Connect Tech Echo/ISA User Manual
Connect Tech Inc.
“Industrial Strength Communications”
Echo/ISA
Multi-port Serial Communications
Adapters
User Manual
Connect Tech Inc
42 Arrow Road
Guelph, Ontario
N1K 1S6
Tel: 519 836-1291
800-426-8979
Fax: 519 836-4878
Email: sales@connecttech.com
URL: http://www.connecttech.com
CTIM-00023 Rev. 0.00 Nov. 5, 2003
Part Number: MN005
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Warranty i
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Connect Tech Inc. provides a Lifetime Warranty for all Connect
Tech Inc. products. Should this product, in Connect Tech Inc.'s
opinion, fail to be in good working order during the warranty
period, Connect Tech Inc. will, at its option, repair or replace this
product at no charge, provided that the product has not been
subjected to abuse, misuse, accident, disaster or non Connect
Tech Inc. authorized modification or repair.
You may obtain warranty service by delivering this product to an
authorized Connect Tech Inc. business partner or to Connect Tech
Inc. along with proof of purchase. Product returned to Connect
Tech Inc. must be pre-authorized by Connect Tech Inc. With an
RMA (Return Material Authorization) number marked on the
outside of the package and sent prepaid, insured and packaged for
safe shipment. Connect Tech Inc. will return this product by
prepaid ground shipment service.
The Connect Tech Inc. Lifetime Warranty is defined as the
serviceable life of the product. This is defined as the period during
which all components are available. Should the product prove to
be irreparable, Connect Tech Inc. reserves the right to substitute
an equivalent product if available or to retract Lifetime Warranty
if no replacement is available.
The above warranty is the only warranty authorized by Connect
Tech Inc. Under no circumstances will Connect Tech Inc. be
liable in any way for any damages, including any lost profits, lost
savings or other incidental or consequential damages arising out
of the use of, or inability to use, such product.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
ii Copyright/Trademarks
Copyright Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice. Connect Tech shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for incidental consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this
material. This document contains proprietary information which
is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this
document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to
another language without the prior written consent of Connect
Tech, Inc.
Copyright 2003 by Connect Tech, Inc.
Trademark Acknowledgment
Connect Tech, Inc. acknowledges all trademarks, registered
trademarks and/or copyrights referred to in this document as the
property of their respective owners.
Not listing all possible trademarks or copyright acknowledgments
does not constitute a lack of acknowledgment to the rightful
owners of the trademarks and copyrights mentioned in this
document.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
iii
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Conventions & Symbols ............................................................. 1-1
Product Overview ...................................................................... 1-2
Echo Adapter..................................................................... 1-2
Echo Software ................................................................... 1-3
Customer Service Overview ...................................................... 1-3
RMA Overview.......................................................................... 1-6
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation
Introduction................................................................................ 2-1
Configuration............................................................................. 2-1
Port Addresses................................................................... 2-2
Custom Port Addresses............................................. 2-3
Status Port Address ........................................................... 2-4
Custom Status Port Addresses .................................. 2-4
Interrupt Selection............................................................. 2-5
Installing the Echo Adapter in your System...................... 2-7
Chapter 3: Software Installation
Introduction................................................................................ 3-1
Configuration............................................................................. 3-1
DOS 3.XX - 6.XX............................................................. 3-2
COMSET.EXE ......................................................... 3-2
DFLEX.SYS............................................................. 3-3
CTIMODE ................................................................ 3-3
Accessing Ports ................................................................. 3-3
Character Device Access .......................................... 3-4
INT 14h Access ........................................................ 3-4
Linux ................................................................................. 3-7
Multiuser DOS 7 GOLD ................................................... 3-8
Configuration............................................................ 3-8
QNX 2.XX ...................................................................... 3-11
Configuration.......................................................... 3-11
QNX 4.XX ...................................................................... 3-14
Configuration.......................................................... 3-14
QNX 6.XX ...................................................................... 3-19
SCO Unix........................................................................ 3-20
Configuration.......................................................... 3-20
Other Configurations .............................................. 3-27
Solaris.............................................................................. 3-28
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
iv Contents
Windows 95 .................................................................... 3-29
Echo Enhanced Driver............................................ 3-30
Installation...................................................... 3-31
