Comtrol DeviceMaster NS-Link User Manual

NS-Link

Device Driver User Guide

Windows 8/8.1

Windows Server 2012

Windows 7

Windows Server 2008

Windows Vista

Windows Server 2003

Windows XP

Trademark Notices

Document Part Number: 2000595 Rev A

Comtrol, DeviceMaster, RocketModem, and RocketPort, and NS-Link are trademarks of Comtrol Corporation.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.

Seventh Edition, July 1, 2014
Copyright © 2001-2014. Comtrol Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.

Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or warranties with regard to the contents of this document or
to the suitability of the Comtrol product for any particular purpose. Specifications subject to change without
notice. Some software or features may not be available at the time of publication. Contact your reseller for
current product information.

Table of Contents

Overview...................................................................................................................................5

When to Use the DeviceMaster NS-Link Device Driver ....................................................................... 5

Comtrol Drivers Management Console .................................................................................................... 5

Supported Operating Systems.................................................................................................................... 5

Products Supported ...................................................................................................................................... 6

Conventions .................................................................................................................................................... 6

Downloading the Latest Software and User Guides ............................................................................. 7

PortVision DX Overview .............................................................................................................................. 7

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console .....................................9

Initial Installation Overview ...................................................................................................................... 9

Install the Hardware..................................................................................................................................... 9

Install PortVision DX.................................................................................................................................. 10

Program the IP Address (Network Information)................................................................................. 11

Check the SocketServer Version ............................................................................................................. 13

Uploading SocketServer ............................................................................................................................ 14

NS-Link Device Driver Installation .................................................................................15

Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 15

Installation Setup Wizard.......................................................................................................................... 15

Checking the Device Driver Version ...................................................................................................... 20

Updating the Driver.................................................................................................................................... 21

Adding a DeviceMaster (Existing Installation) .................................................................................... 25

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration.............................................................................27

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration Considerations ...................................................................... 27

IP or MAC Addressing Issues .................................................................................................................. 27

NS-Link Device Driver Features ............................................................................................................. 28

Using the Port Sharing Feature .............................................................................................................. 28

Using the Comtrol Drivers Management Console ............................................................................... 29

Accessing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console ............................................................................ 29

Displaying All Installed Devices .............................................................................................................. 29

Collapsing the View .................................................................................................................................. 30

How to Configure Device Properties........................................................................................................ 30

Customizing the Device Name ................................................................................................................. 31

Customizing the COM Port Name ........................................................................................................... 31

How to Configure COM Port Properties.................................................................................................. 32

How to Save Changes ............................................................................................................................... 33

Associating the MAC Address ................................................................................................................... 34

Same Network Segment ........................................................................................................................... 34

Different Physical Segment...................................................................................................................... 35

Using IP Mode and Enabling SSL ............................................................................................................ 36

Configuring Device Properties ................................................................................................................ 38

Configuring COM Port Properties .......................................................................................................... 41

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A 3

Table of Contents

Network Configuration in Comtrol Drivers Management Console................................................. 46

Disabling IP Mode .................................................................................................................................... 46

Changing a Static IP Address .................................................................................................................. 47

Setting Up DHCP ..................................................................................................................................... 49

Configuring DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets ......................................................................................... 50

Enabling Secure Data Mode...................................................................................................................... 51

Using Driver Configuration Files.....................................................................................53

Saving Driver Configuration Files .......................................................................................................... 53

Loading a Driver Configuration File ...................................................................................................... 54

Loading Device Configuration ........................................................................................................... 54

Loading Port Configuration ............................................................................................................... 56

Removing the DeviceMaster and Driver ........................................................................59

Removing a DeviceMaster ......................................................................................................................... 59

Removing the NS-Link Device Driver .................................................................................................... 60

Troubleshooting and Technical Support........................................................................63

How to Find Diagnostic Tools and Utilities .......................................................................................... 63

Troubleshooting Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 64

General Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................... 65

Connectivity Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 66

DeviceMaster LEDs ..................................................................................................................................... 68

Port LEDs.................................................................................................................................................. 68

Network and Device LEDs ....................................................................................................................... 68

Using the Advanced Tab ............................................................................................................................ 70

NS-Link Driver Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. 75

Using Port Monitor to Test Ports............................................................................................................. 76

Using Test Terminal.................................................................................................................................... 79

Opening Ports ........................................................................................................................................... 79

Sending and Receiving Test Data (RS-232/422 and RS-485: 4-Wire) .................................................... 80

Loopback Test (RS-232)............................................................................................................................ 81

Sending and Receiving Data (RS-485: 2-Wire) ....................................................................................... 82

How Disable/Enable the Device Driver .................................................................................................. 85

Technical Support ....................................................................................................................................... 85

Appendix A. Configuring Non-Plug and Play Devices ................................................87

Installing Non-Plug and Play Devices .................................................................................................... 87

Installing Modems .................................................................................................................................... 87

Installing Printers .................................................................................................................................... 88

4 DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Overview

This section discusses the following topics:

• When to Use the DeviceMaster NS-Link Device Driver

• Comtrol Drivers Management Console

• Supported Operating Systems

• Products Supported

• Conventions on Page 6

• Downloading the Latest Software and User Guides on Page 7

When to Use the DeviceMaster NS-Link Device Driver

Install the DeviceMaster NS-Link device driver to use DeviceMaster serial ports
as native COM ports and to set up secure COM ports. If you install the device
driver, you can also configure the ports for socket mode or serial tunneling. See

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration Considerations on Page 27 for detailed

information about the NS-Link device driver.

Comtrol Drivers Management Console

This User Guide discusses how to install and configure Comtrol device drivers
using the Installation Setup Wizard and the Comtrol Drivers Management Console
for the NS-Link device driver.

The Comtrol Drivers Management Console is accessible through the Windows
Control Panel using a dedicated shortcut created during the initial device driver
installation process. The Comtrol Drivers Management Console allows you to
browse all installed and supported Comtrol products in one place and apply any
changes quickly.

Note: This User Guide discusses the DeviceMaster, see the RocketPort EXPRESS/

INFINITY, RocketPort and RocketModem (Universal PCI) Series User
Guide for Windows for adapter specific information.

You can refer to Using the Comtrol Drivers Management Console on Page 29 for
general information about the Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

Supported Operating Systems

The Comtrol Drivers Management Console supports the following operating
systems:

• Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1

• Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003

• Windows Vista

• Windows XP

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Overview - 5

Overview

Products Supported

These are the products supported by the Comtrol Drivers Management Console:

•DeviceMaster LT

• DeviceMaster PRO

• DeviceMaster RTS

• DeviceMaster Serial Hub

• DeviceMaster 500

• RocketModem IV

• RocketPort EXPRESS

• RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE

• RocketPort INFINITY

• RocketPort Plus Universal PCI

• RocketPort Plus/422 Universal PCI

• RocketPort Universal PCI

• RocketPort Universal PCI SMPTE

Conventions

In the remainder of this User Guide, the products are referred to accordingly:

• Comtrol device unless there is model-specific information

• DeviceMaster means the DeviceMaster models listed in the previous
subsection

• RocketPort means any RocketPort model

• RocketPort EXPRESS/INFINITY means RocketPort EXPRESS, RocketPort
EXPRESS SMPTE, and RocketPort INFINITY

• RocketPort and RocketModem (Universal PCI) means RocketModem IV,
RocketPort Universal PCI, RocketPort Plus Universal PCI, RocketPort Plus/
422 Universal PCI, and RocketPort Universal PCI SMPTE

The paths in this Guide to locate DeviceMaster software and documentation point
to the DeviceMaster RTS paths on the ftp site. All supported DeviceMasters
(

Products Supported) models use the same software and documentation.

6 - Products Supported DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Downloading the Latest Software and User Guides

You can use the CD or the following table to locate the latest version of the
software and documentation.

Software Description Document

Overview

PortVision DX

Application

Configuration

Bootloader

Firmware

SocketServer

Windows 7/8/8.1
Windows Server
2012/2008/2003
Windows Vista
Windows XP

Device Driver

Install on a Windows host to program the IP
address and manage your DeviceMaster.
Refer to
for more information.

Bootloader is the operating system that runs
on the DeviceMaster hardware during the
power on phase, which then loads
SocketServer.

Update the Bootloader on your DeviceMaster,
if advised by Technical Support.

SocketServer is the name of the TCP/IP
socket web page that is integrated in the
firmware that comes pre-installed on your
DeviceMaster.

Note: Make sure you upload the latest

Install if you want COM ports (native or
secure).

PortVision DX Overview on Page 7

DeviceMaster
Installation
and
Configuration
Guide

version of SocketServer before
configuring the device driver.

(This Guide)

PortVision DX Overview

PortVision DX automatically detects Comtrol Ethernet attached products
physically attached to the local network segment so that you can configure the
network address, upload firmware, and manage the following products:

• DeviceMaster family, including:

- DeviceMaster LT

- DeviceMaster PRO

- DeviceMaster RTS

- DeviceMaster Serial Hub

- DeviceMaster UP

- DeviceMaster 500

•IO-Link Master

• RocketLinx

PortVision DX replaces PortVision Plus. PortVision Plus does not support
operating systems above Windows 7 and SocketServer versions above v9.00 or NS­Link device driver v10.xx.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Downloading the Latest Software and User Guides - 7

Overview

PortVision DX may require that you have the latest Microsoft Service pack for
your operating system:

• Windows 8/8.1

• Windows Server 2012

•Windows 7

• Windows Server 2008

•Windows Vista

• Windows Server 2003

•Windows XP

In addition to identifying Comtrol Ethernet attached products, you can use
PortVision DX to display any third-party switch and hardware that may be
connected directly to those devices. All non-Comtrol products and unmanaged
RocketLinx devices are treated as non-intelligent devices and have limited feature
support. For example, you cannot configure or update firmware on a third-party
switch.

8 - PortVision DX Overview DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

This section provides an overview for the procedures that you may need to perform
before installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console for the device driver.

This section contains the following discussions:

• Initial Installation Overview on Page 9

• Install the Hardware on Page 9

• Install PortVision DX on Page 10

• Program the IP Address (Network Information) on Page 11

• Uploading SocketServer on Page 14

Initial Installation Overview

If you have already performed the following procedures, you can skip to the next
section,

You may also refer to the DeviceMaster Installation and Configuration Guide,
which provides detailed information about the following procedures:

1. Install the hardware (below).

2. Install PortVision DX (below).

3. Program the network information using PortVision DX (Page 11).

4. Check the SocketServer version and determine whether you need to download

5. If necessary, upload the latest version of SocketServer (Page 14).

NS-Link Device Driver Installation on Page 15.

an updated version (Page 13).

Install the Hardware

If you have not done so, install the DeviceMaster:

1. Connect an Ethernet cable between the DeviceMaster and a host PC NIC or to
the same Ethernet network segment using a standard Ethernet cable. Refer to

Connectivity Requirements on Page 66 for cabling information.

2. Connect the power supply or cable to the DeviceMaster and apply power.

3. Check the DeviceMaster LEDs to verify that it is ready. Refer to DeviceMaster

LEDs on Page 68 to determine the LED status.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console - 9

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

You can save time if you only scan for
DeviceMasters.

Install PortVision DX

Use the following procedure to install PortVision DX.

1. Download PortVision DX from ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/dev_mstr/portvision_dx.

2. Execute the PortVision_DX_[version].msi file and follow the Installation
wizard.

3. Click Launch PortVision DX and Finish in the last installation screen.

4. Click Scan so that PortVision DX
locates the DeviceMaster.

PortVision DX displays the Comtrol
Ethernet attached products for
which you chose to scan. See the
PortVision DX help system detailed
information about how to use it to
tailor your view.

5. Go to the next discussion to program
the network information into the
DeviceMaster.

10 - Install PortVision DX DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

Program the IP Address (Network Information)

If you have not done so, program the IP address for your network. The following
procedure is to program a single DeviceMaster, if you want to program IP
addresses into multiple DeviceMasters, refer to the PortVision DX help system or
the

DeviceMaster Installation and Configuration Guide.

