Rose electronic CTP-8S User Manual

INSTALLATION

AND

OPERATIONS MAN UAL

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 Rose Electronics or an authorized repair center providing a proof of purchase date. If this Unit is delivered by mail, you agree to insure the Unit or assume the risk of loss or damage in transit, to prepay shipping 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.

ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR THIS PRODUCT INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES 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 ELECTRONICS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR THE INABILITY TO USE SUCH PRODUCT, EVEN IF ROSE ELECTRONICS OR AN AUTHORIZED DEALER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO 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 1.1 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

CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL



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

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.

FRONT PANEL DISPLAY

CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL

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 LE D 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.

QUICK SETUP LIST – Serial Units

CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL

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.

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.

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.

QUICK SETUP LIST – Parallel Units

CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL

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.

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.

CABLING

CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL

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

Configuration Menu part 2

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

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

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)

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Rose electronic CTP-8S User Manual

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