APRIL 2000 SW925A SW925AE SW926C SW927C SW928C SW929C Modular Smart Switch itch art Sw lar Sm Modu POWER 1/4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ER BUFF 4 3/ 1/2 F 12 © Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved. 1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746 CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD 1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado. 2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura. 3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas. 4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas. 5.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners. MODULAR SMART SWITCH Contents Chapter Page 1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 2.1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MODULAR SMART SWITCH Chapter Page 7. Serial Port Control Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 8. Using the Modular Smart Switch to Transfer Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 8.1 Transferring Files between IBM compatible PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 8.2 Using the Software with File-Transfer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 8.3 Transferring Files Between PCs Not Compatible with IBM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 1. Specifications Base Chassis (SW925A/SW925AE)—6 dual-port module slots, 2 memory module slots, integral power supply Ports—Parallel: Dual parallel-port module slots with DB25 female connectors. Automatic in/out detection or selectable by option switches. 30,000 cps. Serial: Dual serial-port modules contain 2 bidirectional RS-232/422 interfaces with DB25 male connectors. Switches—Control protocol and RS-232/422 selection and baud rates.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH • Dual Serial RS232/422 Port Module (SW926C) • Dual Parallel Port Module In/Out (SW927C) • 1 Meg Memory Expansion (SW928C) • 2 Meg Memory Expansion (SW929C) MODULAR SMART SWITCH 3. Installing Memory and Port Modules To fit memory and port modules, you will need to remove the lid of your Modular Smart Switch. To do this, remove the four retaining screws holding the lid in place (see Figure 3-2) and lift the lid away. 3.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH To install additional buffer memory: • Make sure that the Modular Smart Switch is powered off. • Insert the expansion buffer memory module into slot A or B (slot A should be filled first). A polarizing pin ensures that the board is seated correctly. The installed buffer memory is automatically tested whenever the Modular Smart Switch is powered on. The buffer memory indicators will flash while the test is in progress and go off when the test is complete.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 4. Configuring the Modular Smart Switch 4.1 Setting the Global Timeout Period The ports on the Modular Smart Switch are configured using a number of option switches situated on the modules. In addition to the port configuration, the global timeout values can be set using option switches on the main board. Figures 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3 show the meaning of each of the sets of option switches. Set the option switches as required.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH Timeout Period When a user has sent no data for the timeout period, the Modular Smart Switch is able to switch to another user. The default timeout setting of 16 seconds is suitable for most applications. If printouts are ever merged, increase the timeout period. Switches 1 and 2 on the base board control the global default timeout period used by all the ports. Individual port timeouts can be set using the software (see Chapter 6) or by sending software commands (see Chapter 9).
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH NOTE NOTE Automatic detection of the direction of parallel ports is achieved by detecting the state of the SELECT IN signal on the hardware interface. This will operate with most PCs and printers. Automatic detection is not guaranteed to work with all equipment, so if you experience any problems, set the ports as dedicated inputs or outputs.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 5. Installing the Modular Smart Switch LOW port HIGH port HIGH port LOW port switches switches 5.1 Selecting Ports for Your Equipment Printer and Plotter Sharing Applications Dual serial port module Unless otherwise specified, all print and plot data will automatically be routed to port 1. If you are automatically sharing a single printer or plotter, connect it to port 1.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH Plug in your cables, making sure that you are using the correct type of cable (see Appendixes A and B) and that you are connecting to the right type of port. CAUTION Connecting to the wrong type of port could damage both the Modular Smart Switch and your computers and printers. MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P This sets the baud to 9600, no parity, 8 bits per character, and 1 stop bit on COM1. You may wish to put this in your computer’s AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 5.7 Using the Modular Smart Switch 5.9 Buffer Status Indicators Printer and Plotter Sharing Applications The buffer status indicators show the state of the internal buffer memory in the form of a bar graph: The Modular Smart Switch is now ready for use as a printer sharer for the printer attached to port 1. Data sent in from any computer will automatically be sent to this port.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 6. Using the Control Software The control software is located on the disk supplied with your Modular Smart Switch. It provides an easy and user-friendly way of operating the switch. It is designed for use on IBM compatible PCs using CGA, EGA, VGA, and monochrome adapters (it will also run on adapters that emulate the modes used by these adapters). Its primary function is to enable destination devices to be selected.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH This option allows the hotkey combination that invokes the resident control software to be changed. There are 5 possible options. The desired option is selected by specifying the corresponding number after the letter H. The available hotkey combinations are as follows. /H1 selects /H2 selects /H3 selects /H4 selects /H5 selects can be either the left or the right shift key.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 6.6 Main Menu F. Destination Port—Indicates the port on the Modular Smart Switch that your PC is currently connected to. All data output from the currently selected PC port (G) will be routed to this destination port on the Modular Smart Switch. ADDER TECHNOLOGY ADMENU A DESTINATION FILE TRANSFER DIRECT OUTPUT FUNCTIONS OPTIONS B PORT 2 C D LPT1 E TO QUIT F G H Figure 6-1. Main Menu. A.