1. If necessary, start PortVision DX, Start > Programs > Comtrol > PortVision DX >
PortVision DX.

2. If the DeviceMaster that you want to program is not displayed, click Scan.

3. Right-click the DeviceMaster in the Device Tree or Device List pane for which
you want to program network information and click Properties.

Note: Optionally, you can double-click the DeviceMaster and PortVision DX

opens the Properties page.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Program the IP Address (Network Information) - 11

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

4. Optionally, enter a friendly device name in the Device Name list box. The
default name is Device and the last three pairs of digits from the MAC address.

5. Optionally, enter the DeviceMaster serial number in the event you need to
contact Comtrol.

Note: The device status from the main screen displays in the Device Status list

box.

6. Select the appropriate Detection Type for this DeviceMaster.

• REMOTE means that IP communications are used instead of MAC

communications. This is generally an indication the DeviceMaster is not on
the local Ethernet segment

• LOCAL means that the MAC communications level is used and the

DeviceMaster must be on the local segment for MAC mode to be used. An
IP address is not required but Technical support recommends using an IP
address.

7. Select the appropriate IP Mode for your installation:

• If you want to disable IP communications on the DeviceMaster, click

Disable IP.

• To use the DeviceMaster with DHCP, click DHCP IP, and make sure that

you provide the MAC address of the device to the network administrator.
Make sure that the administrator reserves the IP address, subnet mask
and gateway address of the DeviceMaster in the DHCP server.

• To program a static IP address, click Static IP and enter the appropriate

values for your site.

8. Leave the Bootloader Timeout set to the default 15.

9. Click Apply Changes and Close.

10. Go to the next subsection to check the SocketServer version.

12 - Program the IP Address (Network Information) DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Check the SocketServer Version

Check the SocketServer version installed on the DeviceMaster against the latest
SocketServer version on the ftp site.

1. If necessary, start PortVision DX: Start > Programs > Comtrol > PortVision DX >
PortVision DX.

Note: The SocketServer version displays for the DeviceMaster under the

Software Version column.

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

2. Check for the latest SocketServer version.

Note: Although these paths point to the DeviceMaster RTS subdirectory, the

software (applications, firmware, and drivers) and documentation
works on the DeviceMaster LT, DeviceMaster PRO and DeviceMaster
Serial Hub.

FTP subdirectory: ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/dev_mstr/rts/software/socketserver.

3. If necessary, download SocketServer, and then use the next subsection to
upload SocketServer. If you do not need to upload the latest version of
SocketServer, you are ready to install the device NS-Link device driver using

NS-Link Device Driver Installation on Page 15.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Check the SocketServer Version - 13

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

Uploading SocketServer

The NS-Link device driver loads the current firmware but not until the
DeviceMaster has shown that an old version of the SocketServer (older than 8.00)
or any firmware other than NS-Link Updater is running. The driver does not
upload anything unless it first connects to the default application (SocketServer)
on the DeviceMaster.

Note: If you are familiar with the NS-Link driver, you may want to review

information for

Optionally, you can upload the appropriate version of SocketServer after running
the NS-Link device driver Installation Setup Wizard.

Use the following procedure to upload the latest SocketServer version using
PortVision DX.

1. Start PortVision DX, click: Start > Programs > Comtrol > PortVision DX >
PortVision DX.

2. Right-click the DeviceMaster or DeviceMasters of which you want to upload
the latest version of SocketServer and then click Advanced > Upload Firmware.

existing customers.

3. Browse to the location where you downloaded SocketServer, highlight the file,
and click Open.

4. Click Ye s to the Upload Firmware
popup.

5. Click Ye s to the second Upload
Firmware popup.

You can click Refresh to verify that
the upload has been successfully
completed.

If the upload fails, use the PortVision
DX General tab on the Properties
screen to change the Bootloader
Timeout to 45 seconds and then repeat

Steps 2 through 5.

14 - Uploading SocketServer DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Overview

Caution

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

This section discusses the following topics:

• Overview of the driver installation procedures

• Installation Setup Wizard

• Checking the Device Driver Version

• Updating the Driver

• Adding a

If there is an NS-Link device driver already installed on your system for the
DeviceMaster, use the following discussions:

• Updating the Driver

• Adding a
DeviceMasters to the existing installation.

If you have performed the following procedures, you can skip to Installation Setup
Wizard to start NS-Link device driver installation.

You can use Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console
for procedures for these steps.

1. Install the DeviceMaster.

2. Install PortVision DX.

3. Program the network information (IP address) using PortVision DX.

4. Upload the appropriate version of SocketServer firmware.

DeviceMaster (Existing Installation) on Page 25

DeviceMaster (Existing Installation) on Page 25 to add more

on Page 15 for initial installation procedures

on Page 20

on Page 21

on Page 21 if you want to update the existing driver.

on Page 9

Installation Setup Wizard

You can use the following procedure to install the device driver and the Comtrol
Drivers Management Console, which is used to configure the driver.

1. Locate the latest driver assembly (.exe) for your product and copy it to a
location that is available to the host.

• Download the latest device driver

•The Software and Documentation CD contains all of the files for

installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. The CD also provides
download links to the Comtrol ftp site to locate the latest files.

Note: Administrative privileges are required to install device drivers on

Windows operating systems newer than Windows Server 2003.

Do not connect RS-422/485 devices until the appropriate port interface
type has been configured in the device driver. The DeviceMaster
default port setting is RS-232, except for the DeviceMaster Serial Hub.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A NS-Link Device Driver Installation - 15

for the DeviceMaster.

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

2. Execute the NS-Link device driver assembly (DeviceMaster_Windows_x.xx.exe)

3. Optionally, enter a different location to install the driver files.

and click Next to start the installation.

4. Click Install.

16 - Installation Setup Wizard DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

5. Leave the Launch DeviceMaster Driver Installation box checked and click Finish.

If you do not check this box, you can use the shortcut under the Start button at
Programs > Comtrol > DeviceMaster > DeviceMaster Driver Installation Wizard to
install the device driver.

6. Click Next to install the driver.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Installation Setup Wizard - 17

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

7. Click Install and Next.

8. Select the DeviceMaster model that you want to install.

9. Enter the number of this DeviceMaster model that you want to install and
click Ok.

10. Repeat Steps 8

and and 9 for each DeviceMaster that you want to install and

click Next

18 - Installation Setup Wizard DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

11. Click Proceed.

You may see the following popup for each port.

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

You may see this popup for each device.

12. Verify that all your selections installed and then click the Close button.

13. Click the Launch Comtrol Drivers Management Console button.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Installation Setup Wizard - 19

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

14. Return to the

15. Go to NS-Link

16. After associating the

17. Go to Configuring COM Port Properties

After driver installation and configuration, connect the serial devices to the ports.
For information about the DeviceMaster connectors, refer to the DeviceMaster

Installation and Configuration User Guide (Page 7).

Installation wizard and

click Close to exit the
wizard.

Device

Driver Configuration

on Page 27 to start NS­Link device driver
configuration.

The device driver
installation is not
complete until you have

associated the MAC
address to the
DeviceMaster.

MAC address, go to

Configuring Device
Properties on Page 38

to set up device properties (device name and starting COM port number).

on Page 41 to configure any necessary

COM port characteristics.

Checking the Device Driver Version

Use the appropriate procedure for your operating system to check the Comtrol
device driver version using the Device Manager.

1. In the Comtrol Drivers Management Console, right-click the DeviceMaster
and click Properties.

2. If necessary, click the Driver tab to view the NS-Link device driver version.

You can check this driver version against the latest driver

If necessary, you can update the device driver using the next subsection.

for your product.

20 - Checking the Device Driver Version DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Updating the Driver

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

Use the following procedure to update the DeviceMaster NS-Link device driver
after initial installation.

If you are unsure what driver version is running, see Checking the Device Driver

Version on Page 20.

1. Locate the latest NS-Link device driver assembly (Page 7) and copy it to a
location that is available to the host.

2. Close any applications that are using serial ports before the NS-Link device
driver installation.

3. Start the update by executing the .exe file.

4. Click Next to start the Installation Setup Wizard.

5. Optionally, enter a different location to install the latest NS-Link device driver
files.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Updating the Driver - 21

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

6. Click Install.

7. Leave the Launch DeviceMaster Driver Installation box checked and click Finish.

If you do not check this box, you can use the shortcut under the Start button at:
Programs > Comtrol > DeviceMaster > DeviceMaster Driver Installation Wizard.

22 - Updating the Driver DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

8. Click Next to update the driver.

9. Click Update and Next.

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

10. Click Next to update the driver.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Updating the Driver - 23

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

11. Click Proceed.

12. Click the Launch Comtrol Drivers Management Console button to configure the

13. Return to the Installation wizard and click Close.

ports or device properties.

14. If necessary, go to Configuring COM Port Properties

on Page 41 to configure

the NS-Link COM port properties

24 - Updating the Driver DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Adding a DeviceMaster (Existing Installation)

Caution

Use the following procedure to add aDeviceMaster to an existing DeviceMaster
installation.

1. Close any applications that are using serial ports before the device driver
installation.

2. Connect the DeviceMaster to your network and use PortVision DX to program
the IP address.

If you need hardware installation procedures, see Downloading the Latest

Software and User Guides on Page 7).

Do not connect RS-422/485 devices until the appropriate port interface
type has been configured in the device driver. The default port setting
is RS-232.

3. From the Start button, click Program> Comtrol> DeviceMaster> DeviceMaster
Driver Installation Wizard.

4. Click Next to start the Comtrol Driver Installation Wizard.

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

5. Click Install and Next.

6. Click Next and follow the Installation Wizard. Refer to Step 8 on Page 18, for
the remainder of the installation steps if needed.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Adding a DeviceMaster (Existing Installation) - 25

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

26 - Adding a DeviceMaster (Existing Installation) DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

If you programmed an IP address into the DeviceMaster for your network using
PortVision DX before installing the NS-Link device driver; first associate the MAC
address to the DeviceMaster and then configure the driver with the IP address
that you programming into the DeviceMaster using PortVision DX.

This section discusses the following topics:

• NS-Link Device Driver Configuration Considerations

• Using the Comtrol Drivers Management Console on Page 29

• Associating the MAC Address

• Using IP Mode and Enabling SSL

• Configuring Device Properties

• Configuring COM Port Properties

• Network Configuration in Comtrol Drivers Management Console

- Disabling IP Mode

- Changing a Static IP Address

- Setting Up DHCP

• Configuring DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets

• Enabling Secure Data Mode

on Page 46

on Page 49

on Page 34

on Page 36

on Page 38

on Page 41

on Page 46

on Page 47

on Page 50

on Page 51

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration Considerations

The following subsections discuss the NS-Link device driver features and topics
that you may want to review before driver configuration.

IP or MAC Addressing Issues

This is an overview of IP and MAC addressing issues that may affect how you
configure the DeviceMaster with a brief discussion of advantages of each method.

Note: The default IP address for the DeviceMaster is 192.168.250.250.

The IP addressing scheme (IP mode) has the following advantages:

• Uses an IEEE industry standard protocol.

• Allows you to configure systems to use ports on the DeviceMaster that are
outside of the host system’s local Ethernet segment.

Note: This IP address must be a unique reserved IP address. Do not use an

address from a dynamic address pool. If necessary, see the system
administrator for an IP address.

The MAC addressing method (MAC mode) has the following advantages:

• Simplifies implementation and ongoing support by eliminating the address
administration issues inherent in network protocols. MAC addresses are
predefined by DeviceMaster and there is no potential for an address conflict at
setup.

• It is isolated from foreign LAN segments minimizing potential security issues.

• Maximizes throughput of serial data.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A NS-Link Device Driver Configuration - 27

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

DeviceMaster

Port 1

System A

System B

Port 2

COM 5 COM 6

Port 3 Port 4

COM 5 COM 6

Ethernet Hub

Configured for System A Configured for System B

Example:

To configure two ports for System A and two ports for System B,

1. When installing

the device driver on System A, click “Not Configured” for the

2. When installing

the device driver on System B, click “Not Configured” for the

Multiple systems can use the same COM port names.