UART/FIFO Configuration............................ 3-32
Configuration.......................................................... 3-33
Windows NT ................................................................... 3-37
Configuration.......................................................... 3-37
Chapter 4: Appendices
Appendix A: Specifications ....................................................... 4-1
Operating Environment..................................................... 4-1
Power Requirements ......................................................... 4-1
PC Bus Interface................................................................ 4-1
Communications................................................................ 4-1
Control Signals.................................................................. 4-1
Dimensions........................................................................ 4-1
Connectors/Interface ......................................................... 4-1
Appendix B: Connectors/Pinouts............................................... 4-2
Cable Connector Pinouts................................................... 4-2
Connector Box/Pinouts...................................................... 4-5
Appendix C: Factory Settings………………………………….4-7
Echo................................................................................... 4-7
I/O Port Address Setting........................................... 4-7
IRQ Setting ............................................................... 4-7
Appendix D: RS-422/485 Options............................................. 4-8
RS-422/485 Cable Wiring................................................. 4-8
RS-422/485 wiring diagram (4 wire) ................................4-8
RS-422/485 wiring diagram (2 wire) ................................4-9
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Contents v
List of Tables
Table 1: Typical port address usage........................................... 2-2
Table 2: Switch settings(Echo) .................................................. 2-1
Table 3: Typical IRQ assignments............................................. 2-2
Table 4: Multiuser DOS: port details......................................... 3-9
Table 5: DB-9 pinouts - Echo .................................................... 4-2
Table 6: Echo DB-78 pinouts..................................................... 4-3
Table 6(continued): Echo DB-78 pinouts .................................. 4-4
Table 7: DB-9 pinouts - Echo I/O Box ......................................4-6
List of Figures
Figure 1: Problem summary sheet .............................................1-4
Figure 2: DIP switch block SW1 ............................................... 2-1
Figure 3: IRQ jumper block J1 .................................................. 2-1
Figure 4: Multiuser DOS: switch settings................................ 3-10
Figure 5: Multiuser DOS: IRQ settings ................................... 3-10
Figure 6: QNX 2.XX: switch settings...................................... 3-12
Figure 7: QNX 2.XX: IRQ settings ......................................... 3-13
Figure 8: QNX 4.XX: switch settings...................................... 3-16
Figure 9: QNX 4.XX: IRQ settings ......................................... 3-16
Figure 10: QNX 4.XX: switch settings.................................... 3-17
Figure 11: QNX 4.XX: IRQ settings ....................................... 3-18
Figure 12: SCO Unix: switch settings...................................... 3-21
Figure 13: SCO Unix: IRQ settings ......................................... 3-22
Figure 14: Windows 95: switch settings .................................. 3-33
Figure 15: Windows 95: IRQ settings...................................... 3-34
Figure 16: Windows NT: switch settings................................. 3-38
Figure 17: Windows NT: IRQ settings .................................... 3-39
Figure 18: Echo I/O Box............................................................ 4-5
Figure 19: RS-422/485 wiring diagram (4 wire)........................ 4-8
Figure 20: RS-422/485 wiring diagram (2 wire)........................ 4-9
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 1: Introduction
Conventions & Symbols ............................................................. 1-1
Product Overview ...................................................................... 1-2
Echo Adapter..................................................................... 1-2
Echo Software ................................................................... 1-3
Customer Service Overview ...................................................... 1-3
RMA Overview.......................................................................... 1-6
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 1: Introduction 1-1
Conventions & Symbols
This manual uses the following conventions:
In most cases the font for file names and command
statements is Arial Narrow Bold 9pt. An example is:
DEVICE=DFLEX.SYS p=280 P=288
Note: the "Note" convention informs you of important
messages, exceptions, or special cases.
Example: the "Example" convention outlines hardware
and software installation examples.
Technical Tip: the "Technical Tip" convention offers
technical tips to assist you in hardware and software
installation or problems
WARNING
The "Warning" convention advises you to take certain
precautions in order to avoid possible damage to your
Connect Tech product.
This message warns you that your Connect Tech product is
very sensitive to static electricity. Make sure that before
handling the product you practice proper ESD procedures.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
1-2 Chapter 1: Introduction
Product Overview
The Echo adapters are high performance multi-port serial
adapters that allow you to connect up to 8 serial devices through
one expansion slot.
Your Echo product consists of the following components:
Echo adapter
Cable harness or external connector box
DFlex DOS device drivers (the Echo is backwards
compatible with our discontinued ISA product, the DFlex.
While the drivers will contain reference to the DFlex
product, they are fully compatible with the Echo/ISA.)
Echo Adapters
Echo adapters provide the high speed interfaces between a host
computer and multiple external serial devices. Echo adapters
include features such as:
8 asynchronous serial ports out of one slot.
RS-232, RS-422/485 interfaces.
