Comtrol NS-link User Manual

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Page 1

User Guide for Microsoft Systems

Windows XP

Windows 2000

Windows NT

Page 2

Trademark Notices

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

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

HyperTerminal is a registered trademark of Hilgraeve, Inc.

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

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.

Document Number: 2000339 Rev. A

Page 3

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

NS-Link Requirements................................................................................................................................. 5

Locating Hardware Installation Documentation .................................................................................. 6

Locating NS-Link Software......................................................................................................................... 6

NS-Link Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Connectivity Requirements...........................................................................................................................................7

IP or MAC Addressing Issues .......................................................................................................................................8

Using the Port Sharing Feature....................................................................................................................................8

Device Preparation for NS-Link ................................................................................................................ 9

DeviceMaster Serial Hub LEDs....................................................................................................................................9

DeviceMaster RTS LEDs.............................................................................................................................................10

DeviceMaster PRO LEDs ............................................................................................................................................11

RocketPort Serial Hub ia LEDs ..................................................................................................................................11

RocketPort Serial Hub Si LEDs..................................................................................................................................11

Initial NS-Link Installation............................................................................................................. 13

Windows XP: NS-Link Installation .......................................................................................................... 13

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation ....................................................................................................... 23

Windows NT: NS-Link Installation.......................................................................................................... 31

Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices..................................................................... 37

Updating an Existing Driver .................................................................................................................... 37

Windows NT.................................................................................................................................................................37

Windows XP .................................................................................................................................................................37

Windows 2000 ..............................................................................................................................................................39

Adding Additional Devices........................................................................................................................ 44

Removing an Existing Driver ................................................................................................................... 44

Windows XP and Windows 2000.................................................................................................................................44

Windows NT.................................................................................................................................................................44

Device Configuration........................................................................................................................ 47

Programming the IP Address ................................................................................................................... 47

Disabling DHCP Requests (MAC Mode)..............................................................................................54

Changing Device Properties ..................................................................................................................... 55

Using the Advisor ........................................................................................................................................ 58

Starting the Device Advisor ........................................................................................................................................58

Device Advisor Driver Messages.................................................................................................................................60

COM Port Configuration.................................................................................................................. 63

Configuring Standard COM Port Properties........................................................................................63

Windows XP and Windows 2000.................................................................................................................................63

Windows NT.................................................................................................................................................................64

Configuring Advanced COM Port Properties ....................................................................................... 66

Comtrol Tools .....................................................................................................................................69

Using Test Terminal ................................................................................................................................... 69

Testing a Comtrol Device ............................................................................................................................................70

Testing a Comtrol Device (RS-485).............................................................................................................................71

Test Terminal Modem Control Signals.......................................................................................................................71

Using Port Monitor ..................................................................................................................................... 71

Starting Port Monitor ..................................................................................................................................................72

Changing Screen Appearance .....................................................................................................................................72

Column Setup...............................................................................................................................................................73

Report Configuration ...................................................................................................................................................73

Port Monitor Files........................................................................................................................................................74

Port Monitor Variables ................................................................................................................................................75

Using Peer Tracer ....................................................................................................................................... 77

Starting Peer................................................................................................................................................................77

Log Functions...............................................................................................................................................................77

Using Peer ....................................................................................................................................................................77

Other Peer Commands ................................................................................................................................................77

Using Freeport ............................................................................................................................................. 78

Table of Contents 3

Page 4

Table of Contents

Troubleshooting and Technical Support .....................................................................................79

Troubleshooting Checklist ....................................................................................................................... 79

General Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................... 81

NS-Link Driver Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. 82

Technical Support....................................................................................................................................... 83

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview .................................................................. 85

Configuring Modems .................................................................................................................................. 85

Working with NT RAS.................................................................................................................................................85

Installing Modems .......................................................................................................................................................85

Further Modem Configuration....................................................................................................................................88

Installing and Configuring RAS............................................................................................................... 88

Installing RAS Initially ...............................................................................................................................................88

Adding or Reconfiguring a RAS Device ......................................................................................................................89

Configuring Printers .................................................................................................................................. 93

Adding Serial Printers.................................................................................................................................................93

Changing Printer Port Configuration.........................................................................................................................95

Changing Printer Port Assignment ............................................................................................................................95

Index .....................................................................................................................................................97

Table of Contents 4

Page 5

Overview

This section defines what hardware and software platforms are supported in this guide. It also provides information about finding:

• Hardware installation documentation, if you have not installed the hardware

• Latest released NS-Link™ drivers

In addition, it provides an overview of NS-Link and it’s requirements.

Install the NS-Link driver if you want to use the DeviceMaster serial ports as native COM ports. DeviceMaster port can also configure the ports as sockets after the NS-Link installation.

If you want to configure the port for socket mode or serial tunneling, you do not need to install NS-Link. See the appropriate DeviceMaster User Guide for socket configuration information that is listed in Locating Hardware Installation

Documentation on Page 6.

NS-Link Requirements

This guide discusses installing and configuring NS-Link drivers for the following hardware platforms:

• DeviceMaster

• DeviceMaster RTS

• DeviceMaster PRO

• RocketPort

• RocketPort Serial Hub ia

The NS-Link drivers for the following operating systems are discussed in this guide:

• Windows

• Windows 2000

• Windows NT

The NS-Link driver requires at least one host system running one of the supported operating systems.

Serial Hub

Serial Hub Si

Overview 5

Page 6

Locating Hardware Installation Documentation

Use the hardware installation documentation to install the hardware before installing NS-Link. The hardware installation documentation is available on the Comtrol CD that ships with your product or you can download the current version from the ftp site using the following links.

• DeviceMaster Serial Hub User Guide

download.asp?partnumber=2000337

• DeviceMaster RTS User Guide

download.asp?partnumber=2000340

• DeviceMaster

download.asp?partnumber=2000334

• RocketPort Serial Hub ia Hardware Installation

http://support.comtrol.com/download.asp?partnumber=2000169

• RocketPort Serial Hub Si 2-Port Hardware Installation

http://support.comtrol.com/download.asp?partnumber=2000153

PRO User Guide or http://support.comtrol.com/

or http://support.comtrol.com/

Locating NS-Link Software

or http://support.comtrol.com/

document or

You can download the latest NS-Link device driver updates at no charge from the Comtrol web site at: http://support.comtrol.com/download.asp web or ftp sites to make sure that you have the current driver and documentation. The software files that you download from the web site are self-extracting zipped files that you must extract before installing.

The Comtrol CD that ships with your product can streamline the installation of your product. When loaded on a system running a Microsoft operating system, the CD opens a menu system (unless the autorun feature is disabled).

Note: If the autorun feature has been disabled, open the Readme.pdf file at the root

of CD to start the menu system.

. Always check the

6 Overview

Page 7

NS-Link Overview

The following subsections discuss NS-Link features and topics that you may want to review before installation.

Connectivity Requirements

An Ethernet connection, either to an Ethernet hub or to a network interface card (NIC) in the host system. See the hardware installation documentation (Locating

Hardware Installation Documentation on Page 6) for information regarding hard-

ware installation.

Product Type Connected to

DeviceMaster Serial Hub 8

DeviceMaster Serial Hub 16

DeviceMaster RTS 1

Embedded

DeviceMaster RTS 4/8/16

with external power supply

DeviceMaster RTS 16/32RM

with internal power supply

DeviceMaster PRO 8

DeviceMaster PRO 16

NIC Standard

Ethernet hub Standard

Ethernet hub or NIC

NIC Standard

Ethernet hub Standard

Ethernet hub or NIC

NIC Standard

Ethernet hub Standard

NIC Standard

Ethernet hub Standard

Ethernet

Cable

Connector Name

DOWN

Standard 10/100 NETWORK

Standard 10/100

Standard

RJ45 port (not labeled)

DOWN

ETHERNET

Standard 10/100 NETWORK

DOWN

NIC Crossover

RocketPort Serial Hub ia

RocketPort Serial Hub Si (2-

Port)

Ethernet hub Standard

NIC Crossover

Ethernet hub Standard

Network

10/100BASE-T

Overview 7

Page 8

IP or MAC Addressing Issues

Using the Port Sharing Feature

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

The IP addressing scheme has the following advantages:

• Uses an industry standard protocol.

• Allows you to configure systems to use ports on the Comtrol device that are outside of the host system’s 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 has the following advantages:

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

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

The Comtrol device can be shared with multiple systems on a network. To do so, follow the Installing NS-Link discussion for each system that you want to permit access to the serial ports.

You can implement the port sharing feature in several ways. You can share the same port with multiple systems or you can set up multiple systems to share specific ports on the Comtrol device.

Port 1

COM 5 COM 6

Configured for System A Configured for System B

Comtrol Device

Port 2

Port 3 Port 4

COM 5 COM 6

Ethernet Hub

System A

Example:

To configure two ports for System A and two ports for System B, you could configure the drivers like this:

1. When installing NS-Link on System A, select “Not Configured” for the COM port names for Ports 3 and 4.

2. When installing NS-Link on System B, select “Not Configured” for the COM port names for Ports 1 and 2.

COM port names must be unique to each system. Multiple systems can use the same COM port names.

System B

Port System A System B

1 COM5 Not Configured

2 COM6 Not Configured

3 Not Configured COM5

4 Not Configured COM6

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

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.

8 Overview

Page 9

Device Preparation for NS-Link

Use the appropriate table to verify that your hardware was installed properly and is ready for NS-Link installation. See the hardware installation documentation (Page 6) if you need to install the hardware.

• DeviceMaster Serial Hub LEDs (below)

• DeviceMaster RTS LEDs

• DeviceMaster

• RocketPort Serial Hub

Device Preparation for NS-Link

on Page 10

PRO LEDs on Page 11

ia LEDs on Page 11

Si LEDs on Page 11

DeviceMaster Serial Hub LEDs

Use this table to verify that your DeviceMaster Serial Hub is ready for NS-Link installation.

Model

How to tell if the DeviceMaster Serial Hub is working properly:

•The PWR LED on the front of the unit is lit, which indicates

it has power and has completed the boot cycle.

Note: The PWR LED flashes while booting and it takes

DeviceMaster

Serial Hub 8

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

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to complete the cycle.

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.

Note: The Status LED flashes while booting and it takes

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to

DeviceMaster Serial Hub 16

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

complete the cycle.

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).

Overview 9

Page 10

DeviceMaster RTS LEDs

Use this table to verify that your DeviceMaster RTS is ready for NS-Link installation.

Model How to tell if the DeviceMaster RTS is working properly:

•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

DeviceMaster

RTS 1-Port

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

complete the cycle.

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 1-Port

Embedded

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

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to complete the cycle.

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 PWR LED on the front of the unit is lit, which indicates

it has power and has completed the boot cycle.

