Asante AsanteTalk User manual

AsantéTalk
Ethernet to LocalTalk
Converter
User’s Manual

AsantéTalk Ethernet to LocalTalk Converter
2
Quick Start Guide
This section will guide you in setting up your AsantéTalk to your Macintosh computer.
Follow the steps below to set up a direct connection or LAN connection with the As-
antéTalk:
ASANTÉTALK DIRECT CONNECTION TO THE ETHERNET EQUIPPED MACINTOSH™
(Yellow cable - direct connection)
1. Open the side door to expose the ports found inside your computer.
2. Locate the Ethernet port inside the computer. Plug the yellow direct connect ca-
ble into the computer’s Ethernet port.
3. Plug the other end of the yellow direct connect cable into the AsantéTalk.
4. Plug the power adapter into the AsantéTalk and then into a power outlet.
5. Plug the white mini din-8 to mini din-8 cable into the Side B of the AsantéTalk.
6. Plug the other end of the mini din-8 cable into your LocalTalk® printer or com-
puter.
ASANTÉTALK LAN CONNECTION TO THE ETHERNET EQUIPPED MACINTOSH
(Silver cable - LAN connection)
1. Open the side door to expose the ports found inside your computer.
2. Locate the Ethernet port inside the computer. Plug a standard LAN cable into the
computer’s Ethernet port. Plug the other end of the standard LAN cable into a
hub or switch.
3. Plug the silver LAN cable into the AsantéTalk’s Ethernet port. Plug the other end
of the silver LAN cable into a switch or hub.
4. Plug the power adapter into the AsantéTalk and then into a power outlet.
5. Plug the existing LocalTalk network connection into Side B of the AsantéTalk.
6. If you have an network connection (i.e. cable modem, DSL, or T1 line) that con-
nects your system to the Internet, you will need to temporarily disconnect it from
the network in order to set up the AsantéTalk and your printer.

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Table of Contents
Quick Start Guide 2
Chapter 1 Introduction 5
Chapter 2 Specifications 11
Chapter 3 Frequently Asked Questions 13
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting 21
Appendix A Online Warranty Registration and Card 33

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User’s Manual
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Chapter 1 Introduction
AsantéTalk is designed to allow Apple Macintosh systems using the
on-board Apple Ethernet adapter to communicate with existing Lo-
calTalk devices such as printers and other Macintosh computers.
The AsantéTalk connects a LocalTalk network (or printer) and an
Ethernet network (or your computer). After you have installed it on
both networks, devices on the two networks will be able to commu-
nicate through the AsantéTalk.
1.1 Package Contents
Before beginning the installation process, check the package con-
tents against the items listed here. If any items are found to be
missing, contact your dealer immediately.
•1 AsantéTalk converter
•1 yellow RJ45 UTP crossover Ethernet cable
•1 silver RJ45 UTP Ethernet cable

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•1 din-8 to din-8 serial cable
•1 power supply
•User’s Manual (this document)
1.2 Installation Steps
Follow the steps below to connect your AsantéTalk converter:
1. Connect the AsantéTalk to your LocalTalk network or printer.
2. Connect the AsantéTalk to your computer or existing Ethernet
network.
3. (Optional) Configure your computer to communicate over
Ethernet.
Attaching the AsantéTalk to your LocalTalk network
Connect a LocalTalk adapter to the din-8 port on the AsantéTalk.
Then, connect your LocalTalk cable to the LocalTalk port on the
adapter.
See the Quick Start Guide (p. 2) for more information.
1. The AsantéTalk supports a maximum of eight (8) devices plus
the AsantéTalk, or nine (9) nodes maximum.
2. The LocalTalk network must be configured as a “bus” network.
3. The LocalTalk network must be properly terminated at both
ends of the LocalTalk cable.
Note: LocalTalk adapters/connectors from approved sources
may be used.
•LocalTalk network configurations wired as a “star” or
“modified star” are not supported.
Note: It is recommended that the AsantéTalk be installed as
the first device in the LocalTalk network. The LocalTalk con-
nector on the AsantéTalk must also include a LocalTalk
Terminator, which is normally included with the LocalTalk con-

