Instruction Manual

Appendix A – Troubleshooting
Sealevel Systems SeaLINK+485I Page 10
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Serial Utility test software is supplied with the Sealevel Systems adapter and
should be used in the troubleshooting procedures. Using this software and
following these steps, most common problems can be eliminated.
1. If your adapter isn’t working, first check to make sure that USB support is
enabled in the System BIOS and it is functioning properly in the operating
system. This can be done by using either the Windows 98/ME or Windows
2000 Device Manager.
2. Ensure that the Sealevel Systems software has been installed on the
machine so that the necessary files are in place to complete the installation.
3. When the SeaLINK+485I is configured properly, the USB Enabled LED
(EN) will be lit. This should allow you to use Sealevel’s WinSSD utility
and the supplied loopback plug to check communications. The supplied
loopback plug connects TD to RD. If you decide to test the Modem
Control Signals, a full pin loopback plug will be required. Details on
loopback plugs are included on WinSSD. Contact Sealevel Systems if you
need further assistance
4. When testing the SeaLINK+485I in loopback mode, you should see both
the TD and RD LED”s flashing as well as seeing echoed data on the screen.
The loopback test first transmits a HEX pattern, 55AA, and then an ASCII
string of data. If this test passes, then the SeaLINK+485I is ready for use in
your application.
5. Please note that if the card is configured for 2 wire RS-485 with no echo a
loopback test is not possible. The receiver in this case will be turned off and
the test will fail. If you plan on using this device in two wire mode test the
adapter in RS-422 mode first. Then configure the adapter for your
application.