DeviceMaster

RTS 4/8/16 With External Power Supply

Note: The PWR LED flashes while booting and it takes

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to complete the cycle.

•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.

Note: The Status LED flashes while booting and it takes

DeviceMaster

RTS 16/32RM

With Internal

Power Supply

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

Ethernet connection.

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to complete the cycle.

•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).

10 Overview

Page 11

DeviceMaster PRO LEDs

Use this table to verify that your DeviceMaster PRO is ready for NS-Link installation.

Model How to tell if the DeviceMaster PRO is working properly:

•The PWR LED on the front of the unit is lit, which indicates

it has power and has completed the boot cycle.

Note: The PWR LED flashes while booting and it takes

DeviceMaster

PRO 8

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

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to complete the cycle.

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.

Note: The Status LED flashes while booting and it takes

approximately 15 seconds for the bootloader to

DeviceMaster

PRO 16

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

complete the cycle.

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).

RocketPort Serial Hub ia LEDs

RocketPort Serial Hub Si LEDs

Use this table to verify that your RocketPort Serial Hub ia is ready for NS-Link installation.

Model

How to tell if the RocketPort Serial Hub ia is working properly:

• The yellow PWR LED is flashing, which means that the

device is waiting for the driver installation.

Note: If the PWR LED is lit steady with only an occasional

RocketPort

Serial Hub ia

• The green LNK LED is lit, which indicates a working

flash, it means that the device driver has loaded.

Ethernet connection.

• The yellow ACT LED flashes, which indicates Ethernet

activity on the network.

Use this table to verify that your RocketPort Serial Hub Si is ready for NS-Link installation.

Model

How to tell if the RocketPort Serial Hub Si is working properly:

•The Power LED in the front of the unit is flashing, which

indicates that the device is waiting for the driver

RocketPort

Serial Hub Si

2-port

installation.

Note: If the Power LED is lit steady with only an occasional

flash, it means that the device driver has loaded.

•Both

10/100BASE-T LEDs are lit, which indicates a working

Ethernet connection.

Overview 11

Page 12

RocketPort Serial Hub Si LEDs

Page blank to accommodate double-sided printing.

12 Overview

Page 13

Initial NS-Link Installation

Use the appropriate subsection to initially install NS-Link on your operating system after verifying that your device is functioning properly, see Device

Preparation for NS-Link on Page 9.

• Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

• Windows 2000

• Windows NT

If there is a NS-Link driver already installed on your system, see Updating,

Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices on Page 37 before install the new driver.

Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

Use this procedure to install and configure the NS-Link device driver for your device.

1. If necessary, unzip the self-extracting files from the Comtrol media or ftp/web site. See Locating NS-Link Software driver.

2. From the Start button, select Control Panel, and double-click on the Add Hardware icon.

on Page 13

: NS-Link Installation on Page 23

: NS-Link Installation on Page 31

on Page 6, if you need to locate the device

Initial NS-Link Installation 13

Page 14

Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

3. Select Next.

4. Select Yes, I have already connected the hardware and Next.

5. Highlight Add a new hardware device (at the end of the list) and select Next.

14 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 15

Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

6. Select Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced) and Next.

7. Highlight Multi-port serial adapters and select Next.

8. Select the Have Disk button.

Initial NS-Link Installation 15

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Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

9. Use Browse button to locate the installation files or enter the path and select Ok.

For example, if you extracted the driver to the default subdirectory, enter: C:\COMTROL.

10. From the Models list, highlight the device you are installing and Next.

This example installs a DeviceMaster Serial Hub 8-Port.

16 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 17

Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

11. Select the Next button to start the driver installation.

12. Select Continue Anyway to proceed.

Note: It may take up to several moments for Windows XP to load the driver.

Found New Hardware messages will display during this time.

13. Select the Finish button to complete the installation process for this port.

A Found New Hardware Comtrol NS-Link Port # message displays briefly as each port installs at the lower right corner of the screen.

Initial NS-Link Installation 17

Page 18

Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

14. Select Install the soft ware automatically (Recommended) and Next.

15. Select Continue Anyway to proceed.

16. Select the Finish button to complete the driver installation process for this port.

Note: You may need to wait a few moments while the operating system creates

a port for the device.

17. Repeat Steps 14

through 16 for each remaining port on the device.

18 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 19

Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

18. Close the Control Panel.

19. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and highlight Device Manager.

20. Expand the Multi-port serial adapters entry, right-click on the device you are installing, and select the Properties menu item.

21. Select the Main Setup tab, highlight the device you want to configure, and select Properties.

Note: If this is the first device you are installing, the Device screen will load

over the Properties screen.

Initial NS-Link Installation 19

Page 20

Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

22. Select MAC and enter

23. Verify the Number of

24. Optionally, rename the NS-Link default name.

25. Optionally, set a different KeepAlive Timeout P eriod

the address on the MAC address label (on the device) or select the MAC address from the drop list.

The MAC address format is:

00 C0 4E xx xx xx.

A space must separate each pair of digits.

If your site has other Comtrol network devices on the network, their MAC addresses will display in the droplist after initial installation.

Ports on the device.

You can set the amount of time in seconds that this device waits until it closes this connection and frees all the ports associated with it.

The KeepAlive feature works in the following ways:

• During normal operation the driver periodically sends a connection check

to the NS-Link device, and the device then returns a response. There are two timers, one in the driver, and one in the device. These timers are reset when a connection check signal is received and goes to the next signal. If a connection is broken, the data is stored in the computer and the device. 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 device but re-establishes it before the timeout period expires, any data transmitted during this period is queued and sent when the connection resumes.

- When the computer loses its connection to the NS-Link device and does not re-establish it before the timeout period expires; the driver then purges any pending I/O data for ports on that 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 device that a port release request, from FreePort, 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 re-acquire the ports that were open when the connection was lost. If the attempt is successful, normal operations resume for the port. If any port has been 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.

- When the computer loses its connection to the NS-Link device, and the time period expires, the device places the port into a state from which another computer can establish a connection, locking out the original driver when the connection is made. The driver will respond to all I/O commands, with the exception of the Close command, with an error indicating the disconnect status.

If you need the ability to reconnect with a port that another server is currently using, Comtrol includes an utility called FreePort (Page 78) and

20 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 21

Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

its source code which makes the API calls that would force a port closure. The included source code for FreePort demonstrates the calls an application would make to perform the same operation.

26. Optionally, set the

TCP Timeout Multiplier value.

Use the TCP Multiplier 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. This timer defaults to 500 ms when the TCP/IP address method is used to communicate with a device. If the TCP Multiplier is set to 2, the timer would now be 1000 ms, or 1 sec. If the multiplier is 4, the new timeout period would be 2000 ms, or 2 sec.

The second timer defines how long the driver will wait for a response from the device when a forced release of a port is requested (i.e. as when the Freeport utility is being used). This timer defaults to 8 seconds. If the TCP Multiplier is changed to 2, the timer would now be 16 seconds. If the multiplier is 4, the new timeout period would be 32 seconds.

27. Select the Ok button to close the Device window.

Initial NS-Link Installation 21

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Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

28. Close the Device Manager.

29. From the Start button, select Turn off Computer, and Restart your system for

30. After rebooting, you can go to the appropriate subsection to complete any

the changes to take affect.

further configuration that is required for your site.

• To configure an IP address in the device, go to Programming the IP Address on Page 47.

• To configure NS-Link in MAC mode to run efficiently, go to Disabling

DHCP Requests (MAC Mode) on Page 54.

• To configure COM port properties, go to COM Port Configuration

on Page

63.

22 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 23

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation

Use this procedure to install and configure the NS-Link device driver for your device.

1. If necessary, unzip the self-extracting files from the Comtrol media or ftp/web site. See Locating NS-Link Software driver.

2. From the Start button, select Settings, Control Panel, and double-click on the Add/Remove Hardware icon.

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation

on Page 6, if you need to locate the device

3. Select Next.

Initial NS-Link Installation 23

Page 24

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation

4. Select Add/Troubleshoot a device and Next.

5. Highlight Add a new device and select Next.

6. Select No, I want to select the hardware from a list and Next.

24 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 25

7. Select Multi-port serial adapters and select Next.

8. Select the Have Disk button.

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation

9. Use Browse button to locate the installation files or enter the path and select

Ok.

Initial NS-Link Installation 25

Page 26

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation

10. From the Models list, highlight the device you are installing and Next.

For example, if you extracted the driver to the default subdirectory, enter: C:\COMTROL.

This example installs a DeviceMaster Serial Hub 8-Port.

11. Select the Next button to start the driver installation.

26 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 27

12. Select Ye s to continue the installation.

Note: It may take up to

several moments for Windows 2000 to load the driver for each port on the device. A Found New Hardware message will display for each port on the device.

13. Select the Finish button to complete the driver installation process for this port.

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation

14. Close the Control Panel.

15. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and highlight Device Manager.

16. Expand the Multi-port serial adapters entry, right-click on the device you are installing, and select the Properties menu item.

Initial NS-Link Installation 27

Page 28

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation

17. Select the Main Setup tab, highlight the device you want to configure, and

18. Select MAC and enter

select Properties.

Note: If this is the first device you are installing, the Device screen will load

over the Properties screen.

the address on the MAC address label (on the device).

The MAC address format is:

00 C0 4E xx xx xx.

A space must separate each pair of digits.

If your site has other Comtrol network devices on the network, their MAC addresses will display in the droplist after initial installation.

19. Verify the Number of Ports on the device.

20. Optionally, rename the NS-Link default name.

21. Optionally, set a different KeepAlive Timeout P eriod

You can set the amount of time in seconds that this device waits until it closes this connection and frees all the ports associated with it.

28 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 29

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation

The KeepAlive feature works in the following ways:

• During normal

operation the driver periodically sends a connection check to the NSLink device, and the device then returns a response. There are two timers, one in the driver, and one in the device. These timers are reset when a connection check signal is received and goes to the next signal. If a connection is broken, the data is stored in the computer and the device. 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 device but re-establishes it before the timeout period expires, any data transmitted during this period is queued and sent when the connection resumes.

If you need the ability to reconnect with a port that another server is currently using, Comtrol includes an utility called FreePort (Page 78) and its source code which makes the API calls that would force a port closure. The included source code for FreePort demonstrates the calls an application would make to perform the same operation.

22. Optionally, set the TCP Timeout Multiplier value.

Initial NS-Link Installation 29

Page 30

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation

23. Select the Ok button to close the Device window.

24. Close the Device Manager.

25. Select Shutdown from the Start button and Restart your system for the changes

to take affect.

26. After rebooting, you can go to the appropriate subsection to complete any further configuration that is required for your site.

