Black Box PI761A, PI761AE, PI752A, PI762A, PI752AE User Manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]

© Copyright 1998. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

CUSTOMER

SUPPORT

INFORMATION

Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

FEBRUARY 1998
PI750A PI750AE PI760A PI760AE
PI751A PI751AE PI761A PI761AE
PI752A PI752AE PI762A PI762AE
PI754A PI754AE PI764A PI764AE
PI755A PI755AE PI765A PI765AE
PI756A PI756AE PI766A PI766AE

Multiport Spooler VIII (4/8/12-Port Models)

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MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

AND

INDUSTRY CANADA

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of
Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be required
to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

FCC AND IC STATEMENTS

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MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.

2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.

3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.

4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.

5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,
cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,
etc.

6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.

7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como
sea recomendado por el fabricante.

8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más
allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio
deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.

9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama,
sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se
debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los
orificios de ventilación.

10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de
calor como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos
(incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor.

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NOM STATEMENT

11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo
del tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.

12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.

13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.

14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.

15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las
lineas de energia.

16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no
sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.

17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.

18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:

A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u

B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del

aparato; o

C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o

D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en

su desempeño; o

E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

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MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.
Hercules is a registered trademark of Hercules Computer Technology.
AT, IBM, and PS/2 are registered trademarks, and PC/XT is a trademark,

of IBM Corporation.

Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks, and Windows is a

trademark, of Microsoft Corporation.
Novell is a registered trademark of Novell Incorporated.
WinFax is a registered trademark of Delrina Technology, Inc.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Chapter Page

1. Specifications ............................................................................................. 1

1.1 Requirements ...................................................................................... 1

1.2 Conformity .......................................................................................... 2

1.3 Input/Output Characteristics ........................................................... 2

1.4 Hardware Characteristics ................................................................... 3

2. Introduction ............................................................................................... 5

3. Hardware Installation ................................................................................ 6

3.1 System Requirements .......................................................................... 6

3.2 The Complete Multiport Spooler VIII .............................................. 6

3.3 Copying the Software Diskettes .......................................................... 7

3.4 Installing the Hardware ...................................................................... 7

3.5 Powering Up the System ..................................................................... 8

3.6 What To Do Next ................................................................................ 9

3.7 Using the MPSSETUP Program ....................................................... 11

4. Configuration ........................................................................................... 13

4.1 Do You Need to Configure the Multiport Spooler VIII? ................ 13

4.2 Starting the Configuration Program ............................................... 14

4.3 Defining the Command Port ........................................................... 15

4.4 The Main Menu ................................................................................ 16

4.5 Loading a Configuration .................................................................. 17

4.6 Multiport Spooler VIII Port Configuration ..................................... 18

4.7 Choosing and Changing Port Parameters ....................................... 21

4.8 Other Main Menu Selections ........................................................... 38

5. DOS Software Installation: UCTP and MPSDOS .................................... 42

5.1 The UCTP Menu and MPSDOS ....................................................... 42

5.2 The Installation Procedure .............................................................. 43

5.3 Installation Screens ........................................................................... 45

5.4 Changing MPSDOS Settings ............................................................ 56

6. Windows Software Installation: UCTP and MPSWIN ............................ 58

6.1 The UCTP Menu and MPSWIN ....................................................... 58

6.2 The Installation Procedure .............................................................. 59

6.3 Installation Screens ........................................................................... 61

6.4 Changing MPSWIN Settings ............................................................. 69

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MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

Chapter or Appendix Page

7. Operation ................................................................................................. 71

7.1 MPS-VIII Hardware Operation ........................................................ 71

7.2 Using MPSDOS and MPSWIN with the MPS-VIII............................. 73

7.3 Using the UCTP with the MPS-VIII .....................................................75

7.4 Operating Daisychained or Cascaded MPS-VIIIs ............................ 83

8. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 85

8.1 Common Concerns ........................................................................... 85

8.2 Errors Indicated by the MPS-VIII’s LEDs ........................................ 90

8.3 Non-Error Display Codes .................................................................. 92

8.4 Error Messages .................................................................................. 93

8.5 Operation-Time MPSDOS Errors: The CHKERR Program ........... 96

8.6 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 97

8.7 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 97

Appendix A: Cable Pinouts ............................................................................ 98

A.1 Cable Information ............................................................................ 98

A.2 Various Connector Types ................................................................. 98

