Black Box LT098A User manual

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INFORMATION
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MAY 1994
LT098A
LT098AE
LT099A
LT099AE
LT198
LT199
Modular Parallel Adapters
Modular Media Units

1
FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
INDUSTRY CANADA
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
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 necessary to correct
the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

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MODULAR PARALLEL ADAPTERS AND MODULAR MEDIA UNITS
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

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MODULAR PARALLEL ADAPTERS AND MODULAR MEDIA UNITS
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean
pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos, poniendo
particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.
TRADEMARKS
PS/2®and IBM®are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Novell®and NetWare®are registered trademarks of Novell Incorporated.
ODI™ is a trademark of Hewlett Packard.
Microsoft®is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
3Com®is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation.
3+Open™ is a trademark of 3Com Corporation.
IPX™ is a trademark of Novell Incorporated.
Banyan®is a registered trademark of Banyan Systems.
VINES™ is a trademark of Banyan Systems.
DEC™ and Pathworks are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Intel®is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

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MODULAR PARALLEL ADAPTERS AND MODULAR MEDIA UNITS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications....................................................................................... 5
2. Introduction ........................................................................................ 6
2.1 Available Models ......................................................................... 6
2.2 Features ....................................................................................... 6
3. Installation ........................................................................................... 8
3.1 Attach the Media Unit................................................................ 8
3.2 Connect the Network Cable....................................................... 9
3.2.1 LT099A.............................................................................. 9
3.2.2 LT098A..............................................................................10
3.3 Plug the Token Ring Adapter into the Computer....................11
3.4 Install the AC Power Adapter.....................................................12
4. Software Setup and Operation ...........................................................13
4.1 Supplied Files..............................................................................13
4.2 Configuration (Optional) ..........................................................14
4.3 ODI Driver for Novell NetWare.................................................15
4.3.1 Installation ........................................................................15
4.3.2 Operation..........................................................................15
4.4 NDIS Driver for Microsoft LAN Manager .................................15
4.4.1 Installation ........................................................................15
4.5 IBM LAN Support Program .......................................................17
4.5.1 Installation ........................................................................17
5. Self-Test and Diagnostics ....................................................................18
5.1 Diagnostics ..................................................................................18
5.1.1 Continuous Diagnostics ...................................................19
5.1.2 Set Adapter Speed ............................................................19
5.1.3 LPT Report .......................................................................20
5.1.4 View Configuration Files..................................................20
5.1.5 Help...................................................................................20
5.1.6 Quit....................................................................................20
6. Error Messages.....................................................................................21
7. Customer Service Information ...........................................................23

5
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Standards — Conforms to the IEEE 802.5 Token Ring standard.
Speed — 4/16 Mbps (default is 16 Mbps)
Computer Interface — Connects to parallel port
Operating Temperature — 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
Storage Temperature — 40 to 176°F ( -4 to 80°C)
Memory Size — 64K x 16 network buffer
Input voltage — 12 VDC, 500 mA
Connectors —
LT098A: (1) DB9 male;
LT099A: (1) RJ-45 male;
LT198A: (1) DB9 female;
LT199A: (1) RJ-45 female
Size — 4.1"H x 2.4"W x 1"D (10.3 x 6.1 x 2.5 cm)
Weight — 0.2 lb. (0.1 kg)

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MODULAR PARALLEL ADAPTERS AND MODULAR MEDIA UNITS
2. Introduction
The Modular Parallel Adapter easily connects notebook, laptop, and desktop
PCs to virtually any 16- or 4-Mbps Token Ring Local Area Network. It
connects externally to a standard parallel printer port, eliminating the need
to install internal Token Ring cards. The adapter is easy to install; there are
no jumpers or configuration switches to set. It’s the perfect solution for
notebook and laptop connectivity, as well as for workstations with a limited
number of internal expansion slots. The Adapter supports all types of parallel
ports including unidirectional, PS/2®, bidirectional, and Enhanced Parallel
Port (EPP).
The modular construction of the Token Ring Adapter enables you to work
with either of the two cabling systems used in Token Ring networks; you
simply attach the Modular Media Unit that matches your cabling system to the
Adapter and then connect to the network.
2.1 Available Models
The available Modular Parallel Adapter and Modular Media Unit models are
as follows:
Modular Parallel Adapters:
• Modular Parallel Adapter Type 1 (LT098A)
• Modular Parallel Adapter Type 3 (LT099A)
Modular Media Units:
• Modular Media Unit TR-T1 (LT198)
• Modular Media Unit TR-T3 (LT199)
2.2 Features
The Adapter offers the following features:
• 4- or 16-Mbps software-selectable transmission speed
• Fits any Token Ring cable type via modular snap-on media units
• Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) support for increased performance
• Supplied with drivers for Novell NetWare®(ODI™), Microsoft®LAN
Manager, and 3Com®3+Open™ (NDIS)

7
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
• Provides extensive diagnostics and self-test capabilities
• Automatic unidirectional/bidirectional mode selection
• Supports parallel ports LPT1 through LPT4
• Supports interrupt lines IRQ7 and IRQ5, as well as polling mode
(when no interrupt line is available)
• Power and network activity LEDs
• Fast and easy installation
• No jumpers or switches to set
Fig. 2-1. Typical Modular Parallel Adapter.

