Belkin F1U126-1 User Manual

Bitronics AutoSwitch Kit

User Manual

Guide de l’utilisateur du kit de

l’autocommutateur Bitronics

Bitronics AutoSwitch Set

Benutzerhandbuch

Handleiding Bitronics

AutoSwitch Kit

Manuale utente Kit

AutoSwitch Bitronics

P73121

F1U126-KIT

Table of Contents

English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Français . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Deutsche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Nederlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Italiano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Belkin Components Bitronics AutoSwitch Kit! Now, you can select between four different parallel devices from your desktop, or share one device between four computers. Plus, if you are using Windows

95/98 or Windows NT®, you will be able to take advantage of Bitronics Software, which allows you to print automatically even if you have more than one printer!

Features

• Allows four computers to share one parallel device or have one computer

select between any four parallel devices

• Virtual Port printer driver software allows fully automatic printer selection

through Windows

• File transfer feature between two PCs compatible with Windows®Direct

Cable Connection, LapLink

• Includes 1.8m IEEE 1284-compliant cable

• Adjustable timeout

Package Contents:

Bitronics AutoSwitch 4-port F1U126 IEEE 1284-compliant cables F2A047-06 Windows Windows User manual P73121

95/98 and Windows NT

and DOS Interlink

95/98/NT/DOS software P72735

3.x software P72736

™

Other Parts Needed (if necessary)

• IEEE 1284 printer cable, Belkin Part# F2A046-XX. You will need this

cable to connect a printer to the AutoSwitch. Your current printer cables may work, but IEEE-compliant cables are recommended.

• IEEE 1284 device cable, Belkin Part# F2A046-XX. You will need this

cable to connect a computer to the AutoSwitch.

Note: "XX" is the length in feet.

Technical Specifications

Compatible Standards:

IEEE 1284 Parallel Port Communication Standard

Electrical:

Input Voltage: 9VDC Max Input Current: 600mA Max Power Consumption: 5.4W Max Heat Dissipation: 0.31 BTU/min

Environmental:

Storage Temperature: -10ºC to 50ºC Working Temperature: 0ºC to 40ºC Relative Humidity: 0 to 95%, Non-condensing

Unit Dimensions:

Width: 18.42cm Height: 10.8cm Depth: 2.54cm Weight: 222g

External Power LED

Product Detail

Port activity LEDs

Port A Connector

COMMON

Connector

Manual Switching

LED

Port C Connector

DIP switch settings (located on the side of the switch):

Port B Connector

Port D Connector

RESET

button

SELECT

button

DIP switches

(side)

DC power jack (side)

ON DIP

SW1: Mode Switch

OFF 4 PCs share 1 device ON 1 PC selects between 4 devices

ON is DOWN. SW4 is not used.

1234

SW2 and SW3: TimeOut Setting

TimeOut is the amount of time the switch remains locked on a PC port after data transfer. Use a longer TimeOut when connecting to scanners, mass storage devices and for large print jobs.

SW2

SW3 TimeOut

ON ON 5 seconds

ON OFF 10 seconds

OFF ON 20 seconds

OFF OFF 40 seconds

Recommended

Hardware Installation

Make sure all computers, devices, printers and other components are powered off.

First, you must determine your setup mode:

Four PCs sharing one device One PC using four devices

This is "4 to 1" mode. This is "1 to 4" mode.

You must then set DIP switch #1 according to your mode. Refer to the previous page for more info.

• For “4 to 1” mode, DIP switch #1 is set to OFF

• For “1 to 4” mode, DIP switch #1 is set to ON Set DIP switches 2 and 3 to your preference. See previous page.

Next, connect the computer(s), the device(s) and the Bitronics AutoSwitch together using the proper cables. From a computer to the AutoSwitch, use an IEEE DB25 M/M cable, such as the one included in the package. For connecting a printer to the AutoSwitch, use an IEEE printer cable, such as Belkin Part# F2A046-XX, where XX is the length in feet.

