System information

Networking Overview
This Machine to Machine feature allows multiple machines in one location
to be connected together. Networking allows one machine to act as a “mas-
ter” during modem or portable drive communications, eliminating the need to
communicate with each machine individually.
Arachnid uses the term “Arachnet” when referring to a network of connect-
ed dart machines. All Black Widows and Galaxys in one location can be net-
worked, allowing one master machine to handle communications between
the central computer (or portable drive) and all machines on the Arachnet. It
is possible to connect up to 16 Galaxys and 48 Black Widows in one net-
work. When connecting Black Widows and Galaxys together, a Black Widow
must be chosen as the master machine.
Each machine on an Arachnet is assigned a unique address or Node num-
ber used for machine to machine communications. Node numbers 1 - 16 are
reserved for Galaxy machines and 17 - 64 are used for Black Widows.
Galaxy node numbers must be set manually at each machine; Black Widow
nodes are auto-assigned during the Reconfigure Arachnet function.
To set up an Arachnet, perform the following tasks:
! Install a Network Interface Card in each Black Widow to be networked.
! Connect the machines together to form a Network Bus.
! Run the Reconfigure Arachnet function on the master Black Widow to
allow the machine’s software to recognize each Node.
Installing the Network Interface Card
Begin setting up an Arachnet by installing a Network Interface Card (NIC) in
each Black Widow to be networked. Prior to installation in the machine,
each NIC must have two settings physically configured: The Interrupt
Request jumper must be set to IRQ 6 and the Dip-switches set on or off
according to the cards position on the network bus. For proper dip-switch
settings see “Building the Network Bus” below.
Figure 8.1 shows the location of the IRQ jumpers and the dip-switch pack-
age.
Important: Make a note of the location of the COM IN and COM OUT
cable connectors before installing the card in the machine. Their loca-
tion may vary on different board revisions.
Advanced
8.2