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MODULAR PARALLEL ADAPTERS AND MODULAR MEDIA UNITS
3. Installation
To install your Token Ring Adapter, you need to perform the following steps,
which are described in detail in Sections 3.1 through 3.4.
1. Attach the Media Unit.
2. Connect the network cable.
3. Plug the Token Ring Adapter into the computer.
4. Install the AC power adapter.
Instructions for loading the network drivers and configuring the driver
(if necessary) are provided in Chapter 4.
3.1 Attach the Media Unit
To attach the Media Unit, hold the Adapter with the logo facing up, press the
top and bottom of the Media Unit together and insert it until it snaps into the
Adapter (Fig. 3-1).
Fig. 3-1. Attaching a Media Unit to the Adapter.

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CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.2 Connect the Network Cable
Connect the network cable as illustrated for each model shown
in Fig. 3-3 and 3.4.
3.2.1 LT099A
Fig. 3-2. Connecting an Unshielded Twisted-Pair Cable to the Media
Unit TR-T3.

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MODULAR PARALLEL ADAPTERS AND MODULAR MEDIA UNITS
3.2.2 LT098A
After connecting the cable, use the captive screws provided on the cable to
lock the connector in place.
Fig. 3-3. Connecting a Shielded Twisted-Pair Cable to the Media Unit
TR-T1.

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CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.3 Plug the Token Ring Adapter into the Computer
Plug the 25-pin connector on your Adapter into the parallel port at the back
of your notebook/laptop computer, holding the adapter with the logo at the
top. Tighten the knobs on the Adapter clockwise to fasten it tightly (Fig. 3-5).
Fig. 3-4. Plugging in the Adapter.

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MODULAR PARALLEL ADAPTERS AND MODULAR MEDIA UNITS
3.4 Install the AC Power Adapter
Plug the AC power adapter into the small round socket at the back of the
Modular Media Unit, as shown in Fig. 3-6. Plug the other end of the AC
adapter cable into any standard electrical outlet. The red LED will then
light up.
Fig. 3-5. Installing the AC Power Adapter.
To AC adapter
connected to mains

13
CHAPTER 4: Software Setup and Operation
4. Software Setup and Operation
The Modular Parallel Adapter TR is supplied with software drivers that
support all major network operating systems. These drivers are found on the
network drivers diskette. This chapter describes only the Novell DOS ODI,
Microsoft NDIS, and IBM®LAN Support Program (LSP) workstation drivers.
Instructions on how to use drivers in other network environments are
included in the README.DOC file on the network drivers diskette.
4.1 Supplied Files
The network drivers diskette contains the following files:
• README.DOC—Update information about the software
• STRDIAG.EXE—Self-test diagnostic program
• STRDIAG.HLP—Help file for the diagnostic program
The \LSP subdirectory contains the following IBM LAN Support Program
(LSP) drivers for use with any network that is compatible with the IBM LSP:
• CPIL.EXE—Hardware driver
• STRTOK.SYS—Software driver for IBM LSP
The \ODI subdirectory contains the following DOS ODI files for use with
Novell NetWare:
• CPIM.EXE—Hardware driver
• LSL.COM—Novell Link Support Layer program
• STRODI.COM—Token Ring ODI driver
• IPXODI.COM—Novell IPX™ Program
• NETX.COM—NetWare shell for use with DOS
• STARTNET.BAT—A batch file containing all commands required to load
the driver
• NET.CFG—Sample protocol configuration file
The \NDIS subdirectory contains NDIS files for use with the following
network operating systems: Microsoft LAN Manager, 3Com 3+Open, Banyan®
VINES™, DEC™ Pathworks™, and other network operating systems using the
NDIS interface specifications.