:

you could configure the drivers like this:

COM port names for Ports 3 and 4.

COM port names for Ports 1 and 2.

NS-Link Device Driver Features

Using the Port Sharing Feature

During initial installation and configuration of the NS-Link device driver, Comtrol
recommends that you associate the MAC address to the DeviceMaster. If you do
not do so, you will not be able to use the following device driver features:

• Access the Advanced

tab to review PC network or device network interface

statistics

• Program or change an IP address using through the Network Settings button

• Reboot the DeviceMaster from the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

After associating the MAC address, you can then program the DeviceMaster for IP
or DHCP usage.

You can refer to IP or MAC Addressing Issues

on Page 27 for information about

MAC addressing and IP addressing issues.

DeviceMaster ports can be shared by installing the NS-Link device driver on
multiple systems or through socket mode, or combination of both. To do so, install
the NS-Link driver on each system that you want to permit access to the serial
ports. You can share the same port with multiple systems (only one system can
have an open connection to a port at any given time) or you can set up multiple
systems to share specific ports on the device driver..

Use port sharing to configure redundant PCs or fail-over protection.

Port System A System B

Note: Most applications do not release ports, so you may not be able to use port

28 - NS-Link Device Driver Features DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

sharing across multiple systems with the same port. Also, if using port
sharing, make sure that two computers do not try to access the same port at
the same time. Only one computer can control a given port at a given time.

1 COM5 Not Configured

2 COM6 Not Configured

3 Not Configured COM5

4 Not Configured COM6

Using the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

This subsection discusses basic Comtrol Drivers Management Console operations,
such as:

• Accessing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

• Displaying All Installed Devices

• Collapsing the View

on Page 30

• How to Configure Device Properties

• Customizing the Device Name

• Customizing the COM Port Name

• How to Configure COM Port Properties

• How to Save Changes

on Page 33

See Associating the MAC Address
procedures.

on Page 29

on Page 31

on Page 34 to start DeviceMaster configuration

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

on Page 30

on Page 31

on Page 32

Accessing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

Displaying All Installed Devices

Accessing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console can be done using one of the
following methods:

• Windows Control Panel; go to your Control Panel and click on the Comtrol
Drivers Management Console.

• Shortcut; located under Start > Program Files > Comtrol > DeviceMaster >
Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

The Comtrol Drivers Management Console opens and displays all products for
which a device driver was installed.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Using the Comtrol Drivers Management Console - 29

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

Collapsing the View To collapse the view, click - in the Tree View pane to close the selected family. To

view a family or device, click the

+ to open the selected family.

How to Configure Device Properties

This overview discusses changing device properties for a product. Highlight the
device name of the product that you want to configure in the Tree View pane. Make
any necessary changes.

•Click Apply to save the changes, which saves the changes and leaves the
Comtrol Drivers Management Console open.

•Click Ok to save the changes and close the Comtrol Drivers Management
Console.

•Click Cancel to close the Comtrol Drivers Management Console without saving
the changes.

If you click a port or device name without saving the changes, the Comtrol Drivers
Management Console will prompt you to Apply, Ignore, or Cancel the changes.

For more information, see Configuring Device Properties

on Page 38.

30 - Collapsing the View DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

Customizing the Device Name

Change the default Device Name on the Device General tab by changing the name
in the User-Friendly Device Name field and saving the change.

Customizing the COM Port Name

Change the default Port Name on the Port Settings General tab by changing the
name in the User-Friendly Port Name field and saving the change.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Customizing the Device Name - 31

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

How to Configure COM Port Properties

To change a port’s properties for a product, highlight the port of the product that
you want to configure in the Tree View pane. Make any necessary changes:

•Click Apply to save the changes, which saves the changes and leaves the
Comtrol Drivers Management Console open.

•Click Ok to save the changes and close the Comtrol Drivers Management
Console.

•Click Cancel to undo the changes and close the Comtrol Drivers Management
Console.

If you click another port or device name without saving the changes, the Comtrol
Drivers Management Console will prompt you to Apply, Ignore, or Cancel the
changes.

For more information, see Configuring COM Port Properties

on Page 41.

After saving the port changes, if desired, you can click Apply These Settings to All
Ports to populate the remaining ports with these NS-Link COM properties.

32 - How to Configure COM Port Properties DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

How to Save Changes

The Comtrol Drivers Management Console indicates that changes have been made
on this screen with a red frame that identifies which device’s General tab you are
editing.

•Clicking the Apply button saves the changes on the tab and leaves the Comtrol
Drivers Management Console open for further configuration.

•Clicking the Ok button saves the changes on that tab and closes the Comtrol
Drivers Management Console.

•Clicking the Cancel button cancels the changes on that tab and closes the

Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A How to Save Changes - 33

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

Associating the MAC Address

The first step to configuring the NS-Link device driver is to associate the MAC
address of the DeviceMaster to the device driver.

You can use the method that is appropriate to your installation:

• Same Network Segment (below)

• Different Physical Segment

Although you can and should associate a MAC address on a different physical
segment, the DeviceMaster must be connected to the local network segment or
directly to a NIC on the host system for the NS-Link driver to operate

Mode.

on Page 35

in MAC

Same Network Segment

The DeviceMaster must be connected to the local network segment or directly to a
NIC on the host system to operate in MAC mode and in order for PortVision DX to
detect the MAC address, otherwise you must enter the MAC address manually.

Use the following procedure to associate a MAC address to a DeviceMaster.

1. If necessary, access the Comtrol Drivers Management Console, click Start >
Control Panel > Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

2. Highlight the Device Name of the DeviceMaster that you want to configure.

3. Select the MAC address from the drop-down list or enter the address from the
MAC address label on the DeviceMaster.

If the appropriate MAC address is not displayed in the drop-down list, then it
can be one of the following reasons:

• The DeviceMaster is not on the same network segment

• The DeviceMaster not powered on or connected to the network

• The DeviceMaster wrong model was selected during the driver installation

• Device failure

Note: If you enter the MAC address, make sure that you use the correct format:

00 C0 4E xx xx xx. A space must separate each pair of digits. The MAC
address is located on a label on the DeviceMaster.

34 - Associating the MAC Address DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

If you programmed the IP address using PortVision DX, the IP address
displays in the IP Mode text box.

4. Click Apply to program the driver with the MAC address of the DeviceMaster.

If you do not Apply the changes before leaving this screen, you will be
prompted to Apply, Ignore, or Cancel the changes.

5. Optionally, you can click the Advanced

tab and verify that the Device Status

message indicates that the DeviceMaster is active and Ok.

6. You may need to perform some of the following tasks to complete the driver
configuration process.

• Configure the DeviceMaster for IP Mode, see Using IP Mode and Enabling

SSL on Page 36

• Configure device properties, see Configuring Device Properties

• Configure COM port properties, see Configuring COM Port Properties

on Page 38.

on

Page 41.

• Configure any of the DeviceMaster ports as sockets, see Configuring

DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets on Page 50.

Different Physical Segment

Use the following procedure to associate a MAC address to a DeviceMaster that is
not on the same physical network segment or not connected directly to the NIC.

1. If necessary, start the Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

2. Highlight the Device Name of the DeviceMaster that you want to configure.

3. Enter the MAC address in the MAC Mode text box.

Note: When you enter the MAC address, make sure that you use the correct

format: 00 C0 4E xx xx xx. A space must separate each pair of digits.

A MAC address is located on a label on the DeviceMaster or use
PortVision DX to scan the network, which will display the MAC
address.

4. Click Apply to program the driver with the MAC address of the DeviceMaster
or Ok to save the change and close the Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Different Physical Segment - 35

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

If you do not Apply the changes, you will be prompted to Apply, Ignore, or
Cancel the changes.

5. You may need to perform some of the following tasks to complete the driver
configuration process.

• You can now configure the DeviceMaster to operate in IP Mode using the

next subsection.

• Configure device properties, see Configuring Device Properties

• Configure COM port properties, see Configuring COM Port Properties

Page 41.

• Configure any of the DeviceMaster ports as sockets, see Configuring

DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets on Page 50.

Using IP Mode and Enabling SSL

After associating the DeviceMaster with the MAC address you can set the
DeviceMaster to run in IP Mode.

1. First associate a MAC address (Page 34) to the DeviceMaster.

2. Highlight the DeviceMaster.

3. If the DeviceMaster is not on the same network segment, enter the IP address
of the DeviceMaster in the IP Mode text box.

If the DeviceMaster is on the same network segment, the driver populates the
IP Mode text box with the DeviceMaster IP address.

4. Click the IP Mode radio button.

on Page 38.

on

5. Optionally, click Enable SSL Mode or go to Step 8

.

The DeviceMaster must be configured using IP Mode before you can Enable
SSL Mode. If SSL Mode is enabled, TCP connections that carry data to/from
the serial ports are encrypted using SSL or TLS security protocols. This
includes the following:

• TCP connections to the per-serial-port TCP ports (default is 8000, 8001,

8002, ...) are encrypted using SSL/TLS.

36 - Using IP Mode and Enabling SSL DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

• TCP connections to TCP port 4606 on which the DeviceMaster implements

the Comtrol proprietary serial driver protocol are encrypted using SSL/
TLS.

• Since SSL/TLS can not be used for either UDP data streams or for the

Comtrol proprietary MAC mode Ethernet driver protocol, both UDP and
MAC mode serial data transport features are disabled.

In addition to encrypting the data streams, it is possible to configure the
DeviceMaster so that only authorized client applications can connect using
SSL/TLS.

For this option to function, you must also Enable Secure Data Mode

in the NS-

Link web page.

6. If you are using a server certificate, click the Server Certificate check box and
enter the name in the Server Certificate text box.

This is the RSA identity certificate that the DeviceMaster uses during SSL/
TLS handshaking to identify itself. It is used most frequently by SSL server
code in the DeviceMaster when clients open connections to the DeviceMaster's
secure web server or other secure TCP ports.

If a DeviceMaster serial port configuration is set up to open (as a client) a TCP
connection to another server device, the DeviceMaster also uses this certificate
to identify itself as an SSL client, if requested by the server.

7. If you are using a client certificate, click the drop list and browse to the
appropriate client certificate file.

When configured with a CA certificate, the DeviceMaster requires all SSL/TLS
clients to present an RSA identity certificate that has been signed by the
configured CA certificate. As shipped, the DeviceMaster is not configured with
a CA certificate and all SSL/TLS clients are allowed.

If desired, controlled access to SSL/TLS protected features can be configured
by uploading a client authentication certificate to the DeviceMaster.

When a CA certificate is uploaded, the DeviceMaster only allows SSL/TLS
connections from client applications that provide to the DeviceMaster an
identity certificate that has been signed by the CA certificate that was
uploaded to the DeviceMaster.

This uploaded CA certificate that is used to validate a client's identity is
sometimes referred to as a trusted root certificate, a trusted authority
certificate, or a trusted CA certificate. This CA certificate might be that of a
trusted commercial certificate authority or it may be a privately generated
certificate that an organization creates internally to provide a mechanism to
control access to resources that are protected by the SSL/TLS protocols.

To control access to the DeviceMaster's SSL/TLS protected resources you
should create your own custom CA certificate and then configure authorized
client applications with identity certificates signed by the custom CA
certificate.

8. Click Apply or Ok to save the change and close the Comtrol Drivers

Management Console

9. You may need to perform some of the following tasks to complete the
configuration process.

• Configure device properties, see Configuring Device Properties

• Configure COM port properties, see Configuring COM Port Properties

on Page 38.

on

Page 41.

• Configure any of the DeviceMaster ports as sockets, see Configuring

DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets on Page 50.

•Enable Secure Data Mode in the NS-Link web page, see Enabling Secure

Data Mode on Page 51.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Using IP Mode and Enabling SSL - 37

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

Configuring Device Properties

Use the following procedure to change device settings on a DeviceMaster.

1. Open Comtrol Drivers Management Console (Accessing the Comtrol Drivers

Management Console on Page 29).

