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9/17/2007
#24631

724-746-5500

   blackbox.com

FEATURES

• Proven interoperability with 

5250 compatibles.

• Standards-based 5250 “star” hub

distribution allows greater flexibility 
for adds, moves, and changes.

• Meets or exceeds EIA/TIA wiring

recommendations.

• Advanced noise filtering and 

signal conditioning.

• Guaranteed firmware upgrade path to

the new IBM 5250 Express protocol.

Each device in the diagram below is on a dedicated cable offering complete isolation 

from other devices. A single device problem cannot affect other users.

OVERVIEW

The IBM

®

5250 Express protocol, capable of TCP/IP support,

is quickly becoming the “de facto” standard for AS/400

®

PC

emulation. With the Active Star Hub from Black Box, you’re
guaranteed an upgrade path (via firmware) to the new
protocol for far less cost than completely replacing the hub.

The Hub is a state-of-the-art dual active star that has two

host port connections and 14 device port connections. It was
designed with protocol-transparent criteria and is available
with either RJ-11 or RJ-45 connectors. This standards-based,
flexible UTP star solution is a low-cost alternative to expensive
and rigid twinaxial daisychain cabling. Each device port is
isolated, assuring that problems won’t be transmitted
throughout the entire network. Digital Phase Lock Loop and
signal conditioning, noise suppression, and proven inter-
operability assure reliable and transparent connections with
IBM AS/400, 3X and compatible terminals, printers, emulation
cards, and remote controllers.

Other Hub features include:
• The Hub is polarity insensitive as long as host and device 

polarities are the same.

• Advanced noise filtering and signal conditioning means 

that the Hub will work with lesser-grade cabling systems.

Active Star Hub RJ-11 (IC207A) or 
Active Star Hub RJ-45 (IC208A)

100-240 VAC input external power supply 
(attached to Hub)

Users’ manual

WHAT‘S INCLUDED

Active 

Star Hub

Mini Twinax to

Twisted Pair Baluns

AS/400

AS/400

CAT5 350-MHz

Patch Cable

TECH SPECS

Number of Host Ports — 2
Number of Device Ports — 14
Data Rate — 1 Mbps
Protocol — IBM 5250
Indicators — (17) LEDs: (1) Power, (2) Host Port Activity, 

(14) Device Port Activity

Connectors — IC207A: (16) RJ-11; IC208A: (16) RJ-45
Active Pair — Configurable
Maximum Distance — Controller to Hub: Up to 2000 ft. (609.6 m); 

Hub to Device: Up to 2200 ft. (670.6 m)

Temperature Tolerance — Operating: 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C); 

Storage: 32 to 185°F (0 to 85°C)

Humidity — 95% noncondensing
Power — 100 to 240 VAC, +5 VDC external power supply
Size — 1.75"H (1U) x 19"W x 6"D (4.4 x 48.3 x 15.2 cm)
Weight — 6.3 lb. (2.9 kg)

Item

Code

Active Star Hub

RJ-11

IC207A

RJ-45

IC208A

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