A.3 Telephone Cables and Modular Adapters .................................... 103

A.4 Parallel Cables ................................................................................. 112

Appendix B: Quick Reference: Direct Commands and Display Codes ..... 114

Appendix C: Software Files and Utilities ..................................................... 118

C.1 Files on the Included Diskettes ...................................................... 118

C.2 Files Created During Installation ................................................... 123

Appendix D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII ......................... 130

D.1 Transmission Methods .................................................................... 131

D.2 Command Formats ......................................................................... 133

D.3 Command Descriptions .................................................................. 137

Appendix E: Editing the UCTP ................................................................... 149

Appendix F: Sharing a Fax Modem ............................................................. 152

F.1 Installing Fax Software on the First PC ......................................... 152

F.2 Hardware Connections ................................................................... 152

F.3 Installing MPSWIN ......................................................................... 153

F.4 Subsequent Installations ................................................................. 154

Appendix G: Installing and Operating Win95 Software ................................155

1

CHAPTER 1: Specifications

1.1 Requirements

System Hardware
Required — Connected computers: IBM PC, PC/XT, AT, or PS/2

with VGA, EGA, CGA, or Hercules video adapters

System Software
Required — Connected computers: DOS version 2.0 or higher;

If running MPSWIN software: Windows
version 3.0, 3.1, or 3.11

System Memory
Required — For default configuration with no peripheral

switching: None;
To run MPSDOS: 6 KB RAM;
To run UCTP: 32 KB RAM (Hercules or CGA

adapter) or 39 KB RAM (EGA or VGA adapter);
To run MPSWIN: Brief loads of 15-KB driver

System Disk Space
Required — Will depend on software selected for installation (use

the numbers below as approximate guidelines only);
For default configuration with no peripheral

switching: None;
For UCTP only (under DOS): 91 KB minimum;
For UCTP only (under Windows): 104 KB minimum;
For DOS software only: 199 KB minumum;
For UCTP and DOS software: 289 KB minumum;
For UCTP and Windows software: 501 KB minimum;
For all software: 722 KB minimum

Cable Required — See Appendix A

1. Specifications

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MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

1.2 Conformity

Compliance — FCC Part 15 Class A; IC Class/classe A

1.3 Input/Output Characteristics

Interfaces — PI750-2, PI760-2 models: IBM PC (Centronics

compatible) parallel only;
PI754, PI764 models: EIA RS-232 serial only;
All other models: IBM PC parallel and EIA RS-232 serial

Protocol — Serial ports: Asynchronous

Data Format — Serial ports: 7 or 8 data bits; 1 or 2 stop bits; even,

odd, or no parity (user-selectable);
Parallel ports: 8 data bits

Flow Control — Serial ports: Hardware (DTR/CTS) or software

(X-ON/X-OFF) (user-selectable); users can also

select alternate characters for software flow control

Operation Mode — Serial ports: Full duplex

Data Rate — Serial ports: 38,400, 19,200, 9600, 4800, 2400, 600,

or 300 bps (user-selectable);
Parallel ports:

Input only: Up to 36,400 cps;

Output only: Up to 18,300 cps;

Simultaneous input and output: Up to 11,900 cps

Maximum
Distance — Parallel:

From PC to MPS-VIII: Up to 100 ft. (30.5 m) across

low-capacitance cable;

From MPS-VIII to printer: Up to 25 ft. (7.6 m);
Serial:

At 38,400 bps: Up to 500 ft. (152.4 m) from PC to

MPS-VIII or from MPS-VIII to printer;

At 9600 bps: Up to 1000 ft. (304.8 m) from PC to

MPS-VIII or from MPS-VIII to printer

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CHAPTER 1: Specifications

1.4 Hardware Characteristics

Internal Memory — All units: 8 KB battery-backed-up static RAM for

configuration storage;
PI75X models: 1 MB buffer RAM, of which 16 KB

is reserved for use by the system;
PI76X models: 4 MB buffer RAM, of which 16 KB

is reserved for use by the system;
Buffer memory is user-allocatable to parallel or

bidirectional serial ports in 16-KB increments, or

is dynamically allocated by the unit on a first-come,

first-served basis

User Controls — Software (included);

Front-mounted ON/OFF rocker switch

Indicators — Front-mounted LEDs:

All models: (1) Power;

PI750, PI754, PI760, PI764 models:

