Customer Notice
RJ-45 Ethernet Connector |
Re: Problem with RJ-45 connectors on some Ethernet-based products
We have recently discovered a problem with a vendor-supplied part that may affect some
Z·World Ethernet based products already shipped to customers. The part in question
is an RJ-45 Ethernet connector with integrated magnetics (right).
The problem with the part is that in some instances a connection was made between an unused
wire in the Ethernet cable and an active wire in the cable. In many cases, the unit works
without problem, which is why it passed our final test, but in other cases, depending on
the environment in which it is used, it may fail. When hooked to an Ethernet device that
allows dual mode 10Base-T/100Base-T operation, the initial connection may fail.
We immediately corrected the situation when we discovered the anomaly, and units shipped
after April 25, 2002, do not have this problem. Also, we believe that units shipped before
December 15, 2001, do not have this problem. In order to identify boards shipped before
or after these dates, you can check the following:
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If there is a blue "X" on top of the connector, the board has been checked
and is okay.
OR
If the MAC address is outside the range C027C6 to C07C6E (hexadecimal number) then
it is also okay (if you are unable to determine if the address is within the specified
range, please call Z·World Technical Support at 530.757.3737). The MAC address
can be found printed on a paper bar code sticker on the PC board of each unit (right).
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You can easily check the unit with an ohmmeter or continuity tester. If pin 2 is connected
to pin 5 or pin 3 is connected to pin 4, then the unit is defective.
RJ-45 Ethernet Connector | |
If you have bad units, you can send them to us and we will repair them. If you are unable
to determine if your units are defective, please call our Technical Support staff at 530.757.8400.
If you want to repair the units yourself, it is quite easy to do. The procedure is as follows:
remove the two center pins, pins 4 and 5. The best tool for this is a #12 steel crochet
hook or a 1-mm steel crochet hook. The crochet hook can be used to pull the pin out of the
front of the unit, and then it can be broken off by wiggling the wire until it breaks off.
There is a video on our website demonstrating the procedure (please visit www.zworld.com/support/rj45_notice/).
It is also possible to use needle-nose pliers to pull out the wire, but it is more difficult
to use pliers than a crochet hook. We will send you an appropriate crochet hook on request.
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RJ-45 Connector Modification
Procedure Video Clip
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If you have any technical problems or need advice, please contact Z·World Technical
Support at 530.757.3737 and identify yourself to the customer service representative as
having an RJ-45 connector issue. If you wish to return parts for repair, please call the
sales department at 530.757.3737.
Potentially Affected Products
- RabbitCore modules: RCM2100, RCM2110, RCM2200, RCM2250,
- DeviceMate Development Kit (RCM2200 and RCM2250 models)
- SBCs: BL2000, BL2010, BL2100, BL2110
- OP6800 MiniCom
- SR9000 Smart Star CPU (SR9150 model)
- RJ-45 connectors with integrated magnetics from our WebStore (part no. 100-0018)
Addressing and resolving this issue is our top priority. We appreciate your patience and
apologize for any inconvenience.
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