Different models of Echo adapters may reside in a host
computer offering up to 32 ports per system.
ST16C554 UARTs control each port.
An addressable status control register to improve
performance.
Each port on an Echo has independent baud rate selection
offering baud rates from 50 – 115.2 Kpbs with 5, 6, 7 or 8
data bits and 1, 1.5, 2 stop bits, odd or even parity.
On board DIP switch allows the selection of ports 1 & 2 as
COM1 and COM2. It provides 8 predefined I/O address sets
and 8 predefined status port addresses.
Jumpers on the board give the user a choice of 8 IRQ lines to
run the board at. The on board DIP switch also provides the
choice of running the Echo on 1 or 2 or no hardware
interrupts.
System requirements are one ISA bus compatible slot; one
available IRQ line.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 1: Introduction 1-3
The Echo adapters can accommodate both small and large multi-
channel applications. You can combine different Echo adapters
in a single computer, up to a maximum of 32 ports per system.
Echo Software
To install your Echo adapter under different operating systems
see Chapter 3: Software Installation.
Customer Service Overview
If you experience difficulties after reading the manual and using
the product, contact the Connect Tech reseller from which you
purchased the product. In most cases the reseller can help you
with product installation and difficulties.
In the event that the reseller is unable to resolve your problem,
our highly qualified support staff can assist you. Please refer to
and complete the problem summary sheet found in Figure 1
before contacting us.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
1-4 Chapter 1: Introduction
Figure 1: Problem summary sheet
Problem Description
Connect Tech Product Description
Product: Revision no.:
Product serial no.: No. of serial ports:
IRQ selected: Base address selected:
I/O port address selected:
Device driver: Revision no.:
System Description
Operating system: Revision no.:
System type & manufacturer:
Amount of RAM: CPU type/speed:
Video adapter: 8 bit 16 bit Settings:
Network adapter: 8 bit 16 bit Settings:
Hard disk adapter: Settings:
Tape adapter: Settings:
Other serial adapters Settings:
Other adapters: Settings:
Devices connected to ports:
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 1: Introduction 1-5
We offer three ways for you to contact us:
Mail/Courier
You may contact us by letter and our mailing address for
correspondence is:
Connect Tech Inc.
c/o Customer Service
42 Arrow Road
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1K 1S6
Email/Internet
You may contact us through the Internet. Our email and URL
addresses on the Internet are:
sales@connecttech.com
support@connecttech.com
www.connecttech.com
Note:
1. You can submit your technical support questions to our
customer support engineers via our Internet email address
OR
2. You can refer to our knowledge database found in the
Customer Support section of our World Wide Web site.
OR
3. You can fill out the problem summary form, found in the
Customer Support section of our World Wide Web site and
submit it to our customer support engineers via the Web.
OR
4. You can obtain the latest versions of software drivers and
manuals from the Customer Support section of our World
Wide Web site.
Telephone/Facsimile
Customer Support representatives are ready to answer your call
Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Our numbers for calls are:
Telephone: 519-836-1291
800-426-8979
Facsimile 519-836-4878 (on-line 24 hours)
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
1-6 Chapter 1: Introduction
RMA Overview
Connect Tech products requiring warranty or non warranty
repairs need an RMA number. To obtain a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) Number please contact us in the following
manner:
Go to the RMA Request Form found in the Support Center on our
website:
www.connecttech.com
Telephone, fax, email or mail us at:
Connect Tech Inc.
Technical Support
42 Arrow Road
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1K 1S6
Phone: 519-836-1291
800-426-8979
Facsimile: 519-836-4878
Email: support@connecttech.com
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 1: Introduction 1-7
Include with the product, proof of purchase (including date of
purchase), a description of the problem and the RMA number.
Clearly display the RMA number on the external packaging.
Please refer to the Limited Warranty for further restrictions or
requirements.
Your Echo adapter is very sensitive to static electricity. Make
sure you wear an anti-static wrist-band before you remove the
adapter from your computer. When you remove the board from
your computer, handle it only by the edges and place it on the
anti-static bag or an anti-static mat.
Note:
1. Please pack the item for repair securely and ship it prepaid
and insured. Connect Tech is not liable for damage or loss
to the product due to shipping.
2. Connect Tech will not accept items for repair without an
RMA number.
3. Connect Tech will not accept items for repair shipped
freight collect.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation
Introduction................................................................................ 2-1
Configuration............................................................................. 2-1
Port Addresses................................................................... 2-2
Custom Port Addresses............................................. 2-3
Status Port Address ........................................................... 2-4
Custom Status Port Addresses .................................. 2-4
Interrupt Selection............................................................. 2-5
Installing the Echo Adapter in your System...................... 2-7
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation 2-1
Introduction
Hardware installation involves configuration of the Echo adapter.
