MGate MB3280 Series

Quick Installation Guide

Version 4.2, January 2021

Technical Support Contact Information

www.moxa.com/support

 2021 Moxa Inc. All rights reserved.

P/N: 1802032800015
*1802032800015*
Overview
The MGate MB3280 is a 2-port Modbus gateway that converts between
Modbus TCP and Modbus ASCII/RTU protocols. It can be used to allow
Ethernet masters to control serial slaves, or to allow serial masters to
control Ethernet slaves. Up to 16 TCP masters and 62 serial slaves can be
connected simultaneously.

Package Checklist
Before installing the MGate MB3280 Modbus gateway, verify that the
package contains the following items:
• 1 MGate MB3280 Modbus gateway
• Power adapter
• 4 Stick-on pads
• Quick installation guide (printed)
• Warranty card

Optional Accessory
• DK-35A: DIN-rail mounting kit (35 mm)
• Mini DB9F-to-TB Adapter: DB9 female to terminal block adapter
Notify your sales representative if any of the above items is missing or
damaged.

NOTE This product is designed to be powered by a listed power source

marked "LPS" and is rated 12 to 48 VDC and 0.25 A minimum.
The device's operating temperature when using the power
adapter is 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F), and 0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F)
when using an alternative DC power source. If you need
additional assistance purchasing a power source, please contact
Moxa for more information.

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Hardware Introduction
As shown in the following figures, the MGate MB3280 has two DB9 male
ports for transmitting serial data.

Reset Button—The reset button is used to load factory defaults. Using a

pointed object such as a straightened paper clip to hold the reset button
down for five seconds. Release the reset button when the Ready LED
stops blinking in order to load the factory defaults.
LED Indicators—Four LED indicators are located on the top panel:

Name Color Function

Ready Red Steady on: Power is on and the unit is booting up.
Blinking: IP conflict exists, or DHCP or BOOTP
server is not responding properly.
Green Steady on: Power is on and the unit is functioning
normally.
Blinking: Unit has been found by the Location
command in MGate Manager.
Off Power is off or power error condition exists.
Ethernet Orange 10 Mbps Ethernet connection.
Green 100 Mbps Ethernet connection.
Off Ethernet cable is disconnected or has a short.
P1/P2 Orange Unit is receiving data from device.
Green Unit is transmitting data to device.
Off No data is being exchanged with device.

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Hardware Installation Procedure
STEP 1: After unpacking the MGate MB3280, connect the power
adapter. Make sure that the adapter is connected to an earthed
socket outlet.
STEP 2: Use a standard straight-through Ethernet cable to connect the
MGate MB3280 to a network hub or switch. Use a cross-over
Ethernet cable if you are connecting the gateway directly to a
PC.
STEP 3: Connect your device(s) to the MGate MB3280’s serial port.
STEP 4: Place or mount the MGate MB3280. The unit may be placed on
a horizontal surface such as a desktop, mounted on a DIN-rail,
or mounted on the wall.

Wall or Cabinet Mounting

Mounting the MGate MB3280 onto a wall
requires two screws. The head of the screws
should be 5.0 to 7.0 mm in diameter, the shaft
should be 3.0 to 4.0 mm in diameter, and the
length of the screws should be at least 10.5
mm.

DIN-rail Mounting
DIN rail attachments can be purchased separately to mount the MGate
MB3280 on a DIN rail.
Wall Mounting DIN-rail Mounting

Termination Resistor and Adjustable Pull High/Low Resistors

For some RS-485 environments, you may need to add termination
resistors to prevent the reflection of serial signals. When using
termination resistors, it is important to set the pull high/low resistors
correctly so that the electrical signal is not corrupted. For each serial port,
DIP switches are used for termination resistor and pull high/low resistor
settings. To enable the 120 Ω termination resistor, set switch 3 on the
assigned DIP switch to ON; set it to OFF (the default setting) to disable
the termination resistor. To set the pull high/low resistors to 150 KΩ (the
default setting), set switches 1 and 2 on the assigned DIP switch to the
OFF position; set them both to ON for 1 KΩ.

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Pull High/low Resistors for the RS-485 Port

1 2 3
SW
Pull High Pull Low Terminator
ON 1 KΩ 1 KΩ 120 Ω
Default OFF 150 KΩ 150 KΩ –

Software Installation
You can download the MGate Manager, User's Manual, and Device Search
Utility (DSU) from Moxa's website: www.moxa.com. Please refer to the
User’s Manual for additional details on using the MGate Manager and
DSU.
The MGate MB3280 also supports login via a web browser.
Default IP address: 192.168.127.254
Default account: admin
Default password: moxa

Pin Assignments
Ethernet Port (RJ45)
Pin Signals
1 Tx+
2 Tx-
3 Rx+
6 Rx-
Serial Port (Male DB9)
RS-422/485 RS-485
Pin RS-232
(4-Wire) (2-Wire)
1 DCD TxD-(A) –
2 RxD TxD+(B) –
3 TxD RxD+(B) Data+(B)
4 DTR RxD-(A) Data-(A)
5 GND GND GND
6 DSR – –
7 RTS – –
8 CTS – –
9 – – –

Environmental Specifications
Power Requirements
Power Input 12 to 48 VDC
Power Consumption 12 to 48 VDC, 250 mA (max.)
Operating Temperature 0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F)
Storage Temperature -40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F)
Operating Humidity 5 to 95% RH
Dimensions
With ears: 22 x 100 x 111 mm (0.87 x 3.94 x 4.37 inch)
Without ears: 22 x 77 x 111 mm (0.87 x 3.03 x 4.37 inch)

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