User’s Manual
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nector kit. The installation of each LocalTalk device on the Lo-
calTalk network segment requires a LocalTalk adapter for
proper communication. The LocalTalk network segment may
include any combination of printers and computer systems on
LocalTalk. The last device in the LocalTalk network chain must
include a terminating resistor.
Ethernet Installation Process
AsantéTalk includes a 10Mbps Ethernet connection--making instal-
lation to new or existing networks simple. AsantéTalk was designed
with Apple computers in mind, where simple network operation and
printing is required with LocalTalk printers.
Attaching the AsantéTalk to your Ethernet network
To create an Ethernet network with your computer system, Asanté
includes two Ethernet cables.
The first cable is YELLOW in color and is designed as an industry-
standard “crossover” cable. This cable is used for communicating
from the computer directly to the AsantéTalk.
The second Ethernet cable is SILVER in color and is wired as an
industry-standard 10BaseT Ethernet cable. This cable is used when
connecting the AsantéTalk to an Ethernet switch or Ethernet hub.
Installation may require a longer Ethernet cable. Please follow IEEE
Ethernet cabling requirements for wiring and installation.
Attaching the AsantéTalk directly to your computer
The yellow crossover cable is used to establish the physical net-
work connection when the configuration consists of the AsantéTalk
and the computer. To connect this cable, simply insert one end of
the cable into the RJ45 female cable connector. The other end of
the yellow cable will attach to the RJ45 port on the AsantéTalk. In-
sert the cable end into the appropriate connector.
•During boot up, the computer will attempt to auto-negotiate
with any attached Ethernet device. To eliminate auto-
negotiation problems, make sure the AsantéTalk is pow-
ered up before booting the computer

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Attaching the AsantéTalk to Your Existing Ethernet Network
The AsantéTalk may be added to an existing network using the
SILVER cable. This cable is wired as a straight-through cable and is
used to establish a network connection to a port on an Ethernet
switch or Ethernet hub.
To connect this cable, simply connect the RJ45 connector to any
available port on the Ethernet switch or Ethernet hub. Insert one
end of the cable into the RJ45 female cable connector.
Note: Do not install this cable or any other straight-thru 10BaseT
cable to a hub or switch uplink port.
The other end of the silver cable will attach to the RJ45 port on the
AsantéTalk. Insert the cable end into the connector.
If a longer Ethernet cable is required, follow predefined IEEE
Ethernet wiring requirements for wiring 10BaseT RJ45 cables.
Ethernet Installation Guidelines
1. A maximum distance of 100 meters (330 feet) for an individual
Ethernet cable drop must be maintained.
2. Ethernet 10BaseT requires adherence to IEEE 802.3 Wiring
Guidelines.
3. The AsantéTalk may be connected to an Ethernet switch or
Ethernet hub.
4. AsantéTalk does not support auto-negotiation. Ethernet
switches or hubs must be able to turn off or disable this feature
for proper operation.
1.3 Configure Your Computer for Ethernet Communi-
cation
Follow the steps below to establish an Ethernet connection to your
Macintosh:
1. Set your AppleTalk control panel to show “Connect via:
Ethernet.”
2. Set your TCP/IP control panel to:
•Modem, if you connect to the Internet using the com-
puter’s modem

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•Ethernet, if you connect to the Internet using your Local
Area Network
Note: See the documentation that came with your computer if you
need more information.
1.4 AsantéTalk Power-Up
AsantéTalk takes approximately 15 seconds to come up on a net-
work. It automatically detects the presence of LocalTalk devices
and registers them as nodes on the Ethernet network.
After the AsantéTalk is active on the Ethernet network, any Local-
Talk nodes that are connected to the LocalTalk segment of the net-
work will appear within the Apple Macintosh Chooser. Those nodes
will be able to utilize server resources on either Ethernet or Local-
Talk (if operating systems are close) and AppleTalk capable printers
on the LocalTalk side of the network.
1.5 AsantéTalk LEDs
The four (4) LEDs on the AsantéTalk indicate activity on the
Ethernet and LocalTalk networks. The LEDs are shown on the table
below:
LED Name Purpose
PWR Power
TX Transmit
RX Receive
LI Link Integrity
Table 1--Four LEDs

