PC-HELPER
RS-232C(2ch) Serial I/O Card
COM-2(PM)
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO.,LTD.
COM-2(PM)
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Check Your Package
Thank you for purchasing the CONTEC product.
The product consists of the items listed below.
Check, with the following list, that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing items,
contact your retailer.
Product Configuration List
- PC Card
[COM-2(PM)] …1
- Connection cable (CBPM-2R(PM) …1set
- PC-Card Attachment (CARD-AT2) …1set
- This User’s Guide…1
- COM Setup Disk(CD-ROM) …1
CD
PC Card
PC-Card Attachment
Connection cable
CH
CH
User's Guide
Guide
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COM-2(PM)
Copyright
Copyright 1999 CONTEC CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form by any means without prior written
consent of CONTEC CO., LTD.
CONTEC CO., LTD. makes no commitment to update or keep current the information contained in this
document. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
All relevant issues have been considered in the preparation of this document. Should you notice an
omission or any questionable item in this document, please feel free to notify CONTEC CO., LTD.
Regardless of the foregoing statement, CONTEC assumes no responsibility for any errors that may
appear in this document nor for results obtained by the user as a result of using this product.
Trademarks
MS, Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and MS-DOS are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other
brand and product names are trademarks of their respective holder.
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Table of Contents
Check Your Package....................................................................................................................................i
Copyright.....................................................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks..................................................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................................iii
1. BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT 1
About the PC Card......................................................................................................................................1
Features.................................................................................................................................................1
Support Software.................................................................................................................................2
Cable & Connector (Option).............................................................................................................3
Customer Support.......................................................................................................................................4
Web Site................................................................................................................................................4
Limited Three-YearsWarranty...................................................................................................................4
How to Obtain Service...............................................................................................................................4
Liability........................................................................................................................................................4
Safety Precautions.......................................................................................................................................5
Safety Information...............................................................................................................................5
Handling Precautions..........................................................................................................................6
Environment.........................................................................................................................................7
Inspection.............................................................................................................................................7
Storage..................................................................................................................................................7
2. SETUP 9
What is Setup?.............................................................................................................................................9
Using the PC card under Windows Using the Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup
Disk.......................................................................................................................................................9
Using the PC card under Windows Using the Driver library API-PAC(W32)............................9
Using the PC card under Linux Using the Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk10
Operating Systems Other than Windows or Linux........................................................................10
Step 1 Setting the Hardware....................................................................................................................11
Connecting the PC Card to the Connecter Cable...........................................................................11
Fitting the PC Card Attachment.......................................................................................................12
Insert the PC Card..............................................................................................................................13
Step 2 Installing the Hardware................................................................................................................14
Turning on the PC..............................................................................................................................14
Setting with the Found New Hardware Wizard.............................................................................15
The check method of the completion of hardware installation....................................................16
Step 3 Initializing the Software...............................................................................................................17
For use under Windows XP, Windows 2000..................................................................................17
For use under Windows Me, Windows 98 or Windows 95..........................................................18
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COM-2(PM)
For use under Windows NT .............................................................................................................19
Step 4 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program...................................................................20
What is the Diagnosis Program?......................................................................................................20
Check Method....................................................................................................................................20
Using the Diagnosis Program...........................................................................................................21
Setup Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................23
Symptoms and Actions.....................................................................................................................23
If your problem cannot be resolved.................................................................................................23
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 25
Interface connector...................................................................................................................................25
Types of Cable and Example Connections............................................................................................26
4. FUNCTIONS 27
Communication Function.........................................................................................................................27
Serial Data Transmission..................................................................................................................27
RS-232C Control Lines.....................................................................................................................27
Send and Receive Data Buffers........................................................................................................27
Setting the Baud Rate........................................................................................................................28
5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 29
About Sample programs...........................................................................................................................29
Uninstalling the driver software..............................................................................................................30
CD-ROM Directory Structure.................................................................................................................31
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 33
Hardware specification.............................................................................................................................33
1. Before Using the Product
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1.
Before Using the Product
This chapter provides information you should know before using the product.
About the PC Card
This PC card is a PCMCIA 2.0/JEIDA 4.1 compliant serial I/O card for performing RS-232C serial
communications with external devices.
The PC card has two RS-232C serial ports per card.
Use the card in a PCMCIA 2.0/JEIDA 4.1 or later (including PC Card Standard) PC card slot.
You can use the standard COM driver software (COM Setup Disk) supplied with the PC card to access
the serial ports as standard Windows or Linux COM ports.
Features
- As the card supports Plug&Play, the IO address, IRQ, and other resource settings are set
automatically.
- Maximum communication speed = 115,200bps.
- The baud rate can be set independently for each channel, by software.
- Each channel is equipped with separate 16-byte FIFO buffers for transmit and receive.
