Rose electronic Automatic Switch User Manual
INSTALLATION
AND
OPERATIONS MANUAL
10707 Stancliff Road Houston, Texas 77099
Phone: (281) 933-7673 Internet: WWW.ROSE.COM
Limited Warranty
Rose Electronics® warrants the Caretaker Plus™ to be in good working order for one year from the date
of purchase from Rose Electronics or an authorized dealer. Should this product fail to be in good working
order at any time during this one-year warranty period, Rose Electronics will, at its option, repair or replace
the Unit as set forth below. Repair parts and replacement units will be either reconditioned or new. All
replaced parts become the property of Rose Electronics. This limited warranty does not include service to
repair damage to the Unit resulting from accident, disaster, abuse, or unauthorized modification of the
Unit, including static discharge and power surges.
Limited Warranty service may be obtained by delivering this unit during the one-year warranty period to
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charges to the warranty service location, and to use the original shipping container or its equivalent. You
must call for a return authorization number first. Under no circumstances will a unit be accepted without a
return authorization number. Contact an authorized repair center or Rose Electronics for further
information.
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OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION
TO A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, AND NO WARRANTIES, WHETHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WILL APPLY AFTER THIS PERIOD. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU.
IF THIS PRODUCT IS NOT IN GOOD WORKING ORDER AS WARRANTIED ABOVE, YOUR SOLE
REMEDY SHALL BE REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR AS PROVIDED ABOVE. IN NO EVENT WILL ROSE
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YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER
RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
NOTE: 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.
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Copyright Rose Electronics 1990-2002. All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transcribed in any form
or any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, without the prior
written permission of Rose Electronics.
Rose Electronics Part # MAN-CTP 1.0
Printed In the United States of America
Table of Contents
Contents
Disclaimer.................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction.................................................................................................................. 1
Features ...................................................................................................................... 1
Model Number and Options......................................................................................... 2
First Steps ................................................................................................................ 2
Caretaker Plus Front Panel Display............................................................................. 3
Serial Set-Up for PCs .................................................................................................. 4
Serial Set-up For Other Computers or Terminals ........................................................ 4
Caretaker Plus Rear Panel – Serial Model .................................................................. 5
Parallel Set-Up ............................................................................................................ 6
Caretaker Plus Rear Panel – Parallel Model ............................................................... 6
Parallel Cabling ........................................................................................................... 7
Serial Cabling .............................................................................................................. 7
CONFIGURATION .......................................................................................................... 7
Initial State.............................................................................................................. 16
Normal Operation ................................................................................................... 16
Buffer Characteristics ............................................................................................. 17
Printer Initialization Signal (Parallel Models Only) ..................................................... 17
Timeout...................................................................................................................... 18
Initialization String ..................................................................................................... 19
Form Feed.............................................................................................................. 19
Adding More Memory ............................................................................................. 19
Changing the Serial Baud Rate .............................................................................. 19
Power Up Initial Display.......................................................................................... 20
Program Checksum Test........................................................................................ 20
Buffer Memory Sizing and Read/Write Test ........................................................... 20
Static Ram Read/Write Test ................................................................................... 21
Front Panel Switches ............................................................................................. 21
Data LED, Busy LED, and Error LED ..................................................................... 21
Buffer Overflow Error Display (Serial Models Only)................................................ 21
Flow Control Display Mode (Serial Models Only) ................................................... 22
Troubleshooting......................................................................................................... 23
Common Problems and Solutions .......................................................................... 23
Maintenance and Repair ........................................................................................ 25
Technical Support .................................................................................................. 25
Diagnostic Modes................................................................................................... 26
Short Test............................................................................................................... 26
Restore To Factory Default .................................................................................... 26
Print Configuration/Test Pattern Function............................................................... 27
Long Test Without Loopback.................................................................................. 28
Long Test with Loopback........................................................................................ 29
Appendices
Appendix A: Serial Cabling............................................................................................ 30
Appendix B: Pinout Specifications ................................................................................. 31
Appendix C: MP1000 Memory Board ............................................................................ 32
Appendix D: Factory Defaults ........................................................................................ 34
Appendix E: General Specifications .............................................................................. 34
Introduction
Disclaimer
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the
manufacturer assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does the
manufacturer assume any liability for damages resulting from the use of the information
contained herein. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the specifications,
functions, or circuitry of the product without notice.