2. Highlight the DeviceMaster

device name that you want to configure.

3. If desired, change the User-Friendly Device Name.

4. Optionally, set a different Keep Alive Timeout

(Page 39) period. You can set the
amount of time in seconds that this DeviceMaster waits until it closes this
connection and frees all the ports associated with it.

Note: This value may be set to less than 5 seconds, however the DeviceMaster

may not operate at any value less than 5. A recommended value to begin
experimentation with is 10.

5. Optionally, set the TCP Timeout Multiplier

(Page 40) value.

Note: This value should not be modified unless the network connection to the

DeviceMaster is very slow, such as, if a satellite uplink connection is
involved. It is recommended that a value over 3 never be used.

6. Optionally, click a different Scan Rate (ms)

(Page 40).

7. Optionally, click Verbose Event Log if you want to log additional DeviceMaster
information into the event log.

8. After making your changes, click Apply if you have additional configuration
procedures or click Ok if you have completed configuring your Comtrol devices.

Note: If you do not Apply the changes, you will be prompted to Apply, Ignore, or

Cancel the changes.

The following table provides detailed information about Device General tab options
for the DeviceMaster.

38 - Configuring Device Properties DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Device General Tab Description

This is the default name assigned by the driver and it cannot be

Device Name

changed. You can use the User-Friendly Device Name field to provide
custom device names for your installation.

User-Friendly Device Name

Use this field to enter a more descriptive name. The name that you
assign is not saved until you click Apply or OK.

Use this option to set the amount of time in seconds that this
DeviceMaster waits until it closed this connection and frees all the
ports associated with it. The Keep Alive feature works in the
following way.

During normal operation the driver periodically sends a connection
check to the DeviceMaster, and the DeviceMaster then returns a
response. There are two timers: one in the driver, and one in the
DeviceMaster. These timers are reset when a connection check
signal is received. If a connection is broken, that is, a check is not
received, the data is stored in the computer and/or the
DeviceMaster. Depending on the amount of time that has expired
since the connection was lost, the following happens:

• When the computer loses its connection to the DeviceMaster but
re-establishes it before the time-out period expires, any data
transmitted during this period is queued and sent when the
connection resumes.

• When the computer loses its connection to the DeviceMaster
and does not re-establish it before the time-out period expires;
the driver then purges any pending I/O data for ports on that

Keep Alive Timeout (seconds)

Default = 120 seconds

connection and returns all pending, and future I/O commands,
with the exception of the Close command, to the application with
an error indicating the disconnected status.

This is similar to the processing which occurs when the
computer receives a notification from the DeviceMaster that a
port release request was processed on a port it owns with the
exception that a different status is returned. When the
connection is re-established, the computer will attempt to re­acquire the ports that were open when the connection was lost.
If the attempt is successful, normal operations resume for the
port. If any port fails to be acquired, then the computer will
continue to fail all further I/O operations, with the exception of a
Close request. When the Close request is received, the port can
then be re-opened.

• If the computer loses its connection and the time period expires,
the DeviceMaster places the port into a state that another
computer can establish a connection, locking out the original
driver when a connection is made. The driver will respond to all
I/O commands, with the exception of the Close command, with
an error indicating the disconnected status. If the port is still
available when the driver re-establishes a connection, then it
will claim the port and allow I/O to resume.

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Configuring Device Properties - 39

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

Device General Tab Description

TCP Timeout Multiplier

Default = 1ms

Scan Rate (ms)]

Default = 10ms

Verbose Event Log

Default = Disabled

Save Configuration

Load Configuration

Ok

Cancel Cancels any changes made on this page.

Apply

Defaults Resets this screen to its default values.

Use the TCP Timeout Multiplier option to modify two timers used in
TCP/IP socket communications.

The first identifies how long the TCP protocol should wait before
timing out an attempt to open a TCP channel. The TCP Timeout
Multiplier default is 1 and the timer defaults to 500 ms when the
TCP/IP address method is used to communicate with a device.

If the TCP Timeout Multiplier is set to 2, the timer would now be
1000 ms, or 1 sec. If the multiplier is 4, the new time-out period
would be 2000 ms, or 2 sec.

The second timer defines how long the driver will wait for a
response from the DeviceMaster when a forced release of a port is
requested. This timer defaults to 8 seconds.

If the TCP Timeout Multiplier is changed to 2, the timer would now
be 16 seconds. If the multiplier is 4, the new time-out period would
be 32 seconds.

Typically, you should leave the scan rate set to the default value (10
ms) for most applications. To adjust latency for time-critical
applications, select a longer or shorter interval from the droplist, or
type in the rate (2 to 50). If a value larger than 50 is entered, the
maximum of 50 is implemented.

Note: The faster the scan rate (lower number), the higher the load

on the system processor.

Selecting this option causes detailed messages to be sent to the
operating system Event Log. This added information can be useful
when debugging communications and configuration problems

Click Save Configuration

to save the Device Settings for use on
another similar Comtrol device or to archive a copy of your
environments settings.

Click to Load Configuration

to load the Device Settings previously

saved using the Save Configuration feature.

Note: Configuration files must be for the same model with the same

port density. For example, you cannot load a DeviceMaster
PRO configuration file onto a DeviceMaster RTS or a
configuration file for a 32-port DeviceMaster RTS onto a 4­port DeviceMaster RTS.

Click Ok to save the changes made on this page and close the
Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

Click Apply to save the settings on this page. If you do not click

Apply before leaving this page, you will be prompted to Apply or
Cancel the changes.

40 - Configuring Device Properties DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Configuring COM Port Properties

Caution

This section discusses COM port configuration procedures for DeviceMaster NS­Link ports. If you want to change the starting NS-Link COM port number on the
DeviceMaster, see Configuring Device Properties

If your application does not set COM port properties, use the Device Manager to
access Ports (COM & LPT) to change the port parameters. If the application sets
COM port properties, those settings take precedence over Windows COM port
settings. The exception to this guideline is if you use the Override and Lock Baud
Rate to option.

Use the following procedure to change NS-Link COM port settings on a

DeviceMaster

Do not connect RS-422/485 devices until the appropriate port interface
type has been configured in the driver. The driver default port setting
is RS-232.

1. Open Comtrol Drivers Management Console (Page 29

2. Highlight the appropriate DeviceMaster.

3. Highlight the first port you want to configure.

port or ports.

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

on Page 38.

).

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Configuring COM Port Properties - 41

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

4. Select the appropriate communications mode.

Note: The DeviceMaster Serial Hub only supports RS-232. If you select RS-

422 or RS-485 on the DeviceMaster LT, you may want to configure
Terminator Resistor options. If so, click the Terminator Resistor Options
button.

Make the appropriate selections to reflect your configuration.

5. Enable the features that you require for your environment.

Note: You can use the help system or refer to the following table

information about each option.

for

42 - Configuring COM Port Properties DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

6. Optionally, click the RTS Toggle Options button:

• If your communications application does not toggle FTS when transmitting
in RS-485 mode.

• If you are using an
external RS-232 to
RS-485 converter,
which is attached to
a port that is
configured for RS-

232.

a. Click the

appropriate options
for your
environment.

b. Click OK to save

the changes and
return to the port
General tab.

7. If desired, click the Clone check box to set all of the ports on this Comtrol
device to these characteristics.

8. Optionally, change the User-Friendly Port Name.

9. If desired, select a different COM Name (NS-Link COM port number). The
drop-down list displays (in use) next to COM port numbers that are already in
use in this system. Do not duplicate COM port numbers as this will cause the
ports to not function.

10. Click Apply to save these changes.

Note: If you selected RS-422 mode, make sure that there is not a device

attached to the port and click Ok.

11. Highlight the next port that you want to configure and perform Steps 4
through 10.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Configuring COM Port Properties - 43

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

The following table provides information about the options on the port General tab.

Port Settings

General Tab

RS Mode

Default = RS-232

Override and Lock
Baud Rate to

Default = None

RTS Toggle Options

Description

Use this drop-down list to select the communications mode for the serial
device that you will be connecting to this port.

•RS-232

• RS-422

• RS-485 Mode provides these choices, depending on the model.

Note: The DeviceMaster LT and DeviceMaster RTS 2-port models

support RS-485 4-wire, Slave or Master. The DeviceMaster PRO
and other DeviceMaster RTS models only support RS-485 2-wire.

- RS-485 2-wire (half-duplex) supports transmit and receive data. When
data is transmitted, the Transmit Enable signal is activated, and the
transmit receive device switches from receive to transmit
automatically.

- RS-485 4-wire Master (full-duplex master) supports transmit and
receive data, which means both signals are always active. The
DeviceMaster is enabled by the Transmit Enable signal. This mode is
the same as RS-422.

- RS-485 4-wire Slave (full-duplex slave) supports transmit and receive
data. When data is transmitted, the Transmit Enable signal is
activated, the transmit device goes active and starts sending data.
When the data is not being sent, the transmit device is inactive. The
receive device is always active. If you click RS-485, you may need to
change settings in the RTS Toggle Options

screen.

Note: The DeviceMaster Serial Hub default value is RS-422, the default

value is RS-232 for other DeviceMasters.

This option allows you to lock selected ports.

You can select a value from the drop-down list or enter an appropriate value
from the following standard baud rates: 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 3600,
4800, 7200, 9600, 14400, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 230400, 460800, or

921600.

After locking a baud rate, no matter what baud rate is selected in a host
application, the actual rate used is the rate specified here.

This button opens the RTS Toggle Options popup, which provides the
following features:

• Override and Lock to RS-485 Toggle Mode

Use the Override and Lock to RTS Toggle Mode option to lock the port in
RTS (Request to Send) toggle mode, then set the mode (low or high) as
desired for RS-485 mode.

• RS-485 Toggle RTS Low

Use the RTS Toggle RTS Low option to toggle the RTS output signal low
during data transmission, which may be needed for relay devices for RS-

485.

If the option box is not checked, RTS is toggled high (asserted) during
data transmission for RS-485 mode.

• Defaults

Clicking the Defaults button returns all the values in the RTS Toggle
Options popup to their default state:

- Override and Lock to RTS Toggle Mode = Disabled

- RTS Toggle RTS Low = Disabled

44 - Configuring COM Port Properties DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

Port Settings

General Tab

Terminator Resistor
Options

(DeviceMaster LT,
Only)

Transmit Data Timeout
Port Close

Default = 0

Map 2 Stop Bits to 1

Default = Disabled

Wait on Physical
Transmission before
Completing Write

Default = Disabled

Emulate Modem
Hardware RING Signal

Default = Disabled

Block PnP search for
attached serial device

Default = Disabled

Allow Parity Conflict
(DeviceMaster 1-Port
only)

Default = Disabled

Clone: Apply all the
settings to all ports

Default = Disabled

User-Friendly Port
Name

Description

Optionally, click the Terminator Resistor button to enable termination
resistors.

To ensure the best signal integrity on a long distance high-speed RS-422 or
RS-485 network, sometimes it is required to place a 120
resistor between each of the transmit differential pair or receive differential
pair.

Signal reflection is reduced and a reliable communication is ensured by
placing the 120
software controllable 120
every port in RS-422 and RS-485 mode. Use the Termination Resistor
Options popup to place 120
shown below:

• RS-422 Mode

- Between TxD+ and TxD- (Pins 5 and 7)

- Between RxD+ and RxD- (Pins 4 and 2)

• RS-485 Mode – Between TxD/RxD+ and TxD/RxD- (Pins 5 and 7)

This option allows you to select the length of time to wait for data to clear the
transmit buffer after a host application has closed the port. This is typically
used with serial devices such as printers, to give the data sufficient time to
flush through the system.

If your application is hard-coded to use two stop bits and you receive framing
errors, click this check box to map 2 stop bits to 1 bit.

Leave this check box blank to enable stop bits to pass through unchanged.

This option forces all write packets to wait until the transmit data has
physically completed the transmission before returning completion to the
host application.

The default mode (check box not clicked) is to buffer the data in the transmit
hardware buffer, and return completion as soon as the packet is in the buffer.