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1.6 Supported Printers
AsantéTalk will support AppleTalk printers, provided that the individ-
ual printers are configured with a LocalTalk communications port.
For AppleTalk compatibility information, consult your printer manu-
facturer.
Each LocalTalk printer must be connected to the AsantéTalk with
an approved LocalTalk adapter. The LocalTalk network must be
properly terminated with two (2) terminating resistors.
1.7 Supported Apple Computer Systems
•AsantéTalk will support Apple Computer Macintosh systems
designed with a built-in LocalTalk communications port
•Each LocalTalk Macintosh must be connected to the
AsantéTalk with an approved LocalTalk adapter and the
LocalTalk network must be properly terminated

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Chapter 2 Specifications
The following is a list of the AsantéTalk converter’s specifications:
Devices Supported
Apple Macintosh computers with built-in Ethernet ports (for
example, iMac, eMac, G3, and G4) running AppleTalk (and
all LocalTalk compatible printers), with Mac OS 7.6, 8.x,
9.1, 9.2.1, OS X, OS X.1, and OS X.2
Maximum Cable Distance
RJ45 Port:
100 meters (328 feet) on unshielded twisted-pair (UTP)
cable
LEDs
Power, Transmit, Receive, and Link Integrity
Dimensions
4.5" x 2.6" x 1" (114.3 x 66.0 x 25.4 mm)
Power Supply
115 VAC at 30 watts
60Hz (220 V available)
Standards Compliance
IEEE 802.3 Ethernet specifications for Unshielded Twisted
Pair (10BaseT) media, AppleTalk Phase 2 protocol
Support
Limited Lifetime Warranty, free technical support

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User’s Manual
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Chapter 3 Frequently Asked Questions
This chapter covers frequently asked questions regarding the
AsantéTalk.
AsantéTalk Power-Up Sequence
Q: Is there an approved power-up sequence for the AsantéTalk?
A: Yes. In general, turn on all LocalTalk devices first: printers,
laptops and desktop computers. After these are all functioning, do
EITHER of the following:
If the AsantéTalk will be connected to an existing Ethernet net-
work, connect the silver Ethernet cable to a hub, bridge, or
router, and power up the AsantéTalk. If the AsantéTalk will be
connected to a computer, connect the yellow crossover cable
to both AsantéTalk and computer, power up the AsantéTalk,
THEN power up the computer.
Q: All my devices are on the same power strip. When I start up my
computer in the morning, it doesn’t “see” my printer. Why?
A: For each LocalTalk device to be accessible via AsantéTalk, ALL
LocalTalk devices--including the printer and computer systems--
must be powered up first. This will enable the AsantéTalk to see
each LocalTalk node.
Q: How long does it take for the AsantéTalk to power up?
A: It takes approximately 15 seconds for AsantéTalk to boot and
become an active node.
Q: Why can’t my PowerBook be seen on the LocalTalk network
when I plug it into the network in the morning?
A: During its power-up sequence, the AsantéTalk polls the Local-
Talk network for any available nodes. Nodes that are added after
the AsantéTalk is powered on may not be seen. Power off the
AsantéTalk for 30 seconds, then reconnect power to resolve this
problem.

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Q: During the boot process of the computer (when connected
directly to the AsantéTalk), the green LED labeled “LI” (Link Integ-
rity) on the AsantéTalk will flash repeatedly. What causes this?
A: The AsantéTalk is attempting to auto-negotiate with the com-
puter. AsantéTalk does not support Ethernet auto-negotiation. Al-
ways power up the AsantéTalk BEFORE booting the computer.
LocalTalk Network Topology
Q: Will every printer with a Mini din-8 connector (round) work with
the AsantéTalk?
A: No. Only LocalTalk capable printers will work, even though they
have a similar connector.
Q: Can I use the AsantéTalk serial cable on an AppleTalk compati-
ble printer?
A: No. The AsantéTalk serial cable connector is designed for serial
printers and for connecting a LocalTalk computer to the AsantéTalk.
It was not designed to establish a LocalTalk network, nor was it de-
signed to communicate with a printer that supports the AppleTalk
protocol.
Q: What cabling should I use to connect my AppleTalk printer to the
AsantéTalk?
A: LocalTalk connector kits are available for building a LocalTalk
network. One connector must be provided for each LocalTalk de-
vice. If a single printer should be attached to a computer, for exam-
ple, two LocalTalk connectors would need to be provided; one for
the AsantéTalk, and one for the AppleTalk printer.
Q: What is the difference between LocalTalk and AppleTalk?
A: LocalTalk topology refers to the physical cabling used to connect
the network devices. AppleTalk protocol compatibility refers to the
software language the devices (computers and printers) use to
communicate with each other.
Q: Is LocalTalk topology different from Ethernet topology?
A: Yes. LocalTalk topology employs a “bus” or “daisy chain” wiring

