Page 1
User Guide
Page 2
Trademark Notices
Document Number: 2000482 Rev. B
Comtrol and RocketPort are trademarks of Comtrol Corporation.
Windows and Microsoft are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
Second Edition (Rev B), September 12, 2011
Copyright © 2007 - 2011. Comtrol Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or warranties with regard to the contents of this document or
to the suitability of the Comtrol product for any particular purpose. Specifications subject to change without
notice. Some software or features may not be available at the time of publication. Contact your reseller for
current product information.
Page 3
Table of Contents
Overview...................................................................................................................................5
Product Overview.......................................................................................................................................... 5
Before Installing the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE ............................................................................ 5
Locating the Latest Drivers and Documentation .................................................................................. 5
Card and Interface Installation ..........................................................................................7
Installing the Card ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Attaching an Octacable Interface Cable .................................................................................................. 8
Attaching an Interface Box ......................................................................................................................... 9
Installing a Rackmount Interface Box ................................................................................................... 10
Connecting Serial Devices .................................................................................................11
DTE Versus DCE .......................................................................................................................................... 11
DB9 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs ................................................................................................. 11
DB9 Signals............................................................................................................................................... 12
Straight-Through Cables (DCE) .............................................................................................................. 12
Null-Modem Cables (DTE) ....................................................................................................................... 12
DB9 Loopback Plugs................................................................................................................................. 12
Building Interfaces ..............................................................................................................13
68-Pin VHDCI Connector ........................................................................................................................... 13
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................15
Before Calling Technical Support ........................................................................................................... 15
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE Diagnostics ........................................................................................... 15
Running the Bootable Diagnostic ............................................................................................................ 16
Testing a Port or Ports ....................................................................................................................... 16
Stress Testing the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE........................................................................... 16
Exiting the Diagnostic ....................................................................................................................... 16
If the Diagnostic Fails........................................................................................................................ 16
Troubleshooting Windows Systems......................................................................................................... 17
Comtrol Utility.......................................................................................................................................... 17
Using PortMon to Test the Driver Installation ................................................................................ 19
Troubleshooting Linux Systems .............................................................................................................. 24
Technical Support ....................................................................................................................................... 25
Using Test Terminal to Test a Port ................................................................................................... 22
lcom(1) ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
File Transfer ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Changing Serial Port Settings (stty) ....................................................................................................... 24
Setting Up Terminals and Modems (mgetty, getty) ............................................................................... 24
Testing with minicom ............................................................................................................................... 24
Index........................................................................................................................................27
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Table of Contents - iii
Page 4
Table of Contents
iv - Table of Contents RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 5
Overview
Product Overview
The RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE is a high-speed in-server serial expansion card
for use in a PCI-Express (PCIe) compatible slot in a host system. The RocketPort
EXPRESS SMPTE was designed to support speeds up to 921Kbps and supports
RS-422 exclusively, in either DCE or DTE mode.
The RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE uses Comtrol Application Specific Integrated
Circuit (ASIC) technology to replace most hardware functionality to minimize
components, including:
• The processor
• A serial controller
• Bus interface logic and other miscellaneous logic
You can install up to four RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE cards in one computer,
providing a maximum of 32 additional serial ports. The RocketPort EXPRESS
SMPTE is an 8-port card with a DB9F interface box.
Before Installing the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE
If you are planning on installing the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE in a Windows
system make sure that you have placed the device driver assembly to a location
that is available to the host system before installing the card in the host.
You can use the Software and Documentation CD to locate the latest device drivers
and documentation or the links in the following table.
You may want to record the model and serial number of the RocketPort EXPRESS
SMPTE before installing the card in the event you need to call technical support.
Locating the Latest Drivers and Documentation
This table contains links the software and installation documentation. Optionally,
you can locate the latest device drivers, software, and installation documentation.
Software or
Document
Device drivers ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/html/rp_express_smpte_drivers.htm
Diagnostic and
Utilities
User Guides ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/html/rp_express_smpte_docs.htm
ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/html/rp_express_smpte_diag.htm
Location
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Overview - 5
Page 6
Locating the Latest Drivers and Documentation
6 - Overview RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 7
Installing the Card
DIP Switch
OFF
ON
DCE = ON
DTE = OFF
Factory Default Setting = DCE
Card and Interface Installation
This section discusses the following:
• Installing the Card
• Attaching an Octacable Interface Cable on Page 8
• Attaching an Interface Box
• Installing a Rackmount Interface Box
Use the following procedure to install a RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE card.