(4) Communication Activity (one for each port);

PI751, PI755, PI761, PI765 models:

(8) Communication Activity (one for each port);

PI752, PI756, PI762, PI766 models:

(12) Communication Activity (one for each port)

Connectors — (1) Rear-mounted IEC 320 male power inlet;

Rear-mounted DB25:

PI750, PI760 models: (4) female (parallel);

PI751, PI761 models: (8) female (parallel);

PI752, PI762 models: (12) female (parallel);

PI754, PI764 models: (4) male (serial);

PI755, PI765 models: (4) female (parallel), (4) male

(serial);

PI756, PI766 units: (8) female (parallel), (4) male

(serial)

Temperature
Tolerance — Operating: 32 to 100˚ F (0 to 37.8˚C)

Storage: –40 to 212˚F (–40 to 100˚C)

Humidity
Tolerance — Up to 90% noncondensing

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MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

Power — “A”-suffix units (PI750A, PI751A, etc.):

From wallmount power supply:

Input: 90 to 132 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz;

Consumption:

PI750A, PI754A, PI760A, PI764A models:

12.7 VA;

PI751A, PI755A, PI761A, PI765A models:

17 VA;

PI752A, PI756A, PI762A, PI766A models:

19.2 VA;

“AE”-suffix units (PI750AE, PI751AE, etc.):

From desktop power supply:

Input: 203 to 237 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz;

Consumption:

4-port models: 11.5 VA;
8-port models: 16.1 VA;
12-port models: 22 VA

Size — PI750, PI754, PI760, PI764 models:

2"H x 17.5"W x 12"D (5.1 x 44.5 x 30.5 cm);
PI751, PI755, PI761, PI765 models:

2.8"H x 17.5"W x 12"D (7 x 44.5 x 30.5 cm)

PI752, PI756, PI762, PI766 models:

3.2"H x 17.5"W x 12"D (8.1 x 44.5 x 30.5 cm)

Weight — PI750, PI754, PI760, PI764 models: 8 lb. (3.6 kg);

PI751, PI755, PI761, PI765 models: 8.8 lb. (4 kg);
PI752, PI756, PI762, PI766 models: 12 lb. (5.5 kg)

5

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

This manual tells you how to use the 4-, 8-, and 12-port models of the
Multiport Spooler VIII (MPS-VIII) peripheral sharer and its included
MPSDOS and MPSWIN print-control software.

The Multiport Spooler VIII is a sophisticated peripheral sharer based on
multiple microprocessors. It helps you increase the effectiveness of your office
hardware by allowing several computers to share a given peripheral (such as
a printer, plotter, modem, etc.), or by giving a computer access to several of
these peripherals. The MPS-VIII enables you to cross-connect your hardware,
and thus maximize its effectiveness. Its large RAM buffer speeds up processing,
thus shortening delays often associated with computers submitting a print or
plot file.

MPSDOS and MPSWIN software enable you to select a printer or other
peripheral without having to exit your application or memorize the MPS-VIII
port to which each peripheral is connected. With MPSDOS, you can select any
of up to 11 printers from a DOS application, and with MPSWIN, any of up to
9 printers from a Windows™ application.

Whether you are in a DOS or Windows environment, you can use the
User’s Command Transmission Program (UCTP) to send commands to the
MPS-VIII, including commands to select peripherals, without having to exit
your application.

2. Introduction

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MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

This chapter tells you the initial steps to take to set up your Multiport Spooler
VIII. These instructions complement the Easy Installation Guide included in
your package.

NOTE

These instructions are intended for the system administrator responsible
for installing the Multiport Spooler VIII. Users not involved in the
installation can refer to Chapter 7 for instructions on how to use the
MPS-VIII.

3.1 System Requirements

To use the Multiport Spooler VIII, you must have IBM®PC, PC/XT™, AT®,
PS/2®, or truly compatible computers, each with VGA, EGA, CGA, or Hercules

®

display adapters, running DOS (including MS-DOS®, PC-DOS, and Novell

®

DOS) version 2.0 or higher. If you are using MPSWIN, your computers must
also be running Microsoft®Windows version 3.0, 3.1, or 3.11.

3.2 The Complete Multiport Spooler VIII Package

As you carefully unpack the Multiport Spooler VIII, make sure you’ve received
all of the following items:

• (1) Multiport Spooler VIII main unit.