• To configure an IP address in the device, go to Programming the IP Address

on Page 47.

• To configure NS-Link in MAC mode to run efficiently, go to Disabling

DHCP Requests (MAC Mode) on Page 54.

• To configure COM port properties, go to COM Port Configuration

on Page

63.

30 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 31

Windows NT: NS-Link Installation

Use this procedure to install and configure the NS-Link device driver for your device.

1. If necessary, unzip the self-extracting files from the Comtrol media or ftp/web site. See Locating NS-Link Software driver.

2. Right-click on the Network Neighborhood, and select Properties.

Windows NT: NS-Link Installation

on Page 6, if you need to locate the device

3. Select the Adapters tab and then the Add button.

Initial NS-Link Installation 31

Page 32

Windows NT: NS-Link Installation

4. Select the Have Disk button.

5. Enter the drive and directory path to the installation files and select the Ok button. For example, if you extracted NS-Link to a subdirectory named comtrol, enter: c:\comtrol

6. Select the Ok button when the selection box appears with Comtrol NS-Link highlighted.

7. Select the Next button when the Add Device Wizard appears:

32 Initial NS-Link Installation

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Windows NT: NS-Link Installation

8. Select the Comtrol device you are installing.

This example shows an installation for an RPSH-Si 2-Port.

9. If queried, select the number of ports on this Comtrol device.

10. Select the COM port number for each port you plan to use on this system, if you do not want to allow access to a specific port for this system, scroll up to Not configured. When configuring ports among several systems, they can share the same COM port name or be assigned a unique COM port name on each system.

See Using the Port Sharing Feature

on Page 8 for an overview about port

sharing.

This window is dependent on the number of ports.

Note: This window is dependent on the number of ports on the device.

Initial NS-Link Installation 33

Page 34

Windows NT: NS-Link Installation

11. Select MAC and the Next button.

12. Enter the MAC Address of the device.The MAC address label is on the device and the format is: 00 C0 4E xx xx xx. A space must separate each pairs of digits, as illustrated in the following screen shot.

If your site has other Comtrol network devices on the network, their MAC addresses will display in the drop list after initial installation.

13. Select the Finish button when the following window appears:

34 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 35

Windows NT: NS-Link Installation

14. When the Device Properties window appears, verify that the MAC address is correct and select Ok.

15. Highlight the device and select the Ok button.

16. Select Yes to save the configuration.

17. Select Ok to restart the system.

Initial NS-Link Installation 35

Page 36

Windows NT: NS-Link Installation

18. Select Close.

19. Close the Comtrol NS-Link program group.

20. Select Yes to restart the computer.

21. After rebooting, you can go to the appropriate subsection to complete any further configuration that is required for your site.

• To configure an IP address in the device, go to Programming the IP Address

on Page 47.

• To configure NS-Link in MAC mode to run efficiently, go to Disabling

DHCP Requests (MAC Mode) on Page 54.

• To configure COM port properties, go to .COM Port Configuration

on Page

63.

36 Initial NS-Link Installation

Page 37

Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices

This section discusses how to

• Update existing installations

• Add additional NS-Link devices to an existing installation

• Remove or disable the NS-Link driver

Note: See the User Guide or Hardware Installation document for your product if

you want to swap one NS-Link device for another NS-Link device. See

Locating Hardware Installation Documentation

Updating an Existing Driver

Use the appropriate procedure for your operating system.

Windows NT NS-Link drivers for Windows NT should not be updated but first removed and

then installed. See the Removing an Existing Driver subsection for Windows NT on Page 44.

on Page 6.

Windows XP Use the following procedure to update an existing NS-Link driver for the Windows

XP operating system.

1. If necessary, unzip the self-extracting files from the Comtrol media or ftp/web site. See Locating NS-Link Software driver.

2. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and highlight Device Manager, expand the Multi-port serial adapters selection, right-click the device for which you want to update the driver, and select Update Driver.

3. Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and Next.

on Page 6, if you need to locate the device

Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices 37

Page 38

Windows XP

4. Select Search for the best dri v er in these locations, check Include this location in the search, use the Browse button to locate the unzipped driver assembly, and

select Next.

5. Select Continue Anyway.

6. Select Finish.

38 Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices

Page 39

Windows 2000

7. Select Yes to restart the system.

Windows 2000 Use the following procedure to update an existing NS-Link driver for the Windows

2000 operating system.

1. If necessary, unzip the self-extracting files from the Comtrol media or ftp/web site. See Locating NS-Link Software

on Page 6, if you need to locate the device

driver.

2. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and highlight Device Manager.

3. Expand Multi-port serial adapters, right-click the device you want to update, and select Disable.

4. Select Yes to disable the device.

5. Select Yes to restart the system.

6. After the system reboots, access the Device Manager (Step 2

), expand the

Multi-port serial adapters selection, right-click the device for which you want to update the driver, and select Properties.

Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices 39

Page 40

Windows 2000

7. Select the Driver tab and the Update Driv e r... button.

8. Select Next when the Update Device Driver wizard appears.

40 Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices

Page 41

Windows 2000

9. Select Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended) and Next.

10. Select Specify a location and Next.

11. Use the Browse button to locate the driver update and select Open.

Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices 41

Page 42

Windows 2000

12. Select Ok.

13. Select Next.

14. Select Yes to install the driver.

42 Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices

Page 43

15. Select Finish.

16. Close the Properties page.

Windows 2000

17. Select Yes to reboot the system.

18. Access the Device Manager (Step 2

Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices 43

) right-click the device and select Enable.

Page 44

Adding Additional Devices

Install the device and configure the ports using the same procedures in Initial NS-

Link Installation on Page 13.

Removing an Existing Driver

Use the appropriate procedure for your environment.

Windows XP and Windows 2000

Windows NT Use the following procedure to remove the existing Windows NT driver. If

Use the following procedure to remove any existing NS-Link device driver for the Windows XP or Windows 2000 operating systems.

1. From the Start button, right-click on My Computer, and select Manage from the shortcut menu.

2. In the Tree panel of the Computer Management window, highlight Device Manager.

3. Expand the Multi-port serial adapters entry to view the list.

4. Right-click on the device you want to remove and select the Uninstall menu item.

5. Select Ok at the Confirm Device Removal popup.

6. Close the Device Manager window and resume normal operations.

updating (not reconfiguring) NS-Link for Windows NT, make sure that you remove the existing version before installing an updated driver.

Note: Using the Remove button on the

Comtrol Main Setup sheet only discards the software configuration, it does not remove the software.

1. Right-click on the Network Neighborhood, and select Properties.

2. Select the Adapters tab.

44 Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices

Page 45

3. Highlight Comtrol NS-Link and select the Remove button.

4. Select Yes to the warning that notifies you that this will permanently remove the driver.

5. Select the Close button. Several messages display as the system updates.

6. Select the Yes option to shut down and restart the system, so that your changes take effect.

After removing the existing driver, use the following subsection to install a new version.

Windows NT

Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices 45

Page 46

Windows NT

Page blank to accommodate double-sided printing.

46 Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices

Page 47

Device Configuration

If you are installing the NS-Link device for the first time, use the appropriate procedure in the Initial NS-Link Installation configure NS-Link with a MAC address.

Note: To perform the following procedure, you must have previously entered the

MAC address and rebooted your system.

After you have programmed the MAC address, you can use this section to configure network information or change the default configuration. This section contains the following procedures.

• Programming the IP Address

• Disabling DHCP Requests (MAC Mode)

• Changing Device Properties

This section also contains Using the Advisor valuable information about the device and your network, in the event that you are having problems.

Programming the IP Address

section starting on Page 13 to first

on Page 54

on Page 55

on Page 58, which may provide

After installing NS-Link, programming the MAC address, and restarting the system, use the following procedure to program the IP address in the Comtrol device. See your System Administrator to acquire a unique reserved IP address if you are using DHCP. They will need the MAC address of the unit to provide you with an IP address.

1. Access the Properties page for the device using the appropriate procedure:

Windows XP and Windows 2000:

a. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and highlight Device Manager. b. Expand the Multi-port serial adapters entry, right-click on the device you

are configuring, and select the Properties menu item.

Windows NT:

a. Right-click on the Network Neighborhood, and select Properties. b. Select the Adapters tab. c. Highlight Comtrol NS-Link and select the Properties button.

Device Configuration 47

Page 48

Programming the IP Address

2. Select the Main Setup tab, highlight the device, and select Properties.

The screen for Windows NT is similar.

3. Select the IP Programming tab.

4. Select the Retrieve button to check to see if the Comtrol device has been programmed with an IP address, gateway, and subnet mask.

5. Select the Ok button to retrieve the values.

48 Device Configuration

Page 49

Programming the IP Address

6. If NS-Link retrieves the values assigned by the System Administrator, this means that the hardware has been previously configured and go to Step 20

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

If NS-Link returns all zeros, go directly to Step 7

If NS-Link did not retrieve the correct values (not zeros), select the Clear button.

a. Select the Clear button. b. Select the Ok button to clear the IP programming in the device. c. Select the Ok button to the IP programming not complete until the device

is reset popup.

d. Select the Reset button and wait until the device reloads.

e. Repeat Steps 4

through 6.

Note: The Comtrol device cycles its LEDs.

Device Configuration 49

Page 50

Programming the IP Address

7. Enter the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway values in the IP Settings area.

8. Select the Program button.

9. Select the Ok button to begin programming the device.

10. Select the Ok button to the IP programming not complete until the device is reset popup.

50 Device Configuration

Page 51

Programming the IP Address

11. Delete the contents of the IP Address, Gateway, and Subnet Mask fields.

12. Select the Retrieve button.

13. Select the Ok button to retrieve IP programming from the device.

14. Verify that the information that loads into the IP Address, Gateway, and Subnet Mask fields matches the information that you previously entered.

If not, re-enter the IP Address, Gateway, and Subnet mask information and repeat

Steps 8

through 12.

15. Select the Reset button to soft boot the device.

Note: The Comtrol

device cycles its LEDs.

16. Select the Ok button to reset the entire device.

17. Select the Device tab.

Device Configuration 51

Page 52

Programming the IP Address

18. Check the IP checkbox and select Yes.

19. Select Ok and enter the IP address you programmed in the IP Programming tab.

20. Select the Ok button to close the Device window.

52 Device Configuration

Page 53

Programming the IP Address

21. Select the Ok button to close the Setup window or go to COM Port

Configuration on Page 63 to configure advanced COM port features.

22. Select Ok to restart the system.

23. Close the Device Manager or the Network property page (depending on the operating system).

24. Connect your serial devices to the Comtrol device. If you need information about connecting your serial devices, see Locating Hardware Installation

Documentation on Page 6 for your product.