Note: Please refer to Chapter 3: Software Installation for
installation of your Echo board under certain operating systems.
The following sections detail how to change the field
configurable parameters. The setting of these will depend on the
number of boards installed and the existing configuration of your
PC.
Configuration
You must configure various settings and options before installing
your Echo adapter in your computer. In order to insure a
successful installation, please follow the steps in the order
specified below.
1.
Selection of I/O port addresses.
2. Selection of the status port address.
3. Selection of IRQs.
4. Installing the Echo adapter in your computer.
Your Echo adapter is very sensitive to static electricity. Make
sure you wear an anti-static wrist-band before you remove the
card from the anti-static shipping bag. When you remove the
board from the anti-static bag, handle it only by the edges and
place it on the anti-static bag or an anti-static mat.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware Installation
Port Addresses
You configure port addresses with DIP switches 1 to 5 on SW1.
Switches 3 to 5 select a set of port addresses for the ports, while
you can override the setting for port 1 and 2 with switch 1 and 2
respectively. When DIP switch 1 is on, then port 1 is COM1 at
3F8 hex. If DIP switch 2 is on then port 2 is COM2 at 2F8 hex.
These settings will override the addresses specified by DIP
switches 3, 4 and 5. Please refer to Figure 2 for a description of
switch block SW1, while Tables 1and 2 provide the switch
settings for the various port address sets
However many other devices may require port addresses in your
computer's I/O address space. In most cases the factory setting is
sufficient, but when there is a conflict, SW1 may require a
different setting. Table 1 summarizes typical I/O port address
usage.
WARNING
Do not use a pencil to set the DIP switches as the lead graphite
may short-circuit the switch.
Table 1: Typical port address usage
Port Address (Hex) Usage
000 - 0FF Reserved
170 - 177 Fixed disk controller (primary)
1F0 - 1F7 Fixed disk controller (secondary)
200 - 207 Game port
278 -27F Parallel port (LPT2)
2C0 - 2CF EGA video adapter (#2)
2F8 - 2FF Asynchronous serial port (COM2)
360 - 36F Parallel port (LPT1)
370 - 377 Floppy disk controller (secondary)
378 - 37F Parallel port (LPT1)
380 - 38F SDLC adapter (#2)
3A0 - 3AF SDLC adapter (#1)
3B0 - 3BF Video adapters
3F0 - 3F7 Floppy disk controller (primary)
3F8 - 3FF Asynchronous serial port (COM1)
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation 2-3
, p
Custom Port Addresses
You can generate other port addresses by making changes to the
programmable logic found on the Echo adapters. If you require
specific port addresses not listed please contact the Connect Tech
sales department for further information.
Figure 2: DIP switch block SW1
IRQ channel(s)
Status port address (see Tables 2 & 3)
Reserved - must be off
Port addresses (see Tables 2 & 3)
When on, port 2 is COM2 (2F8 hex)
When on
ort 1 is COM1 (3F8 hex)
Table 2: Switch settings(Echo 8)
Switch
3 4 5
on on on 200 208 210 218 220 228 230 238 240
on on off 240 248 250 258 260 268 270 278 280
on off on 280 288 290 298 2A0 2A8 2B0 2B8 2C0
on off off 2C0 2C8 2D0 2D8 2E0 2E8 2F0 2F8 300
off on on 300 308 310 318 320 328 330 338 340
off on off 2B0 2B8 2C0 2C8 2D0 2D8 2F0 2F8 288
off off on 290 298 2A0 2A8 2B0 2B8 2C0 2C8 2D0
off off off 190 198 1A0 1A8 1B0 1B8 1C0 1C8 1D0
Port Status
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Port
Note: You enable the status port when switch 7 is in the on position.
You disable the status port when switch 7 is in the off position.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware Installation
Status Port Address
The Echo board provides a status port that indicates which ports,
if any, are causing the interrupts. When read, the port will
indicate a one (1) if the corresponding port has an interrupt
request pending and a zero (0) if not. The least significant data
bit (D0) represents the status of port 1.
In multi-card installations the address for the status port on each
card must be unique. DIP switch 7, combined with the selection
of the port addresses on DIP switches 3, 4 and 5, determines the
status port address. Tables 1 and 2 indicate the relationship.
Custom Status Port Addresses
Custom status port addresses are available with the Echo/ISA.
