ActionTec PC-250 User manual

PC-250, PC-260, and PC-300 User’s Guide Page 1
Proprietary Notice and
Disclaimer
Unless otherwise noted, this document and the information herein disclosed are
proprietary to the Manufacturer. Any person or entity to whom this document is
furnished or who otherwise has possession thereof, by acceptance agrees that it will not
be copied or reproduced in whole or in part, or used in any manner except to meet the
purposes for which it was delivered.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice, and should not be
construed as a commitment by The Manufacturer. Although The Manufacturer will make
every effort to inform users of substantive errors, The Manufacturer disclaims all liability
for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this document or any hardware or
software described herein, including without limitation contingent, special, or incidental
liability.
T I and ardTalk are trademarks of Databook Incorporated. ard Reader is a
trademark of the Manufacturer . P and AT are trademarks of IBM orporation. MS-
DOS, MS-Windows and Flash File System are trademarks of Microsoft orporation. M-
Systems is a copyright of M-Systems. SunDisk is a trademark of SunDisk. All other
product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
opyright © 1994 by:
All rights reserved
Life Support System Application
Disclaimer
The Manufacturer’s products may not be used as critical components in life support
devices or systems without the written consent of an officer of the manufacturer. As used
herein, life support devices or systems are devices or systems which (a) are intended for
surgical implant in the body, or (b) support or sustain life, and whose failure to perform,
when properly used in accordance with instructions provided in the labeling, can
reasonably be expected to result in a significant injury to the user. A critical component
is any component in a life support device or system whose failure to perform can be
reasonably expected to cause the failure of the life support device or system or to affect
its safety or effectiveness
.
Software License Agreement
Read this agreement before opening the software. Once you have removed the software
from its envelope, you have accepted the agreement
.

Introduction
Page 2
Usage Rights
Your rights, with respect to the Software, are non exclusive. The software may only be
used by one user, on one computer at a time. The software may be transferred to another
computer, as long as it is only used by one user at a time. The Software and its
documentation may not be copied or distributed to others. You may not create, modify,
alter, adapt, merge, decompile, or reverse-engineer the Software, and you may not
remove or obscure Databook, or other included copyright or trademark notices.
Term of License
This Agreement is effective until terminated. Terminate the Agreement by destroying the
Software, documentation and all backup copies
.
Backup Copies
You may make backup copies of the Software. The copyright notice(s) must be included
on each backup copy.
Copyrights
The Software accompanying this manual is protected by United States copyright law.
The Software documentation is copyrighted. You may only copy the Software and the
Software documentation for backup or to load the Software onto your computer as part
of program execution.
Title to Software and Confidentiality
The Software and all copies thereof are proprietary to Databook and title thereto remains
in Databook. All applicable rights to patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets in
the Software are and shall remain in Databook.
You may not sell, transfer, publish, or otherwise make available any software or copies
thereof to others. You acknowledge that the Software is a trade secret of Databook. You
agree to secure and protect each program, software product and copies thereof in a
manner consistent with the maintenance of Databook’s rights therein and to take
appropriate action by instruction or agreement within your organization to satisfy your
obligations hereunder. Violation of these provisions shall be a basis for immediate
termination of this license. Termination of the license shall be in addition to and not in
lieu of any other legal or equitable remedies available to Databook.
Limited Warranty
SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN LUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER HANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A

Introduction
PC-250, PC-260, and PC-300 User’s Guide Page 3
PARTI ULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND
PERFORMAN E OF THE LI ENSED PROGRAM IS WITH YOU.
The Manufacturer does not warrant that the functions contained in the Software will
meet your requirements or that the operation of the Software will be uninterrupted or
error-free.
However, The Manufacturer warrants the diskette(s) on which the Software is furnished
to be free from defects under normal use for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of
delivery as evidenced by a copy of your paid invoice or sales receipt.
If the diskette(s) fail due to neglect, accident, or abuse, The Manufacturer shall not be
liable to replace the diskette(s) under this Limited Warranty.
The Manufacturer’s entire liability and your exclusive remedy for a diskette not meeting
The Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty will be the replacement of such diskette which is
returned to The Manufacturer or to an authorized dealer with a copy of your paid invoice.
In no event will The Manufacturer be liable for any damages, including any lost profits,
or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or performance of the
Software, even if The Manufacturer or an authorized dealer has been advised of the
possibility of such damages.
You agree that The Manufacturer’s liability arising out of contract, negligence, strict
liability in tort or in warranty shall not exceed any amounts paid by you for the Software.
This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have additional rights,
depending on the state in which you live. Some states do not allow the exclusion of
incidental or consequential damages, or the limitation on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so some provisions of this Limited Warranty may not apply to you.
You acknowledge that you have read this Agreement and understand it, and agree to be
bound by its terms, and further agree that it is the complete and exclusive statement of
the Agreement, which supersedes and merges all prior proposals, understandings and
other agreements, oral and written, between the parties to this Agreement. This
Agreement may not be modified or altered except by a written instrument duly executed
by both parties.
This agreement and performance hereunder shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of alifornia.
The waiver or failure of either party to exercise in any respect any right provided for
herein shall not be deemed a waiver of any further right hereunder.
No action, regardless of form, arising out of this Agreement may be brought by you more
than two (2) years after the cause of action has arisen
.
The Manufacturer shall have the right to collect form you any reasonable expenses
incurred in enforcing this Agreement, including attorney’s fees.
If any of the provisions, or portions thereof, of this Agreement are invalid under any
applicable statute or rule of law, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the
balance of this Agreement, and such provisions or portions thereof are to the extent of
their invalidity to be deemed omitted form this Agreement.