25. Set up modems or printers using your Windows 2000 or Windows XP documentation.

26. DeviceMaster Family: If you want to configure any of the ports as sockets:

a. Enter the IP address of the device in your web browser URL field.

b. Select the port number that you want to configure as a socket.

Note: See the User Guide for your product, if you need help configuring

sockets. You can download the latest version at: http://

support.comtrol.com/Download.asp.

Device Configuration 53

Page 54

Disabling DHCP Requests (MAC Mode)

After installing NS-Link and restarting the system, you may want to disable the DHCP requests that are periodically sent from the device if you are running the device in MAC mode (not using a static IP address). Use the following procedure to disable DHCP requests sent from the Comtrol device.

Note: MAC must be checked in the Device window as discussed in Step 22

20.

1. Access the Properties page for the device using the appropriate procedure:

Windows XP and Windows 2000:

a. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and highlight Device Manager. b. Expand the Multi-port serial adapters entry, right-click on the device you

are configuring, and select the Properties menu item.

Windows NT:

a. Right-click on the Network Neighborhood, and select Properties. b. Select the Adapters tab. c. Highlight Comtrol NS-Link and select the Properties button.

2. Select the Main Setup tab, highlight the device name for which you want to disable DHCP requests, and select Properties.

on Page

54 Device Configuration

Page 55

Changing Device Properties

3. Select the IP Programming tab.

4. Select the Disable button.

Note: Not available on all NS-Link devices. If the button is greyed out, then

this feature is not available.

5. Select the Reset button and wait until the device reloads.

Note: The Comtrol device cycles its LEDs.

6. Select Ok to close the Device window.

7. Select Ok to close the Properties window.

8. Close the Device Manager or the Network Property page (depending on the operating system).

Changing Device Properties

After installation and configuration, you may want to change device properties, such as the device name or configure the KeepAlive Time-out Period or the TCP Time-out Multiplier. Use the following to change these values.

1. Access the Properties page for the device using the appropriate procedure:

Windows XP and Windows 2000:

a. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and highlight Device Manager. b. Expand the Multi-port serial adapters entry, right-click on the device you

are configuring, and select the Properties menu item.

Windows NT:

a. Right-click on the Network Neighborhood, and select Properties. b. Select the Adapters tab. c. Highlight Comtrol NS-Link and select the Properties button.

Device Configuration 55

Page 56

Changing Device Properties

2. Select the Main Setup tab, highlight the device, and select Properties.

The screen for Windows NT is similar.

3. Optionally, rename the NS-Link default name by entering a unique name in the Name field.

4. Optionally, set a different KeepAlive Timeout Period. You can set the amount of time in seconds that this device waits until it closes this connection and frees all the ports associated with it.

The KeepAlive feature works in the following ways:

• During normal

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

56 Device Configuration

Page 57

Changing Device Properties

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 device that a port release request, from FreePort, 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 re-acquire the ports that were open when the connection was lost. If the attempt is successful, normal operations resume for the port. If any port has been 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.

5. Optionally, set the TCP Timeout Multiplier value.

6. Select the Ok button to close the Device window.

7. Close the Device Manager or the Network property page (depending on the operating system).

Device Configuration 57

Page 58

Using the Advisor

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

Starting the Device Advisor

1. Use the following procedure to access the Device Advisor:

Windows XP and Windows 2000:

a. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and highlight Device Manager. b. Expand the Multi-port serial adapters entry, right-click on the device you

are configuring, and select the Properties menu item.

Windows NT:

a. Right-click on the Network Neighborhood, and select Properties. b. Select the Adapters tab. c. Highlight Comtrol NS-Link and select the Properties button.

2. Select the Main Setup tab, highlight the device, and select Properties.

The screen for Windows NT is similar.

58 Device Configuration

Page 59

Starting the Device Advisor

3. Select the Advisor tab.

The Advisor contains the following fields:

• Summary displays information regarding the current state of the selected device. This information is updated constantly. See D

evice Advisor Driver Messages on Page 60,

for a list of messages and meanings.

• Network Interface Card:

- MAC Address is the

reported MAC address of the Ethernet (NIC) card in the server. Since a server may contain more than one Ethernet card, identifying exactly which Ethernet card is being used by NS-Link may help you to identify and resolve problems.

- Adapter ID string is the network interface card binding string. Every

network entity that needs to be uniquely identified has a Globally Unique Identifier (GUID). The presence of this string indicates that NS-Link has been bound to a specific NIC card.

- Frames Out is the count of the number of frames output by NS-Link

through the identified network interface. This includes all administrative, data, and control frames, and should be incriminated whenever the device and NS-Link are operating, even if the device is idle.

- Frames Accepted is the count of the number of received frames accepted by

NS-Link for further processing. These must be well-formed packets with the correct protocol identifiers for NS-Link.

- Frames Passed On is when a network interface card (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.

This field shows the count of the number of received frames that have gone into NS-Link and been returned to the NIC layer for processing by other software.

If a received packet it not accepted by NS-Link or any other driver, it is discarded.

•Comtrol Hardware:

- MAC address is the network (MAC) address of the NS-Link device that is

currently selected. It should match both the MAC address on the Device Setup tab and the MAC address on the physical device.

- Packets To Device is the count of information and control frames sent to a

layer in NS-Link and indicates actual data traffic sent.

- Packets From Device is the count of information and control frames received

by a layer in NS-Link, and indicates actual data traffic received.

- Reported State contains a message showing the status of the NS-Link

software in relation to the selected device.

- Retransmitted is a count of information frames requiring retransmission

due to network errors. If this value is not zero, you have network problems.

- Out of Sequence is a count of information frames received out of order due

to network errors. If this value is not zero, you have network problems.

Device Configuration 59

Page 60

Device Advisor Driver Messages

- Loaded OK/Total indicates the ratio of successful loads to load attempts.

The rightmost, or Total, number indicates the number of times the system tried to load NS-Link, while the left most number indicates the number of times that NS-Link activated successfully after loading. Ideally, these two numbers should be the same.

- Devices Detected/Avail indicates the number of NS-Link devices currently

attached to the network, and the number of devices currently available to be acquired by this server.

For example, if you have one device installed, and it is not currently configured on any server, then the value displayed is 1/1. But if you have one device installed, and it is currently configured on a server, then the value displayed is 1/0.

Device Advisor Driver Messages

The following tables provide information about device driver summary messages and reported state messages.

Message Description

Active

The normal state for NS-Link device that is attached to a server and is ready for data traffic.

Network traffic is being received, but not from a

Cannot detect any NS-Link.

NS-Link device. Check the network connections and verify that the NS-Link device is powered up.

No inbound traffic of any sort NS-Link device may

Cannot detect network

be inoperative or you may have a network cabling problem.

Network traffic is being received from a NS-Link device, but not the one specified in the Network

Cannot detect NS-Link with specified MAC address.

Connection tab. Check the device to make sure that you are using the correct MAC address and check the General tab to verify that you are working with the correct device.

Connect

Counts reset.

Init

InitOwn

Invalid

Not found

NS-Link active.

NS-Link detected, initializing.

NS-Link device detected and configured for this server, but is not yet assigned to this server.

The server has completed the download and is completing initialization.

This message displays immediately after you click the Reset button.

This is the normal state for undetected and inactive NS-Link device.

The server has acquired the NS-Link device but has not downloaded the control software.

An illegal NS-Link device state has been detected. Reset the NS-Link device.

The specified MAC address is not configured on this server.

Normal state: the NS-Link device is installed correctly and active with data traffic.

The server has acquired the NS-Link device and is downloading the control program. The device will be available shortly.

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

60 Device Configuration

Page 61

Device Advisor Driver Messages

Message Description

NS-Link device with specified MAC address was detected, but is not configured for this server.

Either the NS-Link device in question is not assigned to this server, or it is not assigned to any server, or it has been configured for this server but the configuration has not been saved. If the latter, save and exit, and restart the server

The NS-Link device appears to be installed

NS-Link responsive, but no data traffic exchange since last inquiry.

correctly and active, but no data traffic has been sent or received since the last time you clicked the Refresh button. If there should have been traffic, check the NS-Link device port configuration and external cabling.

NS-Link responsive; data traffic received, but nothing sent since last inquiry.

NS-Link responsive; data traffic sent, but nothing received since last inquiry.

Similar to above, except the NS-Link device has received data successfully.

Similar to above, except the NS-Link device has sent data successfully.

This message displays if retransmissions occur, frames arrive out of sequence, or more than 2% of

Poor connection to NS-Link.

the total packets arrive out of sequence. This generally indicates a cable, connector, or LAN termination problem.

SendCode

Unable to contact a Network Interface Controller (NIC)

Unable to contact the NSLink driver

The server has acquired the NS-Link device and is in the process of downloading the control software.

The server NIC card may not be installed, may be malfunctioning, or may not be bound to the NSLink device.

The NS-Link device NS-Link is not installed or is not responding to Advisor requests.

Undefined No NS-Link devices are configured on this server.

Unintialized NS-Link device has not been installed correctly.

Device Configuration 61

Page 62

Device Advisor Driver Messages

Page blank to accommodate double-sided printing.

62 Device Configuration

Page 63

COM Port Configuration

Use this subsection if you want to configure standard or advanced COM port properties. See the following subsection for standard COM port configuration and see C

onfiguring Advanced COM Port Properties on Page 66.

To change the default communications mode on supported models from RS-232 to RS-422 or RS-485, see C

Configuring Standard COM Port Properties

Use the appropriate procedure for your operating system if your application does not set COM port properties. If the application sets COM port properties, those settings take precedence over the standard COM port settings. The exception to this guideline is if you use the Override and Lock Baud Rate advanced COM port setting (Page 67).

onfiguring Advanced COM Port Properties on Page 66.

Windows XP and Windows 2000

Use the following information if you need assistance configuring standard COM port properties.

1. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and highlight Device Manager.

2. Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) entry, right-click on the COM port you want to configure, and select the Properties menu item.

COM Port Configuration 63

Page 64

Windows NT

3. Select the Port Settings tab.

4. Make any necessary changes for the port.

5. Repeat Steps 2

through 4 for each port you want to configure port attributes.

Windows NT Use the following information if you need assistance configuring standard COM

port properties.

1. Open the Ports control panel.

64 COM Port Configuration

Page 65

2. Select the port that you want to configure.

3. Make any necessary changes for the port.

Windows NT

COM Port Configuration 65

Page 66

Configuring Advanced COM Port Properties

Use this subsection to configure advanced COM port properties.

1. Access the Properties page for the device using the appropriate procedure:

Windows XP and Windows 2000:

a. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and highlight Device Manager. b. Expand the Multi-port serial adapters entry, right-click on the device you

are configuring, and select the Properties menu item.

