Apple Ethernet CS Thin Coax Card User Manual

K

Apple Ethernet CS Thin Coax Card
User’s Guide

FCC statement

The equipment described in this manual generates and uses
radio-frequency energy. If it is not installed and used properly—
that is, in strict accordance with Apple’s instructions—it may
cause interference with radio and television reception.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to the specifications in
Part 15 of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference in a residential installation. However,
there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a
particular installation.

You can determine whether your computer is causing interfer­ence by turning it off. If the interference stops, it was probably
caused by the computer or one of the peripheral devices.

If your computer system does cause interference to radio or
television reception, try to correct the interference by using one
or more of the following measures:

m

Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference stops.

m

Move the computer to one side or the other of the television or
radio.

m

Move the computer farther away from the television or radio.

m

Plug the computer into an outlet that is on a different circuit
from the television or radio. (That is, make certain the
computer and the television or radio are on circuits controlled
by different circuit breakers or fuses.)

m

Install a rooftop television antenna with a coaxial cable lead­in between the antenna and the television.

If necessary, consult an Apple-authorized service provider or
Apple for assistance. See the service and support information
that came with your Apple product. Or contact an experienced
radio-television technician for additional suggestions. You may
find helpful the following booklet, prepared by the FCC:

Interference Handbook

booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402.

IMPORTANT Changes or modifications to this product not
authorized by Apple Computer, Inc., could void the FCC
certification and negate your authority to operate the product.
This product was tested for FCC compliance under conditions
that included the use of shielded cables and connectors between
system components. It is important that you use shielded cables
and connectors to reduce the possibility of causing interference
to radios, television sets, and other electronic devices. For Apple
peripheral devices, you can obtain the proper shielded cables
through an Apple-authorized dealer. For non-Apple peripheral
devices, contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.

(stock number 004-000-00493-1). This

DOC statement

DOC Class B Compliance

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for
radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the radio
interference regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.

Observation des normes—Classe B

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits
radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numériques de la Classe B prescrites dans les
règlements sur le brouillage radioélectrique édictés par le
Ministère des Communications du Canada.

VCCI statement

This manual is copyrighted by Apple or by Apple’s suppliers, with all
rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be
copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Apple
Computer, Inc. This exception does not allow copies to be made for
others, whether or not sold, but all of the material purchased may be
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translating into another language.

The Apple logo is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Use of
the “keyboard” Apple logo (Option-Shift-K) for commercial purposes
without the prior written consent of Apple may constitute trademark
infringement and unfair competition in violation of federal and state laws.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual
is accurate. Apple is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.

© Apple Computer, Inc., 1994
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014-6299
[phone]

Apple, the Apple logo, AppleTalk, EtherTalk, LocalTalk, and Macintosh
are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the United States
and other countries.

Simultaneously published in the United States and Canada.

Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and
constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes
no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of these products.

About this communications card

The Apple Ethernet CS Thin Coax Card expands the
communications capabilities of models of Macintosh
computers that have a communications slot (CS). The card
is designed for networks that conform to the IEEE 802.3
standard for Ethernet. To connect to an Ethernet network,
you must also install EtherTalk software, which is included
with the card.

After adding the card and installing EtherTalk software, you
connect to your network by attaching the network cable to
the card’s thin coaxial (“coax”) port using the T-connector
provided with the card. If your computer is physically
located in the first or last position on your network, you’ll

What’s in the box

■

One Apple Ethernet CS Thin Coax Card

Note:

the protective cardboard box until you’re ready
to install it.

■

One thin coax T-connector, attached to card

■

One floppy disk containing EtherTalk software

■

Warranty card

■

User’s guide

Note:

network separately. If you’re adding your computer to
the end of the network, you’ll also need to obtain a
standard thin coax terminator. (The special 5-pack
version of the card includes two thin coax terminators.)

need to attach a terminator to one end of the cable’s
BNC-style T-connector. This guide provides complete
instructions for connecting the card and cable.

The Apple Ethernet CS Thin Coax Card works only with
Macintosh System 7 or later. For best performance your

WARNING To avoid damage to the card and to
your other computer equipment, be sure that
you’ve turned off power to the computer before

beginning installation procedures.
system should have at least 4 megabytes (MB) of random­access memory.

Keep the card inside its antistatic bag in

You’ll need to obtain the thin coax cable for your

1

Installing and connecting your card

1. Follow the specific setup information that

came with your Macintosh to open the back
panel or lid, and locate the communications
slot inside the computer.