Click this check box to emulate the ring indicator signal.

If this box is checked and the port receives a RING signal (or an alternate
code, as defined in the AT command set for the modem), it sends an RI signal
to the communications application.

This option disables plug and play from searching for a device attached to the
serial port.

For example, data received during device discovery on a device is assumed to
be a mouse to plug and play.

Use this option to allow a parity conflict on a DeviceMaster 1-port. It may be
necessary to use this option after you have determined that the cabling is
correct and you are able to transmit data but not receive proper data.

If this check box is not clicked, changes apply to the selected port only.

If this check box is clicked, changes apply to all ports on this board.

You can enter a custom COM port name to identify this DeviceMaster in the
Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

Ω termination resistor. The DeviceMaster LT provides

Ω termination resistor for each differential pair on

Ω termination resistors between the signals

Ω termination

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Configuring COM Port Properties - 45

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

Port Settings

General Tab

Description

The COM Name drop list allows you to renumber this COM port. If you see a
COM port number followed by (in use), this means that Plug and Play sees
those COM port numbers in use by another device.

COM Name

If you renumber this COM port and click the Renumber All Subsequent Ports
Relative to The Port option, the device driver will renumber all of the ports on

the DeviceMaster, starting with the number you select in this drop list.

If you rename the port to a COM name used by another port, a dialog appears
indicating that the port is already in use.

Renumber All
Subsequent Ports
Relative to the Port

Default = Disabled

Defaults

Default = Disabled

Use the Renumber All Subsequent Ports Relative to This Port option to renumber
all subsequent ports on the DeviceMaster relative to the port displayed in the
COM name drop list.

Click the Defaults button to return to the driver default values.

Network Configuration in Comtrol Drivers Management Console

Comtrol recommends using PortVision DX to configure network settings.

Optionally, you can use the Comtrol Drivers Management Console to:

• Disable IP communications.

• Change the IP address (if the MAC address has been associated to the
DeviceMaster), see Changing a Static IP Address

• Configure the DeviceMaster for use with DHCP, see Setting Up DHCP

49.

on Page 47.

on Page

Disabling IP Mode Use this procedure if you want to disable IP communications.

1. If necessary, access the Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

Note: The DeviceMaster must be operational in MAC mode on a local network

segment or connected directly to the PC (Associating the MAC Address
on Page 34).

2. Make sure that the MAC Mode radio button has been selected.

3. Highlight the Device Name of the
DeviceMaster that you want to
configure.

4. Click the Network Settings button.

5. Click the Modify button.

6. Click Disable IP.

46 - Network Configuration in Comtrol Drivers Management Console DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

You can use the Disable IP option if you are not using IP addressing (DHCP or
static) and operating the DeviceMaster in MAC mode.

7. Click the Apply Changes button.

8. Click Ye s to the Warning popup.

After the DeviceMaster is rebooted,
the following occurs:

• In PortVision DX, the IP address
displays as 0.0.0.0.

•In the Comtrol Drivers
Management Console:

- The IP address in the Network Settings popup displays 255.255.255.255.

- If the DeviceMaster had been set to IP Mode, the previously programmed

IP address will appear in the IP Mode text box. You can delete the IP
address from the IP Mode text box and click Apply to clear the IP address
from the text box.

9. Click Close to return to the Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

After disabling IP communications, you may need to do the following:

• Configure device properties, see Configuring Device Properties

on Page 38.

• Configure COM port properties, see Configuring COM Port Properties

Page 41.

• Configure any of the DeviceMaster ports as sockets, see Configuring

DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets on Page 50.

on

Changing a Static IP Address

Typically, PortVision DX is used to program the IP address into the DeviceMaster
during initial configuration. After associating the DeviceMaster with the MAC
address you can change the IP address using the Comtrol Drivers Management
Console.

1. Before programming an IP address it is critical that the DeviceMaster be

operational

address (Associating the MAC Address

(the PWR or Status LED is lit) when configured for the MAC

on Page 34).

Note: If the DeviceMaster is NOT operational, do NOT attempt to program or

use an IP address with the DeviceMaster.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Changing a Static IP Address - 47

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

2. Highlight the Device Name of the
DeviceMaster that you want to
configure.

3. Click the Network Settings button.

4. Click the Modify button.

5. Click Static IP.

6. Enter static IP address information in
the fields below.

a. IP Address: Enter a valid IP address

b. Mask: The subnet mask is a 32-bit value (255.x.x.x) that enables IP

c. Gateway: The default gateway is a TCP/IP configuration item that is the IP

7. Click Apply Changes to begin
programming the DeviceMaster.

8. Click Ye s to the WARNING popup
message.

for your network. The IP Address
field is the IP address programmed
into the DeviceMaster after
applying the changes and rebooting
the DeviceMaster. See your network
administrator for a valid IP address.

packets to distinguish the network ID and host ID portions of the IP
address that filters traffic.

address of a directly reachable IP router.

9. Click Ye s to the next WARNING popup
message about rebooting the
DeviceMaster.

If you do not reboot the DeviceMaster at this time, the IP address is not
implemented on the DeviceMaster. Failure to reboot at this time can cause
network communication problems later, if the IP address is not programmed
into the DeviceMaster. Comtrol support recommends rebooting the
DeviceMaster at this point.

10. Click Close to return to the Device General tab.

11. Optionally, you can click the Advanced

tab and verify that the Device Status

message indicates that the Device is active and Ok.

12. After programming the IP address, you may need to do the following:

• Configure device properties, see Configuring Device Properties

on Page 38.

• Configure COM port properties, see Configuring COM Port Properties

Page 41.

• Configure any of the DeviceMaster ports as sockets, see Configuring

DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets on Page 50.

on

48 - Changing a Static IP Address DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

Setting Up DHCP After associating the DeviceMaster with the MAC address you can configure the

driver to work using DHCP.

1. Before programming an IP address it is critical that the DeviceMaster be

operational

(the PWR or Status LED is lit) when configured for the MAC

address (Associating the MAC Address on Page 34).

Note: If the DeviceMaster is NOT operational, do NOT attempt to program or

use an IP address with the DeviceMaster.

2. Highlight the Device Name of the DeviceMaster that you want to configure.

3. Click the IP Mode radio button.

4. Click the Network Settings button.

5. Click the Modify button.

6. Click DHCP IP. This option allows
DHCP to assign the IP address. Make
sure that you provide the MAC address
of the DeviceMaster for the network
administrator to assign a static IP
address from the pool. The DHCP
server should assign the IP address,
mask, and IP gateway.

7. Click Apply Changes.

8. Click Ye s to the WARNING popup
message.

9. Click Ye s to the next WARNING popup
message.

If you do not reboot the DeviceMaster at this
time, the IP address is not implemented on
the DeviceMaster. Failure to reboot at this
time can cause network communication
problems. Comtrol support recommends
resetting the DeviceMaster.

After the DeviceMaster reboots, the following occurs:

•The Comtrol Drivers Management Console displays the IP address (0.0.0.0)

and subnet mask (255.255.0.0) values in the Network Settings popup.

• PortVision DX will display the IP address assigned by DHCP.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Setting Up DHCP - 49

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

10. Click Close to return to the Device General tab.

11. Optionally, you can click the Advanced
message indicates that the Device is active and Ok.

12. After programming the IP address, you may need to do the following:

• Configure device properties, see Configuring Device Properties

• Configure COM port properties, see Configuring COM Port Properties

Page 41.

• Configure any of the DeviceMaster ports as sockets, see Configuring

DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets on Page 50.

Configuring DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets

DeviceMaster ports can also be configured as sockets. To configure sockets, use the
following procedure:

1. Use one of these methods to open the socket configuration web interface
(SocketServer).

• In PortVision DX, right-click the DeviceMaster and click Webpage.

• Enter the IP address of the DeviceMaster in your web browser URL field or

highlight the DeviceMaster in PortVision DX and click We b Man a ger.

2. Click the port number that you want to configure as a socket.

tab and verify that the Device Status

on Page 38.

on

See the web page help system, if you need information about configuring sockets
or serial tunneling. Optionally, you can refer to the DeviceMaster

Installation and

Configuration Guide.

The web page help is also available separately if you want a local copy on your
host system. The help files are on the Software and Documentation CD and the
latest version can be downloaded at: ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/dev_mstr/rts/software/

SocketServer/help/ssvr_help.zip.

50 - Configuring DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Enabling Secure Data Mode

In addition to enabling SSL mode in the driver, you must Enable Secure Data Mode
in the NS-Link web page. Use the following procedure to implement the Enable
Secure Data Mode option.

1. Access the NS-Link web page using one of these methods:

• Open your web browser, enter the IP address, and click enter.

• Right-click the DeviceMaster in the Device Tree or Device List pane in

PortVision DX and click Webpage.

2. Click the Security tab.

3. Click Enable Secure Data Mode and Save.

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

4. Configure your security key and certificate and click Set.

Click the Help button if you need information about key and certificate
management.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Enabling Secure Data Mode - 51

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

52 - Enabling Secure Data Mode DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Using Driver Configuration Files

The Comtrol Drivers Management Console supports saving device driver
configuration files, which provides:

• Back-up for existing driver configuration settings

• Ability to configure multiple of the same devices with the same configuration
parameters

• Save the driver configuration settings because you need to remove a driver
version to install a new driver version and you want to reload the driver
configuration settings into the new driver

Note: Configuration files must be for the same model with the same port density.

Configuration files are saved with a .DCF extension.

Saving Driver Configuration Files

Use the following procedure to create and save a configuration file.

1. After configuring the device and ports, click Save Configuration.

For example, you cannot load a DeviceMaster PRO configuration file onto a
DeviceMaster RTS or a configuration file for a 32-port DeviceMaster RTS
onto a 4-port DeviceMaster RTS.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Using Driver Configuration Files - 53

Using Driver Configuration Files

2. Optionally, change the default file name and click Save.

Loading a Driver Configuration File

You must have previously saved a configuration file before you can load a
configuration file.

The driver configuration file uploads in portions:

• If you highlight a device and click Load Configuration and Apply for the device-

level configuration parameters to reload on the device.

• To load port-level
and click Load Configuration and Apply. You must upload each port's
configuration parameters separately.

configuration parameters, you must highlight a single port

Loading Device Configuration

Use the following procedure to load the configuration file for device-level
information for your device.

1. If necessary, open the Comtrol Drivers Management Console using one of these
methods:

• Windows Control Panel; go to your Control Panel and click on the

Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

• Shortcut; located under Start > Program Files > Comtrol > Product_Name >

Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

2. Depending on your operating system, you may need to click Ye s to the Do you
want to allow the following program to make changes to this computer? User
Account Control message.

54 - Loading a Driver Configuration File DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Using Driver Configuration Files

3. In the left pane, highlight the device for which you want to load the device­level settings from the configuration file.

4. Click Load Configuration.

5. Browse to the location of the configuration file that you want to load.

6. Highlight the configuration
file and click Open. The
configuration file loads in a
few moments.

7. Make the appropriate
choice for your situation:

•Click No to the

ComtrolApplet message,
if you are using the file
to set up multiple
devices with the same
device-level settings.

•Click Ye s to the

ComtrolApplet message,
if you are using the file
to restore a specific
device. For example,
you needed to remove and then re-install the DeviceMaster NS-Link device
driver.

8. Click Apply so that the configuration is saved on the device.

9. Go to the next procedure if you want to restore port settings from a
configuration file.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Loading Device Configuration - 55

Using Driver Configuration Files

Loading Port Configuration

Use the following procedure to load the configuration file for port-level settings for
your device.

Note: Device driver configuration files must be for the same model with the same

port density. For example, you cannot load a DeviceMaster PRO
configuration file onto a DeviceMaster RTS or a configuration file for a 32­port DeviceMaster RTS onto a 4-port DeviceMaster RTS.

1. If necessary, open the Comtrol Drivers Management Console using one of these
methods:

• Windows Control Panel; go to your Control Panel and click on the

Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

• Shortcut; located under Start > Program Files > Comtrol > Product_Name >

Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

2. Depending on your operating system, you may need to click Ye s to the Do you
want to allow the following program to make changes to this computer? User
Account Control message.

