Socket 10/100 Ethernet CF Card User Manual

10/100 Ethernet CF Card™

CompactFlash and PC Card solutions for

Mobile Computers based on Windows CE v3.0

•

(i.e., Pocket PCs and HPC 2000s)

Mobile Computers based on Windows CE v2.11

•

(i.e., Handheld PCs, HPC Pros and Pen Tablets)

User's Guide

How This Manual Is Organized

This manual is designed to help you install and operate the Socket 10/100
Ethernet CF Card.

Chapter 1, “Introduction,” describes the product’s key features and
identifies the package contents.

Chapter 2, “Setup,” covers the setup procedure for mobile devices based on
Windows CE v3.0 or v2.11.

Appendix A, “Specifications,” has technical data about the 10/100 Ethernet
CF Card.

Appendix B, “Two-Node Networking,” explains how you can obtain
Socket’s Crossover Connector and use it to create a two-node network
between two Windows compute rs without having to use an Ethe rnet hub.
Socket’s Crossover Connector is free to all registered 10/100 Ethernet CF
Card owners.

Appendix C, “Troubleshooting,” gives advice for correcting the most
common problems you may encounter while using the 10/100 Ethernet CF
Card.

Appendix D, “Technical Support,” explains how to obtain technical
assistance from Socket Communications and tells you what information you
should have available before you contact Socket.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 2

Overview 2
Package Contents 2

CHAPTER 2 SETUP 3

Installation Steps Summary 3
Register Your Card 3
Network Information Form 4
Install the Software 5
Enter Network Settings 6
Insert the Card and Connect to a LAN 8
Use ActiveSync via a Network 8
OPTIONAL: Use the Control Panel Applet 9

APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS 11
APPENDIX B TWO-NODE NETWORKING 13
APPENDIX C TROUBLESHOOTING 15
APPENDIX D TECHNICAL SUPPORT 17
LIMITED WARRANTY 18
COPYRIGHT NOTICE 19
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 20

Chapter 1 Introduction

Overview

Would you like to ActiveSync your mobile computer the fastest and most
convenient way possible? Do you need to back up or restore files in a flash?
Then you need Socket’s 10/100 Ethernet CF Card. It’s the best solution
available for users who are also limited to 100 MB-only networks.

This Type I CompactFlash card’s sleek design integrates the card and
network connector into one durable unit. It is among the lowest in its class
in power consumption. Socket’s enhanced Windows CE drivers add even
more convenience, allowing you to automatically launch ActiveSync or any
other program, saving you time. You also have instant access to key network
settings.

This User’s Guide shows how to install and use the 10/100 Ethernet CF
Card.

For software updates, visit: www.socketcom.com/product/ethernet.htm

Package Contents

The 10/100 Ethernet CF Card package includes these items:

• A Socket 10/100 Ethernet CF Card (CompactFlash Type I)

• The 10/100 Ethernet Installation Disc

• The Quick Start Guide for10/100 Ethernet CF Card

• A registration ca rd

To register the Card online, visit: www.socketcom.com/product/prodreg.htm

2 | CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Chapter 2 Setup

This chapter explains how to set up and use the 10/100 Ethernet CF Card on
a mobile computer based on Windows CE v3.0 or v2.11.

Installation Steps Summary

STEP 1: Register your card.
STEP 2: Complete the Network Information Form.
STEP 3: Install the software.
STEP 4: Enter network settings.
STEP 5: Insert card and connect to LAN port.
STEP 6: Use ActiveSync via a Network
OPTONAL: Use the Control Panel Applet

STEP 1: Register Your Card

Register your card online at www.socketcom.com/product/prodreg.htm. and
get entered in a drawing for a Socket product or $30 Visa/Mastercard gift
certificate. This special offer is available only if you register online.

Plus, if you register your card, you can request a free Crossover Connection
Kit. This kit enables you to create an instant Ethernet network without the
hassle of a bulky AC-powered hub. For more information about the
Crossover Connection kit, please see Appendix B: Two Node Networking.