Windows NT:

a. Right-click on the Network Neighborhood, and select Properties. b. Select the Adapters tab. c. Highlight Comtrol NS-Link and select the Properties button.

2. Select the Main Setup tab when the Properties screen appears.

3. Highlight the COM port that you want to configure and select Properties.

66 COM Port Configuration

Page 67

Configuring Advanced COM Port Properties

4. If applicable for your model, select the appropriate RS mode to match the communications mode of the peripheral that you are connecting to that particular COM port.

5. Optionally, make any necessary changes to fit your environment:

a. Select a baud rate from

the drop list or enter a baud rate value to access higher or lower rates than are normally permitted by your Windows 2000 or Windows XP applications.

b. If applicable, set a time

delay on the transmit data before a port closes.

Note: You can select the

length of time to wait for data to

The DeviceMaster Serial Hub only supports RS-232.

clear the transmit buffer, before a close request from a host application is completed. If data is still in the transmit buffer, you can set a delay time to allow the buffer to empty. This is typically used with slower peripheral devices such as printers, to give the data sufficient time to flush through the system.

c. If applicable, select Map 2 stop bits to 1.

Note: You can use this option to map 2 stop bits to 1 bit. If the application

you are using is hard coded to use two stop bits and you are receiving framing errors, you can implement this option. Leave this box unchecked to enable stop bits to pass through unchanged.

d. If appropriate, select Wait for physical transmission before completing write.

Note: Use this option to force all write packets to wait until the transmit

data has physically completed the transmission before returning completion to the host application. The default mode (box not checked) is to buffer the data in the transmit hardware buffer and return completion as soon as the packet is in the buffer. This is typically used with slower peripheral devices such as printers, to give the data sufficient time to flush through the system.

e. If required, select Emulate modem hardware ring signal.

Note: This emulates a hardware RI (ring indicator) signal.

f. If you want all ports on this device configured to the same settings, select

Clone.

Note: If this box is checked, the changes in the General category area are

applied to all NS-Link ports in the system. If this box is not checked, the changes you make to the Port Setup options apply to the selected port only.

g. Change the COM port name of this port by selecting a new name in the

COM name drop list.

h. To renumber all subsequent ports relative to the port displayed in the

COM name drop list, select Renumber all subsequent ports relative to this port.

COM Port Configuration 67

Page 68

Configuring Advanced COM Port Properties

i. Optionally, select Ignore port name conflicts when renaming, to avoid

warnings to appear when renumbering ports. For example, if renumbering a four port device from COM3 through COM6 to COM4 through COM7, and you do not select this option, a warning message for COM4, COM5, and COM6 displays.

j. If you need to configure

RTS (Request to Send) options, select the RTS Toggle tab.

k. Configure the port and

select Ok after making the appropriate selections.

The Override and lock to RTS (Request to Send) toggle mode option allows you to lock the port in RTS toggle mode, then set the mode (low or high) as desired.

The RTS Toggle RTS Low option allows you to toggle the RTS output signal low during data transmission. If the option box is not checked, RTS is toggled high (asserted) during data transmission.

6. After configuring your port (COM) properties, select the Ok button. The Main Setup window returns.

7. If you did not clone all the COM ports, repeat Steps 3 through 6 until all of the COM ports that you want to use are configured.

8. Select the Ok button after you have configured each port.

9. Close the Device Manager or the Network property page (depending on the operating system).

10. Select Shutdown from the Start button and Restart your system for the changes to take affect.

68 COM Port Configuration

Page 69

Using Test Terminal

Comtrol Tools

This section discusses the following utilities that are installed with most Comtrol drivers for Microsoft operating systems:

• Test Terminal program (wcom32.exe), which can be used to troubleshoot communications on a port-by-port basis (Using Test Terminal

• Port Monitor program (portmon.exe), which checks for errors, modem control, and status signals (U you with raw byte input and output counts.

• Peer Tracer program (peer.exe), which traces driver events (Using Peer Tracer on Page 77).

• FreePort program, which frees a specified port (Using Freeport

WCOM32 is a terminal program that enables you to open a port, send characters and commands to the port, and toggle the control signals.

Note: WCOM32 will not work on ports used by RAS if Remote Access Service is

running or any other application is using the port. If you are using RAS,

you must stop the service before starting WCOM32 to test RAS COM ports. To test ports that are not used by RAS, you do not need to stop RAS.

Follow these steps:

1. Start Test Terminal from the Comtrol NS-Link program group.

2. Select Ok if this screen appears:

sing Port Monitor on Page 71). In addition, it provides

on Page 69).

on Page 78)

3. Select Open Port from the Port menu. A list of possible COM port numbers displays.

4. Select the COM port you want to test.

Comtrol Tools 69

Page 70

Testing a Comtrol Device

If the COM port does not exist or if it is currently being used by another program, a Create File Error message displays.

If the COM port is available, a terminal window pops up:

Note: Notice the <loop> button in the terminal window. If this option is

activated, it is green and uppercase ( ), the COM port internal loopback feature is activated, and the data is returned by the COM port

hardware. If this option is deactivated, it is gray and lowercase ( ), the internal loopback is deactivated, and the data is sent out the COM port.

Testing a Comtrol Device

Use the following procedure to test the Comtrol device.

1. Place a loopback plug on the COM port you are testing. Make sure all connectors are seated firmly and that the loop button is off.

Note: Test terminal works for RS-232 and RS-422 mode.

To build loopback plugs, see the hardware installation document for the Comtrol device.

2. From the Port menu, select Send Test Data. The program sends out a repeating data stream.

Note: To stop the data stream, select Send Test Dat a again.

• If the loopback plug is in place and the port is working correctly, the test

data should be echoed back to the screen.

• If the loopback plug is not in place or the port is not working correctly, no

data or garbled data is echoed back to the screen.

Note: If no characters appear, insure that the loopback plug is attached to the

correct port.

3. If further testing is required, select Loopback Test from the Port menu.

Note: The Loopback Test only works for ports

configured for RS-232.

If the loopback plug is in place and the port is working correctly, the system should return the message Passed.

If the loopback plug is not in place or the port is not working correctly, the system will return the message Failed.

Note: If the port is set to RS-422 or RS-485

mode, the Loopback test will send a “Port failed loopback test” message.

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Testing a Comtrol Device (RS-485)

Test Terminal Modem Control Signals

Perform the following procedure to determine if a port or ports are functioning properly.

1. Connect a straight-through cable from Port 1 to Port 2.

Note: See hardware installation documentation for the device if you need to

build a cable. If testing ports other than Ports 1 and 2, simply connect the cable between any two ports.

2. Open a session for each port.

3. Enter data into the Port 1 session, the data should appear in the Port 2 window.

4. Enter data into the Port 2 session, the data should appear in the Port 1 window.

Note: If the data appears as described in Steps 3 and 4, the hardware is

functioning properly.

The terminal window displays the modem control signals as gray or green lights at the top of the window. The first four are inputs:

The lights are green if they are turned on, or gray if off. The text on the light also changes from uppercase (CTS), which is on, to lowercase (cts), which is off.

The next two lights are outputs:

Note: If you have a loopback plug connected and you click on one of the outputs,

the corresponding signal is sent to the input and the input lights should toggle accordingly.

This test will only work if hardware handshaking is turned off.

Using Port Monitor

The Port Monitor program (portmon.exe) offers a summary of all Comtrol device statistics in one spreadsheet view. It also enables you to verify operation of all Comtrol device ports from a single window.

The Port Monitor display follows the familiar spreadsheet model: each COM port is a horizontal row, and each vertical column displays a variable or value for the respective COM port. For definitions of the abbreviations used, see Port Monitor

Variables on Page 75.

Port Monitor can also produce statistics and reports that can help you verify the operation of the COM ports and connected peripherals. Some immediate feedback includes:

• The state of the modem control and status signals

• Open ports

• Raw byte input and output counts obtained from the device driver

• Port errors

The available statistics include:

• Instantaneous characters per second (CPS) calculations

• Minute, hour, and day CPS averages and peaks

• Carrier detect (CD) signal runtime and transition count

Reports can be automatically generated on an hourly and/or daily basis, and can cover all ports collectively or a separate report for each port. You can also set how often the values are recalculated, fine-tuning thoroughness against system efficiency, and automatically run external batch files to perform additional processing and analysis.

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Starting Port Monitor

Changing Screen Appearance

To run Port Monitor, select Port Monitor from the NS-Link Comtrol program group. The Port Monitor window displays:

Note: To change the appearance of the screen, see the following discussion.

Once the monitor window displays, Port Monitor is active and collecting data. If any cumulative data has been saved from previous sessions, it is automatically brought in and used.

Port Monitor continues to run and collect data until you terminate it, at which point all accumulated data is automatically saved for use in the next session.

While Port Monitor is running, there are a number of commands and controls that change the appearance of the screen.

Desired Change Procedure

Change the monitor window font.

Change width of a single column.

Change column placement.

Remove a column.

Clear all fields and reset them to null values.

Clear any single field except the upper left cell.

Select Font from the Edit menu.

Left-click on the column separator (vertical) line and drag it to the desired width.

Left-click in the middle of the column you want to move and drag it to the desired location.

Right-click on the column you want to remove and select Remove from the pop-up menu.

Right-click on the upper left cell in the table and select Reset from the pop-up menu.*

Right-click on the field to be cleared and select Reset from the pop-up menu.*

Right-click on the column now occupying the desired location and select Add from the pop-up menu.

You are prompted to name the variable you want to

Add a column.

display, as well as other information. (See Column Setup, below.)

After you click OK, the column is inserted in the selected location and the existing column is moved to the right.

Change other properties of a column.

Right-click on the column and select Properties from the pop-up menu. (See Column Setup, below.)

*The Reset command does not clear raw data from the calcs.dat file. It simply

resets the selected display fields to their null values. For more information regarding calcs.dat see Port Monitor Files

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on Page 74.

Page 73

Column Setup When you select Add or Properties from the

column pop-up menu, the Column Setup window displays:

•Use the Input droplist to select the variable displayed in the column.

•Use the Type droplist to select the way in which the value displays: either as an integer, as an on/off state, as an integer with a kilo, mega, or giga suffix, or as an hh:mm:ss time stamp. This defaults to the appropriate type for the selected Input variable.

•Use the Name variable to change the column heading name.

•Use the Width variable to specify the column width in characters.

•Use Color0 to set the column character color when the value is zero.

•Use Color1 to set the column character color when the value is not zero.

• When done, click OK to save your changes and return to Port Monitor.

Column Setup

Report Configuration

To configure reports, select Config from the Edit menu.

The Single report options cover all ports and are overwritten each time the reports are generated. The Multiple report options generate a separate report for each port, and each report file is appended each time the report is generated.