1. Turn off the host computer.
2. If necessary, set the DCE/DTE DIP switch for your environment.
on Page 9
on Page 10
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Card and Interface Installation - 7
•DCE mode
the appropriate ports.
• DTE mode
DTE mode.
3. Remove the system cover from your computer.
4. Select a PCI-Express (PCIe) compatible slot.
5. Remove the slot cover or release the clamp.
6. If necessary, replace the low-profile mounting bracket with the standard
mounting bracket shipped with the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE.
7. Insert the card into the slot and seat it securely.
8. Reinstall the expansion slot retaining screw or clamp.
Note: You may want replace the system cover after the driver is installed and
running in the event that you need to change the DTE/DCE switch
setting.
: verify that the DIP switches are set to ON for DCE mode on
: set the switches to OFF as needed for any ports that require
Page 8
Attaching an Octacable Interface Cable
Caution
Caution
Do not connect an interface to the card when the host
system is powered on, this can cause the card to fail.
9. Attach the appropriate interface (octacable or interface box) to the RocketPort
EXPRESS SMPTE:
• Attaching a
• Attaching an Interface Box
• Installing a Rackmount Interface Box
n Octacable Interface Cable on Page 8
Attaching an Octacable Interface Cable
Use this procedure to complete the octacable installation.
1. Make sure that the host system is powered off before connecting the cable.
2. Attach the 68-pin end of the octacable to the card.
Make sure that the connectors are properly
aligned and forcefully push the connector of
the Octacable with a rocking motion into the
card connector. Make sure that the connector
is seated tightly before tightening the
retaining screws on the connector.
3. Tighten the retaining screws.
4. Power on the host system.
5. Click Cancel if a Found New Hardware message appears on a Windows
operating system.
Execute the device driver assembly to start the driver installation.
For other operating system device drivers, see Locating the Latest Drivers and
Documentation on Page 5.
6. After installing the driver, you should verify that the ports are functioning
properly and then connect your serial devices.
You can use the Troubleshooting
procedures.
Refer to Connecting Serial Devices
connecting serial devices.
on Page 9
on Page 10
section on Page 15 for port testing
on Page 11 for information about
8 - Card and Interface Installation RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 9
Attaching an Interface Box
Caution
Caution
Use this procedure to complete the installation with an interface box.
Do not connect the cable to the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE card or
interface box when the computer is powered on. The interface is not
hot-swappable.
Connecting the cable to the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE card or
interface box while the computer is powered on may damage the
electronics on the card or interface box.
1. Make sure that the host system is powered off before connecting the cable.
2. Attach the LFH60 end of the interface cable to the RocketPort EXPRESS
SMPTE card and the DB37 end to the connector the interface box.
Make sure that the connectors are properly
aligned. Do NOT use force when connecting the
cables to the host adapter card.
3. Tighten the retaining screws.
4. Power on the host system.
5. Click Cancel if a Found New Hardware message
appears on a Windows operating system.
Execute the device driver assembly to start the
driver installation.
For other operating system device drivers, see
Locating the Latest Drivers and Documentation
Page 5.
6. After installing the driver, you should verify that the ports are functioning
properly and then connect your serial devices.
You can use the Troubleshooting
procedures.
Refer to Connecting Serial Devices
connecting serial devices.
Attaching an Interface Box
on
section on Page 15 for port testing
on Page 11 for information about
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Card and Interface Installation - 9
Page 10
Installing a Rackmount Interface Box
Caution
Caution
Installing a Rackmount Interface Box
Rackmount interface boxes are sturdy enough to allow you to stack several units
on a shelf, or you can mount it directly into a rack.
Do not connect the cable to the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE card or
interface box when the computer is powered on. The interface is not
hot-swappable.
Connecting the cable to the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE card or
interface box while the computer is powered on may damage the
electronics on the card or interface box.
1. Make sure that the host system is powered off before connecting the cable.
2. Place the Rackmount interface box on a stable surface or attach the brackets
to the interface box using the screws supplied with the unit and attach the
bracket into your rack.
3. Attach the cable shipped with the card between the interface box and the card.
Make sure that the connectors are
properly aligned. Do NOT use force
when connecting the cables to the host
adapter card.
