Serial
Getting Started with Your
PCMCIA Serial Hardware
and Software for
Windows
PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x
Me/9
x
September 2000 Edition
Part Number 321827C-01
Support
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For further support information, see the Technical Support Resources appendix. To comment on the
documentation, send e-mail to techpubs@ni.com
© Copyright 1998, 2000 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.
Important Information
Warranty
The serial hardware is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment,
as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment that proves
to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions,
due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other
documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming
instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not
warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of
the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of
returning to the owner parts which are covered by warranty.
National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed
for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to
make changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult
National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of
or related to this document or the information contained in it.
XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN
E
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
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NSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR
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CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF
apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against National Instruments
must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for any delay in
performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover damages, defects,
malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National Instruments installation, operation, or
maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or
surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.
ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY
, N
USTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR
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. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will
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ATIONAL
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Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL
OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL
COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE
EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.
(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL
POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION,
INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR
FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF
THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER
COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH)
SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM
FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE
REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS
FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER
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EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL
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SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND
SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.
Compliance
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*
Determining FCC Class
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference.
The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrialcommercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is
operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of
Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.)
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless
products. By examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two
FCC/DOC Warnings apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the
reader should then assume these are Class A devices.)
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and
undesired operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations
where FCC Class A products can be operated.
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.
Consult the FCC web site
http://www.fcc.gov
FCC/DOC Warnings
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the
instructions in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and
television reception. Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
and the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC).
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment under the FCC Rules.
Class A
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
for more information.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.
Class B
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.
European Union - Compliance to EEC Directives
Readers in the EU/EEC/EEA must refer to the Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product
except for those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or
where compliance is not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.
* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices, and §15.105(c).
Also available in sections of CFR 47.
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions
for the user or installer.
Contents
About This Manual
Conventions ...................................................................................................................xi
Related Documentation..................................................................................................xii
Chapter 1
Introduction
How to Use This Manual ............................................................................................... 1-1
What You Need to Get Started ...................................................................................... 1-2
Optional Equipment.......................................................................................................1-2
Serial Hardware Overview.............................................................................................1-2
NI-Serial Software Overview ........................................................................................ 1-3
Time-Saving Development Tools..................................................................................1-4
Using Your Serial Hardware with LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI........................... 1-4
Chapter 2
Installation and Verification
Install the Software ........................................................................................................ 2-1
Install the Hardware.......................................................................................................2-3
Verify the Installation .................................................................................................... 2-4
Verify the Hardware Resources.......................................................................2-6
Determine Which Physical Port Is Associated with COMx............................2-7
Run the Diagnostic Test .................................................................................. 2-7
Connect the Cables ........................................................................................................2-8
Connecting Two-Wire Devices .....................................................................................2-9
Chapter 3
Configuration
View or Change Communication Port Settings............................................................. 3-1
Port Settings Tab............................................................................................................3-2
