Measurement Computing WaveBook rev.5.3 - Manual (Page 112)

7-4 Troubleshooting 979194 WaveBook User’s Manual - IO version
1. WaveBook does not communicate with the PC.
Possible Causes Details and Possible Solutions
There is a
problem with
WaveBook’s
power.
If the WaveBook system and the host PC fail to communicate with each other, verify that:
(1) the WaveBook is powered on, and that (2) the power supply is not overloaded.
Although the WBK expansion modules do not get power from the host WaveBook, when the power
adapter is “daisy-chained” from the WaveBook to the expansion modules the power adapter may not
have enough power for the entire system. This can cause power deprivation within the WaveBook,
which hinders communication with the PC.
Check the power requirements of each component to ensure that the use of the system’s existing AC
adapters is sufficient. If not, use additional AC adapters, for example, one for each component; or at
least to create smaller power daisy-chains that do not exceed the adapter’s limits. Chapter 2 includes
information regarding system setup and power options. Chapter 3 includes several additional examples
of system setups.
Faulty parallel
port cable or
connection.
Check that the parallel port cable is not loose, damaged, connected to the wrong PC port, or is not
compatible with the system [standard parallel port cables are not compatible, as explained later].
Check both ends of the parallel port cable to verify proper connection. If the cable appears fine and
the connections are good check to see that the cable was supplied from the factory. If not, it may be
incompatible and should be replaced with a factory issued cable (CA-35-12, 12 inch cable; CA-35-2,
2-foot cable; or CA-35-6, 6-foot cable). These three cables are 1284-compliant. Standard parallel
cables will not work properly, primarily due to a lack of shielding.
For related information refer to table 15, Parallel Port Problems.
The LPT port is
not correctly
configured.
The LPT Port may not be properly configured in CMOS for the selected protocol. Selecting a
communications protocol [such as such as EPP or ECP] in the Daq Configuration utility, generally
requires that this mode also be set in the PC BIOS settings. This must be done in both the CMOS
Setup of the PC BIOS as well as in the Windows device manager. In Windows NT, this need only be
done in CMOS and the system will adjust to the change. Refer to your computer’s specific user’s
manual for instructions on changing the parallel port mode.
For related information refer to table 15, Parallel Port Problems.
Faulty Ethernet
cable or
connection
For WaveBook/516E and WBK25 applications - The Ethernet cable may be loose, damaged, or not
connected. Check the Ethernet line and its connections at the WaveBook/516E [or WBK25] and at the
PC Ethernet jack, or Ethernet Network hub, as applicable.
For related information refer to table 14, Ethernet Problems.
The selected
protocol is not
compatible.
In regard to parallel ports – The selected protocol, e.g., 8-bit, ECP, EPP, might be incompatible
between the PC and the WaveBook. This is possible because parallel ports vary somewhat from one
manufacturer to another. While some protocols may work with WaveBooks on certain PCs, those
same protocols may not work on others. If the EPP mode will not work, it is likely due to a subtle
incompatibility between the particular PC and the IOtech drivers. In these cases, a more generic
protocol such as Standard 8-bit or 4-bit protocol must be used. Standard 4-bit protocols are likely to
work, even when others do not.
For related information concerning parallel ports see table 3, ECP and / or EPP protocol problem and
table 15, Parallel Port Problems.
In regard to Ethernet Connections - For WaveBook/516E and WBK25 applications - Run the Daq
Configuration applet from the Windows Control Panel. Make sure the device is configured to the
appropriate Ethernet port with the appropriate protocol. Run the device test and if it fails try other
protocols for the device.
Note: Before re-running the test be sure to click on the
button to apply the settings.
For related information concerning Ethernet connections refer to table 14, Ethernet Problems.
(continued)