For Hour reports, use the Single and Multiple droplists to select whether you are generating single or multiple reports, or both. For each report type, select from the following types of data to include:

• None: no report is generated.

• Hour Data: only variables with “Hour” in the name are included.

• All Data: all variables are included.

• View Data: only variables that appear on-screen are included.

The External Program field is used to enter a command line to run another program after the hourly reports have been generated. For example, you can use this to run a batch file that performs custom report processing. The Test button causes the command line to be executed immediately.

For Day reports, the single and multiple droplists behave the same, but your choices are:

• None: no report is generated.

• Day Data: only variables with the words “Day” or “Raw” in the names are included.

• All Data: all variables are included.

• View Data: only the variables that appear in the Port Monitor window are included.

Likewise, the External Program field is used to enter a command line to be

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Port Monitor Files

executed after the daily reports have been generated. The Update Time option allows you to set the rate at which the port information is

obtained and the calculations performed. There is a trade-off between Port Monitor efficiency and response time. If you are using Port Monitor to view the port activity on the screen, you may want to set the update time to 1 or 2 seconds, so that the screen is updated frequently. If you are concerned about the monitor program using CPU resources, set this to a higher value, (6 to 20 seconds) in order to decrease the time required by the program to perform the calculations and update the screen.

If Port Monitor is left active to generate reports, minimizing or reducing the display area of the program will help reduce the CPU overhead of updating the screen.

Port Monitor Files Port Monitor creates and uses the following files:

•portmon.vew

•calcs.dat

The default column layout is saved in portmon.vew. If you have been experimenting with the appearance of the monitor screen, you can use the File menu Save option to save your customized layout in another.vew file. You can retrieve this file later by using the File menu Open option, or you can use the Edit menu View Default option to retrieve portmon.vew and restore the default view.

All Port Monitor calculations are saved at program exit and on the hour in a binary file named calcs.dat. This enables you to halt Port Monitor execution without losing accumulated data.

Port Monitor also creates a \REPORTS directory. All hourly and daily reports are saved in this directory, under the following names:

• hall.txt — hourly single report

• dall.txt — daily single report

• hcomx.txt — hourly multiple reports, where x is the port number

• dcomx.txt — daily multiple reports, where x is the port number

Caution: Since multiple reports append new data each time they are written, the

multiple report files grow in size. It is up to you to delete them periodically.

Some safeguards are built into the program to avoid filling up a hard disk drive due to growing report files. The monitoring program stops writing additional data to the multiple reports if they reach a size of 2 MB. Also, the program will not write out data files to the disk drive if the spare room on the drive is less than 2 MB in size.

To view or edit an hourly or daily report, use the Edit Report option on the File menu, or use a system tool such as NOTEPAD.

For more information, see the Port Monitor Help file.

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Port Monitor Variables

The following table lists Port Monitor variables.

Variable Description

Open Open status, on if open, off if closed.

Cts Input CTS pin status.

Dsr Input DSR pin status.

Cd Input CD (carrier detect) pin status.

Rts Output RTS pin status.

Dtr Output DTR pin status.

TxTotal Total bytes transmitted.

RxTotal Total bytes received.

TxCPSInst

RxCPSInst

Errors

TxMinCPS

RxMinCPS

Instantaneous average of transmit characters per second.

Instantaneous average of receive characters per second.

Total hardware receive errors (parity, framing, and overruns.)

Last minute average of transmit characters per second.

Last minute average of receive characters per second.

TxCPSMinAvMax Peak TxCPSInst for the last minute.

RxCPSMinAvMax Peak RxCPSInst for the last minute.

TxCPSHourAvMax Peak TxMinCPS for the last hour.

RxCPSHourAvMax Peak RxMinCPS for the last hour.

TxCPSDayAvMax Peak TxMinCPS for the last day.

RxCPSDayAvMax Peak RxMinCPS for the last day.

TxTotalRaw

RxTotalRaw

Total number of transmit bytes raw data from the device driver.

Total number of receive bytes raw data from the device driver.

TxMinCnt Count of transmit bytes sent in last minute.

TxHourCnt Transmit bytes count sent in the last hour.

TxDayCnt Transmit bytes count sent in the last day.

RxMinCnt Receive bytes count sent in the last minute.

RxHourCnt Receive bytes count sent in the last hour.

RxDayCnt Receive bytes count sent in the last day.

TxMinCntWrk Transmit bytes count sent in this minute.

TxHourCntWrk Transmit bytes count sent in this hour.

TxDayCntWrk Transmit bytes count sent in this day.

RxMinCntWrk Receive bytes count sent in this minute.

RxHourCntWrk Receive bytes count sent in this hour.

RxDayCntWrk Receive bytes count sent in this day.

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Port Monitor Variables

Variable Description

TxCPSMinAvMaxWrk Peak TxCPSInst for the current minute.

TxCPSHourAvMaxWrk Peak TxMinCPS for the current hour.

TxCPSDayAvMaxWrk Peak TxHourCPS for the current day.

RxCPSMinAvMaxWrk Peak RxCPSInst for the current minute.

RxCPSHourAvMaxWrk Peak RxMinCPS for the current hour.

RxCPSDayAvMaxWrk Peak RxHourCPS for the current day.

CDRuns Carrier detect turn-on count.

CDDayRuns Carrier detect turn-on count in the last day.

CDDayRunsWrk Carrier detect turn-on count in the current day.

CDRunTime Time in seconds carrier detect has been on.

CDHourRunTime

CDDayRunTime

Time in seconds carrier detect has been on in the last hour.

Time in seconds carrier detect has been on in the last day.

CDHourRunTimeWrk Time in seconds carrier detect has been on this hour.

CDDayRunTimeWrk Time in seconds carrier detect has been on this day.

StatusFlags Bit flags, Open, CTS, DSR, CD, RTS, DTR

TxPkts Raw count of total transmit packets sent.

RxPkts Raw count of total receive packets sent.

OverrunErrors Total count of receive overrun errors.

FramingErrors Total count of receive framing errors.

ParityErrors Total count of receive parity errors.

OverrunErrorsRaw

FramingErrorsRaw

ParityErrorsRaw

Total count of receive overrun errors, from the device driver.

Total count of receive framing errors, from the device driver.

Total count of receive parity errors, from the device driver.

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Using Peer Tracer

The Peer Tracer program (peer.exe) is specifically designed to view the internal operations of the device driver for the purpose of troubleshooting communications on Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP systems. Peer enables you to see:

• Receive and transmit data

• Internal driver event traces

• Advanced configuration and status information

Like Test Terminal, Peer acts as a simple terminal session, and is used to send and receive text information to and from the device driver. To use Peer, you type in commands, and status and information are sent back.

Unlike Test Termin al, Peer enables you to keep a continuous log of the commands sent and the results received in a file named peer.log. Comtrol Technical Support may ask you to run Peer in order to help diagnose reported problems.

Starting Peer Peer Tracer does not appear in the Comtrol program group.

To start Peer, you may need to open the Windows Explorer, access the \WINNT\system32\rpshSi\ directory, and double-click on peer.exe. The Peer Tracer window displays (at right).

Using Peer Tracer

Log Functions All logging functions are found under the File menu. To start keeping a log, select

Log to Disk from the File menu. The other options on this menu are View Disk Log, Clear Disk Log, Clear Screen, and Exit.

Using Peer To use peer, simply type in commands at the : prompt. (It may be necessary to

press Enter to make the : prompt appear.) For example, to examine COM5, type:

PORT COM5 <Enter>

To gather some information about the port, type: STAT <Enter>. This should return details about the port.

To turn on monitoring of any calls into driver (events), type: MON EV <Enter>

To send strings and commands to attached peripherals—for example, to send “ATH0” to a modem—type: SEND ATH0 <Enter>. A return and linefeed are always appended to each string sent.

Other Peer

Enter commands at the : prompt and follow each command with Enter.

Commands

Command Effect

MON TX Monitor data being transmitted through the selected port. MON RX Monitor data being received through the selected port. M Turn off all monitoring. ? Display Peer Tracer command summary.

PORT COMxx Change port being examined to COMxx.

Keep in mind that all commands are processed in the device driver, and that Peer simply acts as a conduit for this information. For more information, see the Peer.hlp help file.

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Using Freeport

FreePort is an application utility that provides a simple mechanism to communicate to the NS-Link device driver that it should request the physical device to close the physical ports which are associated with the specified logical ports.

See the Freeport.cpp file (bundled with the driver) for a simple example on how other applications could implement this capability themselves. The Freeport.cpp file can be found in the C:\WINNT\System32\RpshSi subdirectory after driver installation.

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Troubleshooting and Technical Support

This section contains troubleshooting information for your Comtrol device. 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.

• Troubleshooting checklist

• G

eneral Troubleshooting on Page 81

• NS-Link Driver Troubleshooting

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

Troubleshooting Checklist

The following checklist may help you diagnose your problem:

• Verify that you are using the correct types of cables on the correct connectors and that all cables are connected securely using the hardware documentation.

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

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

on Page 82

on Page 83.

Product Type

DeviceMaster Serial Hub 8

DeviceMaster Serial Hub 16

DeviceMaster RTS 1

Embedded

DeviceMaster RTS 4/8/16 with

external power supply

DeviceMaster 16/32RM with

internal power supply

DeviceMaster PRO 8/16

RocketPort Serial Hub ia

RocketPort Serial Hub Si (2-

Port)

Connected toEthernet

Cable

NIC Standard DOWN

Ethernet hub Standard UP

Ethernet hub or NIC

NIC Standard DOWN

Ethernet hub Standard UP

Ethernet hub or NIC

NIC Standard DOWN

Ethernet hub Standard UP

NIC Crossover

Ethernet hub Standard

NIC Crossover

Ethernet hub Standard

Standard 10/100 NETWORK

Standard 10/100 ETHERNET

Standard

Standard 10/100 NETWORK

Connector Name

RJ45 port (not labeled)

Network

10/100BASE-T

• Verify that the Ethernet hub and any other network devices between the system and the Comtrol device are powered up and operating.

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Troubleshooting Checklist

• Reset the power on the Comtrol device and watch the PWR or Status light activity.

Product Type PWR or Status LED Description

DeviceMaster Serial Hub

DeviceMaster RTS

DeviceMaster Pro

RocketPort Serial Hub ia

RocketPort Serial Hub

Si (2-Port, only)

5 sec off, 3 flashes, 5 sec off, 3 flashes ...

5 sec off, 4 flashes, 5 sec off, 4 flashes ...

5 quick flashes

10 sec on, .1 sec off, 10 sec on .1 sec off ...

Flashing Bootloader is running.

Redboot checksum failure.

SREC load failure.

The default application is starting up.

The default application is running.

Firmware (rpshsi2p.bin) is running.