Bits per Second................................................................................................3-3
Data Bits ..........................................................................................................3-3
Parity................................................................................................................3-3
Stop Bits ..........................................................................................................3-3
Flow Control....................................................................................................3-3
© National Instruments Corporation vii PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x
Contents
Advanced Port Settings................................................................................... 3-3
Transceiver Mode ............................................................................. 3-4
Use FIFO Buffers .............................................................................3-4
Restore Defaults.............................................................................................. 3-4
Chapter 4
Using Your Serial Hardware
General Programming Requirements ............................................................................ 4-1
Advanced Transceiver Control for the PCMCIA-485................................................... 4-1
Four-Wire Mode ............................................................................................. 4-2
Two-Wire Mode: DTR
Two-Wire Mode: DTR
Two-Wire Mode: TXRDY
Setting the Transceiver Control Mode ............................................................ 4-3
Setting the Transceiver Mode with DeviceIoControl ..................................... 4-4
with Echo .................................................................. 4-2
Controlled ................................................................. 4-2
Auto Control........................................................ 4-3
Appendix A
Serial Port Information
Appendix B
Uninstalling the Hardware and Software
Appendix C
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
Appendix D
Specifications
Appendix E
Technical Support Resources
Glossary
Index
PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x viii ni.com
Figures
Contents
Figure 2-1. Add/Remove Programs Properties Dialog Box.....................................2-1
Figure 2-2. NI-Serial Setup Screen ..........................................................................2-2
Figure 2-3. Inserting a PCMCIA Serial Card...........................................................2-3
Figure 2-4. Device Manager Ports List for PCMCIA Serial Card
Correctly Installed .................................................................................2-5
Figure 2-5. Device Manager Ports List for PCMCIA Serial Card
Incorrectly Installed...............................................................................2-6
Figure 2-6. DB-9 Connector Pin Locations .............................................................2-8
Figure 3-1. Port Settings Tab ...................................................................................3-2
Figure 3-2. Advanced Port Settings Dialog Box...................................................... 3-3
Figure A-1. Typical Full-Duplex System .................................................................A-4
Figure A-2. Typical Half-Duplex System.................................................................A-4
Figure A-3. Multidrop Network Using Terminating Resistors.................................A-5
Figure A-4. Straight-Through Cabling in a DTE-to-DCE Interface.........................A-6
Figure A-5. Null-Modem Cabling in a DTE-to-DTE Interface ................................ A-6
Figure B-1. Selecting an Interface to Uninstall ........................................................B-2
Figure B-2. Add/Remove Programs Properties Dialog Box.....................................B-3
Figure B-3. Successful Uninstallation ......................................................................B-4
Figure C-1. Ports List in Device Manager Tab.........................................................C-4
Figure C-2. Multi-Function Adapter Class in the Device Manager .........................C-7
Tables
Table 2-1. DB-9 Pin Descriptions...........................................................................2-8
Table 4-1. Transceiver Control Modes ................................................................... 4-2
Table 4-2. Transceiver Mode Control Bytes ..........................................................4-3
Table 4-3. DeviceIoControl Function Input Values ..............................................4-4
Table A-1. RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 Features.................................................A-1
Table C-1. Standard DOS-Based Addresses ...........................................................C-5
Table D-1. Physical Characteristics of the PCMCIA Serial Cards ......................... D-1
Table D-2. Environmental Characteristics of the Serial Hardware .........................D-2
Table D-3. Software Characteristics........................................................................ D-2
© National Instruments Corporation ix PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x
About This Manual
This manual contains instructions to help you install and configure the
National Instruments serial hardware and the NI-Serial software for
Windows Me/9x. This manual includes information about the
PCMCIA-232, PCMCIA-232/2, PCMCIA-232/4, PCMCIA-485, and
PCMCIA-485/2.
This manual assumes that you are already familiar with Windows Me/9x.
Conventions
The following conventions appear in this manual:
» The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options
to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to
pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options
from the last dialog box.
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on in the software,
such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes
parameter names.
DTR
italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction
monospace
monospace bold
© National Instruments Corporation xi PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x
Signal names with an overscore, such as DTR, indicate that the signal is
active low.
to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.
Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.
Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer
automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes lines of code
that are different from the other examples.
About This Manual
Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you might find helpful
as you read this manual:
• ANSI/EIA-232-D Standard, Interface Between Data Terminal
Equipment and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment Employing
Serial Binary Data Interchange
• EIA/RS-422-A Standard, Electrical Characteristics of Balanced
Voltage Digital Interface Circuits
• EIA-485 Standard, Standard for Electrical Characteristics of
Generators and Receivers for Use in Balanced Digital
Multipoint Systems
Microsoft Win32 Software Developer Kit
•
Win32 Overviews, Win32 Reference, and Microsoft Programmer’s
Guide to Windows 98/95, Microsoft Corporation
• NS16550AF Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter with
FIFOs, National Semiconductor
• ST16C654 Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter with FIFOs,
EXAR Corporation
, Online Documentation for
PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x xii ni.com
Introduction
This chapter explains how to use this manual, lists what you need to get
started and optional equipment you can order, and briefly describes the
serial hardware and the NI-Serial software.
How to Use This Manual
1
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Gather What You Need
to Get Started
Install the NI Serial
Software
Install the Serial Hardware
Verify the Installation
Passes?