4. Power on the host system.
5. Click Cancel if a Found New Hardware
message appears on a Windows operating
system.
Execute the device driver assembly to
start the driver installation.
For other operating system device drivers, see Locating the Latest Drivers and
Documentation on Page 5.
6. After installing the driver, you should verify that the ports are functioning
properly and then connect your serial devices.
You can use the Troubleshooting
procedures.
Refer to Connecting Serial Devices
connecting serial devices.
section on Page 15 for port testing
on Page 11 for information about
10 - Card and Interface Installation RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 11
DTE Versus DCE
Connecting Serial Devices
This section provides information about the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE
connectors, in the event that you need to build cables or loopback plugs.
A loopback plug is a serial port plug with pins wired together that you can use
with application (for example, the diagnostic, Test Terminal, or minicom) to test
serial ports. See Before Calling Technical Support
about using the test application shipped with the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE.
Most devices, except modems, are Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) devices.
Modems are Data Communication Equipment (DCE) devices. RocketPort
EXPRESS SMPTE ports are set to DCE by default.
The RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE conforms to the ANSI/SMPTE 207M-1997
Television – Digital Control Interface – Electrical and Mechanical Characteristics
standard. The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) 207M
protocol permits the control of video and audio tape decks for editing purposes and
can be used to connect controlled device such as, video routers and servers.
DTE and DCE are controlled with the DIP switch on the RocketPort EXPRESS
SMPTE. See Card and Interface Installation
on Page 15 for information
on Page 7 for information.
DB9 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs
The following figures and table illustrate the signals present on DB9 connectors if
you need to build your own null-modem or straight-through DB9 serial cables. The
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE provides female DB9 SMPTE port connections that
comply with the SMPTE 207M standard so that you can easily connect Sony DB9
type devices.
• DB9 Signals
• Straight-Through Cables (DCE)
• Null-Modem Cables (DTE)
• DB9 Loopback Plugs
on Page 12
on Page 12
on Page 12
on Page 12
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Connecting Serial Devices - 11
Page 12
DB9 Signals
Pin 1Pin 5
Pin 6Pin 9
Female
TxD+
TxD-
RxD+
Signal
3
8
7
Pins
RxD-
RocketPort Sony DB9ConnectorDCE Mode
2
3
8
7
Pins
2
TxD+
TxD-
RxD+
Signal
RxD-
TxD+
TxD-
RxD+
Signal
7
2
3
Pins
RxD+
RxD-
Signal
TxD+
TxD-
RxD- 8
DTE Serial DeviceRocketPort DTE Mode
RS-422 (Back Vi ew)
Pin 1Pin 5
Pin 6
Pin 9
SMPTE Loopback
DB9 Signals Refer to the manufacturer’s installation documentation
if you need help with the connector pinouts or cabling for
the serial device.
SMPTE 207M DB9 Female Connector
Pin
DCE Mode
(SMPTE)
DTE Mode
1 Chassis Ground Chassis Ground
2RxD- TxD-
3 TxD+ RxD+
4-6 Not used Not used
7 RxD+ TxD+
8 TxD- RxD-
9 Chassis Ground Chassis Ground
Note: DTE and DCE mode are controlled with the DIP switch on the RocketPort
EXPRESS SMPTE. See Installing the Card
on Page 7 for information. The
factory default is set to DCE. Verify that the DIP switches are ON (down) for
DCE mode.
Straight-Through Cables (DCE)
Null-Modem Cables (DTE)
Use the following figure if you need to build an RS-422 straight-through cable for
DCE devices.
Use the following figure if you need to build an RS-422 null-modem cable for DTE
ces.
devi
Note: RS-422 signals are not standardized and each serial manufacturer uses
different pinouts. Refer to the serial device documentation to determine the
pinouts for the signals above.
DB9 Loopback Plugs RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE models with DB9
ectors on the interface are shipped with a a single
conn
loopback plug.
Wire the following pins together to build additional
plugs or replace a missing loopback plug.
•Pins 2 to 8
•Pins 3 to 7
12 - Connecting Serial Devices RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 13
Building Interfaces
34
68-Pin VHDCI Connector
Use the following table if you need to build a cable for a proprietary serial device.