Introduction
Page 4
Table of Contents
Q
UI K S TART ..........................................................................................6
Assumptions........................................................................................6
Requirements......................................................................................6
Unpacking and Registering ................................................................7
Tools...................................................................................................7
Install the Card Reader ......................................................................8
Install the Soft are.............................................................................9
What to Do Next .................................................................................9
CHAPTER 1 .......................................................................................11
I
NTRODU TION ......................................................................................11
The Card Reader ..............................................................................11
System Requirements........................................................................13
Package Contents .............................................................................13
This Guide ........................................................................................15
PC Cards ..........................................................................................16
CHAPTER 2 .......................................................................................21
I
NSTALLING THE H ARDWARE ................................................................21
Preparation ......................................................................................21
Disassemble the Computer ...............................................................22
Discharge Static Electricity..............................................................23
Set the S itches and Install the Board .............................................24
Install the Card Socket Module ........................................................27
Identifying the Sockets......................................................................32
What to Do Next ...............................................................................33
CHAPTER 3 .......................................................................................35
I
NSTALLING THE S OFTWARE ..................................................................35

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Run INSTALL ...................................................................................36
Verify the Installation.......................................................................46
CardTalk Files .................................................................................48
Installing the CardTalk Control Panel.............................................50
Using PC Cards ...............................................................................51
CHAPTER 4 .......................................................................................53
ARDS THAT R EQUIRE O NLY ARDTALK.SYS..................................53
Fax/Modem Cards............................................................................53
ATA Devices.....................................................................................56
Memory Cards..................................................................................58
CHAPTER 5 .......................................................................................63
U SING THE ARD T ALK ONTROL P ANEL ..............................................63
Opening the CardTalk Control Panel ..............................................63
Getting Help.....................................................................................64
Vie ing Card Information ...............................................................64
Configuring a Memory or Hard Disk Card......................................66
Copying Files ...................................................................................72
Configuring the CardTalk Control Panel ........................................74
CHAPTER 6 .......................................................................................76
T
ROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................................76
Initialization Problems.....................................................................76
Warning Beeps .................................................................................80
Error Messages ................................................................................82

Introduction
Page 6
Quick Start
This preface is designed to help experienced users get going quickly. It
summarizes what you need to do to install the ard Reader in your
computer.
WA NING
Assumptions
If you’re not sure a out the assumptions in this
Quick Start or would like illustrations to assist you
with the installation process, refer to Chapter 2,
Installing the Hard are.
Assumptions
These procedures assume:
• the default I/O address of 240h will not conflict with any other
devices installed in your system (such as a sound card)
• your computer has a spare internal power cable
equirements
• IBM compatible computer with a minimum 386Sx processor
• an empty 16-bit ISA bus slot running at approximately 8 Mhz
• an empty drive bay
• at least 1 Mbyte of RAM and 500 Kbytes of free disk space
• DOS 3.2 or later
• Windows 3.1 (or later) or Windows for Workgroups 3.1 (or later)

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PC-250, PC-260, and PC-300 User’s Guide Page 7
Unpacking and egistering
1. Make sure you have the following components:
• Warranty card
• Manual (this document)
• a ard Socket Module
• an ISA bus board
• ARDTALK diskette
• two flat-ribbon cables
• a power splitter cable
• Quick Read sheet
2. If items are missing or damaged, contact The Manufacturer
immediately at the address or phone number in hapter 6,
Troubleshooting.
3. Locate the serial number and board revision numbers on the ISA
Bus Board.
4. Locate the software version number on the software diskette.
5. At the end of hapter 6, Troubleshooting, write the serial number,
board revision number and software version number in the spaces
provided.
Tools
To install the unit in your computer, you may need
• a Phillips head screwdriver
• a flat-head screwdriver
• special tools to open your computer