3. In the left pane, highlight the port for which you want to load the port-level
settings from the configuration file.

4. Click Load Configuration.

5. Browse to the location of the configuration file that you want to load.

56 - Loading Port Configuration DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Using Driver Configuration Files

6. Highlight the configuration file and click Open. The configuration file loads in
a few moments.

7. Make the appropriate choice for your situation:

•Click No to the ComtrolApplet message, if you are using the file to set up

multiple devices with the same port-level settings.

•Click Ye s to the ComtrolApplet message, if you are using the file to restore

a specific device. For example, you needed to remove and then re-install the
DeviceMaster NS-Link device driver.

8. Click Apply so that the configuration is saved on the device.

9. Repeat Steps 3

through 8 for each port that you want to restore.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Loading Port Configuration - 57

Using Driver Configuration Files

58 - Loading Port Configuration DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Removing the DeviceMaster and Driver

This section discusses:

• Removing a DeviceMaster from an installation without removing the NS-Link
device driver from your system

• Removing the

Removing a DeviceMaster

Use the following procedure to uninstall the device driver.

Note: Administrative privileges are required to remove device drivers on Windows

1. Right-click the DeviceMaster that you want to uninstall in the Tree View
pane.

2. Click Uninstall.

NS-Link Device Driver from your system

operating systems newer than Windows Server 2003.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Removing the DeviceMaster and Driver - 59

Removing the DeviceMaster and Driver

Removing the NS-Link Device Driver

Use the following procedure to remove the DeviceMaster device driver.

1. From the Start button, click the shortcut for your DeviceMaster: Programs >
Comtrol > DeviceMaster > Driver Installation Wizard.

2. Click Next to start the Comtrol Driver Installation Wizard.

3. Click Remove All and Next.

4. Click Next to remove the driver.

60 - Removing the DeviceMaster and Driver DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Removing the DeviceMaster and Driver

5. Click Proceed to continue the driver removal process.

6. Click the Reboot My Computer button or Close.

•If you click Close, make sure that you reboot the system and remove the

adapter to complete the driver removal.

•If you click Reboot My Computer, click Ok.

7. Shutdown the system and disconnect the DeviceMaster from your network.

8. If you want to totally remove the .exe driver assembly:

a. Delete any copies of the .exe driver assembly file residing on the system.

b. Delete the driver and devices using the Add > Remove Programs Control

Panel.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Removing the DeviceMaster and Driver - 61

Removing the DeviceMaster and Driver

62 - Removing the DeviceMaster and Driver DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Troubleshooting and Technical Support

This section contains troubleshooting information for your DeviceMaster and the
NS-Link device driver. You should review the following subsections before calling
Technical Support because they will request that you perform many of the
procedures or verifications before they will be able to help you diagnose a problem.

• How to Find Diagnostic Tools and Utilities

• Troubleshooting Checklist on Page 64

• General Troubleshooting

• Connectivity Requirements

• DeviceMaster LEDs

• Using the Advanced Tab

• NS-Link Driver Troubleshooting

• Using Port Monitor to Test Ports

• Using Test Terminal

• How Disable/Enable the Device Driver

• Technical Support

If you cannot diagnose the problem, you can contact Technical Support

on Page 65

on Page 66

on Page 68

on Page 70

on Page 75

on Page 76

on Page 79

on Page 85

on Page 85

on Page 85.

How to Find Diagnostic Tools and Utilities

There are several tools and utilities that Comtrol provides to diagnose serial port
problems or to monitor data.

•The Advanced tab in the Comtrol Drivers Management Console (Using the

Advanced Tab on Page 70), which may provide valuable information about the

DeviceMaster and your network, in the event that you are having problems.

• PortVision DX (Page 7) that provides the following features:

- Auto-discover and organize Comtrol Ethernet attached products on your

network.

- Remotely access, manage, and configure Comtrol Ethernet attached

products from a central console.

- Load network configuration settings onto multiple Comtrol Ethernet

attached products - quickly and easily.

- Instantly view connection status, firmware revision, and network settings

of all servers.

- Configure serial ports using TCP sockets, port communication, and

interface settings.

- Visualize each server and port with instant links to connector, power, and

serial pinout information.

- Conveniently customize and save your network view and commands for

replication across all servers.

- Includes the Test Terminal (WCom2) and Port Monitor (PMon2) programs

for easy access.

- Test Terminal can be used to troubleshoot communications on a port-by-
port basis.

- Port Monitor can check for errors, modem control, and status signals. In

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A - 63 Troubleshooting and Technical Support

Troubleshooting Checklist

Test Terminal and Port Monitor are installed and available if you install
PortVision DX. You can refer to the Port Monitor and Test Terminal User

Guide for testing procedures.

Troubleshooting Checklist

Most customer problems reported to Comtrol Technical Support are eventually
traced to cabling or network problems.

Reboot the system and reset the power on the DeviceMaster, watch the PWR or
Status light activity. See DeviceMaster LEDs
diagnostic LEDs.

• If the DeviceMaster has a power switch, turn the DeviceMaster power switch
off and on.

• If the DeviceMaster does not have a power switch, disconnect and reconnect
the power cord.

5 sec off, 3 flashes, 5 sec off, 3 flashes ... Redboot checksum failure.

5 sec off, 4 flashes, 5 sec off, 4 flashes ... SREC load failure.

5 quick flashes

10 sec on, .1 sec off, 10 sec on .1 sec off ... The default application is running.

addition, it provides you with raw byte input and output counts

on Page 68 for information about the

PWR or Status LED Description

The default application is starting
up.

The following table may help you diagnose your problem:

Issue Check

Verify that you are using the correct types of cables on the correct

Cabling?

connectors and that all cables are connected securely using the
DeviceMaster Installation and Configuration Guide (Page 7).

• Isolate the DeviceMaster from the network by connecting the
DeviceMaster directly to a NIC in a host system.

• See Connectivity Requirements

on Page 66 for network

cabling information.

Network?

• Reduce network traffic by installing a second NIC in the host
and connect directly to the DeviceMaster.

• Verify that the Ethernet hub, switch, or router and any other
network devices between the system and the DeviceMaster
are powered up and operating.

Correct MAC
address?

Verify that the hardware MAC address in NS-Link matches the
address on the DeviceMaster label. You can also use PortVision
DX to verify the MAC and IP addresses.

• Verify that the network IP address is correct. If IP addressing
is being used, the system should be able to ping the

Correct IP
address?

DeviceMaster.

• Verify that the IP address programmed into the
DeviceMaster matches the unique reserved IP configured
address assigned by the system administrator.

64 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Correct port
addressing?

Is this the
Latest Driver?

Test the Port
or Ports?

Comtrol
Drivers
Management
Console?

Enable
Verbo s e m o d e

Note: If you have a spare DeviceMaster, try replacing the DeviceMaster.

General Troubleshooting

Issue Check

If using the NS-Link device driver with an in-house application,
verify that you are addressing the port correctly. In many
applications, device names above COM9 require the prefix \\.\
in order to be recognized. For example, to reference COM20, use
\\.\COM20 as the file or port name.

See Checking the Device Driver Version

Install PortVision DX (Page 10) and use Test Terminal (Page 79).

Verify that the DeviceMaster has installed using the Comtrol
Drivers Management Console to confirm that the DeviceMaster
displays. Install the device driver, if the DeviceMaster is not
displayed.

Enable the Verbose Event Log feature on the Device General and
then reboot the system.

General Troubleshooting

on Page 20.

This table illustrates some general troubleshooting tips.

Note: Make sure that you have reviewed the Troubleshooting Checklist

General Condition Explanation/Action

Indicates that boot program has not downloaded to the
DeviceMaster.

1. If applicable, remove the NS-Link driver.

2. Make sure that you have downloaded the most
current driver from ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/dev_mstr/

PWR or Status LED
flashing

rts/drivers/win7.

3. Install the driver and configure the DeviceMaster
using the MAC address. Make sure that you reboot
the system. Refer to NS-Link

Device Driver

Installation on Page 15 for installation

information.

Note: If the PWR or Status LED is still flashing,

contact Technical Support.

PWR or Status LED not
lit

Indicates that power has not been applied or there is a
hardware failure. Contact Technical Support.

on Page 64.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 65

Connectivity Requirements

General Condition Explanation/Action

The NS-Link driver uses Port 4606 (11FE h) to
communicate with the DeviceMaster.

When using a sniffer to track NS-Link packets,
Can ping the Comtrol
device, but cannot open
the ports from a remote
location.

(You must have
previously programmed
the IP address, subnet
mask, and IP gateway.)

filtering for Port 4606 will easily track the packet. The

packet should also contain the MAC address of the

DeviceMaster and the originating PC so that it can be

determined if the packet is able to travel the full

distance one way or not.

If the 4606 packet is found on one side of a firewall or

router, using sniffer, and not on the other side, then

that port needs to be opened up to allow the 4606 to

pass.

This will most often be seen with firewalls, but is also

seen in some routers.

Cannot ping the device
through Ethernet hub,
switch, or router

Isolate the DeviceMaster from the network. Connect

the DeviceMaster directly to the NIC in the host

system (see Connectivity Requirements

The DeviceMaster family default IP address is often

not accessible due to the subnet masking from another

network unless 192.168 is used in the network.

In most cases, it will be necessary to program in an

Cannot ping or connect
to the DeviceMaster

address that conforms to your network.

If you do not use the NS-Link driver to program the IP

address, you only have 10 seconds to disable the

bootloader with Redboot to get into the setup utility.

See the DeviceMaster Installation and Configuration

Guide (Page 7) for the Redboot method of programming

an IP address.

on Page 66).

Connectivity Requirements

An Ethernet connection: either to an Ethernet hub, switch, or router; or to a
Network Interface Card (NIC) in the host system using a standard Ethernet cable.
See the DeviceMaster Installation and Configuration Guide (Page 7) for
information regarding hardware installation.

DeviceMaster RTS 1-port

DeviceMaster RTS Embedded

DeviceMaster RTS 2-port 1E

DeviceMaster RTS 2-port 2E

Product Type Connected to Connector Name

Hub, switch,
router, or NIC

Hub, switch,
router, or NIC

10/100

ETHERNET

RJ45 port (not
labeled)

NIC

Hub, switch, or

10/100

router

NIC

Hub, switch, or

10/100 1E/2E

router

66 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Connectivity Requirements

Product Type Connected to Connector Name

DeviceMaster RTS 4/8/16-port
(external power supply)

DeviceMaster RTS 16/32RM
(internal power supply)

DeviceMaster PRO 8/16-port

DeviceMaster Serial Hub 8-port

DeviceMaster Serial Hub 16-port

NIC

Hub, switch, or
router

Hub, switch,
router, or NIC

NIC

Hub, switch, or
router

NIC

Hub, switch, or
router

Hub, switch,
router, or NIC

DOWN

UP

10/100 NETWORK

DOWN

UP

DOWN

UP

10/100 NETWORK

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 67

DeviceMaster LEDs

DeviceMaster LEDs

The DeviceMaster has network and port LEDs to indicate status.

Port LEDs Port LEDs are amber and green on 4, 8, 16, and 32-port. The 1-port and 2-port

models do not have port LEDS. After a port has been opened in RS-232 mode, an
amber LED means that there is link between the port and the serial device. After
a port has been opened in RS-422 or RS-485 mode, an amber LED means that data
is receiving data. A green port LED indicates transmit activity.

Network and Device LEDs

Ports Model Network LEDs

1

1

2

The LEDs indicate that the default DeviceMaster application, SocketServer is
running or after driver installation, that the NS-Link driver loads. If you have
loaded PortVision DX, you can check the DeviceMaster status on-line.

•The Status LED on the front of the unit is lit, which indicates that
it has power and has completed the boot cycle.

Note: The Status LED flashes while booting and it takes

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to complete
the cycle. When the Bootloader completes the cycle, the

DeviceMaster

RTS

LED has a solid, steady light that blinks approximately
every 10 seconds.