Setting up your Parallel Port – ECP/EPP Mode

Make sure that the printer port on your computer is set to ECP mode. To do this, you must go into your computer’s BIOS or CMOS setup. Instructions on how to do this differ from one computer to the next. Please consult your

computer manufacturer’s manual, tech support, or website for information regarding how to do this. Please do not call Belkin Tech Support regarding this because each computer’s BIOS setup routine is different. Refer to the Appendices at the end of this manual for information on several models of computers.

The BIOS setup routine prompt is displayed a few seconds after you turn on your computer and hear its first beeps. Again, this varies from PC to PC.

Please consult the Appendices and/or your computer manufacturer’s manual or their tech support for information on how to do this properly.

Usually you will see a message that reads Press DEL to enter setup or Press F2 to enter setup. When in the setup program, there maybe a selection for Integrated Peripherals, or Peripheral Setup. Then, look for Parallel Port Type or LPT port type. Change that setting to say ECP or ECP/EPP. Save your settings then exit. When Windows you for the Windows

restarts, it may find new hardware, and it may ask

CD. Be prepared to provide this to the computer.

Software Installation

There are two driver disks included with the package. Make sure you put in the correct disk in your computer depending on your operating system. When the setup program asks you what model switch you have, make sure you select F1U126.

• For Windows

then click RUN. In the space, enter “a:\BITRONIX.exe”. The setup program will commence. Follow the on-screen instructions.

• For MS-DOS (disk P72735), enter the following at the command prompt:

copy a:\DOS\swport.com c:\

• For Windows

space, enter “a:\Setup.exe”. The setup program will commence. Follow the on-screen instructions.

For proper operation, make sure that:

• The Bitronics software is loaded on both computers. Note that it is not

necessary that both computers be of the same operating system. Just make sure that the correct Bitronics software is installed based on the operating system.

• The software and drivers of the device to be shared (i.e. printer,

scanner, etc…) is also loaded on both computers. This is necessary for each computer to access and use the shared device properly.

Usage – 4 PCs to 1 device mode

When you have four PCs sharing one device (such as a printer, scanner or Zip Drive), you do not need to use the software. The AutoSwitch automatically scans all four computers waiting for a print job or requests access to the shared device. When a computer needs access, the AutoSwitch automatically connects the device to that computer. After the computer is done accessing the device, then the AutoSwitch returns to its normal polling mode.

Sharing one scanner, one Zip the Bitronics AutoSwitch. And since it is automatic, operating systems such as Windows AutoSwitch such as a Zip the computer.

You will see the LEDs flashing back and forth on all the ports on the Bitronics AutoSwitch. When it locks onto a port, the LED on that port remains lit.

95/98 and Windows NT®(disk P72735), click on START,

3.x (disk P72736), click on FILE, then click RUN. In the

Drive, or one printer is easy and seamless with

95 and higher will automatically detect devices through the

Drive, as if it was connected directly to

File Transfer Function

When two PCs are connected to the AutoSwitch, they can exchange files through any standard file transfer program such as Windows Connection, Interlink

™

or LapLink®.

Direct Cable

NOTE: Port A can only file transfer to Port B and Port C to Port D only.

If a pair of computers are in file transfer mode (example: A to B), computers C and D still have access to the shared device.

See the examples below for the different operating systems:

A. Windows®95/98 and Windows NT®:

To do this, double-click on the “Bitronics” icon shown in the system tray: The Bitronics Software will pop-up:

• Click on the pull-down menu on the upper right side if the Bitronics

switch is connected to LPT2 or LPT3. The default and most common setting is LPT1.

• Click on “Multiple PCs sharing 1 Device”.

• Click on “File Transfer”.

Windows®95 / 98 and NT

B. Windows®3.x:

• Click on “File Transfer”.