The manufacturer cannot accept liability for damages due to misuse of the product or
other circumstances outside the manufacturer’s control. The manufacturer will not be
responsible for any loss, damage, or injury arising directly or indirectly from the use of
this product.
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Caretaker Plus. Designed with your needs in mind, your new
Caretaker Plus will make it possible for you to connect up to eight computers to a single
printer, plotter, or other serial or parallel device for fast, efficient printer sharing.
This manual contains information for the installation and operation of the Caretaker Plus
buffered automatic switch. The unit allows several computers or terminals to have
shared access to a common printer, plotter, or other device. Accessing the shared
device is done simply by sending data to the unit. Since the Caretaker Plus has buffer
memory, each computer may simultaneously send data to the unit. The data is sent to
the shared device in the order it was received.
All equipment is connected by cables to connectors on the Caretaker Plus rear panel.
The unit's external power adapter connector and on-off switch are also on its rear panel.
The Caretaker Plus front panel has 13 LEDs which display status information and 2
switches which are used to control the Led display, run the unit's diagnostics, and
configure the unit.
Features
Two to eight computers share one printer, plotter, or other device
Serial (RS232) or parallel (Centronics), RS422 optional
Uses commonly available cables
Compatible with any computer – PCs, Macs, minis
Compatible with all software and operating systems
Compatible with all printers and plotters
Simultaneous input from all computers
Up to two megabyte buffer
Serial units have programmable baud rate and flow control
Programmable initialization strings and end-of-job form feed
Units can be linked for more than 8 computers
Special noise protection features
Mode, data, busy, and error LEDs show data activity and status
Self-test and diagnostic features
Made in USA
CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
1
Model Number and Options
The Caretaker Plus consists of a switch unit and a separate wall mounted power
adapter. It is available in several models: 2 to 8 ports, either serial or parallel, and
Centronics tyhpe connectors or Db25 type connectors. The base model has a 16K
buffer expandable to 2MB. The model number is described below.
First Steps
Contents
You should have received the Caretaker Plus system unit, a power adapter, and this
manual. Save the cardboard box and its polystyrene inserts. If you have ordered any
additional cables they usually arrive in the same package.
Connecting the Cables
Cabling is one area to which you must pay careful attention. Consult the cabling guides
in this manual for the correct pinouts. If you are not sure, give us a call, we will be
happy to assist you. The shared device connects to the port labeled "0". The
computers connect to port number 1 and higher.
Configuring the Caretaker Plus
The factory default settings (see Appendix D) are sufficient for most applications. To
change the defaults, you configure the unit through port 1. To configure the unit you
access the configuration menu or send commands as described later.
Configuring the computers
The final step in installation is to make sure that your computer's software is configured
correctly, by setting the proper communication settings. If you use serial ports on PCs,
you should have the proper DOS MODE statement in your AUTOEXEC.Bat file.
Where to Go from Here
Those experienced in switch installation may take advantage of the Quick Setup List on
the next page. If you are less experienced, however, we recommend that you follow the
step-by-step instructions, beginning with the Cabling section on page 6.
If you Have a Problem
Installation should go smoothly. If you have a problem, however, check first to see if the
error light is on. If it is, refer to Table 7 on page 19 to determine which type of error
occurred. You will find the front panel of the Caretaker Plus very useful in diagnosing
problems. Please refer also to the appropriate installation step. Then, if you are still
unable to resolve the problem, refer to the Troubleshooting section on page 18.
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CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
FRONT PANEL DISPLAY
Caretaker Plus Front Panel Display
POWER LED is lit whenever the unit is powered on.
ADVANCE and SELECT switches are used to enter the configuration menu, go into
diagnostic modes, or clear the buffer.
MODE LED is lit to indicate the unit is in the configuration or flow control display mode.
DATA LED lights as data is sent to the unit.
BUSY LED is lit when the printer is on-line or busy while accepting data
ERROR LED indicates an error has occurred, with LEDs 1-8 indicating which error.
LEDs 1-8 indicate data activity on ports 1-8. When an Led is flashing, that port is
sending data to the printer. If an Led is steady, that port has data waiting to be sent to
the printer.
CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
3
QUICK SETUP LIST – Serial Units
Serial Set-Up for PCs
1. Connect your PC to port 1 on the Caretaker Plus with the proper cable.
2. Connect the power adapter to the Caretaker Plus and turn the Caretaker Plus on.
Verify that the power LED is on. The other LEDs light in various patterns as the
power up tests are performed and then all go off. The ERROR LED will be lit for
any errors.