•The red Link Act LED is lit, which indicates a working Ethernet
connection.

• If the red Duplex LED is lit, it indicates full-duplex activity.

• If the red 100 LED is lit, it indicates a working 100 MB Ethernet
connection (100 MB network, only).

The LEDs are located between the RJ45 connector and the power
terminal block.

• The amber Status LED (D1) on the adapter is lit, which indicates
that it has power and has completed the boot cycle.

Note: The Status LED flashes while booting and it takes

DeviceMaster

RTS

Embedded

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to complete
the cycle. When the Bootloader completes the cycle, the
LED has a solid, steady light that blinks approximately
every 10 seconds.

•The red Link Act LED (D2) is lit, which indicates a working
Ethernet connection.

• If the red Duplex LED (D3) is lit, it indicates full-duplex activity.

• If the red 100 LED (D4) is lit, it indicates a working 100 MB
Ethernet connection (100 MB network, only).

•The STATUS LED on the device is lit, indicating you have power
and it has completed the boot cycle.

Note: The STATUS LED flashes while booting and it takes

approximately 15 seconds for the Bootloader to complete

DeviceMaster

RTS

the cycle. When the Bootloader completes the cycle, the
LED has a solid, steady light that blinks approximately
every 10 seconds.

•If the LINK (green) LED is lit, it indicates a working Ethernet
connection.

•If the ACT (yellow) LED flashes, it indicates network activity.

68 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Ports Model Network LEDs

•The PWR LED on the front of the unit is lit, which indicates it
has power and has completed the boot cycle.

4

DeviceMaster

DeviceMaster

8

DeviceMaster

16

Serial Hub (8)

PRO (8)

RTS†

Note: The PWR LED flashes while booting and it takes

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to complete
the cycle. When the Bootloader completes the cycle, the
LED has a solid, steady light that blinks approximately
every 10 seconds.

•The red LNK/ACT LED is lit, which indicates a working Ethernet
connection.

•If the red 100 LED is lit, it indicates a working 100 MB Ethernet
connection (100 MB network, only).

•The Status LED on the front of the unit is lit, which indicates it
has power and has completed the boot cycle.

DeviceMaster

16

DeviceMaster

32

DeviceMaster

Serial Hub

PRO (16)

RTS

††

(16)

Note: The Status LED flashes while booting and it takes

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to complete
the cycle. When the Bootloader completes the cycle, the
LED has a solid, steady light that blinks approximately
every 10 seconds.

•The red LNK/ACT LED is lit, which indicates a working Ethernet
connection.

•If the red Duplex LED is lit, it indicates full-duplex activity.

• If the red 100 LED is lit, it indicates a working 100 MB Ethernet
connection (100 MB network, only).

† External power supply.

†† Internal power supply.

Network and Device LEDs

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 69

Using the Advanced Tab

Using the Advanced Tab

You can use the Advanced tab to get a summary of the DeviceMaster status. The
Advanced tab can be useful for troubleshooting network problems with your

DeviceMaster.

Note: To use the Advanced tab, you must associate a MAC address to the

Use the following procedure to access the Advanced tab.

1. If necessary, access the Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

2. Highlight the DeviceMaster.

3. Click the Advanced tab.

DeviceMaster before programming an IP address (Page 34).

Note: You must have previously associated a MAC address to the

DeviceMaster (Associating the MAC Address

on Page 34).

Refer to the Device Status table (Page 73) for a list of messages and
explanations.

4. You can click the History button to review the last ten actions on the
DeviceMaster.

70 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Using the Advanced Tab

5. Click PC Network Interface Details for the following information.

Field Description

MAC Address is the reported MAC address of the Ethernet network

MAC Address

interface card (NIC) card in the server. Since a server may contain
more than one NIC, identifying exactly which NIC is being used by
the device driver may help you to identify and resolve problems.

Frames Out is the count of the number of frames output by the device
driver through the identified network interface. This includes all

Frames Out

administrative, data, and control frames, and should be incriminated
whenever the DeviceMaster and the device driver are operating, even
if the DeviceMaster is idle.

Frames Accepted is the count of the number of received frames
Frames
Accepted

accepted by the device driver for further processing. These must be

well-formed packets with the correct protocol identifiers for the device

driver.

Frames Passed
On

Frames Passed On is when a NIC receives a packet, it passes the

packet around to each driver or application that is bound to the NIC

until one of them recognizes and accepts the packet.

Adapter 1 ID String is the NIC binding string. Every network entity

Adapter 1 ID
String

that needs to be uniquely identified has a Globally Unique Identifier

(GUID), which is used to form unique binding strings. The presence of

this string indicates that the device driver has been bound to a

specific NIC.

Reset This button resets the statistics in the PC Network Interface window.

6. Click Close to return to the Advanced tab.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 71

Using the Advanced Tab

7. Click the Device Network Interface Details button to review the following
information.

Fields Description

MAC Address

Packets To

Packets From

Retransmitted/%
All Sent

Reported State

Devices Detected/
Available

Out of Sequence/ %
of All Received

Maximum Average
Buffer Usage

Buffer Allocation
Fail ures

Starving Port(s)

Reset

MAC Address is the network (MAC) address of the DeviceMaster that
is currently selected. It should match both the MAC address on the
General tab and the MAC address on the physical DeviceMaster.

Packets To is the count of information frames sent to a layer in the
device driver and indicates actual data traffic sent.

Packets From is the count of information frames received by a layer in
the device driver, and indicates actual data traffic received.

Retransmitted/% All Sent is the percentage of information frames
requiring retransmission due to network errors. If this value is not
zero, you may have network problems.

Reported State contains a message showing the status of the device
driver to the selected DeviceMaster.

Devices Detected/Available is the number of DeviceMasters found on
the network and how many of the DeviceMasters are available.

Out of Sequence/ % of All Received is the percentage of information
frames received out of order, possibly due to network errors. If this
value is not zero, you may have network problems.

Maximum and Average Buffer Usage is the percentage of the network
buffer used since the driver was loaded.

Buffer Allocation Failures displays how many times the driver failed to
allocate network buffers to the process because there were not enough
buffers.

If any Buffer Allocation Failure happens, the Starving Port(s) list will
include the name of the COM port that could not be serviced
(immediately) because of it.

Reset clears the data values from the fields. and updates the data
displayed in the event that you want review data before the automatic
refresh cycle occurs.

Click Close to return to the Advanced tab.

72 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Using the Advanced Tab

The following table provides a list of Device Status messages.

Device Status Message Description

A MAC address has not yet been
specified for this device. Return to
the General tab, configure the device,
and apply the changes.

Can't detect any Comtrol devices.
Check Ethernet connectors and
ensure the device is powered on.

Can't detect the device with specified
the MAC address on any network.
Verify the MAC address of the unit,
check the Ethernet connectors and
ensure the device is powered on.

Code upload failed due to a timeout
and the driver is attempting to re­synchronize with the device.

Code upload has completed.

Code upload was restarted after a
timeout.

The driver may have only been configured with an
IP address. The appropriate MAC address must be
input in the MAC field in the General tab so that the
Advanced tab can report DeviceMaster status.

Network traffic is being received, but not from a
DeviceMaster. Check the network connections and
verify that the DeviceMaster is powered up.

Network traffic is being received from a
DeviceMaster, but not the one specified on the
General tab. Check the DeviceMaster to make sure
that you are using the correct MAC address.

The device driver has not successfully uploaded the
firmware to the assigned DeviceMaster.

The driver has completed uploading the firmware to
the DeviceMaster.

The firmware upload process failed due to a time­out. The upload process has been restarted.

The server has acquired the DeviceMaster and is

Device detected, initializing.

downloading the control program. The DeviceMaster
will be available shortly.

Device detected, microcode upload in
progress.

Device is active and OK, no data
traffic was exchanged since last
inquiry.

The device driver is attempting to upload the
microcode to the DeviceMaster. This should
complete momentarily.

The DeviceMaster and ports are operational. There
is currently no active serial traffic.

Device is active and OK. The DeviceMaster is okay and ready to use.

Device is detected and configured in
the driver, but is not yet assigned to
this server/PC.

Either the DeviceMaster is currently being
controlled by another server or the DeviceMaster
power has been cycled and the DeviceMaster is
waiting for a server to acquire it.

Click the PC Network Interface Details button to

Excess out-of-sequence packets
received. Check for indications of
high network traffic.

review the statistics, which may indicate that
DeviceMaster is functioning properly.

This message typically goes away on it's own but you
can reboot the PC so that the network traffic is re­synchronized.

Click the PC Network Interface Details button to

Excess packet retransmissions
detected. Check for indications of
high network traffic.

review the statistics, which may indicate that
DeviceMaster is functioning properly. This message
typically goes away on it's own but you can reboot
the PC so that the network traffic is re­synchronized.

Initialization complete. Waiting on
response from the device before

Waiting for a response from the DeviceMaster.

making the connection active.

This indicates the number of times that the

Statistical data was reset.

statistics in the PC Network Interface and Device
Network Interface have been reset.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 73

Using the Advanced Tab

The driver is not running. If you just
installed the driver you will need to
exit the program before the driver
starts.

The communications between the
driver and the device has been
disrupted. Check connectors, cabling,
and look for indications of high
network traffic.

The device has failed to respond for
an extended period of time. The
device may have lost power or is in
an unresponsive state.

The driver is not running. Make sure
the driver is installed correctly and
restart the PC to correct the
problem.

Timeout occurred while the driver
was waiting for an ADMIN command
reply from the device.

Timeout occurred while the driver
was waiting for an Assign Reply
response from the device prior to
making the connection active.

Unable to find a Network Interface
Controller (NIC) card.

Uninitialized.

Device Status Message Description

Close and then re-open the Comtrol Drivers
Management Console.

The DeviceMaster is off-line in this state. The MAC
or IP address for the DeviceMaster is known
(assigned) but communications have been
interrupted.

The device driver is no longer able to communicate
with the DeviceMaster. Check the LED status

68).

Make sure the driver is installed correctly and
restart the PC to correct the problem. The driver is
most likely disabled. Enable the driver and reboot
the PC.

There may be network traffic problems, an
unresponsive DeviceMaster, or a problem with the
server sending out network data.

The device driver is trying to locate the
DeviceMaster on the network by sending out the ID
request and not receiving a response from the
DeviceMaster, which may indicate that the
DeviceMaster is either not on the network, on a
different segment (if using MAC mode of
addressing), or the bandwidth of the network (or
server) is so saturated that the DeviceMaster
response is not received in time.

There may be network traffic problems, an
unresponsive DeviceMaster, or a problem with the
server sending out network data. A handshake that
occurs after an ID response is received and the
device driver is trying to establish a communication
channel with the DeviceMaster.

Install a NIC in that PC or check that the NIC is
operational.

The firmware has not uploaded to the DeviceMaster.
If this message is displayed in the History file, it
often means that the DeviceMaster is in the process
of being rebooted.

(Page

74 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Driver Troubleshooting

This table includes some tips related to NS-Link drivers.

NS-Link Condition Explanation/Action

Need to program IP
address into the device.

Cannot open port

The Comtrol device has a
lower limitation of
network bandwidth
requirement of 64 Kbps.

NS-Link Driver Troubleshooting

Before programming an IP address it is critical that the
DeviceMaster be operational and passes the power on tests
when configured for the MAC address.

Note: If the DeviceMaster is NOT operational, do NOT attempt

to program or use an IP address with the DeviceMaster.

See Program the IP Address (Network Information)

on Page 11

for more information.

1. Verify that MAC address in the NS-Link driver matches
the address on the DeviceMaster.

2. Verify that you are using the correct NS-Link driver. If
necessary, remove and reinstall a new driver.

3. Isolate the DeviceMaster from the network (see Page 65).

4. Check to see if another program or computer is active on
this port.

At this speed the entire available bandwidth is required for the
purpose of uploading the firmware from the driver to the
DeviceMaster. At lower speeds, timing issues will prevent the
firmware from being successfully installed to the
DeviceMaster, thus preventing the DeviceMaster from normal
operation.