C. MS-DOS:

• At the command prompt, enter “SWPORT f”. You will see the LED of the port you are connected to on the Bitronics

AutoSwitch turn GREEN. This means that your computer is set to be in File Transfer mode. However, you also need to set the other computer to File Transfer mode before you can run your file transfer program. Hence, you must repeat the above procedure on the other computer. When both LEDs are green, you are all set to run your file transfer program. The cables and the AutoSwitch acts like a parallel file transfer cable.

When you are done performing your file transfers, you can resume back to normal autoswitching mode by pressing the RESET button on the AutoSwitch or by clicking on “Multiple PCs sharing 1 device” in the Bitronics Software.

Windows®95 / 98 and NT

(continued)

Setting up the Bitronics Software for use with 1 PC to 4 Devices

Before anything else, make sure that the drivers of the four devices are installed on the computer already, and that each device has been tested and works on its own.

When one computer is switching between four devices, the AutoSwitch communicates to one device at a time only, and does not know which device to connect to unless instructed by the user. Through the use of the Bitronics software, the AutoSwitch receives commands from the computer, instructing it to switch to a particular port.

Double-click on the Bitronics icon in the system tray:

The Bitronics Software will pop up:

Select the correct LPT port the Bitronics switch is connected to. If you only have ONE parallel port (usually that is the case), leave this in LPT1.

Windows®95 / 98 and NT

Click on “Settings” button, configure the ports as shown:

“Device Type” gives you a pull-down menu showing the types of printers installed on your computer and other possible parallel device types as well.

Here, you must select the correct type for the device connected to that port.

• If you are using a device which adds a drive letter to your system (like a

Zip

Drive, CD-ROM, LS-120, etc...), use the “Mass Storage Device” setting.

• If you are using a printer, use the printer driver used for that particular printer on that port of the Bitronics switch. If it does not show up in this menu, that means the printer drivers have not been installed. (In that case, reinstall the printer drivers and repeat this step after rebooting your computer.) If you have more than one printer installed, make sure that the correct driver is used for the printer connected to that port on the Bitronics switch.

• For any other parallel device, just use “Scanner”, and change the “Display Name” accordingly. For example, if you have a parallel tape drive, use “Scanner” for “Device Type”, then enter “Tape Drive” in “Display Name”.

(continued)

Windows®95 / 98 and NT

In this example, we have a Zip®Drive on Port A, so we chose “Mass Storage Device” for Port A. And in Port B, we have the Epson printer installed, so we chose that driver in the Device Type for Port B.

“Display Name” is a free text field. You can enter any description here for the attached devices. For instance, Port A has the Zip Port B has the InkJet connected. You can rename these fields to say "My Zip Drive" and "Color Printer #2".

Drive connected and

(continued)

Click “OK” when finished.

Windows®95 / 98 and NT

(continued)

Change printer port from LPT1 to AutoSwitch port:

(Windows®95/98 only, for Windows NT®go to Page 15)

If one of the four devices being shared is a printer, you must follow the procedure below to reconfigure the port connected to the printer. If none of the devices are printers, then you can skip to page 17.

• Click on “Start”, select “Settings”, and double-click on “Printers”.

• Right-click on the printer installed on the Bitronics switch, and click on “Properties”:

Windows®95 / 98 and NT

Click on the “Details” tab. In the pull-down menu “Print to the following port:”, select the correct port this printer is connected to on the Bitronics switch:

• LPx1 – PA (autoswitch) – Select this if the printer is connected to Port A of the Bitronics switch.

• LPx1 – PB (autoswitch) – Select this if the printer is connected to Port B of the Bitronics switch. The same occurs for Ports C and D.

(continued)

In the image above, the printer is connected to Port B of the Bitronics switch. Therefore, LPx1 – PB (autoswitch) is selected. When finished, click “OK”.

Windows®95 / 98 and NT

Click on “Spool Settings” and then click on “Start printing after last page is spooled”.

If NOT grayed out, click on “Disable bi-directional support for this printer”. Otherwise, ignore.