The material that comes with your Macintosh includes
instructions to help you avoid damage to your
computer’s components when installing the card. Be
sure you’ve shut down and turned off the power to
your computer before starting the installation.

T-connector removed from card

Thin coax port

Handle the card by its edge.
Push down evenly and firmly.

2. Remove the card from its antistatic bag.

Handle the card by its edges and avoid touching the
components and connector as much as possible.

3. Twist the T-connector to unlock it from your
card, and set the connector aside.

4. Align the card over the communications slot
and press down firmly and evenly on both
ends until the card fits snugly into place.

You can test to see if the card is properly connected
by lifting the card slightly. If it resists and stays in
place, it’s connected.

To locate the
communications slot for
your computer, see the
setup instructions that
came with your Macintosh.

2

5. Follow the directions that came with your
computer and replace the back panel or lid,
and reattach any cables you removed earlier.

Depending on the model you have, you will need to
slide the logic board back into place, remove the
communications port cover, replace a back panel,
replace a lid, and so forth.

IMPORTANT Connecting your computer to the network
will temporarily disrupt services to other users, so work
quickly to restore the network. To minimize the
disruption, alert your network administrator before
continuing these instructions.

6. Attach one end of the new cable for your
computer to the T-connector you just
removed from your card.

Be sure to twist and lock the cable’s connector to your
T-connector.

7. On the computer closest to your computer,
detach the network cable (or terminator) from
the T-connector.

This disrupts network services for other users.

Note:

You can add a computer in the middle or at

either end of the network.

When you add your thin coax card, you must
use a T-connector in one of these two ways:

Twist to lock both cables
to a T-connector in the
middle of the network.

Network
continues

Lock a terminator to
a T-connector at
the end of the network.

3

8. Lock the free end of the new cable to the
T-connector on the other computer.

Port on card

9. If you are adding your computer somewhere in
the middle of the network, lock the unattached
network cable to your T-connector. Otherwise,
lock a terminator to your T-connector.

This restores network services for other users.

10. Attach your T-connector to the port on
your card.

It may help to use two hands. With one hand, push
the T-connector on the port. While still holding the
T-connector, use the fingers on your other hand to
lock the connector into place. Pull the T-connector to
test that it is locked securely to the port.

4

11. Turn on your computer’s power switch and
start up the computer.

You’ve made all the necessary hardware connections.
Next you’ll install and set up your network
communications software.

Cable from one
side of network

The T-connector locks
the network cable
(and terminator, if
needed) to your card.

Cable from other
side of network

Installing EtherTalk software

To install the correct version of EtherTalk software
you need to use the Installer program on the

Software Installer

with your card.

For safety, make sure that the Installer disk is locked
before you use it. To lock a disk, slide the tab on the
back side so that the square hole is open.

Keep the Installer disk after installation in case you need
to reinstall EtherTalk software some time in the future.

To install EtherTalk software:

disk, version 1.4.2 or later, included

Network

Open the disk to
find the Installer.

1. Insert the

Network Software Installer

disk
in your Macintosh and double-click the
disk’s icon to open it.

The Apple Ethernet CS Thin Coax Card requires
the versions of software supplied on the

Software Installer

disk, version 1.4.2 or later.

Network

5

2. Open the Installer program, review the
Welcome screen, and click OK.

3. Make sure that the disk indicated on the
Installer’s dialog box is your current startup
disk, and click Install.

If you see a message indicating that the software
cannot be installed while other programs are running,
click Continue.

4. When you see a message reporting that the
installation was successful, click Restart.

Before you can use services on an Ethernet network,
you need to select the EtherTalk network connection
for your startup disk. The next section shows how.

If the correct startup disk is indicated, click to
begin the installation.

Name of the disk on which the software will
be installed

If another disk is currently selected, click this
button until the name of your current startup
disk appears.

6

Setting the Network control panel
for EtherTalk

A Macintosh computer’s network connection is preset for
LocalTalk. To connect to an Ethernet network instead, you
need to change the setting in the Network control panel.
Follow these steps:

3. Click the EtherTalk connection to select it.

A message asks you to confirm the change of network
connections. You may have more network connection
choices than those shown in the following figure.

1. Choose Control Panels from the



Apple (

) menu.

2. Open the Network control panel.

You set your network
connection in the Network
control panel.

Click the
EtherTalk
connection.

Shows available
zones

You need these
versions or later.