An alternative to registering online is to use the form in the product
package.

Hubless network using Crossover Connection Kit

CHAPTER 2: SETUP | 3

STEP 2: Network Information Form

Contact your office network administrator/MIS technician for the
information below.

For a text-only form that you can email, go to the Docs folder on the
installation CD or online at: www.socketcom.com/lpeform.txt

1. Does the network support DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol)?

YES. If Yes, then STOP. You do NOT need to answer Question 2.
NO. If No, then answer Question 2. You may need only some of

the IP addresses listed below.

2. Please specify any applicable IP addresses:
(a) Mobile Computer IP address: _____ . _____ . _____ . _____
(b) Subnet Mask: _____ . _____ . _____ . _____
(c) Default Gateway: _____ . _____ . _____ . _____
(d) Primary DNS: _____ . _____ . _____ . _____
(e) Secondary DNS: _____ . _____ . _____ . _____
(f) Primary WINS: _____ . _____ . _____ . _____
(g) Secondary WINS: _____ . _____ . _____ . _____

For remote ActiveSync only: If your server does NOT have WINS
services enabled, you must use the IP address of your host computer
instead of a Primary WINS address.

(h) Host computer IP address: _____ . _____ . _____ . _____

4 | CHAPTER 2: SETUP

STEP 3: Install the Software

Follow these steps for software installation BEFORE inserting the 10/100
Ethernet CF Card:

1. Make an active partnership between the mobile computer and a host PC.

An active partnership exists if data can be transferred between the
mobile computer and the host PC via the mobile computer’s serial/USB
connection cable or cradle.

2. Insert the Socket 10/100 Ethernet Installation Disc into the host PC.

3. Run the SETUP.EXE file on the CD-ROM. Do any of the following:

• Go to My Computer to access your CD drive and run the file.

• Use Windows Explorer to access your CD drive and run the file.

• Click Start then Run on the host PC. Type X:\SETUP.EXE

(Replace X with your CD drive letter.)

4. Follow the instructions on the host PC screen until setup is done.

Note: After completing setup, your host PC may display the following:

• An Application Downloading Complete screen. Click OK.

• A screen telling you to check your mobile computer screen for extra

installation steps that may be necessary. Click OK.

5. Disconnect the mobile computer from the serial/USB cable/cradle.

6. Soft reset the mobile computer. Push the reset button, often on the back.

Important! Be sure to soft reset your mobile computer after software
installation!

CHAPTER 2: SETUP | 5

STEP 4: Enter Network Settings

You will need your completed Network Information Form for this step.

Windows CE v3.0
(Pocket PCs and HPC 2000s)

1. Go to Start | Settings | Connections | Network.

2. In the Network Connections screen, select Socket 10/100 Ethernet Driver.

3. In the Socket Ethernet 10/100 Driver IP Address screen, enter your

network settings from the Network Information Form:

If your LAN supports DHCP, select Use server-assigned IP address. If
needed, tap on the Name Servers tab to enter DNS and WINS addresses.

Note: If using a static IP address, you may need to enter the host
computer’s IP address in the Primary WINS field to use ActiveSync.

When done, tap ok.

Important! If you forg et to tap ok, your settings will not take effect!

6 | CHAPTER 2: SETUP

Windows CE v2.11
(Handheld PCs and Pen Tablets)

1. Go to Start | Settings | Control Panel | Network.

2. In the next screen, select Socket 10/100 Ethernet Driver. Tap Properties.

Network Configuration screen from a Handheld PC

3. The IP Address screen will appear. Following your completed Network

Information Form, enter the appropriate settings for your network.

IP Address screen from a Handheld PC

4. If needed, click on the Name Servers tab to enter any necessary DNS or

WINS addresses.

5. When done entering all your network settings, tap OK.

Warning! Your new settings will not take effect if you forget to tap OK!

Name Servers screen from a Handheld PC

CHAPTER 2: SETUP | 7

STEP 5: Insert the Card and Connect to a LAN

I

Insert the 10/100 Ethernet CF Card into your mobile computer, with the
green label on top. If using a CompactFlash card in a PC Card slot, use a PC
Card adapter. Then plug the connector into a LAN port.

nsert the

card…

Then connect
to a LAN.