Pins DCE DTE Pins DCE DTE
1 TXD-1 RXD-1 19 TXD-5 RXD-5
2 TXD+1 RXD+1 20 TXD+5 RXD+5
3 RXD-1 TXD-1 21 RXD-5 TXD-5
4 RXD+1 TXD+1 22 RXD+5 TXD+5
5 TXD-2 RXD-2 23 TXD-6 RXD-6
6 TXD+2 RXD+2 24 TXD+6 RXD+6
7 RXD-2 TXD-2 25 RXD-6 TXD-6
8 RXD+2 TXD+2 26 RXD+6 TXD+6
9 TXD-3 RXD-3 27 TXD-7 RXD-7
10 TXD+3 RXD+3 28 TXD+7 RXD+7
11 RXD-3 TXD-3 29 RXD-7 TXD-7
12 RXD+3 TXD+3 30 RXD+7 TXD+7
13 TXD-4 RXD-4 31 TXD-8 RXD-8
14 TXD+4 RXD+4 32 TXD+8 RXD+8
15 RXD-4 TXD-4 33 RXD-8 TXD-8
16 RXD+4 TXD+4 34 RXD+8 TXD+8
17 N/C N/C
18 GND GND
35-50
51
52-68
N/C N/C
GND GND
N/C N/C
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Building Interfaces - 13
Page 14
68-Pin VHDCI Connector
14 - Building Interfaces RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 15
Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing problems with the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE, review
the troubleshooting procedures for your system before calling Technical Support.
Before Calling Technical Support
Review the following information 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.
• Verify the cabling using Connecting Serial Devices
Note: Most customer problems reported to Comtrol Technical Support are
eventually traced to cabling or network problems.
• If you have not done so, run the diagnostics (RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE
Diagnostics on Page 15).
• Verify that you have installed the latest RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE device
driver, see Locating the Latest Drivers and Documentation
If necessary, remove or update the existing driver using the procedures in the
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE Device Driver Installation Guide for Windows
or README file packaged with the FreeBSD, Linux, QNX, or SCO
OpenServer driver.
If none of the above work, you can refer to one of these subsections:
• Troubleshooting Windows Systems
• Troubleshooting Linux Systems
on Page 11.
on Page 5.
on Page 17
on Page 24
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE Diagnostics
This subsection describes how to run the bootable diagnostic CD to verify that the
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE hardware is functioning properly. The RocketPort
EXPRESS SMPTE is shipped with a bootable CD that executes hardware
diagnostics.
In the event that you cannot locate the CD, you can download
version and burn the .iso image to a CD-ROM.
Note: An .iso file cannot be copied onto a CD but must be burned using an
application that burns the image to the CD. If you do not have an
application available, you can use a freeware application that is on the
Comtrol Software and Documentation CD or download it at: ftp://
ftp.comtrol.com/iso/IsoBurner/.
You can use the diagnostic to:
• Confirm that the hardware is functioning
• Determine resolutions to conflicts during installation
• Perform a stress test on all RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE ports in the system
The diagnostic requires a loopback plug to test a port or ports. A single loopback
plug is shipped with the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE. You can build additional
loopback plugs or move the loopback plug to the port you want to test. See
Connecting Serial Devices
on Page 11 if you want to build loopback plugs.
(Page 5) the latest
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Troubleshooting - 15
Page 16
Running the Bootable Diagnostic
If you cannot locate the Diagnostic CD, you can burn a replacement with the .iso
file on the Comtrol Software and Documentation CD shipped with your adapter or
download the latest version from the ftp site (Page 5).
Running the
Bootable Diagnostic
Testing a Port or Ports
Use the following procedure to run the diagnostics.
Note: If the diagnostic goes into sleep mode while unattended, press the Num Lock
key to activate the screen. Use Ctrl/Alt Delete to kill the diagnostic process
at any time.
1. Insert the bootable CD that contains the diagnostic and restart your machine.
Note: If the Diagnostic CD does not boot the PC, you may need to change your
BIOS settings so that the PC can boot from a CD drive.
The diagnostic starts automatically and takes a few minutes before the first
screen appears.
Note: If the diagnostics did not detect the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE, the
adapter has a hardware failure, contact Technical support (Page 25).
2. Press Enter at the Copyright screen to begin the diagnostic.
3. Select from the following options and use the appropriate steps.
•
Testing a Port or Ports
• Stress Testing the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE
4. Enter 1 to 4 and then press Enter to test a port or ports on a specific RocketPort
EXPRESS SMPTE or multiple adapters.