- Up to two cards can be installed on one PC. (When using Windows XP or 2000)
-
Driver software is supplied to allow the serial ports to be used as standard Windows or Linux COM
ports.
- You can use the PC card attachment to protect the PC card and cable socket.
1. Before Using the Product
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COM-2(PM)
Support Software
You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
Standard COM Driver Software
COM Setup Disk
(Bundled)
The purpose of this software is to allow the CONTEC serial communication boards to be used under Windows or Linux
in the same way as the standard COM ports on the PC. By installing additional PC cards, you can use COM ports in the
range COM1 to COM256.
The boards can be used for all types of serial communications such as for remote access service (RAS) and
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications.
Under Windows, the serial ports can be accessed using the standard Win32 API communication routines (CreateFile( ),
WriteFile( ), ReadFile( ), and SetCommState( ), etc.) The serial ports are also compatible with the Visual Basic
communication control (MSComm).
Under Linux, the serial ports are compatible with the operating system's standard tty driver. The standard routines
including open( ), close( ), read( ), write( ) are supported.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, Linux etc..
CAUTION
Up to two cards can be installed on one PC.
(Only one PC card can be used on Windows NT, Me, 98, and
95.)
Driver library
API-PAC(W32)
(Available for downloading (free of charge) from the CONTEC web
site.)
API-PAC(W32) is the library software that provides the commands for CONTEC hardware products in the form of
Windows standard Win32 API functions (DLL). It makes it easy to create high-speed application software taking
advantage of the CONTEC hardware using various programming languages that support Win32 API functions, such as
Visual Basic and Visual C/C++.
It can also be used by the installed diagnosis program to check hardware operations.
CONTEC provides download services to supply the updated drivers and differential files.
For details, visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, etc..
Adaptation language Visual C/C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, Builder, etc..
Others Each piece of library software requires 50 megabytes of free hard disk space.
CAUTION
- This library provides local routines that are specific to CONTEC (SioOpen( ), SioWrite( ), SioRead( ), SioStatus( ),
etc.). These are not compatible with the standard Win32 API communication routines (CreateFile( ) and
WriteFile( ), etc.).
- Up to two cards can be installed on one PC.
(Only one PC card can be used on Windows NT, Me, 98, and
95.)
1. Before Using the Product
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Base package of ActiveX components for measurement system development
ACX-PAC(W32)BP
(Option)
This is a set of useful Windows development tools for measurement systems and consists of a software component
library with ready-to-use samples which you can combine for easy programming.
The package contains components for controlling CONTEC I/O boards (PC cards). Features include interface control
for analog I/O, digital I/O, GPIB
communications
, and counter inputs, as well as X-Y plotting and file storage
support.
Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on this soft.
Advanced package of ActiveX components for measurement system development
ACX-PAC(W32)AP
(Option)
Complements the ACX-PAC(W32)BP functions with additional components including graphics (plotting, switches,
and lamps, etc.) and mathematical and analysis tools.
Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on this soft.
Cable & Connector (Option)
RS-232C Straight Cable with D-SUB9P (1.8m) : RSS-9M/F
RS-232C Cross Cable with D-SUB9P (1.8m) : RSC-9F
RS-232C Straight Cable with D-SUB25P (1.8m) : RSS-25M/F
RS-232C Cross Cable with D-SUB25P (1.8m) : RSC-25F
RS-232C Connection Conversion Straight Cable (25M
→
9F, 1.8m) : RSS-25M/9F
RS-232C Connection Conversion Straight Cable (25F
→
9M, 1.8m) : RSS-25F/9M
RS-232C Connection Conversion Cross Cable(25F
→
9F, 1.8m) : RSC-25F/9F
D-SUB9P Male Connector Set (5 Pieces) : CN5-D9M
D-SUB9P Female Connector Set (5 Pieces) : CN5-D9F
D-SUB25P Male Connector Set (5 Pieces) : CN5-D25M
D-SUB25P Female Connector Set (5 Pieces) : CN5-D25F
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.
1. Before Using the Product
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COM-2(PM)
Customer Support
CONTEC provides the following support services for you to use CONTEC products more efficiently and
comfortably.
Web Site
Japanese http://www.contec.co.jp/
English http://www.contec.com/
Chinese http://www.contec.com.cn/
Latest product information
CONTEC provides up-to-date information on products.
CONTEC also provides product manuals and various technical documents in the PDF.
Free download
You can download updated driver software and differential files as well as sample programs available in
several languages.
Note! For product information
Contact your retailer if you have any technical question about a CONTEC product or need its price,
delivery time, or estimate information.
Limited Three-Years Warranty
CONTEC Interface PC cards are warranted by CONTEC CO., LTD. to be free from defects in material
and workmanship for up to three years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser.