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 6.8 Direct Output of Typed Keyboard Characters Normal keyboard characters and control characters can be sent to the printer using the “Direct Output” option. In the keyboard characters box, all characters typed will be sent directly to the printer except , , and . Control characters such as those to set condensed or bold printing can be specified in hexadecimal ASCII format.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 6.9 Using the Functions Menu To enter the functions menu, use the and cursor keys on the main menu to highlight FUNCTIONS, and press . The functions menu now allows you to send form feeds, clear unwanted data, and end long timeouts. DESTINATION FILE TRANSFER DIRECT OUTPUT FUNCTIONS OPTIONS ADDER TECHNOLOGY ADMENU COM1 TO QUIT 6.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 6.10.2 CHANGING THE TIMEOUT The timeout period can be varied from the default of 16 seconds to any value between 1 and 255 seconds, or it can be permanently off. To do so, select the TIMEOUT option and type the required value into the entry box. Press to return to the options menu. To return to the default value of 16 seconds, press . 6.10.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH Increasing the baud rate of serial connections reduces the maximum cable lengths. As a rule of thumb, doubling the baud rate halves the maximum distance. At 57,600 baud, try to limit the cable lengths to about 50 ft. (15 m). If you have problems using the control software, reduce the baud rate. In practice, 38400 baud is a “safe” setting for most applications. OR: b) The Fast Printing Direct to Port option is switched off within Windows 3.1.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 8. Using the Modular Smart Switch to Transfer Files ADDER TECHNOLOGY ADMENU DESTINATION FILE TRANSFER The Modular Smart Switch can be used to transfer files between PCs connected to the serial ports. This can be done using standard file-transfer software such as Fastlynx, Laplink, ProComm® +, or Kermit.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH REM The next line activates ADMENU HOTKEY REM The next line activates the file-transfer software KERMIT 8.2 Using the Control Software with File-Transfer Software The control software supplied with your Modular Smart Switch should be used together with file transfer software.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH 9. Software Commands 9.1 Introduction The Modular Smart Switch can be controlled by sending software commands to it from any computer (serial or parallel). These commands let you change to switch between ports and give access to some more advanced features of the Modular Smart Switch. The control software (see Chapter 6) for use with IBM PCs automatically generates the required software commands. This section gives the format and purpose of each command.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH 9.2.4 VARYING THE TIMEOUT PERIOD The timeout sets the length of time that the output port remains dedicated to the input port once the incoming data has ceased. It can be set to any number of seconds between 1 and 255, or it can be switched off. With the timeout off, the output channel remains constantly dedicated to the input channel until an end of file command (see Section 9.4), or a new connect command is sent.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH Where {name} is the name of the batch file that you are going to create and {channel number} is the number of the port that you are going to connect to. For example: COPY CON: CONNECT2.TXT [enter] [function key 6][enter] No spaces should be typed after the close angle bracket and before the function key 6 is pressed. When function key 6 has been pressed, a ^Z will appear on the screen at the end of the line.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH 10. Troubleshooting The Modular Smart Switch is designed to a high standard and all units are fully tested before leaving the factory. There are no user-serviceable parts. If a fault persists, please contact technical support. 10.1 Self-Test at Power-On The Modular Smart Switch automatically tests its basic operation when it powers on. The buffer indicators flash for a few seconds while the test is being conducted and go out when the test has passed.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH Appendix A: Serial Ports 10.7 Merged Printouts If the output from one computer has been printed in the middle of that from another, you will probably need to increase the timeout period. When no data has been sent from one computer for the timeout period (by default 16 seconds), the Modular Smart Switch will allow another computer to start printing. To change the timeout period, use the control software (see Section 6.10.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH Table A-1 (continued). DB25 Serial Pinouts.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH IBM AT end 9-Pin socket connector MODULAR SMART SWITCH Modular Smart Switch end 25-Pin socket connector TXD 2 RXD 3 GND 5 DTR CTS Modular Smart Switch end 25-Pin socket connector Modem end Printer end 25-pin plug plug connector 25-pin 1 1 20 2 2 5 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 7 7 20 20 3 7 Figure A-2. IBM AT Serial Cable Pinning. A.3 Connecting to Printers Most serial printers provide a standard DB25 connector for serial data.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH A.5 Connecting to Plotters A.6 Connecting to NEC Spinwriter A wide range of different pin configurations are used on plotter serial ports. The following cable can be used for most plotters including those manufactured by Hewlett Packard and Roland. Notable exceptions are Calcomp plotters, which need a “straight-through” cable shown in Figure A-4.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH A.7 Connecting to DEC™ LN03 Laser Printer A.8 RS-422 Cables The LN03 outputs its “printer ready” signal via pin 11, and so the wiring for the serial data cable is slightly different from those shown earlier. Switch bank 2, switch number 6, on the LN03 should be set to ON. This ensures that the “printer ready” signal is HIGH when ready and LOW when not ready, and not vice versa.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH MODULAR SMART SWITCH Table B-1. DB25 Parallel Connector Pinouts. Appendix B: Parallel Ports B.1 Parallel Pin Assignments Pin Name Input from Computer Output to Printer Each parallel port uses a DB25 socket connector, similar to the one on an IBM PC, PC/XT, or AT. Figure B-1 shows the pin numbers as viewed from the rear of the Modular Smart Switch.
MODULAR SMART SWITCH B.2 Cable for IBM PC, PC/XT, AT, or Compatible Parallel cables to connect from IBM compatibles to the Modular Smart Switch require a 25-pin plug on both ends. All lines should be connected “straightthrough” (that is, 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc.). B.3 Cable to 36-Pin Amphenol Connector A standard IBM Centronics® cable with a DB25 plug and a 36-pin Centronics plug is sufficient.