Click “OK” in the “Spool Settings” window. Click “OK” again in the main properties window.

Skip to page 17.

(continued)

Windows NT

Change printer port from LPT1 to AutoSwitch port (Windows NT®only):

The Printer properties in Windows NT®is slightly different. After installing the software and restarting the computer, go the printer properties and select the PORTS tab. To find the correct ports to be used with the Bitronics switch, you must scroll down the list until the LPT1: PB (autoswitch) comes up. Put a checkmark on the port that connects to the printer. In this case, it is Port B on the Bitronics switch:

Windows NT

To set the spool settings correctly, click on the “Scheduling” tab. Make sure “Start printing after last page is spooled” is selected. Also, set “Priority” to “Highest”:

(continued)

Click “OK” when finished.

Using the Bitronics Software

Example: Four Printers Used by One Computer

The Bitronics Software automatically handles printing chores by directing your print jobs to the correct port on the Bitronics switch based on the settings you set in the “Printer Properties” and the “Settings” in the steps shown in the last 6 pages. When you print something in any Windows Word or Excel), you simply select the printer you wish to print to, and the Bitronics software handles the switching duties. IT’S FULLY AUTOMATIC!

How does it work?

With the Bitronics Software loaded and the ports properly configured for the printers as shown previously, when you print in Windows to the Bitronics software first. There, the Bitronics software adds a command in the beginning of the print job telling the Bitronics Switch which port to send the print job to.

In the example below, the Epson Printer is connected to Port B, as described in the “Where:” line. When printing, the Bitronics software tells the Bitronics switch to switch to Port B first, then allows the print job to go through the switch, out to Port B, and to the Epson printer.

application (like MS

, the print job goes

Using the Bitronics Software (continued)

Then if you wish to print to the second printer, let’s say a LaserJet™for example, all you have to do is select that particular printer in the Print dialog box. Click “OK”, and the print job is automatically sent to the LaserJet printer on Port A of the Bitronics switch.

All you have to do is pick your printer, and the software does everything else. But remember, ALL THE SETTINGS MUST BE CORRECT, otherwise you may print garbage out of the wrong printer!

Below, the user has chosen the LaserJet

™

printer. Here, this printer is connected to Port A of the AutoSwitch. When the print job is sent, the Bitronics software tells the Bitronics switch to switch to Port A, then lets the print job go through to the LaserJet

™

Using the Bitronics Software (continued)

EXAMPLE: Sharing One Printer and a Zip®Drive (or any other mass

When dealing with a mass storage device (devices that add a drive letter to your system like E:) such as a Zip tray must be configured so that the Bitronics switch is defaulted to the Port attached to the Zip connected to the Zip always be connected, and not receive error messages:

1. Make sure that the port that connects to the Zip

storage device)

Drive, the Bitronics Software in the system

Drive. It is necessary for the switch to always remain

Drive so that any time you access that drive, you will

“Mass Storage Device” in “Settings”. See above for more info. The image below shows the Zip

Drive is connected to Port A, and that

Drive is set to

the device type is “Mass Storage Device”. Type anything you want in “Display Name”. Click “OK” when finished.

Using the Bitronics Software (continued)

2. Click on the port that has the mass storage device connected. In this case, it is a Zip

Drive on Port A. As you can see, the “Display Name”

entered above appears below as you had entered it. Click “OK”.

Now, the Bitronics switch will always keep your computer connected to the Zip Drive. That way, anytime you access it, you will not get any strange errors. Then, when you print to the InkJet printer on Port B (as shown above), the Bitronics switch will switch to Port B temporarily to send the print job, then switch back to Port A to keep communication with the Zip

Drive.