Repair will be free of charge only when this device is returned freight prepaid with a copy of the original
invoice and a Return Merchandise Authorization to the distributor or the CONTEC group office, from
which it was purchased.
This warranty is not applicable for scratches or normal wear, but only for the electronic circuitry and
original PC cards. The warranty is not applicable if the device has been tampered with or damaged
through abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or unreasonable use, or if the original invoice is not included, in
which case repairs will be considered beyond the warranty policy.
How to Obtain Service
For replacement or repair, return the device freight prepaid, with a copy of the original invoice. Please
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA) from the CONTEC group office where you
purchased before returning any product.
* No product will be accepted by CONTEC group without the RMA number.
Liability
The obligation of the warrantor is solely to repair or replace the product. In no event will the warrantor
be liable for any incidental or consequential damages due to such defect or consequences that arise from
Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.
1. Before Using the Product
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Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.
Safety Information
This document provides safety information using the following symbols to prevent accidents resulting in
injury or death and the destruction of equipment and resources. Understand the meanings of these labels
to operate the equipment safely.
DANGER
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury or in property damage.
1. Before Using the Product
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COM-2(PM)
Handling Precautions
DANGER
Do not use the product where it is exposed to flammable or corrosive gas. Doing so may result in an
explosion, fire, electric shock, or failure.
CAUTION
- Do not strike or bend the PC Card. Doing so could damage the PC Card.
Otherwise, the PC Card may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.
- Do not subject the socket used to connect the cable to the PC card to knocks or other excessive force.
Otherwise, the PC card may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Connect the cable to the card before inserting the card into the PC.
Otherwise, the PC card may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Do not try to remove the cable from the connecter on the PC card without pressing the locking spring
as this may prevent the cable from being securely connected.
- When inserting the PC card, check that you are inserting the card with the correct orientation and
that the card is inserted firmly.
Inserting the PC card incorrectly may damage the PC card or connector or result in a bad connection.
- Ensure that the PC power supply has sufficient capacity for all mounted cards.
An inadequate power supply may cause misoperation, overheating, or faults.
- The specifications of this product are subject to change without notice for enhancement and quality
improvement.
Even when using the product continuously, be sure to read the manual and understand the contents.
- Do not modify the product. CONTEC will bear no responsibility for any problems, etc., resulting
from modifying this product.
- Regardless of the foregoing statements, CONTEC is not liable for any damages whatsoever
(including damages for loss of business profits) arising out of the use or inability to use this
CONTEC product or the information contained herein.
1. Before Using the Product
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Environment
Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, the PC card may
overheat, malfunction, or cause a failure.
Operating temperature
0 to 50°C
Humidity
10 to 90%RH (No condensation)
Corrosive gases
None
Floating dust particles
Not to be excessive
Inspection
Inspect the product periodically as follows to use it safely.
CH2
CH1
- Check that the bus connector
and its cable have been
plugged correctly.
- The bus connector have no stain or corrosion.
Storage
When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
(1) Put the PC card in the storage bag.
(2) Wrap it in the packing material, then put it in the box.
(3) Store the package at room temperature at a place free from direct sunlight, moisture, shock,
vibration, magnetism, and static electricity.
1. Before Using the Product
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2. Setup
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2.
Setup
This chapter explains how to set up the PC card.
What is Setup?
Setup means a series of steps to take before the product can be used.
Different steps are required for software and hardware
The setup procedure varies with the OS and applications used.
Using the PC card under Windows
Using the Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk
This section describes the setup procedure to be performed before you can start developing application
programs for the PC card using the bundled CD-ROM “Standard COM Driver Software -
COM Setup Disk”.
Taking the following steps sets up the software and hardware. You can use the diagnosis program later
to check whether the software and hardware function normally.
Step 1 Setting the Hardware
Step 2 Installing the Hardware
Step 3 Initializing the Software
On the CD-ROM, refer to the \PCCARD\COM(PM)2\Readmee.txt file and the installation instructions
files for each OS located in the \PCCARD\COM(PM)2\InstDoc.
If Setup fails to be performed normally, see the “Setup Troubleshooting” section at the end of this
chapter.
Using the PC card under Windows
Using the Driver library API-PAC(W32)
Refer to the API-PAC(W32) "Hardware Installation Procedure (HWINSTU.HLP)" help file for the
procedure to follow when using API-SIO in the "Driver Library API-PAC(W32)".
If using API-SIO from API-PAC(W32), install from API-PAC(W32) instead of from the supplied
CD-ROM.
See also the following parts of this manual as required.
This chapter Step 1 Setting the Hardware
2. Setup
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COM-2(PM)
Using the PC card under Linux
Using the Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk
You can perform application program development using the "Standard COM Driver Software -
COM Setup Disk" in the supplied CD-ROM. The procedure for using the software is described in the
\Linux\Readmee.htm file.
See also the following parts of this manual as required.