Introduction
Page 8
Install the Card eader
Prepare the Card Socket Module
1. Read the License Agreement.
2. Turn the computer's power off, leave the power cord plugged in to
ground the unit, and remove its cover.
3. If the bay you’re using is a 5.25” bay, install the rails and side
brackets on the ard Socket Module (optional equipment).
Install the Card Socket Module
WA NING
Avoid Crossed ibbon Cables
To alleviate confusion, the ri on ca le is
constructed so that the ends that are tied together
should e connected to the drive module. The loose
end of the ri on ca le should e connected to the
ISA card. Both ends are keyed accordingly to ena le
only one correct way to connect them.
1. Touch a bare metal portion of your P 's chassis to discharge static
electrical buildup before you remove the ISA bus board and ard
Socket from their protective covers.
2. onnect the ends of the ribbon cables labeled DRIVE to their
respective connectors on the ard Socket Module.
3. Install the ard Socket Module in the P drive bay and attach it to
the chassis with at least three screws. Two screws must connect
metal to metal for grounding purposes.
4. onnect a spare device power cable to the card socket module. You
may need to use the enclosed splitter.

Introduction
PC-250, PC-260, and PC-300 User’s Guide Page 9
Install the ISA Bus Board
1. onnect the ends of the ribbon cables labeled CARD to their
respective connectors on the ISA Bus Board.
2. Install the ISA bus board in the P .
3. heck all connections. See the illustrations in hapter 2, Installing
the Hard are.
4. Replace the computer’s cover and verify that the system boots and
operates normally.
Install the Software
1. Write protect the installation diskette.
2. Type a:\install from the DOS prompt and follow the instructions on
the screen.
3. Restart the system for the changes made to the ONFIG.SYS and
AUTOEXE .BAT files to take effect.
You are ready to use your ard Reader.
What to Do Next
The installation and operation of most types of memory, ATA and
communication I/O cards is fully automatic under MS-DOS and
MS-Windows. Once you’ve installed ardTalk you can use these cards
without further installation procedures.
Additional Drivers
ertain I/O cards, such as the following cards, may require their own
drivers:
• LAN
• S SI
• other specialized card types

Introduction
Page 10
Refer to the manual that came with the card for additional installation
procedures and to hapter 6, Cards that Require Additional Drivers,
for specific tips.
Card and Socket Services Software
WA NING
Card and Socket Services Software
Some PC Card vendors may include Card and
Socket Services software with their cards. Do not
replace the Card and Socket Services software with
any other manufacturer’s Card and Socket Services
drivers. The Manufacturer cannot support your Card
Reader with another manufacturer’s drivers.
CardTalk Control Panel
If you’re using a P ard for data storage, such as an ATA hard disk, a
Flash or SRAM card, you can use the ardTalk ontrol Panel to:
• format
• partition
• copy files
The ardTalk ontrol Panel is an MS-Windows application that
prepares all types of memory and disk drive cards. It also provides a
display of the I/O card configuration, such as OM port numbers and
the drive letter. Refer to hapter 5, Using the CardTalk Control Panel,
for more information.
DOS Utilities
ardTalk comes with a set of DOS utilities called the T Utilities that
you can use to prepare memory cards.

Introduction
PC-250, PC-260, and PC-300 User’s Guide Page 11
1
Introduction
Personal omputer Memory ard International Association (P M IA)
P ards have gained wide acceptance on portable computers because
of their small size, flexibility and interchangeability. Now desktop
computers can benefit from these same capabilities.
Typical applications for P ards include exchanging data between
devices, as well as temporarily adding a fax/modem, network, S SI
port, sound card or removable disk to the computer. Data exchange is
not limited to computers. Any device, such as an electronic piano
keyboard, can exchange data with the computer as long as the device
supports the P M IA standard. New cards are being developed all the
time.
This chapter:
• Introduces the ard Reader
• Defines system requirements
• Lists what comes in the box
• Introduces this guide
• Discusses how P ards work

