User Guide

Setting Communications
12-2
Disable Auto Polling / Auto Answering - For computer–monitor connection via RS-232 or
network, not selecting this box enables continuous polling. With continuous polling, the BMDM
polls monitor string status at the time interval set in the Continuous Polling Interval box. Refer to
Understanding Polling, Extraction and Backup for definitions of status and data.
Extract Latest Resistance Readings – enabling this option, allows you to view the latest
resistance readings when resistance history has previously been extracted by a central computer.
This allows you to view the latest resistance readings without the central computer database.
Continuous Polling Interval (seconds) - If Disable Auto Polling / Auto Answering is not
selected, set the time interval that polling occurs. The BMDM continually polls monitor string
status at this interval, typically 15 seconds.
Auto Extract Data - Automatic data extraction removes (Central computer) or copies (Local
computer) data from monitor memory when polling each monitor. Normally, select Auto Extract
Data for a Central computer; otherwise, you will have to manually call each site and extract data.
Refer to Understanding Polling, Extraction and Backup for polling details.
Extract Data by Set Time - To extract data at a time other than midnight, select Auto Extract
Data, then select this box and type a time in the Extract Time field on System Setup Link for each
string.
Force All Strings to Direct Connection - Use with a Local or Service computer using a database
that has modem or network connections. Select this box to connect to an MPM or BDS using the
USB or RS-232 port. This feature saves having to modify the database Link connections and is
useful when temporarily using a Local or Service computer.
Timeout / Bad Data Retry Count - This is the number of times the program attempts to poll
data from a monitor if previously unsuccessful.
12.1. Determining the USB COM Port
If your MPM or BDS system has USB capability, you must determine which COM port the
computer selects for the USB driver and then set the COM port in the BMDM program.
Note: Items on your version of Microsoft Windows may have different names from those
described in the following text.
First, connect the MPM or BDS system to the USB port on the computer and power up the
computer and the system.
From the Windows desktop, click Start|Settings|Control Panel|System. On the System dialog
box, click the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager button.
Expand the Ports folder, then find the listing for the USB. A typical listing might read: USB
Serial Port (COM 4). Write down the COM port number for later use, then close the Device
Manager dialog box and exit back to the Windows desktop.
On the Communication Setup dialog box in the BMDM program, select the previously noted
COM port on the Direct Connection drop-down list. Click OK.