5. Press Enter to test all ports on the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE or enter the
port number of a port that you want to test and then Enter.
6. Place the loopback plug on the appropriate port and press Enter. If you are
testing all of the ports and have only one loopback plug, you must move it from
port to port during the test.
Note: Use Shift Page Up/Down to review the diagnostic report.
To end the diagnostic, you may need to select b to return to a screen that contains
a q to quit. A summary is displayed if you select q. Type reboot, select Enter, and
remove the CD from the drive when prompted.
Stress Testing the
Rock
etPort
EXPRESS SMPTE
The stress test requires a loopback plug for each port on each card.
Select S and press Enter to run the stress test on all RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE
cards installed in the system. Make sure that you have a loopback port installed
and each port on each adapter.
The stress test uses a default configuration to simultaneously stream data to all
ports of the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE cards in a system until you stop the
test.
To stop the test and review the results of the stress test, enter S.
Exiting the
Diag
nostic
To end the diagnostic, you may need to select b to return to a screen that contains
a q to quit. Type reboot, select Enter, and remove the CD from the drive when
prompted.
If the Diagnostic
Fail
s
If the diagnostics fails, try one of the following before contacting Technical
Support:
1. Turn off the power and reseat the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE card into the
slot.
2. Try running the diagnostics again. If they fail again, you may have a bad port,
contact Technical Support
16 - Troubleshooting RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
on Page 25.
Page 17
Troubleshooting Windows Systems
If you are using a RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE driver on a Windows system and
the diagnostic verified that the card is functional, you can check the following:
1. Verify that the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE has installed by checking the
Device Manager to verify that the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE card
displays.
2. 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.
3. After driver installation, if a port does not open; go to Ports COM & LPT, right-
click on the yellow exclamation mark on the port, and click Update Driver. Use
the same procedure used when installing the ports that are detected with plug
and play systems.
4. Enable the Verbose Event Log feature on the Options tab of the RocketPort
EXPRESS SMPTE driver and then reboot the server.
5. Install and use one of the tools in the Comtrol Utility package. Use the
following subsection, Comtrol Utility, below for installation and adapter
testing procedures.
Troubleshooting Windows Systems
Comtrol Utility
The Comtrol Utility is available on the Software and Documentation CD or you
can download (Page 5) the latest version. The file is a self-extracting zip file that
automatically starts the installation procedure. It is not necessary to reboot the
PC after installation.
The Comtrol Utility package includes the following applications that you can access
from the Comtrol Program group:
• Port Monitor (PortMon2) checks for errors, modem control, and status signals.
In addition, it provides you with raw byte input, output counts, and confirm
that the device driver is functioning. It can determine if the ports are in use by
another application.
• Tes t Ter mi na l (WCOM2) can be used to troubleshoot communications on a portby-port basis (Using Test Terminal to Test a Port
on Page 22). Test Terminal
requires a loopback plug. You can build a loopback plug if you are missing the
loopback plug shipped with the adapter (DB9 Loopback Plugs
on Page 12).
Use the following
procedure to install the
Comtrol Utility package.
1. Execute the
Comtrol_Utility_Pack
age_x.xx.msi file,
where x_xx is the
Comtrol Utility
version number.
2. Click Next.
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Troubleshooting - 17
Page 18
Comtrol Utility
3. Click Next.
4. Click Install.
5. Click Finish.
18 - Troubleshooting RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 19
Using PortMon to Test the Driver Installation
6. Go to Using PortMon to Test the Driver Installation on Page 19.
Using PortMon to
Test the Driver
Installation
You can use PortMon to check whether the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE can
communicate through the device driver for Windows. If necessary, use Comtrol
Utility on Page 17 to install PortMon.
1. From the Start menu, select Programs > Comtrol > Utilities > Port Monitor
(PortMon2).
2. Click Add Ports using the icon or Tools > Add Ports, click Driver, ROCKETPORT,
and click Ok.
3. If the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE is communicating with the device driver
for Windows, Port Monitor should display CLOSED status. If a port is open for
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Troubleshooting - 19
Page 20
Using PortMon to Test the Driver Installation
an application, it displays as OPEN, and displays Actual Throughput, TxTotal
and RxTotal statistics.