Ye s
Connect the Cables
Configure the Serial Port
Learn About Transceiver
Control Modes
Review Programming
Requirements
No
Troubleshooting
Write Application Program
© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x
Chapter 1 Introduction
What You Need to Get Started
Before you install your serial hardware and the NI-Serial software, make
sure you have all of the following items:
❑
Windows Me/9x installed on your computer
❑
One of the following serial interfaces, which is included in your kit:
– PCMCIA-232 (one, two, or four port)
– PCMCIA-485 (one or two port)
❑ CD, NI-Serial Software for Windows 2000/NT/Me/9x, which is
included in your kit
❑
Adapter cable from PCMCIA card to DB-9 connector, which is
included in your kit
Optional Equipment
For more information about ordering the following optional equipment,
contact National Instruments:
• DB-9 RS-485 termination connector
• RS-232 9-pin to 9-pin null modem cable
• RS-232 9-pin to 25-pin null modem cable
• RS-485 9-pin to 9-pin null modem cable
Serial Hardware Overview
The serial hardware gives you a variety of solutions for serial
communications. The PCMCIA-232 interfaces work with the RS-232
protocols, and the PCMCIA-485 interfaces work with the RS-422 and
RS-485 protocols. You can use the PCMCIA-232 hardware for serial
communication up to distances of 50 ft. You can connect the PCMCIA-485
hardware with up to 31 devices using serial cable lengths up to 4,000 ft.
The PCMCIA-232 is available with one, two, or four ports. The
PCMCIA-485 is available in a one-port version or two-port version. All
PCMCIA cards come with cables for each port that terminates in a standard
DB-9 D-Sub connector. Throughout this manual, references to PCMCIA
serial interfaces generally refer to all versions of the interfaces.
PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x 1-2 ni.com
The PCMCIA-485 interfaces support four hardware transceiver control
modes for reliable communication with two-wire and four-wire devices.
Refer to Chapter 4, Using Your Serial Hardware, for more information
about transceiver control modes.
All of the serial hardware uses standard 16550-compatible UARTs
(Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitters) for 100 percent
compatibility with standard PC COM ports. The serial hardware contains
FIFOs (First-In-First-Out buffers) for reduced susceptibility to interrupt
latency and faster transmission rates. Full Plug and Play compatibility gives
you the convenience of switchless configuration and installation. Refer to
Appendix D, Specifications, for more information about the serial
hardware specifications and operating conditions.
NI-Serial Software Overview
The NI-Serial software for Windows Me/9x includes a native Windows
device driver that provides full interrupt-driven, buffered I/O for multiple
COM ports. You can obtain a maximum baud rate of 115.2 KBaud.
You can also use any number of serial ports under Windows Me/9x.
The NI-Serial software also includes a configuration utility, which is fully
integrated into the Windows Me/9x Device Manager. For more information
about software specifications, refer to Appendix D, Specifications.
Chapter 1 Introduction
The NI-Serial software includes the following components:
• Device driver
• Diagnostic utility
• Configuration utility
• Product manuals
The NI-Serial software supports all National Instruments serial hardware,
including the AT, PCI, PXI/CompactPCI, and PCMCIA versions.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x
Chapter 1 Introduction
Time-Saving Development Tools
Your kit includes the NI-Serial software for Windows Me/9x. In addition,
you can order the LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW software from National
Instruments to speed your application development time and make it easier
to communicate with your instruments.
LabVIEW is an easy-to-use, graphical programming environment
you can use to acquire data from thousands of different instruments,
including IEEE 488.2 devices, VXI devices, serial devices, PLCs, and
plug-in data acquisition boards. After you have acquired raw data, you can
convert it into meaningful results using the powerful data analysis routines
in LabVIEW. LabVIEW also comes with hundreds of instrument drivers,
which dramatically reduce software development time, because you do not
have to spend time programming the low-level control of each instrument.
LabWindows/CVI is similar to LabVIEW, except that it combines an
interactive, easy-to-use development approach with the programming
power and flexibility of compiled ANSI C code.
For ordering information, or to request free demonstration software,
contact National Instruments.