Using the Bitronics Software (continued)

Using any other parallel device (not printers or mass storage devices) with a printer

When dealing with other parallel port devices, they are set as “Scanners” in the “Settings” (page 10). Examples of these are scanners, parallel port cameras, and tape drives. When you need access to this device, simply single-click on the Bitronics system tray icon, and select the device you wish to use. A check mark will appear showing which device is connected. For example, we have a scanner and a printer on the Bitronics switch:

You will be connected to the scanner device indefinitely. But let us say you wish to print to the InkJet printer, the software will again automatically switch to the port that has the printer and send the print job. However, the switch will remain connected to the printer - it will not change back to the Scanner, unlike the mass storage device mentioned previously. This means that you have to use this method to switch to the scanner each time you need to use it.

If no printers are installed

If no printers are installed, the “Settings” type (see page 10) for each device must be set either for “Mass Storage Device” (if the device adds a drive letter to your system), or “Scanner” (for all other types of devices).

The Bitronics software may not function properly in some systems if there is no DEFAULT PRINTER set. To do this, add a printer using the “Add Printer Wizard” (click “Start”, “Settings”, “Printers”), and just use the “Generic/Text Only” driver. Remember to use “Local Printer” and “LPT1” when the wizard asks you. This will then be set as your default printer, so that the Bitronics software can work properly.

Using the Bitronics Software (continued)

Removing and Adding the Bitronics Switch Icon from the System Tray

• To remove the icon, simply right click on it, and answer “Yes” to the prompt.

• To reload the icon back into the system tray, click on “Start”, select “Programs”, select “Belkin Bitronics Switch”, and select “AutoSwitch-Multi PCs”.

ADVANCED USER TIP:

If you are using devices with pass-through ports (like Zip®Drives and scanners), you can connect a printer to the pass-through port and use the other device port on the Bitronics switch to connect to another device. Just be sure that the printer driver has its Port set to the correct device port. For example, if you wish to use 2 printers, 1 Zip

Zip

Drive to Port A, the Scanner to Port B, the first printer to the pass-

through of the Zip

Drive, and the second printer to the pass-through of the scanner. In the Bitronics software, set “Port A” to “Mass Storage Device”, and “Port B” to “Scanner”. Then in the “Printer Properties/details”, set the “Print to the following Port” to “LPx1- PA (auto switch)” for the first printer, and “LPx1- PB (auto switch)” for the second printer. In general, only printers can be connected to pass-through ports.

Drive and 1 scanner, connect the

Appendix

Changing your PC’s parallel port mode to ECP

Changing your computer’s parallel port mode to ECP increases speed and reliability of data transfers with the Bitronics Switches. Below are the steps on changing the settings on certain computers. Do this on all the computers connected to the switch. If your computer is not listed here, please check their website, or call their technical support. Please do not call Belkin Tech Support regarding this particular issue.

ACER

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: To enter “Setup”, press CTRL+ALT+ESC.

2. Follow the legend on how to scroll through the options.

3. When you reach the option “Parallel Port Mode”, choose “ECP”.

4. Follow the legend directions to save the setting and exit “Setup”.

AST

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: To enter “Setup”, press CTRL+ALT+ESC. (If you have a 486 computer, the directions might have you press CTRL+ALT+DEL).

2. Follow the legend directions on how to scroll through the options.

3. When you reach the “Parallel Port Mode” option, choose the mode with the highest performance (e.g. “ECP”).

4. Follow the legend directions to save the setting and exit “Setup”.

Generic clone computer

1. Restart the computer and press F1 during the startup.

2. Use an arrow key to select the “Advance” menu item.

3. Use an arrow key to select the parallel port setting and the mode field.

4. Press “ENTER” to get the mode list.

5. Select the mode with the highest performance (e.g. “ECP”) and then press “ENTER”.

6. Press F10 to save the BIOS (basic input/output system) changes.

7. Press “ENTER” to close the BIOS settings window.

Dell

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: To enter “Setup”, press DEL. (If you have a 486 computer, the directions might say press F2.)