• (1) AC power adapter.

• (1) Serial or parallel cable (depending on whether port #1
on your Spooler is a serial or parallel port).

• (1) 31⁄2-inch (720-KB) software diskette labeled “Disk 1 of 2”
that contains MPSDOS and the DOS version of the UCTP.

• (1) 31⁄2-inch (1.44 MB) software diskette labeled “Disk 2 of 2”
that contains MPSWIN and the Windows version of the UCTP.

• (1) Foldout Easy Installation Guide.

• This manual.

3. Hardware Installation

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CHAPTER 3: Hardware Installation

3.3 Copying the Software Diskettes

Before proceeding with the software installation, we recommended that you
make a backup copy of the included software diskettes. Install from the
backup copies and store the originals.

Under DOS, you can use the DISKCOPY or COPY commands to make the
backup diskettes. Under Windows, you can use the Windows File Manager (in
the Main program group) to make the copies: From the File Manager’s Disk
menu, choose “Copy Disk,” then follow the instructions on the screen. If
necessary, refer to your DOS or Windows manual for instructions.

3.4 Installing the Hardware

Make sure to turn off and unplug the Multiport Spooler VIII, as well as the
PCs and peripherals you want to attach to it, before you install the MPS-VIII.
Refer to the included Easy Installation Guide for specific information about
port connections in the default setup of your unit. The guide shows that every
fourth port (4, 8, 12) is an output port. Use appropriate cables (see Appendix
A) to connect printers, plotters, or other peripherals that receive data to these
output ports. By default, the other ports are input ports (or bidirectional, if
your MPS-VIII model has serial ports). Use appropriate cables (see Appendix
A) to connect the computers, which mainly send data, to these input ports.
Do not plug in or turn on any of the peripherals or PCs you connect until
after you have configured the MPS-VIII.

It is important to make sure that you connect parallel ports on peripherals and
PCs to parallel ports on the MPS-VIII, and serial ports on peripherals and PCs to
serial ports on the MPS-VIII. The MPS-VIII’s parallel ports are DB25 female
connectors and its serial ports are DB25 male connectors, as shown below.
Keep in mind that the MPS-VIII’s serial ports are bidirectional, and can be
used as either input or output ports without your having to specially configure
the MPS-VIII.

DB25 Male Serial Ports DB25 Female Parallel Ports

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MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

If your peripherals require more output-port connections than you have
output ports on your Multiport Spooler VIII, connect these peripherals to
free input ports. You can later use the configuration program to change these
ports to output ports. The opposite also applies; if your PCs require more
input ports than you have on your MPS-VIII, connect these PCs to free output
ports and later configure the unit to change the direction of the ports.

3.5 Powering Up the System

Plug the included AC power supply into the appropriate connector on the
rear panel of the Multiport Spooler VIII, then plug its input cord into a
working outlet.

The power switch is located on the front panel of the Multiport Spooler VIII.
Ideally, you should have your MPS-VIII and the attached peripherals plugged
into a common power strip or UPS, so that they can be powered up
simultaneously. If this is not the case, turn on your system in this order:
computers first, followed by the MPS-VIII, then your peripherals (printers,
plotters, modems, etc.).

When you turn on the Multiport Spooler VIII, a visual test sequence is
initiated on the front panel. If the POWER LED remains on when this test
sequence is completed, the MPS-VIII is ready for use.

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CHAPTER 3: Hardware Installation

3.6 What to Do Next

You have now finished your Multiport Spooler VIII’s hardware setup. Before
you go on to Section 3.7, read the passages under the following three
headings. Your answers will determine whether or not you need to install
any of the software used to control the MPS-VIII.

3.6.1 DOYOUN

EED TOCONFIGURE THE

MPS-VIII?

Depending on your specific needs, you might or might not have to configure
the Multiport Spooler VIII. Once you have connected your peripherals as
described in the Easy Installation Guide, the MPS-VIII is ready to operate
using its default configuration:

• By default, ports 4, 8, and 12 are output ports; the others are input ports
(if parallel) or bidirectional (if serial).

• The default communication parameters of the MPS-VIII’s serial ports are:
9600 bps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, and hardware handshaking
(DTR/CTS).

If these settings suit your needs, no further configuration is needed. If they
don’t, you need to use the configuration program to adapt the Multiport
Spooler VIII to meet your requirements (see Chapter 4).