STEP 6: Use ActiveSync via a Network

1. After inserting the 10/100 Ethernet CF Card and connecting to a LAN,
ActiveSync launches:

ActiveSync screen from a Pocket PC

Note: You must have a partnership with a host PC to use ActiveSync!

2. Select Network Connection in the top drop-down list. Choose the desktop
computer you want to connect to in the bottom drop-down list, then tap

Connect. The mobile computer will start synchronizing. The Connection
Status screen will report when synchronization is done.

3. To stop ActiveSync, tap the Disconnect button on the Connection Status
screen. You will still have network access.

8 | CHAPTER 2: SETUP

OPTIONAL: Use the Control Panel Applet

The control panel applet lets you control several unique features of Socket’s
enhanced Ethernet software, including:

• Configuring the auto-launch program

• Viewing the IP i n fo for your connection

Accessing the Applet

Launch the contr ol panel applet by doing the following:
Windows CE v3.0

Go to Start | Settings | Connections | Socket 10/100 Ethernet CF Card.
Windows CE v2.11

Go to Start | Settings | Control Panel | Socket 10/100 Ethernet CF Card.

Configuring Auto-Launch

Tap on Auto-Launch tab to specify what program to auto-launch whenever
you insert the 10/100 Ethernet CF Card. By default, ActiveSync will auto­launch. Use the drop list to select another program to auto-launch, if desired.

You can use the Program arguments field for custom applications that
require program arguments to launch.

The second delay before launch field lets you choose how long your mobile
computer will wait before auto-launching a program. Most devices have a
default of 8 seconds. Unless your network is slow, or if memory is low, 8
seconds should be long enough to r ecognize the 10 /100 Ethernet CF Card.

Auto-Launch screen for a Pocket PC

CHAPTER 2: SETUP | 9

Viewing IP Info

Tap on the IP Info tab at the bottom of the screen to view your network’s IP
addresses. You can a lso see if your address is static or assigned by DHCP.

IP Info screen from a Pocket PC

10 | CHAPTER 2: SETUP

Appendix A Specifications

Physical Characteristics:

CompactFlash Card:
Dimensions: 3.44 x 1.69 x 0.13 in

(88 x 42.8 x 3.3 mm)
Weight: 30 g

Power Consumption (supplied by PC host):
Typical at 100 Mbps: 140 mA
Typical at 10 Mbps: 80 mA

Interface Standards:

CompactFlash Interface: CompactFlash I/O, Type I
With PC Card Adapter*: PCMCIA, Type II

Operating System Support:

Windows CE v2.11: For Handheld PC Pros
Windows CE v3.0: For Pocket PCs and HPC 2000s

Hardware Compatibility:

Standard Card (without a da pt er): Windows Powered Pocket PCs,
Windows CE-based HPC 2000s

With PC Card Adapter: Windows CE-based HPC 2000s,

Handheld PCs, and Handheld PC

Pros

LED Indicators:

Link: (Green, On) Good Link
100: (Orange, On) 100 MB Mode
Full: (Green, On) Full Duplex
RX: (Green, Blink) Receive
COL: (Orange, On) Collision
TX: (Green, Blink) Transmit

Media Coupler Support:

UTP (RJ45)

and Handheld PC Pros with
CompactFlash I/O slot

APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS | 11

Certification:

VCCI: Class B
FCC: Part 15, Class B
CE: EN55024:1998
C-Tick: s.182 - Radio Communications
Act 1992

Warranty:
CompactFlash CF Card: Three years

12 | APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS

Appendix B Two-Node Networking

Overview

To establish an instant Ethernet network between a Windows CE-based
mobile computer and a Windows notebook, you don’t need an Ethernet hub.
All you need is Socket's Crossover Connection Kit — which you can request
for FREE if you register your 10/100 Ethernet CF Card. To register online,
please visit: www.socketcom.com/product/prodreg.htm

