackmount Chassis TL400A (2U) is required, along with four RS-232 devices and a single modem to share.
• Can I install this in any 19" rack? It is designed for standard 19" rack installations and integrates with the TL400A chassis, ensuring a clean, secure setup in rack environments.
• Does using a passive splitter affect signal quality or baud rates? In a properly designed system, the passive splitter maintains RS-232 signaling within typical, supported baud ranges. Ensure your modem and terminals are within compatible specifications and test during deployment to confirm performance.
• How scalable is this solution? The 4-port splitter provides a straightforward path to share one modem among four devices, with potential for future expansion by adding more devices or moving to larger rack configurations as needed within the TL400A ecosystem.