Introduction
Page 12
The Card eader
Compatibility
The ard Reader ard Socket Modules accommodate:
• Any card that complies with the P M IA 2.01 or 2.10, including
cards provided with ard Services client drivers
• P M IA type I, II or III P ards
• Memory cards including SRAM and Flash cards (with optional
Flash File System)
• I/O cards including communication, network, S SI, sound and
others
• ATA devices including rotating disk drives and solid-state ATA
cards
• One Time Programmable (OTP) read-only memory cards
Features
The ard Reader provide:
• The ability to insert and remove P ards while the computer is on
with fully automatic card recognition and initialization
• INTEL Ex A
™ verified hardware and software for maximum
compatibility
• ardTalk ontrol Panel
™, a Windows-based application for
managing P ards
of all types
• An annunciator that beeps to indicate the status of the card
(recognized, not recognized)
• Drive bay units that are easily configured for 3.5” or 5.25”
mounting (with 5.25” mounting kit)
• Standard P /AT ISA bus interface
• Simple, automated software installation on most P s

Introduction
PC-250, PC-260, and PC-300 User’s Guide Page 13
System equirements
Your IBM-compatible computer must have:
• A minimum 386SX processor.
• MS-DOS 3.2 or later, and MS-Windows 3.1 for the ardTalk
ontrol Panel.
• One empty 16-bit ISA bus slot.
• At least 1 MByte of RAM (2 Mbytes for the Windows ardTalk
ontrol Panel).
• 1 MByte of free hard disk space.
• 3.5” open drive bay in the personal computer case.
Package Contents
As soon as you unpack the box, make sure you have all the necessary
components. The illustration shows what comes with a ard Reader.
If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact your dealer
immediately.
Card eader Components
¶
Two flat ribbon cables
· Power splitter cable with standard disk drive power connector
¸ An ISA Bus Board
¹ ard Socket Module
Note: The PC-260 Card Reader includes only an ISA Bus Board.
Your package also includes :
• A 3.5 inch floppy diskette containing the DOS ard and Socket
Services software and other miscellaneous files.
• Release notes describing changes since publication of this guide, if
any

Introduction
Page 14
This Guide
This guide introduces P M IA P ards, explains how to install the
ard Reader hardware and software, provides tips for using specific
types of P ards, and explains how to resolve problems.
Contents
In addition to this chapter, the guide contains the following chapters:
hapter 2 Installing the Hard are explains how to install the
ard Reader in your computer.
hapter 3 Installing the Soft are explains how to install
P M IA’s drivers, Flash file system drivers and
Windows graphical user interface, the ardTalk
ontrol Panel.
hapter 4 Cards that Require Only CardTalk explains how to use
fax/modem cards, ATA devices and memory cards. The
ardTalk drivers fully support these cards.
hapter 5 Using the CardTalk Control Panel describes the
ardTalk ontrol Panel and explains how to use it with
P ards.
hapter 6 Troubleshooting provides procedures to follow when
you’re working on a problem.

Introduction
PC-250, PC-260, and PC-300 User’s Guide Page 15
Conventions
This manual uses the following conventions:
Italics serve two functions: In cross references, they
identify the names of sections and chapters
within this guide. In syntax statements, they
identify place holders that require you to supply
a value.
For example:
“tcformat -type flash drive:”
The italics indicate you must replace drive with a
value, in this case the drive letter of the socket
that contains the Flash card.
Bold identifies components called out in the
accompanying illustration and the names of the
keys on the computer keyboard.
This typeface
identifies text you see on the screen.
For example:
tcxcopy *.dat e:
PC Cards
The Personal omputer Memory ard International Association
(P M IA) is a group of companies who have come together to develop
a common industry standard for the credit-card sized cards used in
portable and desktop computers. These cards are known as “P ards.”
This section introduces some of the terms used throughout the manual
to describe how these cards work.
Software Components
The software that manages the P M IA interface consists of four
components:
• Socket Services (TMB250.SYS)
• ard Services ( TALK S.EXE)
• Super lient driver ( ARDTALK.SYS)
• P M IA ard Services client drivers (files supplied by card mfg.)

Introduction
Page 16
Socket Services
Socket Services is a BIOS-level program that controls the P M IA
controller chip on the ISA Bus Board, and should be the only software
to interact directly with the socket. This driver conforms to the
P M IA Socket Services 2.10 specification. The name of the driver is
TMB250.SYS.
TMB250.SYS is loaded in the ONFIG.SYS file.
Card Services
The ard Services driver ( TALK S.EXE) provides a standardized set
of higher-level functions for operating all the P M IA sockets in the
system. It manages the communication for the client drivers including
the Super lient driver and the other drivers that manage specific cards.
The main jobs of the ard Services driver are to:
• Manage a pool of resources to be assigned to individual cards at the
request of the card’s client driver.
• Issue commands to Socket Services to control the P M IA sockets
and cards.
• Provide a standardized interface that is available to the client drivers
and enablers supplied by card manufacturers.
Together, ard and Socket Services software identifies how many
P M IA sockets the computer has and assigns resources to the sockets
based on the requirements of each card. ard and Socket Services
software also detects the insertion or removal of a P ard while the
computer is on.
Super Client Driver
A “Super lient” is a client driver that knows how to control a wide
variety of P ards. Super lient driver, ARDTALK.SYS, supports
the following cards:
• SRAM memory cards
• Flash memory cards
• Fax/modem cards and serial cards
• ATA rotating disk drives and solid-state devices.