Basically, you need to configure the Multiport Spooler VIII if:

• You have to change an input port to an output port, or vice versa.

• The communication parameters of the MPS-VIII’s serial ports do not
match those of the attached PCs and peripherals.

NOTE

You can also use the configuration program to change various user­specific functions. Refer to Section 4.7 for a full list of the parameters set
with the program and their default settings.

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MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

3.6.2 DOYOUN

EED

MPSDOS, MPSWIN, ORUCTP?

With MPSDOS and MPSWIN software, you can select a printer (or other
peripheral) without having to exit your application or memorize the
Multiport Spooler VIII port to which each peripheral is connected. With
MPSDOS, you may select any of up to 11 printers from within a DOS
application; with MPSWIN, any of up to 9 printers from within a Windows
application. Whichever environment is used, the software is completely
transparent to the end user.

The User’s Command Transmission Program (UCTP) is a menu-driven
program available for both the DOS and Windows environments. It enables
you to send control commands to the MPS-VIII, including peripheral­selection commands, without having to exit your application. You can use
these commands to do such things as specify the number of copies to print,
activate a form feed, reserve a peripheral for your exclusive use, or put your
submitted jobs on pause. You can choose to have the UCTP loaded as a
resident program, so that it’s instantly accessible by pressing a hotkey
combination. (You can also send control commands directly from the DOS
prompt, in which case you do not need the UCTP. However, this requires
knowledge of the exact command syntax, so the UCTP is recommended for
most users. Refer to Appendix D for more information about the direct
control commands.)

In summary, if your peripherals are of different types (for example, a dot­matrix printer, a laser printer, and a plotter), you need to be able to select the
appropriate peripheral (output port). Otherwise, jobs sent to the Multiport
Spooler VIII would go to the first available output port—4, 8, or 12—and the
peripheral on that port might be unsuitable for the job. Basically, you should
install one or more of these software programs if one of the following
situations applies to you:

1. You have two or more peripherals and need to be able to switch between
them.

2. You want to be able to send control commands to the Multiport Spooler
VIII.

If only situation 1 applies to you, you should install MPSDOS (see Chapter 5)or
MPSWIN (see Chapter 6), depending on which operating system you work
with. If both situations apply, you should install the UCTP (see Chapter 5 or

6); you can also install MPSDOS if you want to be able to select printers
transparently.

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CHAPTER 3: Hardware Installation

NOTES

1) To install the Windows UCTP menu, you need to install MPSWIN.

2) Unless you plan to work extensively in both the DOS and Windows
environments, you don’t need to do both the DOS and Windows
installations; just install the software written for the environment you use
most.

3.6.3 DOYOUN

EED THEUTILITYSOFTWARE

?

Other software utilities besides MPSDOS, MPSWIN, and the UCTP are
included with the Multiport Spooler VIII. These enable you to send a break
signal to a parallel port, change the speed of the serial port of a serially
connected computer to up to 38,400 bps, change the configuration of the
MPS-VIII if you have added memory to it, etc. These utilities are listed in
Appendix C.

It is not essential for you to determine right now whether you need some or
all of these utilities. If you prefer, you can simply install them later by using
MPSSETUP.

3.7 Using the MPSSETUP Program

You must use the MPSSETUP program if you want to:

• Configure the Multiport Spooler VIII

• Use MPSDOS or the UCTP

• Copy the other software utilities

NOTE

To install MPSWIN (including the UCTP), refer to Chapter 6.

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MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

To execute MPSSETUP, take the following steps.

1. Insert the Multiport Spooler VIII software diskette (or its backup copy)
in your PC’s diskette drive.

2. Activate that drive by typing its letter designation followed by a colon
(for example, “A:” or “B:”) and pressing [ENTER].

3. Run the program by typing in the name “MPSSETUP” and pressing
[ENTER].

3. Based on the decisions you have made about the software you need,
select from the options displayed on the screen.

• If you need to configure the MPS-VIII, refer to Chapter 4.

• If you need to install the UCTP and/or MPSDOS, refer to Chapter 5.

• If you need to install the software utilities, you must specify the disk

drive and directory to install them to. Refer to Appendix C for more
information about the software utilities.