2. Press “ALT+P” and choose “Parallel Mode”.

3. There should be a list of modes available. Choose the mode with the highest performance (e.g. “ECP”).

4. Follow the legend directions to save the setting and exit “Setup”.

Gateway 2000

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: To enter “Setup”, press F1.

Appendix (continued)

2. Select “Advanced” from the menu bar.

3. Select “Integrated Peripherals”.

4. Following the legend directions, select “ECP” as the parallel port mode.

5. Follow the legend directions to save the setting and exit “Setup”.

Hewlett-Packard

Steps for HP Pavillion PC Models

1. At the HP Blue Screen, press F1 to enter “Setup”.

2. Select “Advanced” from the menu bar.

3. Following the legend directions, select “Peripheral Configuration” and then use the arrow-down key to move to “Parallel Port Mode”.

4. Select the mode with the highest performance (e.g. “ECP”).

5. Follow the legend directions to save the setting and exit “Setup”.

Steps for HP Vectra PC Series

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: Press F2 to enter “Setup”. This is displayed at the bottom of the “Hewlett Packard System Hardware Test” screen.

2. Use the arrow keys to highlight “Parallel Port Mode”.

3. Follow the legend directions on how to change the options.

4. Set the port mode with the highest performance (e.g. “ECP”).

5. Follow the legend directions to save the setting and exit “Setup”.

Steps for HP Vectra 500 PC Series

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: Press F2 to Enter “Setup”. This is displayed at the bottom of the “Hewlett Packard System Hardware Test” screen.

2. Use the arrow keys to highlight “Parallel Port Mode”.

3. Follow the legend directions on how to change the options.

4. Set the port mode with the highest performance (e.g. “ECP”).

5. Follow the legend directions to save the setting and exit “Setup”.

Steps for HP OmniBook 5000 and 5500 PCs

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: Press F2 to Enter “Setup”. This is displayed at the bottom of the “Hewlett Packard System Hardware Test” screen.

2. Use the arrow keys to highlight “Parallel Port Mode”.

3. Follow the legend directions on how to change the options while selecting the parallel port mode with the highest performance (e.g. “ECP”).

4. Follow the legend directions to save the setting and exit “Setup”.

5. Add the “Ecpon.com” program to the computer's “Autoexec.bat” file. You can find this file on the compact disc or on Disk 1 of the disk set.

IBM Aptiva

General Steps

Appendix (continued)

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: Press F1 to enter “Setup”.

2. Follow the legend on how to scroll through the “Setup” options until you reach “Input/Output Ports”.

3. Choose the mode with the highest performance (e.g. “ECP”).

4. Follow the legend directions to save and exit “Setup”.

Steps for IBM Aptiva 2176-C33, IBM BIOS v BSTUS4B

Note: The steps for this computer are not included in the document received in

the box.

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: Press F1 to enter “Setup”.

2. Follow the legend on how to scroll through the “Setup” options until you reach “Input/Output Ports”.

3. Select “Parallel Port Mode”.

4. Select “ECP”.

5. Press ESC twice.

6. Press ENTER to save the setting and exit “Setup”.

Micron

General Steps

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: Press F2 to enter “Setup”.

2. Select “Advanced” from the menu bar.

3. Follow the legend directions to select “Integrated Peripherals”.

4. Use the arrow-down key to select “LPT Mode”.

5. Select the parallel port mode with the highest performance (e.g. “ECP”).

6. Follow the legend directions to save the setting and exit “Setup”.

Steps for the Millennium, Phoenix BIOS v 4.05

Note: The steps for this computer are not included in the document received in

the box.

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: Press F2 to enter “Setup”.

2. Go to “Connectivity”.

3. Change “Port” from “AT” to “ECP”.

4. Select “PS/2”.

Packard Bell

General Steps

1. While the computer is booting, follow the directions on the screen: Press F2 to Enter “Setup”. (It might be F1 on some models.)

2. Select “Advanced” from the menu bar.

3. Follow the legend directions to select “Integrated Peripherals” (or “Peripheral

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