Hubless network with Socket 10/100 Ethernet CF Card and

Socket Low Power Ethernet CF Card

Socket’s Crossover Connection Kit contains three items:

Crossover Connector 2 RJ-45 CAT5 cables

Required Equipment

To set up a hubless network between a Windows CE-based mobile computer
and a Windows notebook, you will need the following equipment:

• 10/100 Ethernet CF Card (with PC Card adapter if using PC Card slot)

• Ethernet connector for your notebook computer*

• 1 Crossover Connector

• 2 RJ-45 CAT5 cables

*Some notebooks have a built-in Ethernet connector. If not, you can add an
Ethernet adapter with Socket’s Low Power Ethernet Card. For more
information, please visit: www.socketcom.com/product/ethernet.htm

APPENDIX B: TWO-NODE NETWORKING | 13

Configuring a Tw o-Node Network

The network you are about to create is a static peer-to-peer network. Please
follow these guidelines while creating your network:

• The Windows CE-based mobile computer and Windows notebook must

each be assigned their own IP address. We recommend using a private
IP range from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.255.

• After setting up the I P addresses for both devices from the range

suggested above, enter the notebook’s IP address in the Primary WINS
field of the Name Servers screen. Refer to Chapter 2, “Setup,” for
directions on how to access the Name Servers screen.

Name Servers screen from a Handheld PC

• After entering your notebook’s IP address, you must reboot the

notebook for the new settings to take effect.

• After changing your Wind ows CE-based mobile computer’s IP setti ngs,

you must remove the 10/100 Ethernet CF Card and re-insert it for the
new settings to take effect.

• After setup is complete, connect the Windows CE-based mobile

computer to the notebook. You are now ready to use ActiveSync. For
instructions, please refer to the section, “Use ActiveSync via a
Network,” in Chapter 2, “Setup.”

14 | APPENDIX B: TWO-NODE NETWORKING

Appendix C Troubleshooting

SYMPTOM:

• My new IP addresses do not work.

POSSIBLE REASON SOLUTION

After entering the IP addresses for
your 10/100 Ethernet CF Card, you
forgot to tap/click OK.

SYMPTOM:

• I get a message reporting DHCP Lease Has
Expired.

POSSIBLE REASON SOLUTION

You are using DHCP and have not
used your 10/100 Ethernet CF Card
for a while.

SYMPTOM:

• My DHCP server keeps reporting that it is
busy, and I cannot connect to my LAN.

POSSIBLE REASON SOLUTION

Your network DHCP Server ran
out of IP addresses.

SYMPTOM:

• I get a message that says Error Starting
Program, Required .dll File Not Found.

POSSIBLE REASONS SOLUTION

You tried to install the software
without first establishing a
Partnership or Guest relationship
between your Windows CE-based
mobile computer and your host PC.

Re-enter the IP addresses. When
done, tap/click OK.

Tap OK and continue.

Inform your network administ rator.

Make an active partnership
between your mobile computer and
a host PC through the serial/USB
connection cable/cradle. Retry
installing the software.

APPENDIX C: TROUBLESHOOTING | 15

SYMPTOM:

• ActiveSync shows no network connection.

POSSIBLE REASONS SOLUTION

Your Windows CE-based mobile
computer is using DHCP, but it
cannot access any IP addresses.
This may be because your mobile
computer has problems
communicating with your
network’s DHCP server, or
because your DHCP server is not
available.

Your auto-launch program starts
too fast, and your mobile computer
does not have e nough time to
connect to your network.

You have a static IP address, and
ActiveSync…

Try removing the 10/100 Ethernet
CF Card and reinserting it. If
ActiveSync still shows no network
connection, wait for a few minutes.
If you see the message “Unable to
contact DHCP server, using cached
information,” the 10/100 Ethernet
CF Card is probably working
properly. If after a few minutes, the
problem persists, ask your network
administrator to verify that the
DHCP server is working properly.

Increase the second delay before
launch setting in the Auto-Launch
tab of the 10/100 Ethernet CF Card
Applet. If you have to set the delay
to longer than 2 0 seconds, you
should consult your network
administrator.