• If the device has a power switch, turn the device’s power switch off and on, while watching the LED diagnostics.

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

• Verify that the hardware MAC address in NS-Link matches the address on the Comtrol device.

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

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

• If using a driver for Microsoft systems, 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.

• If using NS-Link for a Microsoft system, you can use one of the tools bundled with the drivers:

- Test Terminal program (wcom32.exe), which can be used to troubleshoot

communications on a port-by-port basis (Using Test Terminal

on Page 69).

- Port Monitor program (portmon.exe), which checks for errors, modem

control, and status signals (U

sing Port Monitor on Page 71). In addition, it

provides you with raw byte input and output counts.

- Device Advisor, which helps identify problems is a tab in the Device

window of the driver (Using the Advisor

on Page 58).

- Peer Tracer program (peer.exe), which traces driver events (Using Peer

Tracer on Page 77).

• If using NS-Link for Windows hosts, enable the Verbose Event Log feature under the Setup Options tab and then reboot the system.

• Reboot the system and the Comtrol device.

• Remove and reinstall NS-Link.

• If you have a spare Comtrol device, try replacing the device.

80 Troubleshooting and Technical Support

Page 81

General Troubleshooting

This table illustrates some general troubleshooting tips.

Note: Make sure that you have reviewed the Troubleshooting Checklist

PWR or Status LED flashing

PWR or Status LED not lit

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.)

Cannot ping the device through Ethernet hub

Cannot ping or connect to the DeviceMaster RTS.

General Troubleshooting

on Page 79.

General Condition Explanation/Action

Indicates that boot program has not downloaded to the unit.

1. Make sure that you have downloaded the most current driver from http://

support.comtrol.com/download.asp.

2. Install the driver and configure the device using the MAC address. Make sure that you reboot the system.

Note: If the PWR or Status LED is still

flashing, contact Technical Support.

3. If you want to program an IP address into the Comtrol device, you can use the procedure outlined in NS-Link Driver

Troubleshooting on Page 82.

4. Remove the NS-Link driver.

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

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

When using a “sniffer” to track NS-Link packets, filtering for Port 4606 will easily track the packet. The packet should also contain the MAC address of the device 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.

Isolate the unit from the network. Connect the device directly to the NIC in the host system (see Page 81).

The 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 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 User Guide (Page 6) for your product for the Redboot method of programming an IP address.

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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.

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

Note: If the unit is NOT operational, do NOT attempt to

program or use an IP address with the unit.

This is a general procedure for drivers on Microsoft operating systems.

1. In the Comtrol Setup, highlight the Comtrol device.

2. Select Properties.

3. Select IP Programming.

4. Select Retrieve and confirm or modify addresses as

necessary.

Note: Enter in all 3 categories. The unit must have

Address, Mask and Gateway IP values entered. If you do not have a default gateway address, try using the ID number assigned to the PC that has the NS-Link driver installation.

5. Select Program.

6. Select Reset - power LED should begin blinking.

7. Select Device Setup.

8. Uncheck MAC.

9. Check IP and enter IP number that you configured

earlier.

10. Select Ok (several times) and reboot the system.

IP addressing will now be in effect.

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

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

3. Isolate the unit from the network (see Page 81).

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 Comtrol device. At lower speeds, timing issues will prevent the firmware from being successfully installed to the Comtrol device, thus preventing the device from normal operation.

When using the Comtrol device 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 device 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.

82 Troubleshooting and Technical Support

Page 83

Technical Support

If you need technical support, contact Comtrol using one of the following methods.

Contact

Method

Corporate

Headquarters

Comtrol Europe

FAQ/Online http://support.comtrol.com/support.asp

Downloads http://support.comtrol.com/download.asp

Email support@comtrol.com support@comtrol.co.uk

Web site http://www.comtrol.com http://www.comtrol.co.uk

Fax (763) 494-4199 +44 (0) 1 869-323-211

Phone (763) 494-4100 +44 (0) 1 869-323-220

Troubleshooting and Technical Support 83

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Technical Support

Page blank to accommodate double-sided printing.

84 Troubleshooting and Technical Support

Page 85

Configuring Modems

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview

After installing the hardware and driver for Windows NT, you can use this discussion to configure modem COM ports.

The Comtrol device can support any asynchronous serial modem for use by any application that uses TAPI. For information regarding port pinouts and signals, see the User Guide for the device (Locating Hardware Installation Documentation on Page 6).

Working with NT RAS

Installing Modems The following instructions were developed using Comtrol modem products. If you

Comtrol products are frequently used to provide Dial-Up Networking access with NT RAS (Remote Access Service).

•If RAS is not installed, note that you must install at least one RAS-capable device (for example, modem) before installing and configuring RAS.

•If RAS is installed, note that the modem installation process automatically launches RAS Setup after modem installation is complete.

are using another brand of modem, note that some prompts and window descriptions may differ from those shown.

Follow these steps:

1. Connect the modem to the desired port.

2. Power up the modem.

3. Open the Control Panel window.

4. Double-click the Modems icon.

If you have no other modems installed, skip to Step 5

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Installing Modems

If you have already installed another modem, the Modems Properties window displays. Select the Add button.

5. Check the “Don’t detect my modem...” box and select Next.

Note: While Windows NT can automatically detect modems, we advise against

using this option as auto-detect feature may cause some multiprocessor systems to lock up, and the modems may be installed in reverse order.

6. Select the appropriate manufacturer and model and select OK. If the correct manufacturer and model do not appear on the list, select Have Disk to install software from a manufacturer-supplied installation diskette.

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview 86

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Installing Modems

7. Select the COM port number.

8. Select Finish. The modem software is installed on the selected ports.

Depending on prior configuration, you may be asked to enter your country of use, area code, the number you dial to get an outside line, and whether you have tone or pulse dialing at this time.

9. If you need to configure modem properties (maximum baud rate, data bits, parity, and so on), select the Properties button, make the needed changes, then select OK to return to this window.

Note: For help configuring modem

properties, see the Windows Help System.

10. If you need to configure dialing properties (country, area code, calling card number, and so on), select the Dialing Properties button, make the needed changes, then select OK to return to this window.

11. Select Close.

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview 87

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Further Modem Configuration

At this point:

• If you are not using RAS, you are now finished. Reboot the system so that your changes take effect and resume normal operations.

• If you plan to use RAS but do not have it installed yet, reboot your system, then go to Installing RAS Initially

• If you already have RAS installed and configured, this dialog box displays.

If you do not want to configure this modem for use with RAS at this time, select No, then reboot and resume normal operations.

If you do want to configure this modem for use with RAS, do not reboot. Instead, select Yes, then go directly to Adding or Reconfiguring a RAS Device on Page 89

Installing and Configuring RAS

After installing the hardware and driver, and installing and configuring at least one RAS device (for example, a modem), use this section to install and configure Remote Access Service (RAS).

on Page 88.

Installing RAS Initially

If you have not previously installed RAS in your Windows NT system, log into the system with Administrative rights and follow these steps:

Note: This example shows how to install and configure RAS for use with modems,

but you can use it as a guide to setting up other serial devices.

1. Open the Control Panel and start the Network applet, or right-click on the Network Neighborhood and select Properties.

2. Select the Services tab and select the Add button.

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Adding or Reconfiguring a RAS Device

3. Highlight Remote Access Service and select the OK button.

4. Enter the location of the Windows NT files (for example, d:\i386) and press the Continue button.

The appropriate files are copied onto your hard drive.

The RAS installation process automatically launches the Add RAS Device process. Go to

Adding or Reconfiguring a RAS Device on Page 89, Step 5.

Note: If you install or reinstall RAS from your original Windows NT 4.0

distribution media, you must install or reinstall the latest Windows NT Service Pack after installing/reinstalling RAS. This is necessary because most Service Packs include RAS-related files that are newer than the files on the NT distribution media.

Adding or Reconfiguring a RAS Device

There are several different ways to start this procedure:

• If you have previously installed RAS and configured at least one RAS device, and are now adding or reconfiguring RAS devices, begin with Step 1

• If you have previously installed RAS and were in the process of installing a modem when this process started automatically, begin with Step 3

• If you were in the process of installing RAS when this process started automatically, begin with Step 5

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel and start the Network applet, or right-click on the Network Neighborhood and select Properties. The Network window displays.

2. Select the Services tab.

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Adding or Reconfiguring a RAS Device

3. Highlight Remote Access Service and select the Properties button.

4. To reconfigure an existing RAS port, highlight the port/device and select the Configure button. Then go to Step 7

5. To add a new RAS device—for example, if you are configuring a new modem—select the Add button. The Add RAS Device window displays:

6. Use the droplist to select the COM port (modem) that you want to configure and select the OK button.

Note: If no modems appear on this

list, you need to install a modem, see Installing Modems

on Page 85.

The Remote Access Setup window displays again.

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview 90

Page 91

7. Highlight the desired COM port (Modem) and select the Configure button. The Configure Port Usage window displays.

8. Select the appropriate radio button, based on the role the modem will perform, and select the OK button.

Note: When configuring multiple

simultaneous RAS dial-in ports, configure the ports to “Receive calls only” not “Dial out and Receive.” Configuring a port to dial-out requires a separate memory pool for each dial-out port, while all ports configured for receive-only share the same memory pool.

If you configure too many ports for dial-out unnecessarily, resources can become an issue. If you require dial-out on the RAS server, configure one port to “Dial out and Receive” and all the other ports to “Receive calls only.”

The Remote Access Setup window displays again.

Adding or Reconfiguring a RAS Device

9. Highlight the COM port (modem) again and select the Network button.

10. Select the appropriate dial out protocols, dial in protocols, logon security levels, enable multilink (if required) and select OK.

Note: Only previously configured protocols

are selectable. If you want to set up a protocol that is grayed out, you must first add it using the Network Protocols tab.

If you selected “Receive calls only” on all ports while configuring the port usage, the “Dial out Protocols” area will be shaded.

If you want to use Multilink PPP (bonding), make sure that you select the Enable Multilink checkbox.

For detailed information about the configuration windows, use the Help button or the Windows NT CD-ROM (Support/books/server.hlp file to locate information).

Note: The following steps are dependent upon the protocol selections made in this

window.

11. If you select NetBEUI on the Network Configuration window, the following window displays. Make the appropriate selection for your environment and select OK.

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview 91

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Adding or Reconfiguring a RAS Device

12. If you select TCP/IP, the following window displays. Make the appropriate selections for your environment and press OK.

13. If you select IPX, the following window displays. Make the appropriate selection for your environment and press OK.

14. Select OK to exit the Network Configuration window and return to the Remote Access Setup window.

Note: Choices made during network

configuration will effect the entire system.