Normally, there should be no data errors recorded or they should be very
small. To find out what the actual errors are, scroll to the right. You will see
three columns: Overrun Errors, Framing Errors, and Parity Errors.
If the errors are:
• Overrun Errors represent receive buffer overflow errors. If this is the case,
you will have to configure either software or hardware handshaking to
control the flow of data. The most common errors are Overrun errors.
• Framing Errors indicate that there is an synchronization error between the
beginning of a data frame and the end of the data frame. A frame usually
consists of a start bit, 8 data bits, and a stop bit or two. The framing error
occurs if the stop bit is not detected or it occurs in the wrong time frame.
Most causes for framing errors are electrical noise on the data lines, or
differences in the data clocks of the RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE and the
connected device.
• Parity Errors occur when parity is used and the parity bit is not what is
expected. This can also be caused by noise on the data lines.
20 - Troubleshooting RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 21
Using PortMon to Test the Driver Installation
4. You can view additional statistics to Port Monitor by adding columns. Click
Tools and Add Columns.
5. Highlight or shift-click to add multiple statistics and click Ok.
Note: See the Port Monitor help system if you need an explanation of a
column.
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Troubleshooting - 21
Page 22
Using Test Terminal to Test a Port
6. Scroll to the right to view the new columns.
7. If you want to capture this session, you can save a current session as a report.
8. Leave Port Monitor open so that you can review events when using Test
To do this, select one of the following save options:
• File > Save As
• File > Save - if the report already exists in an older format
• Save Active Session button
Reports can be opened, viewed and re-used when needed. To open and view a
report:
a. Select File > Open or the Open Existing Session button. The Open
Session dialog appears.
b. Locate the session (table), you want to open and click the Open button.
Optionally, if you want to continue monitoring for an existing session, you
need to activate the Polling Interval.
• Select Tools > Settings to access the PMon2 Settings dialog
• Change the Polling Interval field to a value other than zero (0)
Terminal to test a port or ports.
Using Test Terminal
to Test a Port
Test Terminal (WCom2) allows you to open a port, send characters and commands
to the port, and toggle the control signals. This application can be used to
troubleshoot communications on a port-by-port basis.
The Send and Receive Test Data option sends data out the transmit line to the
loopback plug, which has the transmit and receive pins connected thus sending
the data back through the Rx line to Test Terminal, which then displays the
received data in the terminal window for that port. This test is only testing the Tx
and Rx signal lines and nothing else. A failure in this test will essentially prevent
the port from working in any manner.
The Loopback Test option tests all of the modem control signals such as RTS, DTR,
CTS, DSR, DCD, and RI along with the Tx and Rx signals.
Note: This test will fail and is expected to fail since RS-422 does not have the
modem control signals that are present in RS-232 for which this test is
designed.
The following procedure shows how to use Test Terminal to send and receive test
data to the serial ports and run a loopback test. If necessary, install the Comtrol
Utility package using Comtrol Utility
on Page 17.
1. Stop all applications that may be accessing the ports such as RRAS or any
faxing or production software. See the appropriate help systems or manuals
for instructions on stopping these services or applications.
If another application is controlling the port, then Test Terminal will be unable
to open the port and an error message will be shown.
22 - Troubleshooting RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 23
Using Test Terminal to Test a Port
2. From the Start menu, select Programs > Comtrol > Utilities > Test Terminal
(WCom2).
3. Select File > Open Port, the
appropriate port (or ports)
from the Open Ports drop list
and Ok.
Note: If you left Port Monitor
open from the previous
subsection, you should
show that the port is
open.
4. Install the loopback plug (DB9
Loopback Plugs on Page 11)
onto the port (or ports) that
you want to test.
5. Select Port > Send and Receive
Tes t Da ta .
You should see the
alphabet scrolling
across the port. If so,
then the port installed
properly and is
operational.
Note: If you left Port
Monitor
running, it
should show
data sent and
received and
show the
average data
throughput on
the port.
6. Select Port > Send and
Receive Test Data to stop
the scrolling data.
7. Close Tes t Ter m in al .
If this test successfully completed, then the port is operational as expected.
Note: Do NOT forget to restart the communications application.