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scheme. Ethernet employs a “star” wiring scheme.
Q: How is a “star” topology different from a “bus” topology?
A: A “Star” topology requires that all cable runs terminate at a cen-
tral point such as a hub, bridge or router. 10BaseT Ethernet is the
most common Ethernet used with AppleTalk. A “bus” or “daisy
chain” topology (such as a LocalTalk network uses) connects sev-
eral devices in a row. It requires termination at the beginning and
end of the “bus” for proper communication to occur.
Q: Does AsantéTalk support LocalTalk connection devices that util-
ize a “star” topology?
A: No. While some makers of LocalTalk connection devices utilize a
“star” topology configuration, the AsantéTalk complies with the Lo-
calTalk “bus” topology specification.
Q: Does it matter where the AsantéTalk resides in the LocalTalk
network topology?
A: Yes. The AsantéTalk should ALWAYS be at the beginning of the
LocalTalk network topology, and should be properly terminated.
Q: What port do I plug the LocalTalk connector into on my LocalTalk
Macintosh?
A: If your Macintosh has a Network Control Panel, you should select
LocalTalk Built-in and plug your LocalTalk adapter connector into
the Printer port. If your Macintosh is running Open Transport and
has an AppleTalk Control Panel, you can select either the Printer or
Modem port. Connect the LocalTalk adapter into the port that will be
used for communication. (Note – This will NOT work with the iMac –
it does not have a Local-talk printer port!)
Q: How many LocalTalk devices can I attach to the AsantéTalk?
A: The AsantéTalk will support up to 8 additional Local-talk devices.
Ethernet Questions
Q: What do the LEDs (lights) on my AsantéTalk mean?
A: The four LEDs on the AsantéTalk help you with diagnostics. The

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solid Power LED shows that the unit is receiving power. The solid
green LI (or Link Integrity) LED indicates that a valid connection has
been made between the AsantéTalk and another Ethernet device.
The RX and TX LEDs blink when traffic is received from (RX) or
transmitted to (TX) the Ethernet portion of the network.
Q: Why isn’t there a solid green LI (Link Integrity) light after I’ve
plugged in my Ethernet cable?
A: Possibly for 2 reasons: 1) you are using the wrong cable. The
yellow cable must be used to attach the AsantéTalk to an Ethernet
computer. The silver cable must be used to attach the AsantéTalk
to an existing Ethernet network; 2) the cable may be defective or
the wrong type. If possible, use the appropriate cable supplied with
your AsantéTalk. If not, use a standard IEEE Ethernet Category 3 or
5 Ethernet cable.
Q: Is the LocalTalk topology style different from Ethernet topology?
A: Yes. LocalTalk topology employs a “bus” or “daisy chain” wiring
scheme. Ethernet employs a “star” wiring scheme.
Q: How is a “star” topology different from a “bus” topology?
A: A “star” topology requires that all cable runs terminate at a cen-
tral point such as a hub, bridge, or router. 10BaseT Ethernet is the
most common Ethernet used with AppleTalk. A “bus” or “daisy
chain” topology (such as a LocalTalk network uses) connects sev-
eral devices in a row. It requires termination at the beginning and
end of the “bus” for proper communication to occur.
Q: Could I use the yellow Ethernet cable to connect the AsantéTalk
to a switch, hub, or bridge?
A: No. The yellow Ethernet cable that is supplied with the
AsantéTalk is a crossover cable and will not work when connected
to a port on a switch, hub, or bridge.
Q: Could I use the silver cable to connect my computer to the As-
antéTalk?
A: No. The silver cable is designed to connect the AsantéTalk to a
port on a switch, hub, or bridge. To connect the AsantéTalk to a
computer, use the yellow cable that was provided with the As-
antéTalk.