13

CHAPTER 4: Configuration

4.1 Do You Need to Configure the MPS-VIII?

Whether or not you need to configure the Multiport Spooler VIII depends
entirely on your specific needs. An MPS-VIII comes with a basic factory-set
default configuration, under which every fourth port (ports 4, 8, and 12) is
an output port. Connect printers, plotters, or other peripherals that primarily
receive data to these ports. By default, the other ports are input ports (if
parallel) or bidirectional ports (if serial). Connect PCs or other devices that
primarily send data to these ports. Note that a serial bidirectional port can
serve either as an input or output port without any reconfiguration of the
MPS-VIII.

Once you have connected your peripherals, as described in Chapter 3, the
unit is fully functional according to the default settings. It only remains to
establish whether the default configuration of the Multiport Spooler VIII
meets your needs. If it does, you don’t have to configure the MPS-VIII. But
if it doesn’t, you’ll need to use the included configuration program (see
Section 4.2) or the MPS-VIII’s control commands (see Appendix D) to
adapt the Multiport Spooler VIII to meet your requirements.

Basically, you need to configure the Multiport Spooler VIII if:

• You have to change an input port to an output port, or vice versa;

• The communication parameters of the Multiport Spooler VIII serial ports
do not match those of the attached peripherals; or

• You want to change various user-specific functions. (This is optional;
among the parameters you can set are port names, port-access restriction,
headers, etc. This chapter contains a full list of the parameters that can be
set and their default settings.)

Here are some of the MPS-VIII’s important default parameters:

• By default, ports 4, 8, and 12 are output ports, and all other ports are
input (if parallel) or bidirectional (if serial) ports.

• The communications parameters of every serial port are 9600 baud, no
parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and hardware (DTR/CTS) flow control.

4. Configuration

14

MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

4.2 Starting the Configuration Program

NOTE

You can also partially configure the Multiport Spooler VIII by using the
control commands that can be sent through the User’s Command
Transmission Program (UCTP) or from the DOS command line (see
Appendix D).

To configure the Multiport Spooler VIII, you can use the MPSCONF program
included with the MPS-VIII’s support software. How you start this program
depends on whether you are configuring for the first time or have done so
before:

• If you are configuring the MPS-VIII for the first time, run the MPSSETUP
program from the MPS-VIII’s support software diskette, and choose the
Configure MPS-VIII menu selection.

• If you have configured the MPS-VIII before, using the MPSSETUP
program, MPSCONF has been copied onto your PC. Just enter the
command MPSCONF at the DOS prompt.

Regardless of how you initiate the configuration process—by selecting
Configure MPS-VIII from the MPSSETUP menu or by entering the
MPSCONF command at the DOS prompt—there are three stages to the
MPS-VIII configuration:

• Loading an existing configuration,

• Making the required modifications, and

• Saving the modified configuration.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration

4.3 Defining the Connected Port (First-Time Configuration Only)

When you configure the Multiport Spooler VIII for the first time, you must
tell MPSCONF which one of the PC’s ports you have connected to the
Multiport Spooler VIII. This screen will appear:

Use your keyboard’s arrow keys to select the port name. The options are
serial ports COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4, or parallel ports LPT1, LPT2,
or LPT3.

NOTE

If the PC port connected to the Multiport Spooler VIII is a serial port, the
port must be configured to the same communication parameters as the
MPS-VIII. On a new MPS-VIII, the default parameters are 9600 bps,
8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. The number of data bits is fixed at 8,
which is required for proper communication with the MPS-VIII.

Press Enter to activate your selection. The selections you make are placed in
parentheses to indicate that they are current or active. After you have defined
which PC port you are using, and have set any necessary serial communication
parameters, press Esc. You are returned to the Main Menu.

16

MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

4.4 The Main Menu

The Multiport Spooler VIII’s main menu, shown below, lists the functions
involved in configuration.

Special Keys:

F1 Displays Help information

Enter Activates the option highlighted in reverse-video.

Up and down Move to the desired option.
arrow keys

To select an option from the main menu, use the up [↑] and down [↓] arrow
keys to move the reverse-video bar over the desired function, or type the first
letter of the function name. Then press Enter.

The following sections describe each of the options you can select at the

main menu.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration

4.5 Loading a Configuration

To modify a configuration, whether it is the default configuration or a custom
one, you must first load (retrieve) it. When you select Load configuration at
the main menu, a screen appears and asks you to select the current
configuration (the one that is active in the MPS-VIII) or a configuration
stored in a file on disk.