Using Your Serial Hardware with LabVIEW
and LabWindows/CVI
After you install your serial hardware and the NI-Serial software, you can
use standard serial I/O functions in LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI with
your serial interface. If you already have LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI
and want to use it with your serial hardware, refer to your LabVIEW or
LabWindows/CVI documentation for information about serial I/O
functions.
PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x 1-4 ni.com
Installation and Verification
This chapter describes how to install the NI-Serial software, serial
hardware, and cables, and how to verify the installation.
Install the Software
Install the NI-Serial software for Windows Me/9x before you install the
hardware:
1. Select Start»Settings»Control Panel.
2. Double-click on the Add/Remove Programs icon in the Control Panel
to launch the Add/Remove Programs applet. A dialog box similar to
the one in Figure 2-1 appears.
2
Figure 2-1.
© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x
Add/Remove Programs Properties Dialog Box
Chapter 2 Installation and Verification
3. Click on the Install button.
4. When prompted, insert the NI-Serial Software for Windows
2000/NT/Me/9x CD and click on the Next button to proceed. The
software installation wizard begins with the screen shown in
Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-2. NI-Serial Setup Screen
The setup wizard guides you through the necessary steps to install the
NI-Serial software. You can go back and change values where
appropriate by clicking on the Back button. You can exit the setup
where appropriate by clicking on the Cancel button.
5. If you need to install your hardware, or if this is your first time to install
the NI-Serial software for Windows Me/9x, skip to the next section,
Install the Hardware
. Otherwise, continue to Step 6.
6. If your hardware is already installed, restart Windows Me/9x.
Windows Me/9x should automatically detect your hardware and
display one or more
finish, continue to the
New Hardware Found
If no
Forcing Windows to Detect Your Hardware
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x 2-2 ni.com
New Hardware Found
Verify the Installation
dialog box appears, refer to the section
.
dialog boxes. When you
section.
in Appendix C,
Install the Hardware
To install the PCMCIA-232 or PCMCIA-485 in your computer, first start
Windows Me/9x. If the card is not already inserted, insert it into a free PC
Card (PCMCIA) socket the same way you insert a disk into a floppy drive.
The card has no jumpers or switches to set, and you do not need to shut
down the system before you insert it.
Windows Me/9x automatically displays one or more New Hardware
Found dialog boxes when it detects and configures a PC Card.
New Hardware Found
If the
Forcing Windows to Detect Your Hardware section in Appendix C,
Troubleshooting and Common Questions.
Figure 2-3 shows how to insert a PCMCIA serial card and how to connect
the cable.
Chapter 2 Installation and Verification
dialog box does not appear, refer to the
Portable
Computer
PCMCIA Socket
PCMCIA Serial Cable
Figure 2-3.
Inserting a PCMCIA Serial Card
The serial hardware installation is complete. Continue to the next section,
Verify the Installation.
© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x
Chapter 2 Installation and Verification
Verify the Installation
When you begin to verify the installation, keep in mind that the serial ports
built into the computer are typically named from COM1 to COM4.
Windows Me/9x typically issues port names to the ports on NI serial
hardware starting with COM5, COM6, and so on. If not enough resources
are available to assign to all the NI serial ports, the port with the higher
COMx name is left unconfigured.
Double-click on the System icon in the Control Panel. In the System
Properties window that appears, select the Device Manager tab, and click
on the View devices by type button at the top of the page. If necessary,
double-click on the Ports (COM & LPT) icon to view all of the ports.
The two-port and four-port PCMCIA cards are configured as devices
belonging to the “multi-function adapters” class. The multi-function parent
device is listed under the
device is listed as a port under the
installed one of these interfaces, double-click on the
adapters
If a circled exclamation point appears through the port icon, the serial port
is not installed properly. A problem with the port could have occurred
because Windows Me/9x could not acquire resources for the port, or
because an interrupt request resource conflict exists. If no circled
exclamation point appears, the serial hardware is installed correctly.
Figure 2-4 shows an example of NI serial hardware that is installed
properly and Figure 2-5 shows an example of NI serial hardware that is not
working properly.
icon as well as the
Multi-function adapters
Ports
(COM & LPT) icon. If you have
Ports
(COM & LPT) icon.
icon, and each child
Multi-function
PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x 2-4 ni.com
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