Please contact Connect Tech Customer Support for more details.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation 2.5
A
Interrupt Selection
You can configure Echo boards to use one, two or no interrupt
request lines. To select the appropriate configuration, you must
program DIP switch 8 on SW1 and the IRQ jumper block J1.
When DIP switch 8 is on, all Echo communication ports will
interrupt on the A channel. When switch 8 is off, the odd
numbered Echo ports will interrupt on the A channel, while the
even numbered Echo ports will interrupt on the B channel.
IRQ jumper block J1 allows the assignment of IRQ lines to both
the A and B channels. If your application requires no interrupts
then you can remove both jumpers from jumper block J1. To
assign interrupts to either channel, go to the posts under the
selected IRQ line number and install the jumper(s) between the
centre post and the A post (A channel), and/or between the centre
post and the B post (B channel).
COM1 and COM2 normally use IRQ 4 and IRQ 3 respectively.
If you use the first two ports as COM1 and COM2, set switch 8
on SW1 to the off position and install a jumper between the
centre post and the A post on J1 under IRQ 4 (COM1). You
should install the other jumper between the centre post and the B
post on J1 under IRQ 3 (COM2). If you configure only one of
the two ports as a standard COM1 or COM2, then you can
relocate or remove the other jumper according to the
requirements of the controlling software. Please refer to Figure 3
for an explanation of IRQ jumper block J1.
Figure 3: IRQ jumper block J1
3 4 5 7 10 11 12 15
B
Note: this example of shows J1 selected for IRQ 3 and 4 on
channels B and A respectively.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware Installation
Many other devices such as the keyboard and disk drives also
require an IRQ. Table 3 shows some typical IRQ assignments.
Table 3: Typical IRQ assignments
IRQ Device
0 Timer output
1 Keyboard
2 Reserved
3 COM2, COM4, SDLC
4 COM1, COM3, SDLC
5 Unassigned (typically)
6 Floppy disk controller
7 LPT1
8 Real-time clock
9 Reserved
10 Unassigned (typically)
11 Unassigned (typically)
12 Unassigned (typically)
13 Co-processor
14 Primary fixed disk controller
15 Secondary fixed disk controller
In most cases the default IRQ setting for your Echo adapter is
satisfactory. If an IRQ conflict exists between the Echo adapter
and another expansion device, you must choose another IRQ. To
select an IRQ simply install the jumper across the corresponding
pins for that IRQ on J1.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation 2-7
Installing the Echo Adapter in your System
To install your Echo adapter in your computer follow these steps:
Computer components are very sensitive to static electricity.
Make sure that you wear an anti-static wrist-band when
installing adapters in your computer. Handle the adapter by its
edges and place it on the anti-static bag or an anti-static mat.
1. Turn the power off to your computer.
2. Open your computer to expose the expansion slots (consult
the system documentation for information on this procedure.)
3. Choose an available 8 or 16-bit expansion slot.
4. Remove the screw and the expansion slot cover from the slot
you select and save both.
5. Place the Echo adapter in the expansion slot and push down
gently until the card seats fully in the slot.
Note: Do not force the card into the expansion slot. If you meet
a great deal of resistance, remove the board and try again.
6. Align the mounting bracket and secure the board with the
screw that you saved.
7. Close your computer.
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
Chapter 3: Software Installation
Introduction................................................................................ 3-1
Configuration............................................................................. 3-1
DOS 3.XX - 6.XX............................................................. 3-2
COMSET.EXE ......................................................... 3-2
DFLEX.SYS............................................................. 3-3
CTIMODE ................................................................ 3-3
Accessing Ports ................................................................. 3-3
Character Device Access .......................................... 3-4
INT 14h Access ........................................................ 3-4
Linux ................................................................................. 3-7
Multiuser DOS 7 GOLD ................................................... 3-8
Configuration............................................................ 3-8
QNX 2.XX ...................................................................... 3-11
Configuration.......................................................... 3-11
QNX 4.XX ...................................................................... 3-14
Configuration.......................................................... 3-14
QNX 6.XX ...................................................................... 3-19
SCO Unix........................................................................ 3-20
Configuration.......................................................... 3-20
Other Configurations .............................................. 3-27
Solaris.............................................................................. 3-28
Windows 95 .................................................................... 3-29
Echo Enhanced Driver............................................ 3-30
Installation...................................................... 3-31
UART/FIFO Configuration............................ 3-32
Configuration.......................................................... 3-33
Windows NT ................................................................... 3-37
Configuration.......................................................... 3-37
Echo User's Manual, ver. 0.00
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