4. Click OK to confirm the change of networks.

7

5. If you see the following dialog box, click OK.

If you don’t see a dialog box, skip to step 6.

Changing your AppleTalk zone

If you need to change zones in the future, just follow the
steps described in the previous section. Remember, when
you click the EtherTalk icon in the Network control panel,
you see the list of available zones from which to choose.

Disconnecting and moving your computer

To disconnect your computer from the network, shut down

If your network has been set up to allow you to choose
a zone but you have not yet done so, the dialog box
lists choices, with your designated zone selected. The
zone you select determines the default location for
any network services provided by your computer and
listed in the Chooser (such as file sharing). Before you
select a zone different than the one already
highlighted, consult your network administrator.

6. Close the Network control panel.

You are now ready to use services available on your
Ethernet network.

your system and unplug the T-connector from the thin
coax port on the card—do not disconnect the network
cable or terminator.

If you plan to move your computer and reconnect to the
network at a new location, notify your network
administrator before you move.

8

Troubleshooting

If the Network control panel icon is missing:

The Network control panel may have been moved from the

Following are guidelines for handling common problems. If
these suggestions don’t help you fix the problem, contact

Control Panels folder. Look for it on your hard disk, drag it
to the Control Panels folder, then restart your Macintosh.

your network administrator.

Your EtherTalk software may not have been installed

IMPORTANT The first step in troubleshooting any
problem with your network connection is to check each of
the following items.

■

The computer’s power is on.

■

The card is installed correctly.

■

The T-connector is locked to your card.

■

The network cable is in good condition and locked to
the T-connector.

■

If your computer is on either end of the network, be
sure that a terminator is locked to the T-connector.

■

Your Ethernet network is working properly—no one
else is having problems with the network.

properly. If you can’t find the Network control panel, you’ll
need to reinstall the network software according to the
instructions in this guide.

If the EtherTalk icon doesn’t appear in the Network
control panel:

There may have been a problem with the network
software installation. Reinstall your network software
according to the instructions in this guide.

If you can’t select EtherTalk in the Network
control panel:

Be sure that the network cable is properly attached. If you
are still unable to select EtherTalk, there may have been a
problem with the network software installation. Reinstall
your network software according to the instructions in
this guide.

9

If you don’t see network services listed in
the Chooser:

Make sure your network connection is okay. Open the
Network control panel and click EtherTalk. (If the Chooser
is open, close and reopen it.)

If you can access some services but can’t access a
particular service (printing, for example), the device
providing that service might be located in a different
AppleTalk zone, or it might be malfunctioning, switched
off, or disconnected from the network. There may also be
a break somewhere in the network cables between your
Macintosh and the missing service.

If your system can’t load EtherTalk at startup and
reverts to LocalTalk:

Your System file may be damaged or your EtherTalk
installation was unsuccessful. Try reinstalling the
network software.

If the system won’t let you change the
network connection:

You may be using essential services (such as file sharing)
or applications that might prohibit the change. Quit the
service named in the system’s alert message and try
switching the network connection again. You can also try
quitting all application programs. If this doesn’t work, and
it’s OK to disrupt services, shut down your Macintosh,
using the Shut Down command. Restart the computer,
change the network connection, and start the service or
application again.

If your card is defective or you have a problem with the
installation and your network administrator cannot help:

In the United States, contact the Apple Assistance Center
at 800-SOS-APPL. In Canada call 1-800-263-3394.
Outside the United States and Canada, contact your local
Apple-authorized reseller.

10

Specifications

For more information

Connector Ethernet IEEE 802.3–

compliant BNC port

Cable RG-58/U; 2-meter minimum

length between devices

Terminator 50 Ohm, BNC-type

Ethernet transmit/receive 10 megabits-per-second

data rate maximum

Power dissipation Less than 2.5 watts, with an

average of 2 watts

Environmental requirements

Operating temperature: 50˚ to 104˚ F (10˚ to 40˚ C)
Humidity: 20% to 95% noncondensing

Ethernet controller National Semiconductor

DP83932 (SONIC-32)

The following books from Apple Computer, published by
Addison-Wesley, are available at computer bookstores.

Understanding Computer Networks

networking basics.

Planning and Managing AppleTalk Networks

comprehensive information on setting up, maintaining,
and troubleshooting small- to medium-sized AppleTalk
networks.

Inside AppleTalk,

guide to the protocol architecture of the AppleTalk network
system.

second edition, is the definitive technical

gives an overview of

provides

11

030-5460-B