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PC-250, PC-260, and PC-300 User’s Guide Page 17
For most P ards, the Socket Services driver, ard Services driver
and the Super lient driver are all that is necessary for proper
operation. There are some cards, such as LAN and S SI cards that
require a user-installed P M IA ard Services client driver and/or
ard Services enabler.
PCMCIA Card Services Client Drivers
A client driver is a program that comes from the manufacturer of the P
ard specifically to support the operation of the card. The purpose of
this program is to manage the unique functions of the card. For
example, the client driver for a network controls the flow of data
between the P and the network. The client driver for a network card
manages information flow between the P and the network.
Ena lers
An enabler is a program that runs once to configure a P ard and
socket. Enablers are often used in conjunction with LAN, S SI or other
device driver software.
Card Information Structure (CIS)
Each card carries identity information stored in the on-card IS. If a P
ard follows the P M IA standard for storing the IS, a properly
configured computer or ard Reader that conforms to the P M IA
standard can automatically identify, install and operate a P ard.
IS information includes the card type, functional capabilities (for
example, Ethernet LAN or 10 Mbyte Flash memory), manufacturer and
part number. Usually, the IS is stored permanently on the card. The
IS may be stored in attribute memory, common memory or both.
If a memory card does not supply all the required information, a user
can create the IS and store it on the card. The ardTalk ontrol Panel
lets you configure and operate a wide range of memory cards by
selecting the card from a list, if automatic card recognition fails.
Terminology
In addition to the P M IA terms introduced in the last section, this
manual uses the following terms.
Fax/modem This term refers to data modem cards and
cards that combine both data transmission

Introduction
Page 18
and fax capability. Some cards may also
include voice capabilities.
ardTalk This term refers to the complete package of
drivers, utility programs and the memory
card data file (TMB250.SYS,
TALK S.EXE, ARDTALK.SYS,
ARDTALK.386 and ARDINFO.DBK),
and to TALKID.EXE, which is a program
that displays the configuration of a card. The
ardTalk package also includes the T
utility programs for card preparation using
MS-DOS.
See the section titled CardTalk Files in
hapter 3, Installing the Soft are, for a
complete list of all software components.
ardTalk ontrol Panel This term refers to the Windows interface
that allows you to manage memory and ATA
device cards.
The glossary includes more terms found in this book.

PC-250, PC-260, and PC-300 User’s Guide Page 19
Installing the Hardware
This chapter provides detailed steps for installing the ard Reader and
configuring its options. Refer to your computer owner’s manual for an
explanation of how to remove the cover of the computer and install
expansion boards.
Preparation
Before you install the ard Reader, take a moment to prepare the
computer and the tools you will need.
ead the License Agreement and egister
1. Read the License Agreement at the beginning of this manual.
2. Locate the serial number on the ISA Bus Board and the software
version number on the ardTalk distribution diskette.
3. Fill in the registration card including the serial number and version
of software.
4. Mail the Registration card to The Manufacturer.
By mailing in your Registration ard, you become eligible for
telephone technical support, access to The Manufacturer’s Bulletin
Board System (BBS), new product and upgrade announcements,
and application notes as they become available.
Prepare Tools
You may need:
• A long nose pliers to change the jumper setting
• A Phillips head and/or a flat head screwdriver to install the ISA Bus
Board and the ard Socket Module

Installing the Hard are
Page 20
• A flat head screwdriver to mount the rails, if you’ll be using a 5.25”
bay ( heck with your P dealer for a 5.25” mounting kit).
If your computer uses specialized screws and connectors, you may need
special tools to disassemble it. Refer to your computer owner’s manual.
Disassemble the Computer
Before you can install the board in your computer, you need to
determine if there will be an address conflict with any other device in
your computer.
1. Turn the computer and all peripheral devices off.
2. Unplug the computer power cord from the wall receptacle.
3. Remove the computer’s cover. Refer to your computer owner’s
manual for instructions.
WA NING
Conflicts
Make sure each oard in your system has its own
unique address. If a conflict exists, your system will
hang.
4. Examine all other expansion boards in your P and determine the
I/O address each uses. Refer to the manual that came with each
board for help. The default I/O base address for the ard Reader is
240h. If another device is already using this address you will have to
change the address used by the ard Reader, or change the address
used by the other device.