• To modify the current Multiport Spooler VIII configuration, which you
must do if you are configuring the MPS-VIII for the first time, select
Configuration from Current MPS-VIII.

• To modify a configuration from a file, select Configuration from the

Disk File.

4.5.1 THEC

ONFIGURATIONPASSWORD

Whenever you load the current Multiport Spooler VIII configuration, a screen
appears and asks you to enter the configuration password. If you are loading
the default Multiport Spooler VIII configuration for the first time, there is no
password. You need only press Enter. (You can change the configuration
password by selecting Modify password at the main menu. If you have
forgotten the password, refer to the entry for “Lost Configuration Password”
in Section 8.1.)

4.5.2 THEN

AME OF THECONFIGURATIONFILE

If you are loading a configuration file from disk, you are prompted for the
configuration file’s name. You can use the Backspace key to erase the default
name NONAME. You must type in the full pathname of a disk-stored config­uration file. Press Enter, and the configuration file is loaded. You are not
prompted for a password in this instance.

4.5.3 O

THERCONSIDERATIONS

If a transmission error occurs when you are loading a configuration, an error
message is displayed and the configuration is not loaded. Correct the error
and restart from the Load configuration menu option.

After the configuration is loaded, you return to the main menu with the

MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII port configuration option highlighted.

18

MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

4.6 Multiport Spooler VIII Port Configuration

When you select MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII port configuration from the
main menu, the port-menu screen shown below appears. At this screen you
can choose individual MPS-VIII ports to configure on separate screens. The
port-menu screen provides some information about the ports, such as the
port’s type and the direction of its communication. To make any changes
to a port’s configuration, however, you need to select the port and make
the changes on the corresponding screen.

Select the desired port. Press Enter and that port’s configuration screen
appears. There are four types of port-configuration screen, one for each
of the following:

• Serial bidirectional ports,

• Serial output ports,

• Parallel input ports, and

• Parallel output ports.

Examples of each type are shown on the following pages. The fields
in the port-configuration screens are described in Section 4.7.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration

4.6.1 C

ONFIGURATIONSCREEN FORSERIALBIDIRECTIONALPORTS

4.6.2 C

ONFIGURATION

S

CREEN FORSERIALOUTPUTPORTS

20

MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

4.6.3 C

ONFIGURATIONSCREEN FORPARALLELINPUTPORTS

4.6.4 C

ONFIGURATION

S

CREEN FORPARALLELOUTPUTPORTS

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration

4.7 Choosing and Changing Port Parameters

Using the port-configuration screens on the previous pages, you can
configure any of the Multiport Spooler VIII’s ports, including the default
output ports (numbers 4, 8, and 12), to meet your needs. After selecting a
particular port, just select the parameter and change the value to the one
you prefer.

Not every parameter applies to every port. For example, serial
communication parameters (data bits, parity, etc.) apply only to serial ports.
When a parameter does not apply to a port, dashes (- - - - - ) appear in its field.

To position the highlight bar on the parameter you wish to modify, use the
up (↑), down (↓), left (←), and right (→) arrow keys, or type the first letter of
the parameter. If several parameters start with the same letter, press the letter
key until the highlight bar reaches the desired parameter. To select that
parameter, press Enter. The cursor positions itself in the value column to the
right of the parameter’s name. If the value is erased and the field is in reverse
video, type the new value and press Enter. If the value flashes, use the up and
down arrow keys to toggle between the available choices. In either case, press
Enter to confirm your entry.

The various port configuration parameters and a summary of each one’s
purpose is listed on the following page. A detailed explanation of each
parameter follows.

22

MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)

4.7.1 S

UMMARY OFPORT-CONFIGURATIONPARAMETERS

Name Enter port name

Type Set port direction

Speed Set data rate

Data Bit Set number of data bits

Stop Bit Set number of stop bits

Parity Set type of parity

Handshake Set type of flow control

Time-Out Set length of timeouts

Log Permit/deny reserving peripherals

Pause Set pause between each job

Allocated Memory Assign memory to a given port

Character [X-on] Define “Continue” flow-control character

Character [X-off] Define “Stop” flow-control character

Form Feed Activate/deactivate automatic form feed

Broadcast Activate/deactivate sending jobs to all selected

output ports

Selected Output Designate output port for input port

Return Message Activate/deactivate message/command

acknowledgement

Header Option Define and activate/deactivate header

Restriction Permit/deny access by input port to output port