This chapter Step 1 Setting the Hardware
Operating Systems Other than Windows or Linux
Refer to the following if using on an OS other than Windows or Linux.
This chapter Step 1 Setting the Hardware
Chapter 4 Functions
Chapter 6 About Hardware
2. Setup
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Step 1 Setting the Hardware
This section describes how to set the PC Card and plug it on your PC.
Check that your PC has a TYPE II PC card slot that complies with PCMCIA 2.0/JEIDA 4.1 or later
(including PC Card Standard).
Connecting the PC Card to the Connecter Cable
Connect the PC card end of the supplied cable (CBPM-2R) to the PC card. Make sure you connect the
cable as shown in Figure 2.1 with the CH numbers on the top side of the connector matching the CH
numbers on the card.
CAUTION
- When inserting the cable, carefully align the cable connector with the socket on the PC card and
push straight in. Applying excessive force to the connector on the PC card may damage the
connector or result in a bad connection.
- Never insert or unplug the connector while the PC power is turned on. However, you may insert or
remove the PC card with the power on.
Connection Cable
PC Card
PCMCIA Slot Side
Locking Spring
Locking Metal Fitting
Figure 2.1. Connecting the PC Card to the Connecter Cable
2. Setup
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COM-2(PM)
Fitting the PC Card Attachment
Fitting the PC card attachment helps prevent the cable from being disconnected if force is accidentally
applied to the top of the connector.
CAUTION
When using other PC cards in the same PC, the PC card attachment may obstruct the other cards and
make them difficult to insert. In this case, please remove the PC card attachment.
PC Card
PCMCIA Slot Side
PC Card Attachment
Figure 2.2. Fitting the PC Card Attachment
2. Setup
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Insert the PC Card
Insert the card into the PC card slot on the PC.
Firmly insert the card into the slot with the orientation indicated by the arrow symbol on the card, as
shown in Figure 2.3.
The PC card has a key to prevent it from being inserted incorrectly. Do not try to force the card into the
slot the wrong way around as this may damage the card or the slot on the PC. Also, check the card slot
on your PC as the slots on some PCs are oriented so that cards is inserted with the top side facing down.
Refer to the manual for your PC for instructions on how to remove the card.
Figure 2.3. Insert the PC Card
CAUTION
Take note of the following points as inappropriate handling of the PC card may damage the card or
connector socket and may result in a bad connection.
- Always insert the PC card with the correct orientation and in accordance with the instructions.
- Do not hold the card by the cable or connector when inserting the card into the slot.
- Do not move the PC with the cable still plugged in.
- Do not apply any excessive force to the cable socket on the PC card such as by pulling on the cable
connector.
- Do not place any objects on top of the cable connector.
2. Setup
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COM-2(PM)
Step 2 Installing the Hardware
For using an expansion PC card under Windows, you have to let the OS detect the I/O addresses and IRQ
to be used by the PC card. The process is referred to as installing the hardware.
When using more than one PC card, always install cards one at a time and complete setup of the previous
card before installing the next card. (Only one PC card can be used on Windows NT, Me, 98, and 95.)
Turning on the PC
(1) Insert the card into the PC card slot on the PC.
(2) Turn on the power to your PC.
CAUTION
- Refer to the API-PAC(W32) "Hardware Installation Procedure (HWINSTU.HLP)" help file for the
procedure to follow when using API-SIO in the "Driver Library API-PAC(W32)".
If using API-SIO from API-PAC(W32), install from API-PAC(W32) instead of from the supplied
CD-ROM. If you install from the CD-ROM by mistake, uninstall API-SIO as described in
"Uninstalling the Driver Software" in "Chapter 5 About Software".
- The PC card cannot be properly installed unless the resources (I/O addresses and interrupt level) for
the PC card can be allocated. Before attempting to install the PC card, first determine what PC
resources are free to use.
- The resources used by each PC card do not depend on the location of the PC cards slot or the PC card
itself. If you remove two or more PC cards that have already been installed and then remount one of
them on the computer, it is unknown that which one of the sets of resources previously assigned to
the two PC Cards is assigned to the remounted PC card. In this case, you must check the resource
settings.
- Up to two cards can be installed on one PC. (Only one card on Windows NT, Me, 98 and 95.)
2. Setup
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Setting with the Found New Hardware Wizard
(1) The “Found New Hardware Wizard” will be started.
Select “Install from a list or specific location”, then click on the [Next] button.
If you are using Windows NT 4.0, the “Found New Hardware Wizard” is not started.
Go to Step 3 “Initializing the Software”.
(2) Specify that folder on the CD-ROM which contains the setup information (INF) file to register the
PC Card.
- Source folder Windows XP, 2000 \PCCARD\COM(PM)2\Win2000
Windows Me, 98, 95 \PCCARD\COM(PM)2\Win95
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