3. Run a communication program such as Procomm with the serial protocol set to
9600 baud, no-parity, 8 bits, and one stop bit.
4. Momentarily press in the advance and select switches on the Caretaker Plus. The
MODE and BUSY LEDs will light.
5. Hit return on your keyboard. The configuration menu should appear. Select the
desired items from the menu.
6. Exit from the configuration menu with the X command, making sure to save any
parameters you changed.
7. Setup your application software to print to LPT1. Put the following DOS mode
commands in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. The example below uses COM1,
Substitute with COM2 if you are using COM2 on your PC.
MODE LPT1:+COM1 (Redirects LPT1 port to your serial port)
MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P (Sets serial port baud rate to 9600 baud)
8. Connect the Caretaker Plus port 0 to your shared device with the correct cable.
Connect your computers to ports 1-8.
9. Send data from your application or print program. Data will be routed to the shared
device automatically.
10. Re-enter the configuration menu to change any other parameters, such as the baud
rate, initialization string, form feed, or the timeout value. See the section on
"CONFIGURATION" for further information.
Serial Set-up For Other Computers or Terminals
1. Connect your PC to port 1 on the Caretaker Plus with the proper cable.
2. Connect the power adapter to the Caretaker Plus and turn the Caretaker Plus on.
Verify that the power LED is on. The other LEDs light in various patterns as the
power up tests are performed and then all go off. The ERROR LED will be lit for
any errors.
3. Set your computer or terminal to 9600 baud, no parity, 8 bits, and one stop bit.
4. Momentarily press in the advance and select switches on the Caretaker Plus. The
MODE and BUSY LEDs will light.
5. Hit return on your keyboard. The configuration menu should appear. Select the
desired items from the menu.
6. Exit from the configuration menu with the X command, making sure to save any
parameters you changed.
7. Connect the Caretaker Plus port 0 to your shared device with the correct cable.
Connect your computers to ports 1-8.
8. Send data from your application or print program. Data will be routed to the shared
device automatically
9. Re-enter the configuration menu to change any other parameters, such as the baud
rate, initialization string, form feed, or the timeout value.
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CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
Caretaker Plus Rear Panel – Serial Model
The diagram below shows the connector arrangement for model #CTP-8S. It has nine
serial ports. The CTP-4S is similar but it doesn't have ports 5-8. Port 0, the rightmost
port, is where you connect the printer. The computers connect to the ports labeled 1-8.
the serial cables shown below are the most common ones. For other cables, see
Appendix A.
CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
5
QUICK SETUP LIST – Parallel Units
Parallel Set-Up
1. Connect the Caretaker Plus port 0 to your printer with the correct cable. Connect
your computers to ports 1-8 with the correct cables.
2. Connect the power adapter to the Caretaker Plus and turn the Caretaker Plus on.
Verify that the power LED is on. The other LEDs light in various patterns as the
power up tests are performed and then all go off. The ERROR LED will be lit for
any errors.
3. For PCs you should install your software package(s) to use the parallel port when
printing. Also put the following statement in your AUTOEXEC.Bat file:
MODE LPT1:,,P
This statement will set the parallel port for infinite retry.
4. Send data from your application or print program. Data will be routed to the shared
device automatically.
5. To optimize your installation, you can later configure any of the programmable
parameters such as initialization string, form feed, or the timeout value. See the
section on "CONFIGURATION" for further information
Caretaker Plus Rear Panel – Parallel Model
The diagram below shows the connector arrangement for model #CTP-8P. It has nine
parallel ports with Centronics connectors. The CTP-4P is similar but it doesn't have
ports 5-8. Port 0, the rightmost port, is where you connect the printer. The computers
connect to the ports labeled 1-8.
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CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
CABLING
One of the most important steps in installing the Caretaker Plus is to connect the correct
cables. We have tried to give as much information as possible to specify the correct
cable. Please refer to Appendix A and B. Also refer to the previous section.
Parallel Cabling
Parallel units with Centronics connectors use standard IBM parallel cables to connect
from PCs to the switch (port 1-8). A straight through cable with male Centronics
connectors on each end is used to connect from the switch (port 0) to the printer.
Parallel units with female DB25 connectors use a straight through cable with male DB25
connectors on each end to connect from PCs to the switch (ports 1-8). A standard IBM
parallel printer cable is used to connect from the switch (port 0) to the printer.