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Q: What type of Ethernet cable do I need to connect the AsantéTalk
to a switch, hub, or bridge?
A: An Ethernet cable that is wired as a standard IEEE 10BaseT ca-
ble is required. The cable must be a Category 3 or 5 type and not
exceed an overall length of 100 meters or 328 feet.
Q: I just connected an Apple computer to the AsantéTalk via
Ethernet. Why don’t I see my LocalTalk printers or systems?
A: After connecting the yellow cable to the AsantéTalk and the com-
puter, the computer must be configured for the proper connection
method. To verify or configure the setting, if using OS 7.6 through
OS 9.2.2, simply open the control panel device named “AppleTalk.”
For proper operation, the “Connect Via” selection must be set to
Ethernet. If using OS 10, go to the Network Pane, set Show to the
Ethernet port, click on the AppleTalk tab, click the box Make
AppleTalk Active, and then click Apply Now.
Q: When I switch to Ethernet in my AppleTalk control panel, it takes
awhile before it switches. Is this normal?
A: Yes. When making the Ethernet selection, the system will poll the
Ethernet network and may hesitate for a few moments; this is nor-
mal. When it finishes switching, save the configuration, then go to
the “Chooser” and select the appropriate resource icon.
Q: Is the AsantéTalk a router?
A: No. AsantéTalk is simply a LocalTalk to Ethernet converter
that allows the Apple iMac or other Macintosh systems utilizing the
EtherTalk protocol on Ethernet to print and share files with Apple-
Talk protocol-compatible systems or printers on LocalTalk.
Q: Will the AsantéTalk process TCP/IP?
A: No. Because the AsantéTalk is not a router, it will not pass IP
packets.
Q: If AsantéTalk is not a router how do I establish zones within my
Ethernet network?

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A: Any router, including a Windows NT server, that has been prop-
erly configured is capable of establishing zones for the network.
Both hardware and software routers are available that allow Ether-
Talk and LocalTalk traffic. The AsantéTalk will reflect any zones
created by a router. Consult your network administrator for more
information. However, since there is no utility to control the As-
antéTalk, there is no way to determine what zone it will show up in if
there is more than one zone.
AppleTalk Protocol Compatibility
Q: What is AppleTalk protocol compatibility?
A: AppleTalk protocol is the “language” used by devices within an
Apple network. One of the features of AppleTalk is that devices can
be “shared” (accessed by multiple users). This protocol is not de-
pendent upon the type of topology (physical connections) used in
the network.
Q: What types of devices does AsantéTalk support?
A: The AsantéTalk supports all AppleTalk-compatible computers
and printers. However, since Apple Computer™continues to change
it’s implementation of AppleTalk, it is possible that there may be
incompatibilities between older and newer versions of operating
systems that are completely unrelated to the AsantéTalk.
Q: How can I tell if my printer is AppleTalk compatible?
A: A sure way is to contact the printer manufacturer. A quick way to
tell is by looking at the kind of icon that is used to access the printer.
If the Apple LaserWriter icon is used to access the printer, it is an
AppleTalk compatible printer. Most third-party AppleTalk printer
icons will have a little cable hooking into the icon. The letters "AT"
will also appear. Another way is to click on the printer icon. If the
printer name shows up on the righthand side of the “Chooser” win-
dow, it is an AppleTalk-compatible printer. If you are requested to
choose either the printer or modem port, it is a serial printer and
cannot be shared.

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Q: Which driver should I use to access my AppleTalk printer?
A: Some printers utilize Apple’s LaserWriter icon. Others, such as
HP and Epson, provide both serial drivers and AppleTalk drivers for
their printers. Consult your printer manufacturer for the correct driv-
ers to use.

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