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Troubleshooting - 23
Page 24
Troubleshooting Linux Systems
Troubleshooting Linux Systems
You can use the following subsections to test the serial ports.
lcom(1)
Comtrol has available lcom(1), which is a multiport serial I/O test program. You
can use lcom in test mode to send test data to any serial port.
lcom is available on the Software and Documentation CD or you can download
the
latest version.
Note: For assistance using lcom, use the manual page, lcom(1) that accompanies
the program.
File Transfer You can transfer a file using the following information. The default settings are
9600, 8, n, 1, and no parity. To send a file you can redirect output to a device; for
example:
cat /etc/inittab > /dev/ttyRP0
Sends the contents of the /etc/inittab file to the ttyRP0 device at 9600 baud, 8, n, 1,
and no parity.
Changing Serial
Po
rt Settings (stty)
Use the following information if you need assistance changing or viewing the baud
rate settings.
To change the baud rate, use the following example, which changes the baud rate
to 19200:
stty 19200 </dev/ttyRP0
To view the current serial port settings for ttyRP0, enter:
stty -a </dev/ttyRP0
Note: Settings changes via stty are only valid during current log in session. For
permanent setting changes, use the /etc/inittab file.
Setting Up
Te
rminals and
Modems (mgetty,
getty)
Testing with
mini
com
Add the appropriate line or lines to the /etc/inittab file then restart.
Terminal Example:
T0:23:respawn:/sbin/agetty -L ttyRP0 57600 vt100
Modem Example:
T1:23:respawn:+/sbin/mgetty -m ‘”” AT&F OK’ -D -x9 -s 115200 ttyRP0
Note: If necessary, see the manual pages for more information on mgetty.
You can also use minicom, which shipped with most Linux distributions, to test the
serial ports. A Comtrol document is available for using minicom
.
24 - Troubleshooting RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 25
Technical Support
Technical Support
Comtrol has a staff of support technicians available to help you. You should review
Before Calling Technical Support
on Page 15 before calling Technical Support. If
you call for Technical Support, please have the following information available:
• Model number
• Serial number
• Interface type
• Operating system type, release, and service package, and if Linux, the kernel
version
• Device driver version
• Computer make, model, speed, and single or dual processor
• List other devices in the computer and their addresses
Comtrol Corporate Headquarters
Support http://www.comtrol.com/pub/en/Support
Device drivers ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/html/rp_express_smpte_drivers.htm
Diagnostic and
Utilities
ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/html/rp_express_smpte_diag.htm
Web site http://www.comtrol.com
Phone 763.494.4100
Downloads ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/html/default.htm
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Troubleshooting - 25
Page 26
Technical Support
26 - Troubleshooting RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
Page 27
Index
A
attach
interface 8
serial devices 11
B
bootable diagnostic
using 15
C
cables
null-modem (DTE to DTE) 12
straight-through (DCE to DTE) 12
card
installation 7
troubleshooting 15
Comtrol
contact information 25
connect
serial devices 11
connector
68-pin VHDCI 13
D
DB9
loopback plugs 12
signals 12
DCE to DTE cables 12
device drivers
download 5
devices
connect serial 11
diagnostics
using 15
documentation
download 5
download
drivers 5
Downloads 25
drivers
download 5
DTE to DTE cables 12
I
installation
before 5
card 7
download documents 5
interface box 9
octacable 8
quadcable 8
troubleshooting 15
interface
quad/octacable installation 8
interface box
DB9 connectors 11
installation 9
Rackmount installation 10
L
lcom
Linux test application 24
LEDs
Rackmount interface box 10
Linux
minicom
test serial ports 24
loopback plugs
DB9 12
definition 11
low-profile bracket 7
O
octacable
68-pin VHDCI connector 13
DB9 connectors 11
installation 8
P
phone number
Comtrol 25
Port Monitor 17
ports
testing
Linux 24
Windows systems 17
product overview 5
Q
quadcable
68-pin VHDCI connector 13
DB9 connectors 11
installation 8
R
Rackmount interface box
installation 10
RS-422 (DCE)
DB9
straight-through cables 12
RS-422 (DTE)
DB9
null-modem cables 12
RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B Index - 27
Page 28
Index
S
Send and Receive Test Data 22
serial devices
connect 11
signals
DB9 12
T
Technical Support 25
Test Terminal 17
testing ports
Linux 24
Windows systems 17
troubleshooting 15
W
web site 25
28 - Index RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE User Guide: 2000482 Rev. B
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