Enter the IP address of the host
computer in the Primary WINS:
field in order to use ActiveSync.

16 | APPENDIX C: TROUBLESHOOTING

Appendix D Technical Support

If you have trouble installing or using the 10/100 ETHERNET CF CARD,
please refer to the “Troubleshooting” section. If you still have trouble,
contact Socket’s technical support prepared with the following:

• The par t number (including re vision level) and serial number of your

10/100 Ethernet CF Card. See the diagram below.

• The manufacturer, model number, and operating system of your mobile

computer

• What you did to try to correct the problem

To reach Socket’s technical support department:

• Visit www.socketcom.com

• Email [e-mail]

• Phone [phone]

• Fax [phone]

Please refrain from disassembling the CompactFlash Card. Disassembly of
this device will void the product warranty.

APPENDIX D: TECHNICAL SUPPORT | 17

Limited Warranty

Socket Communications Incorporated (Socket) warrants this product against defects
in material and workmanship, under normal use and service, for the following
periods from the date of purchase:

Plug-in Card: Three years

Incompatibility is not a defect covered by Socket’s warranty. During the warranty
period, Socket will, at its option, repair or replace the defective product at no charge
when furnished with proof of retail purchase, provided that you deliver the product
to Socket or to an authorized So cket Service Center.

The returned product must be accompanied by a return material authorizatio n
(RMA) number issued by Socket or by Socket's Authorized Service Center. If you
ship the product, you must use the original container or equivalent and you must pay
the shipping charges to Socket. Socket will pay shipping charges back to any
location in the contiguous United States. This warranty applies only to the original
retail purchaser and is not transferable.

Socket may, at its option, replace or repair the product with new or reconditioned
parts and the returned product becomes Socket's property. Socket warrants the
repaired or replaced p r oducts to be free from defects in material or workmanship for
ninety (90) days after the return shipping date, or for the duration of the original
warranty period, whichever is greater.

This warranty does not cover the replacement of products damaged by abuse,
accident, misuse or misapplication, nor as a result o f service o r modification other
than by Socket.

SOCKET IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTY, INCLUDING DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND, TO THE EXTENT
PERMITTED BY LAW, DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURY. THIS
WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES INCLUDING
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Some states do not allow limitation of implied warranties, or the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so that the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and
you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

This product may contain fully tested, recycled parts, warranted as if new.
For warranty information, phone [phone].

August 2001 Document # 6410-00169 A

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2001 Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. The
10/100 Ethernet CF Card includes technology licensed under United States
Patent Nos. 4,543,450, 4,603,320, 4,686,506, and 4,972,470.

Socket and the Socket logo are registered trademarks of Socket
Communications, Inc. Socket Communications, Socket 10/100 Ethernet CF
Card and Battery Friendly are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc.
All other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective
holders.

Reproduction of the contents of this manual without the permission of
Socket Communications is expressly prohibited. Please be aware that the
products described in this manual may change without notice.

Feel free to contact Socket Communications at:

Socket Communications, Inc.

37400 Central Court
Newark, CA 94560

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support: [phone]

Important! Before calling Socket’s technical support department, please
prepare yourself with the information listed in Appendix D, “Technical
Support.”

Other than the above, Socket Communications can assume no responsibility
for anything resulting from the application of information contained in this
manual.

Socket Communications requests that you refrain from any applications of
the Socket 10/100 Ethernet CF Card that are not described in this manual.
Socket Communications also requests that you refrain from disassembling
the CompactFlash Card. Disassembly of this device will void the product
warranty.

You can track new product releases, software updates and technical
bulletins by visiting Socket’s website at http://www.socketcom.com.

Regulatory Compliance

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. This equipment
is also CE EN55024:1998 and C-TICK compliant. 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 or her
own expense.

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 may try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna of the radio or television.

• Increase the distance separating the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different branch circuit than

that of the receiver.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The user may find the following booklet helpful:

How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Printed in U.S.A.