Measurement Computing PCI-COM232 - Manual (Page 7)

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2.3 Set up the COM port p arameters
If you are using Windows 95, 98 or 2000
To set the com port parameters (e.g. standard baud rates, parity) follow the sequence listed above
for Windows 95, 98 and 2000, and then double click on the port you wish to configure. The
Communications Port (COM#) Properties sheet will appear. Click on the “Port Settings” tab and
change the port settings to match your applications requirements.
If you are using Windows NT
To set the com port parameters (e.g. standard baud rates, parity) use the Ports applet that can be
found in the Control Panel. Select the port you wish to configure and change the port settings to
match your applications requirements.
2.4 Test the COM ports for proper operation (ComApp.exe)
An application is provided that allows you to test your installation by communicating with another
RS-232 serial port. This test application is called ComApp.exe, and was installed during your driver
installation procedure. ComApp is a simple ASCII terminal emulator that automatically sends whatever
you type on the keyboard over the selected COM port, and automatically displays the data the COM port
receives.
You may use this application to test between two ports on the same PC, or install it on two PCs and test
communication between them. If you are installing a multi-port board, or you have a free RS-232 port in
addition to the one you are adding with the PCI–COM board, you can use the first method by running two
instances of ComApp on the same PC.
If your COM port is connected to a simple ASCII controlled device, use ComApp to test for proper
operation simply by typing one or more commands, and watching how the external device responds.
To launch ComApp.exe, you can find the file using your explorer and then double-click on it.
Alternatively, starting with your Windows Start button, follow this procedure:.
Start
Î Programs Î Measurement Computing Î ComApp
You can make a quick port communication test by connecting the PCI–COM board to another RS232
port, and sending/reading data between the two ports. You can use an RS-232 port on another PC or a free
RS-232 port on the same PC to which you are adding the PCI–COM board.
To do this test, install a null modem cable or adapter between the two ports. This serves to connect the
transmit pins from one port to the receive pins of the other and vice versa. Null modems adapters are
available at most computer stores or can be purchased from Measurement Computing Corp. (part #
SADP-25FM-NM for 25-pin, SADP-9FM-NM for 9-pin). To perform the test, follow the instructions
below:
1. Connect the two ports via a null modem cable/adapter
2. Launch the ComApp program (as described above)
3. Select the Settings menu block and configure the first port.