ATEN Bi-Tronics AF-241 User manual

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2-In-1-Out / 1-In-2-Out
(Reversible)
ParaHub
AF-142/AF-241
User's Manual
Packing Checklist
1 AF-142/ AF-241
1 User's Manual
1 3.5" Floppy (for AF-142 only)
Please read this manual thoroughly and follow the installation procedures carefully to prevent any damage to the
AF-142/AF-241 and/or the devices it connects to.
©Copyright 1997 Aten® International Co., Ltd.
Manual Part No. PAPE-1106-200
Printed in Taiwan 06/97
All brand names and trademarks are the registered property of their respective owners.
Introduction
AF-142 and AF-241, ParaHubs, are automatic and first-come-first-served data switches. They scan for print
job requests from both computers and send data to the printer. When one computer is printing, the other
computer can not send print job until the current one is finished. The File Transfer feature enables you to
access the other computer directly through the ParaHub and requires no special cables. Besides, the AF-142
can operate as a 1-to-2 selector enabling you to connect the LPT port to two parallel devices.
Features
Supports IEEE-1284 nibble mode.
Transfers files between computers.
Shares peripherals between computers.
Selects ports by button and software code operation.
Selectable timeout: 15 or 45 seconds.
First-come-first-served.
Non-power operation
AF-142 extras:

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Reversible operation for 1-in-2-out or 2-in-1-out.
Supports broadcast mode.
Installation
2-to-1 Mode (for AF-142 & AF-241)
Turn off all devices.1. Connect the ParaHub to computers by two DB-25 straight-through male-to-male cables.2. Connect the ParaHub to the printer by a DB-25 to C-36 male-to-male cable, as shown in fig. 1.3. Set the slide switch, located on the side of the ParaHub, to 2 > 1 mode with a time out of either 15 or
45 seconds. (The AF-241 does not have a 1 > 2 mark).
4.
Turn on your computers and the printer. The two LEDs should flash alternately as it is scanning for
print jobs.
5.
Power adapter is required when the ParaHub can not get enough power from devices and works
intermittently.
6.
1-to-2 Mode (for AF-142 only)
Never change the slide switch from 1 > 2 to 2 > 1, or vice versa when connected
devices are powered On.
Turn off all devices.1. Connect the ParaHub to your computer by a DB-25 straight-through male-to-male cable.2. Connect the ParaHub to parallel devices by cables with one DB-25 male connector and one
appropriate connector for the parallel device, as shown in fig. 2.
3.
Set the slide switch to 1 > 2 mode.4. Turn on your computer and the parallel devices. The LED A turns on as port A is selected.5. Power adapter is required when the ParaHub can not get enough power from connecting devices and
works intermittently.
6.

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Operation
2-to-1 Mode (for AF-142 & AF-241)
Auto Mode:
The ParaHub scans for print jobs with two LEDs flashing alternately. When a print job is sensed, it locks onto
the computer on a first-come-first-served basis until it finishes the job. Then, it returns to Auto mode again.
Manual Mode:
It allows only one computer to print. When the button is pressed, it cycles through the ports indicated by the
LEDs as:
Port A (LED A on) -> Port B (LED B on) -> File Transfer (both LEDs on) -> Auto (LEDs flash
alternately) then to Port A again.
Button is not effective while printing or before timeout expires in order to prevent data loss.
Most Parallel devices (ZIP Drives, etc.), can be shared. If it does not seem to
work, set the timeout to 45 seconds.
File Transfer Mode:
When activated, files and peripherals of one computer can be accessed by the other and vice versa. With
ParaHub, you can transfer files between computers by software as Interlnk/Intersvr of DOS, LapLink of
Traveling software and FastLynx of Rupp corp. This mode can be activated or deactivated by button
pressing, and can not be activated when timeout is 45 sec.
1-to-2 Mode (for AF-142 only)
You may select either port or broadcast to both ports (valid if both port A and B are connected to printers of
the same model with bi-directional function disabled). Selected port is indicated by lighting its LED, and
Broadcast mode is indicated by turning both LEDs on.
By Button:
The port selection cycles every time the button is pressed from Port A -> Port B -> Broadcast then to Port A
again. Button is not effective while printing or before timeout expires in order to prevent data loss.
By Software:
You may use Hot keys under DOS or click on the AF icon under Windows to select ports.
Appendix
Specifications
Function AF-142 AF-241
1-2 2-1 2-1
Power Consumption DC 9V 100mA (max.)
Cable Length 6m [20ft] (max.)
Connector-Input (Female) 1 DB-25 2 DB-25
Connector-Output (Female) 2 DB-25 1 DB-25

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LEDs 2 Output Status 2 Input Status
I/P Port Selection X Auto/Manual
O/P Port Selection Software/Manual X
Timeout X 15, 45 sec.
File Transfer X Yes
O/P Port Selection Yes X
Enclosure Plastic
Weight 150g
Dimensions (LxWxH) 102 x 85 x 26 mm
About the Software
The software allows you to select Port A, Port B or both ports as broadcast in 1-to-2 mode. Please read the
READ.ME file in the floppy disk.
Series Products
AF-152, AF-251, AS-8144B, AS-8441B, AS-8154B, AS-8451B.
Troubleshooting
LED locks on a port when a cable is connected:
The ParaHub receives signal glitches and starts time-out counting. If the connecting printer is
ready, just wait till the time-out expires.
The ParaHub is low on power, turn on one more device, or apply power adapter.
1.
The printer status Windows shows "printer not responding" or "cable not connected" intermittently:
AF-142 and AF-241 do not emulate printer responses. Therefore, when status Windows poll for
printer status at the same time, these messages show up.
2.
Error messages show up while or after installing new printer drivers:
Un-install other bi-directional printer status Windows before installing a new one.
Press the button to lock your computer to the printer before installing a new printer driver.
3.
Compatibility
The ParaHub is tested and is compatible with the following devices:
IOMEGA: ZIP DRIVE, DITTO800, DITTO2000, DITTO3200
SEAGATE: TSTORE3200E
SYQUEST: EZFLYER
SONY: STORSTATION
VIDEO CAPTURE: GOCHA, GRABIT, SNAPPY
INTERNET PHONE SYSTEM: SPECOM SUITE VISIONS
QUICKCAM: DIGITAL CAMERA
SCANNER: PAGEWIZ
MICROSOLUTION: BACKPACK CDROM

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LOGITEC: AUDIOMAN, PARALLEL SOUND BLASTER
ADDONICS: ADDONICS EXTERNAL CDROM
Preventing Radio & TV Interference
WARNING!!! This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has
been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part
15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
interference in which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
required to correct the interference.
Limited Warranty
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DIRECT VENDOR'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE
PRODUCT FORM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, DISK, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION.
The direct vendor makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory with respect to the
contents or use of this documentation, and specially disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or
fitness for any particular purpose.
The direct vendor also reserves the right to revise or update device or documentation without obligation to
notify any individual or entity of such revisions, or update. For further inquires please contact your direct
vendor.