15. If you want to duplicate the configuration you just created on any other COM port (modem), highlight the COM port number and select Clone. Otherwise, repeat Steps 7 through 14 for each COM port (modem) you want to set up.

16. After setting up all the COM ports, select the Continue button.

17. Select the Close button at the Network/Services tab to complete the RAS installation.

18. Select Yes when asked to reboot the computer. Windows NT RAS installation is complete.

19. If necessary, install the latest NT Service Pack or Packs from Microsoft.

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview 92

Page 93

Configuring Printers

Use this subsection to configure printers for the Comtrol device after installing the hardware and driver.

Adding Serial Printers

Follow these steps to configure a serial printer in Windows NT:

1. Connect the printer to the desired port. Use a DTE-to-DTE null modem cable unless the printer maker specifies otherwise.

2. Open the Printers control panel and double-click on the Add Printer icon.

3. Select the My Computer checkbox, then the Next button.

4. If the desired COM port is on this window, select it, select on the Next button, and skip to

Step 6

5. If the desired COM port is not on this list, select the Add Port button and follow these steps:

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview 93

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Adding Serial Printers

a. A list of printer ports is displayed.

Select Local Port.

b. Select New Port.

c. Type in the name of the port.

Note: Port names above COM9 require

the \\.\ prefix. For example, to reference COM12, enter \\.\COM12: (make sure that you add the colon)

d. Select the OK button. e. Select the Close button to return to the Add Printer Wizard. f. Select the Next button.

6. Select the printer make and model and select the Next button.

If your printer is not on the make and model lists, but you have a manufacturer-supplied printer diskette, select the Have Disk button.

If you have already installed another printer using this driver, you are asked if you want to keep the existing driver.

7. To keep driver: check Keep existing driver, select Next, and go to Step 8

If you choose Replace existing driver, or if you have not previously installed this driver, you are prompted to insert either the Windows NT CD-ROM or the manufacturer’s printer diskette. Do so and select Next.

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview 94

Page 95

Changing Printer Port Configuration

8. Select whether you want this printer to be the Windows NT default printer, and select on the Next button.

9. Select whether or not you want to share this printer with other computers on the network. If you select Shared, you are asked to indicate the operating systems of all the computers that will be sharing this printer. (You may also be required to insert the operating system media so that Windows NT can extract the necessary driver files.)

10. Select whether to print a test page and select on the Finish button.

You are now ready to begin using the printer. No reboot is needed.

Changing Printer Port Configuration

Changing Printer Port Assignment

If the printer does not successfully print the test page, it may be necessary to change the port baud rate, parity, and so on. If the Ports applet does not configure the port properly, you may have to use the mode command from a DOS prompt. Also, check the printer for DIP switches or other hardware configuration options.

To change the port assigned to a printer, follow these steps:

1. Open the Printers control panel.

2. Right-click on the icon for the printer you want to change.

3. Select the Properties option from the menu. The Properties window is displayed.

4. Select the Ports tab.

Note: The Properties window also gives you access to printer test and setup

options that can be very helpful when debugging a serial printer installation.

5. Check the port you want to switch to. Remember to change your cabling accordingly.

Note: The Configure button on the Ports tab does not recognize Comtrol ports.

This is a limitation of Windows NT. If you need to reconfigure the port, use the Ports option on the Control Panel.

6. Select on the OK button. Any changes you make take effect immediately. No reboot is needed.

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview 95

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Changing Printer Port Assignment

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Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview 96

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Index

Adapter ID string 59 adding additional devices 44

baud rate

lock 67

cables

verifying type 79

locate hardware documents 6 locate NS-Link driver 6 location hardware document 6

changing

device properties 55

checklist

troubleshooting 79

Clear button 49 Clone port settings 67 COM name 67 COM port

renumber subsequent ports 67 troubleshooting 69

COM port properties

configuring advanced 66 standard

Windows 2000 63 Windows NT 64 Windows XP 63

configuring

advanced COM port properties 66 device properties 47 modems

Windows NT 85

printers

Windows NT 93

Remote Access Service (RAS)

Windows NT 88

connectivity requirements 7 customer problems

list of common 79

device

configuration 47

Device Advisor

driver messages 60

device driver

download latest version 6

device properties

changing 55

DeviceMaster

serial tunneling 5 socket mode 5

DeviceMaster PRO

LEDs 11

DeviceMaster RTS

LEDs 10

DeviceMaster Serial Hub

LEDs 9

devices

adding more units 44

Devices Detected/Avail 60 DHCP

MAC addressing mode 54

diagnostics

Device Advisor

using 58

Disable button 55 documentation

downloading the latest 83 hardware installation 6 NS-Link installation 6

download

hardware document 6 latest driver 6 NS-Link document 6

Downloads 83 drivers

downloading the latest 83

Email 83 Emulate modem hardware ring signal 67 Ethernet cable type 7

FAQ/Online 83 Fax 83 Frames Accepted 59 Frames Out 59 Frames Passed On 59 FreePort

troubleshooting 78

Index 97

Page 98

Index

hardware

installation document

locating 6

MAC address

Windows 2000 28 Windows XP 20

ring indicator emulation 67

hardware platforms

supported 5

hosts

port sharing 8

Ignore port name conflicts when renaming 68 IP address

programming 47

IP addressing

issues 8

KeepAlive Timeout Period

Windows 2000 28 Windows XP 20

L LED activity 80 LEDs

DeviceMaster PRO 11 DeviceMaster RTS 10 DeviceMaster Serial Hub 9 RocketPort Serial Hub ia 11 RocketPort Serial Hub Si 11

Loaded OK/Total 60 lock

baud rate 67

M MAC Address

Advisor tab 59

MAC address 59 MAC Addressing

Windows NT 34

MAC addressing

disable DHCP 54 issues 8 Windows 2000 28 Windows XP 20

Map 2 stop bits to 1 67 multiple servers

port sharing 8 Windows NT

port sharing 33

NS-Link

download latest version 6 downloads 83 driver troubleshooting 82 features 7 requirements 5

NS-Link installation

Windows 2000 23 Windows NT 31 Windows XP 13

Number of Ports

Windows XP 20

operating system

requirements 5

operating systems

supported 5

Out of Sequence 59 Override and lock baud rate 67 Override and lock to RTS (Request to send) 68

Packets From Device 59 Packets To Device 59 Peer Tr ace

troubleshooting with 77

Phone 83 Port Monitor

troubleshooting 71 variables 75

port sharing 8

Windows NT

configuration 33

printers

Windows NT

configuring 93

Program button 50 programming

IP address 47

Properties page 47 PWR

LED activity 80 LED flashing 81 LED not lit 81

removing NS-Link

Windows 2000 44 Windows NT 44 Windows XP 44

Renumber all subsequent ports relative to this

port 67 renumbering COM ports 67 Reported State 59 requirements

NS-Link 5

Index 98

Page 99

Index

Reset button 49 Retransmitted 59 Retrieve button 48 RI

hardware emulation 67

ring indicator

hardware emulation 67

RocketPort Serial Hub ia

LEDs 11

RocketPort Serial Hub Si

LEDs 11

RTS (Request to Send) Toggle 68 RTS Toggle RTS Low 68

serial tunneling

DeviceMaster, only 5

sharing

ports 8

Windows NT 33

socket mode

DeviceMaster, only 5

Status

LED activity 80 LED flashing 81 LED not lit 81

Summary 59 supported

hardware platforms 5

supported operating systems 5

TCP Timeout Multiplier

Windows 2000 29 Windows XP 21

Technical Support 83 Test Terminal

troubleshooting 69

Timeout on transmit data on port close 67

troubleshooting

checklist 79 driver 82 Freeport 78 general 81 Peer Tracer 77 Port Monitor 71 Test Terminal 69

updating existing driver

Windows 2000 39 Windows XP 37

Wait for physical transmission before complet-

ing write 67 WCOM32

troubleshooting 69

Web site 83 Windows 2000

COM port properties

standard 63

NS-Link installation 23 removing NS-Link 44 updating the driver 39

Windows NT

COM port properties

standard 64

configuring modems 85 configuring printers 93 configuring RAS 88 MAC address format 34 NS-Link installation 31 removing NS-Link 44

Windows XP

COM port properties

standard 63

NS-Link installation 13 removing NS-Link 44 updating the driver 37

Index 99

Page 100

Index

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Index 100

Comtrol NS-link User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

Overview

NS-Link Requirements

Locating Hardware Installation Documentation

Locating NS-Link Software

NS-Link Overview

Connectivity Requirements

IP or MAC Addressing Issues

Using the Port Sharing Feature

Device Preparation for NS-Link

DeviceMaster Serial Hub LEDs

DeviceMaster RTS LEDs

DeviceMaster PRO LEDs

RocketPort Serial Hub ia LEDs

RocketPort Serial Hub Si LEDs

Initial NS-Link Installation

Windows XP: NS-Link Installation

Windows 2000: NS-Link Installation

Windows NT: NS-Link Installation

Updating, Adding, or Removing NS-Link Devices

Updating an Existing Driver

Windows NT NS-Link drivers for Windows NT should not be updated but first removed and

Windows XP Use the following procedure to update an existing NS-Link driver for the Windows

Windows 2000

Adding Additional Devices

Removing an Existing Driver

Windows XP and Windows 2000

Windows NT Use the following procedure to remove the existing Windows NT driver. If

Device Configuration

Programming the IP Address

Disabling DHCP Requests (MAC Mode)

Changing Device Properties

Using the Advisor

Starting the Device Advisor

Device Advisor Driver Messages

COM Port Configuration

Configuring Standard COM Port Properties

Windows XP and Windows 2000

Windows NT

Configuring Advanced COM Port Properties

Using Test Terminal

Comtrol Tools

Testing a Comtrol Device

Testing a Comtrol Device (RS-485)

Test Terminal Modem Control Signals

Using Port Monitor

Starting Port Monitor

Changing Screen Appearance

Column Setup

Report Configuration

Port Monitor Files

Port Monitor Variables

Using Peer Tracer

Starting Peer Peer Tracer does not appear in the Comtrol program group.

Log Functions All logging functions are found under the File menu. To start keeping a log, select

Using Peer To use peer, simply type in commands at the : prompt. (It may be necessary to

Using Freeport

Troubleshooting and Technical Support

Troubleshooting Checklist

General Troubleshooting

NS-Link Driver Troubleshooting

Technical Support

Configuring Modems

Appendix A. Windows NT Configuration Overview

Working with NT RAS

Installing Modems The following instructions were developed using Comtrol modem products. If you

Further Modem Configuration

Installing and Configuring RAS

Installing RAS Initially

Adding or Reconfiguring a RAS Device

Configuring Printers

Adding Serial Printers

Changing Printer Port Configuration

Changing Printer Port Assignment

Index