Comtech EF Data M&C Software - Manual (Page 24)

M&C Software Revision 3
Operation MN/M_C17.IOM
2–10 MN/M_C17.IOM
2.4.1 Communication Setup Sections
The Communication Setup sections display the current address, baud rate, and parity:
• In a single RFT system, for the communication link between the host computer
and RFT.
• In a redundant RFT system, for each of the three communication links involved:
Š The first (left-most) section provides the communication parameters for the
link between the host computer and RSU.
Š The middle and right sections provide the communication parameters for the
links between the RSU and each of the two RFTs.
Š Each communication link can be independently configured.
Š Each piece of equipment requires an exclusive address (i.e., no duplicate
addresses).
The final parameter in the communication setup section is the user control parameter
“Acquire Comm”. As the parameter name indicates, “Acquire Comm” is used to acquire
a working communication link between devices when one or all of the link parameters is
unknown.
“Acquire Comm” initiates a routine that polls the equipment at all combinations of
address, baud rate, and parity until a response is received. This routine starts with address
1 and progresses to address 255, while trying the 12 combinations of valid baud rates and
parity.
Approximately 21 minutes are required for testing all possible combinations until
address 255 is reached. This amount of time represents the “worst case” scenario. In most
cases, the program establishes the communication link in much less time. However, if the
communication link is not functioning due to a hardware or cabling fault, the program
will display FAILED after unsuccessfully trying all combinations.