When using the DeviceMaster over a WAN link that is less
than the recommended 64 Kbps, a timing modification may be
made that will allow uploading of the firmware.

Load the driver locally to the DeviceMaster for the purpose of
getting the firmware installed. The PC on the other side of the
slow link can then “share” the port. The sharing may be
exclusive as the firmware loader PC may not need to access the
ports.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 75

Using Port Monitor to Test Ports

Using Port Monitor to Test Ports

This procedure will check whether the DeviceMaster can:

• Communicate through the NS-Link device driver

• Determine if a port is open with an application

If necessary, install PortVision DX (Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers

Management Console on Page 9, Page 10).

1. Open PortVision DX using the desktop shortcut.

2. Start Port Monitor by clicking Tools > Applications > Port Monitor (PMon2).

3. Click Add Ports using the icon or Tools > Add Ports,

76 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Using Port Monitor to Test Ports

4. Click Driver, RPSHSI/NSLINK, and click Ok.

5. If the DeviceMaster is communicating with the device driver for Windows,
Port Monitor should display CLOSED status. If a port is open for an
application, it displays as OPEN, and displays Actual Throughput, TxTotal and
RxTotal statistics.

Normally, there should be no data errors recorded or they should be very
small. To find out what the actual errors are, scroll to the right. You will see
three columns: Overrun Errors, Framing Errors, and Parity Errors.

If the errors are:

• Overrun Errors represent receive buffer overflow errors. If this is the case,

you will have to configure either software or hardware handshaking to
control the flow of data. The most common errors are Overrun errors.

• Framing Errors indicate that there is an synchronization error between the

beginning of a data frame and the end of the data frame. A frame usually
consists of a start bit, 8 data bits, and a stop bit or two. The framing error
occurs if the stop bit is not detected or it occurs in the wrong time frame.
Most causes for framing errors are electrical noise on the data lines, or
differences in the data clocks of the DeviceMaster and the connected device.

• Parity Errors occur when parity is used and the parity bit is not what is

expected. This can also be caused by noise on the data lines.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 77

Using Port Monitor to Test Ports

6. You can view additional statistics to Port Monitor by adding columns. Click

7. Highlight or shift-click to add multiple statistics and click Ok.

Tools and Add Columns.

Note: See the Port Monitor help system if you need an explanation of a

column.

8. Scroll to the right to view the new columns.

9. If you want to capture this session, you can save a current session as a report.
To do this, select one of the following save options:

• File > Save As

• File > Save - if the report already exists in an older format

• Save Active Session button

Reports can be opened, viewed and re-used when needed. To open and view a
report:

a. Select File > Open or the Open Existing Session button. The Open

78 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Using Test Terminal

Using Test Terminal

Session dialog appears.

b. Locate the session (table), you want to open and click the Open button.

Optionally, if you want to continue monitoring for an existing session, you
need to activate the Polling Interval.

• Select Tools > Settings to access the PMon2 Settings dialog

• Change the Polling Interval field to a value other than zero (0)

10. Leave Port Monitor open so that you can review events when using Test
Terminal to test a port or ports.

Test Terminal (WCom2) allows you to open a port, send characters and commands
to the port, and toggle the control signals. This application can be used to
troubleshoot communications on a port-by-port basis.

• Send and Receive Test Data: This sends data out the transmit line to the
loopback plug, which has the transmit and receive pins connected thus
sending the data back through the Rx line to Test Terminal, which then
displays the received data in the terminal window for that port. This test is
only testing the Tx and Rx signal lines and nothing else. This test works in
either RS-232 or RS-422 modes as both modes have transmit and receive
capability. A failure in this test will essentially prevent the port from working
in any manner.

• Loopback Test: This tests all of the modem control signals such as RTS, DTR,
CTS, DSR, CD, and RI along with the Tx and Rx signals. When a signal is
made HI in one line the corresponding signal line indicates this. The Loopback
Test changes the state of the lines and looks for the corresponding state
change. If it successfully recognizes all of these changes, the port passes.

A failure on this test is not necessarily critical as it will depend on what is
connected and how many signal lines are in use. For example, if you are using
RS-232 in 3-wire mode (Transmit, Receive and Ground) a failure will cause no
discernible issue since the other signals are not being used. If the port is
configured for use as either RS-422 or RS-485 this test will fail and is expected
to fail since RS-422 and RS-485 do not have the modem control signals that
are present in RS-232 for which this test is designed.

The following procedures require a loopback plug to be placed on the port or ports
that you want to test. A loopback plug was shipped with your DeviceMaster. If you
need to build a replacement or additional loopback plugs, refer to the
DeviceMaster Installation and Configuration Guide (Page 7), if you need to build
loopback plugs.

Opening Ports The following procedure shows how to use Test Terminal to send and receive test

data to the serial ports. If necessary, install PortVision DX (Page 10).

1. Stop all applications that may be accessing the ports such as RRAS or any
faxing, or production software. See the appropriate help systems or manuals
for instructions on stopping these services or applications.

If another application is controlling the port, then Te s t Termi n a l will be unable
to open the port and an error message will be shown.

2. Open PortVision DX using the desktop shortcut.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 79

Sending and Receiving Test Data (RS-232/422 and RS-485: 4-Wire)

3. Start Test Terminal (WCom2) by clicking Tools > Applications > Test Terminal
(WCom2).

Sending and
Receiving Test Data
(RS-232/422 and RS­485: 4-Wire)

4. Select File > Open Port, the
appropriate port (or ports)
from the Open Ports drop-
down list and Ok.

Note: If you left Port Monitor

open from the previous
subsection, you should
show that the port is
open.

Go to the next procedure to send
and receive test data. Use the
appropriate procedure:

• Sending and Receiving Test

Data (RS-232/422 and RS­485: 4-Wire) on Page 80

• Sending and Receiving Data

(RS-485: 2-Wire) on Page 82

You can use this procedure to send and receive test data through the RS-232/422/
485 (4-wire, full-duplex) port or ports that you want to test.

1. If you have not done so, perform Steps 1

through 3 on Page 79.

2. Install the loopback plug onto the port (or ports) that you want to test.

See the DeviceMaster Installation and Configuration Guide that you can
download on

Page 7, if you need to build loopback plugs.

3. Select Port > Send and Receive Test Data.

80 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Loopback Test (RS-232)

You should see the
alphabet scrolling
across the port. If so,
then the port installed
properly and is
operational.

Note: If you left Port

Monitor
running, it
should show
data sent and
received and
show the
average data
throughput on
the port.

4. Select Port > Send and
Receive Test Data to stop

the scrolling data.

5. You can go to the next
procedure to run the Loopback Test on Page 81 if this is an RS-232 port.

If this test successfully completed, then the port is operational as expected.

Note: Do NOT forget to restart the communications application.

Loopback Test (RS-

232)

The Loopback Test tests the modem control (hardware handshaking) signals. It
only has meaning in RS-232 mode on serial connector interfaces with full RS-232
signals. If performed under the following conditions, the test will always fail
because full modem control signals are not present:

• RS-422

• RS-485

• RJ11 connectors

Use the following steps to run the Loopback Test.

1. If necessary, start Test Terminal (Page 79, Steps 1

through 3).

2. Click Port > Loopback Test.

This is a pass fail test and will take a second or two to complete. Repeat for
each port that needs testing.

If the Loopback Test and the Send and Receive Test Data tests successfully
complete, then the port is operational as expected.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 81

Sending and Receiving Data (RS-485: 2-Wire)

Sending and
Receiving Data (RS­485: 2-Wire)

This procedure shows how to use Test Terminal (WCom2) to test two RS-485 (2­wire, half-duplex) ports.

1. Sta rt Test Ter minal.

2. Open two ports RS-485 ports. This example uses COM40 and COM41.

Test Terminal will open two windows, note that both ports show Receiving on
the status bar.

3. Right-click both COM windows and remove the check mark for Receive.

82 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Sending and Receiving Data (RS-485: 2-Wire)

Both COM ports show Ready on the status bar.

4. Right-click in ONE window and select the Receive option from the pop up.

5. Right-click the OPPOSITE window and click Send.

The Status line shows Sending or Receiving.

In this case, COM40 is sending data and COM41 is receiving the data which is
visually confirmed by the data scrolling across the COM41 window.

Note: If you do not see the data being received it MAY be necessary to also

disable the RTS and DTR options from the right-click pop-up menu in
each COM port.

6. Right-click and remove the check mark on the Sending COM port.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 83

Sending and Receiving Data (RS-485: 2-Wire)

7. Right-click and remove the check mark on the Receiving COM port.

Neither COM port is sending or receiving data but shows Ready on the Status
bar.

8. Reverse the sending/receiving windows one at a time. Set the Receive option
first, then in the opposite window, select the Send option.

The Status line shows Sending or Receiving in the reverse windows.

Data is now scrolling in the COM40 window. COM41 is static as it is not receiving
data but transmitting data.

84 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

How Disable/Enable the Device Driver

Use this procedure to disable or enable the driver for a specific DeviceMaster.

1. Right-click the DeviceMaster that you want to disable (or re-enable).

2. Click Disable (or Enable).

How Disable/Enable the Device Driver

Technical Support

If you need technical support, contact Comtrol using one of the following methods.

Contact
Method

Downloads http://www.comtrol.com/Support

Web site http://www.comtrol.com

763.957.6000

Phone

CST: 8AM-6PM (Monday through Friday,
excluding major US holidays)

Corporate Headquarters

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Troubleshooting and Technical Support - 85

Technical Support

86 - Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Appendix A. Configuring Non-Plug and
Play Devices

After installing the hardware and driver for Windows operating systems, you can
use this discussion to configure non-plug and play COM ports.

Installing Non-Plug and Play Devices

Use the following procedure to install non-plug and play devices.

1. If you have not so yet, connect the device to a DeviceMaster port and turn on
the device.

2. Open the Control Panel.

3. Go to the appropriate subsection to install non-plug and play modems or
printers:

• Installing Modems

• Installing Printers

on Page 87

on Page 88

Installing Modems Use the following procedure to install non-plug and play modems.

1. If you have not done so yet, connect the modem (or modems) to the desired
DeviceMaster port (or ports) and turn on the modem (or modems).

Note: This may take a few minutes, depending upon your system and the

number of modems you are installing.

2. Open the Control Panel and click the Phone and Modem Options icon.

3. Click the Modems tab.

4. Click Add.

5. Click Don’t detect my modem. I will select it from a list and then click Next.

6. Click an appropriate modem model and then click Next.

Note: If you have a driver from the modem manufacturer, click Have Disk and

browse to the location of the driver. If your modem is not listed, go to the
modem manufacturer’s web site and download the appropriate driver.

7. Highlight the port or ports on to which you have connected modems.

8. Click Finish to complete the modem installation.

9. Configure modem properties as necessary. For assistance, use the Windows
help system.

To use this modem or modems with RRAS, you can refer to the Comtrol RRAS

Configuration Overview for Windows XP document.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Installing Non-Plug and Play Devices - 87

Appendix A. Configuring Non-Plug and Play Devices

Installing Printers Use the following procedure to install a non-plug and play printer.

Note: If you want to install a plug and play printer, connect the printer to the

appropriate serial port and the driver should automatically install. If it
does not automatically install, use the following procedure as a guide with
the printer manufacturers documentation.

1. Open the Control Panel and click the Printers and Faxes icon.

2. Click Next when this screen appears.

3. Click the Local printer attached to this computer item.

4. Click the COM port that corresponds to the port to which the printer is
connected.

5. Click the Manufacturer, Printer type, and then click Next.

Note: If you have a driver from the printer manufacturer, click Have Disk and

browse to the location of the driver. If your printer is not listed, go to the
printer manufacturer’s web site and download the appropriate driver.

6. Optionally, enter a printer name and then click Next.

7. Click Ye s if you want to print a test page.

8. Click Finish to complete the installation.

9. Close the Printer and Faxes Control Panel.

88 - Installing Printers DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A