Parallel cabling in excess of 25 feet in length should be routed with caution. The
maximum distance that a cable may be run is dependent upon the construction of the
cable and its routing. For extended distances, shielded cable or ribbon cable should be
used. Routing near machines that may create electrical noise, such as elevator motors,
fluorescent lights, or air conditioning compressors should be avoided. Typically a cable
run for 100 feet will work reliably but is not guaranteed. Low capacitance cable should
be specified for long lengths of cable. Rose Electronics can construct the proper cabling
to your specified length.
Serial Cabling
Proper serial cabling and pinout is crucial in the installation of your serial port peripheral.
Appendix A gives a comprehensive list of the cable pinouts required for a successful
installation.
Serial cabling in excess of 100 feet should be routed with caution. The maximum cable
length depends upon the construction of the cable and its routing. For extended runs,
shielded cable should be used. Avoid routing near fluorescent lights, air conditioning
compressors, or machines that may create electrical noise. Cable length and baud rate
are inversely proportional: the longer the cable, the slower the baud rate must be. The
RS-232-C specification recommends a maximum cable length of 50 feet at 9600 baud,
however, with low capacitance cables, runs of greater distance are often successful.
Rose Electronics can construct the proper cabling to your specified length.
CONFIGURATION
Configuration is unnecessary if the factory default settings are acceptable (see
APPENDIX D for the FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS. The most common items to be
configured are the timeout, initialization string, form feed, and for serial units the
protocol.
There are two methods to configure the unit --by menu and by command. The
configuration menu can only be accessed through a serial port. Parallel units are
required to be configured by command. Serial units can be configured by command, but
it is usually more convenient to use the configuration menu.
To access the configuration menu, a dumb terminal or a PC emulating a dumb terminal
must be connected to port 1. The PC or terminal must be set to 9600 baud, 8 bits, noparity, 1 stop bit. After connecting your terminal or PC, power up the Caretaker Plus and
wait for the power up tests to complete. When no LEDs on the front panel are lit, press
both front panel switches at the same time. The MODE and BUSY LEDs will illuminate
CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
7
to indicate entry into configuration mode. Entering configuration mode will stop data
transfer to the shared device, and also erase all data in the buffer. No new data can be
loaded into the unit while in configuration mode. Press carriage return on your terminal
to call the menu. The DATA LED will light indicating entry into the menu mode. You will
be prompted for the proper responses.
The configuration menu displays the setup parameters for all ports and allows you to
change them. The item to be changed is selected with a single character, followed by a
carriage return. You are further prompted to answer questions appropriate for each
menu item. Possible responses to each prompt are listed in parentheses. Responses
may be entered in either upper or lower case. You may use the backspace key to
correct your entry. A carriage return is required to enter the response Entering only a
return to a prompt will leave that parameter unchanged except for the initialization string
entry, which will clear the string. Replying with a return only to a Y/N (yes/no) prompt will
be interpreted as a no. A sample configuration display is shown in TABLE 1.
Table 1. Configuration Menu Display
CARETAKER PLUS CONFIGURATION Rev 3.8 COPYRIGHT 1986-91 ROSE
ELECTRONICS
Installed memory ....... 64K Front panel switches .. ENABLED
Timeout ................ 20 Seconds Form teed ............. DISABLED
Initialization String.. DISABLED
------ Current protocol ----- ------ Powerup protocol -----Port Baud Parity Length Stop Flow Baud Parity Length Stop Flow
1 9600 NONE 8 1 DTR 9600 NONE 8 1 DTR
2 9600 NONE 8 1 DTR 9600 NONE 8 1 DTR
3 9600 NONE 8 1 DTR 9600 NONE 8 1 DTR
4 9600 NONE 8 1 DTR 9600 NONE 8 1 DTR
P - Change port formal D - Disable operator switches
T - Change timeout A - Advanced features
F - Change form feed K - Keep new configuration
I - Change init. String X - Exit configuration
Configuration Menu part 1
CARETAKER PLUS CONFIGURATION Rev 3.8 COPYRIGHT 1986-91 ROSE
ELECTRONICS
----- Advanced Features ------
Unidirectional Xon/Xoff ............. ENABLED
Reverse Channel Data Timeout ........ DISABLED
Allow Timeout On Busy (Ports 1-8) ... Yes
Filter size ......................... 0 Characters
U - Change unidirectlon Xon/Xoff
R - Change reverse channel data timeout
A - Change allow timeout on busy
F - Change filter size
X - Return to previous menu
Enter choice (U.R.A,F.X, or H for help)
Configuration Menu part 2
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CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
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