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MODULAR PARALLEL ADAPTERS AND MODULAR MEDIA UNITS
• CPIM.EXE—Hardware driver
• STRNDIS.DOS—NDIS driver for DOS
• PROTOCOL.INI—Sample protocol initialization file
• STRDOS.NIF—Configuration file used by Microsoft LAN Manager’s setup
program for configuring a DOS workstation
4.2 Configuration (Optional)
CPIM and CPIL are self-configuring drivers that automatically detect the
correct LPT port, interrupt line, and unidirectional/bidirectional mode
to be used. If your PC has an Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP), or if you have
a special configuration, you may need to override this automatic selection
by using one or more of CPI’s command line parameters. Otherwise,
you should skip this section.
Available parameters are:
• E (EPP)—The Adapter supports the Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP). Most
PCs based on the Intel®80386SL or 80486SL chipsets may be configured
to work in the EPP mode. This mode improves the performance of the
Adapter and therefore is recommended if your computer supports it.
NOTE
Be sure that your PC has an Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) before
selecting the “E” command line parameter.
• U (Unload)—The parameter “U” unloads the CPI from memory. Usually
it is used when unloading the whole network driver.
• P (Polling)—A PC may use either IRQ-7 or IRQ-5 for handling the parallel
port communications. If you need to work without interrupts (usually
only with test evaluations), use the POLLING command line parameter.
This will force the driver to operate in a polled mode without using
hardware interrupts.
• F (Force UNIDIR)—Whenever the CPI driver is loaded into memory,
it tests the parallel port to determine whether it can be operated in the
faster bidirectional mode. The Adapter is then configured according
to the test results. However, when using a long extension cable, the
bidirectional mode may not operate reliably, even if the test passes.
In this case, you should force the unidirectional mode by using the
“F” command line parameter.

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CHAPTER 4: Software Setup and Operation
NOTE
The parameters “E” and “F” cannot be used simul-taneously.
4.3 ODI Driver for Novell NetWare
4.3.1 I NSTALLATION
Copy all the files from the \ODI subdirectory on the network drivers diskette
to the network operating system subdirectory on your hard disk. Installation
is now complete.
4.3.2 O PERATION
To start work on the NetWare workstation, run the STARTNET batch file.
Then log into the network.
The STARTNET.BAT file includes the following set of commands:
LSL
CPIM[Parameter 1][Parameter 2]
STRODI
IPXODI
NETX
F:
If you wish, you may enter these commands in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file in
the order shown above.
The CPIM parameters are described in Section 4.2.
To unload the ODI workstation software, unload the programs in reverse
order.
NETX u
IPXODI u
STRODI u
CPIM u
LSL u
4.4 NDIS Driver for Microsoft LAN Manager
4.4.1 I NSTALLATION
1. Install the network operating system according to the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
2. Insert the supplied network drivers diskette into drive A of your
computer.

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MODULAR PARALLEL ADAPTERS AND MODULAR MEDIA UNITS
3. Copy the appropriate *.NIF file from the \NDIS subdirectory on the
diskette to the \LANMAN\DRIVERS\NIF directory on your hard disk.
For DOS, type:
copy a:\ndis\strdos.nif c:\lanman\drivers\nif
4. Now type the following commands:
cd\lanman\drivers\tokenrng
mkdir modadpt
cd modadpt
This will create a new subdirectory called MODADPT in the
\LANMAN\DRIVERS\
TOKENRNG directory on your hard disk.
5. Copy the PROTOCOL.INI and the appropriate SETNDIS.* files from
the diskette to the newly created subdirectory as follows:
copy a:\ndis\cpim.exe
copy a:\ndis\protocol.ini
For DOS, type:
copy a:\ndis\strndis.dos
6. At the C:\LANMAN prompt, type:
setup
7. From the main menu, select Actions, then View/Modify. Accept the
default selections until the network drivers screen is displayed.
8. The “Network Adapter Cards” dialog box will be displayed with a list of all
available network adapter drivers. Select the Modadpt Token Ring
Pocket Adapter option and then choose Add Driver.
9. Continue to configure your workstation according to the Microsoft LAN
Manager guides.
10. Exit setup, saving the new configuration.
11. If your PC has an Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) or if you have a special
configuration, edit the line:
device=c:\lanman\drivers\tokenrng\modadpt\cpim.exe

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CHAPTER 4: Software Setup and Operation
in the config.sys file to include one or more of the CPIM command line
parameters. The CPIM parameters are described in Section 4.2.
Installation is now complete.
NOTE
If you are using an NDIS-compatible network operating system other
than LAN Manager, follow the manufacturer’s operating system
instructions for loading new drivers. The driver files are located in the
\NDIS subdirectory on the network drivers diskette.
Do not forget to add the CPIM.EXE driver to the config.sys before the
network operating system’s files.
4.5 IBM LAN Support Program
The Adapter can emulate an IBM Token Ring adapter in order to
be compatible with software designed to work with an IBM adapter.
4.5.1 I NSTALLATION
1. Copy all files from the \LSP subdirectory on the network drivers diskette
to the network subdirectory on you hard disk.
2. Edit the CONFIG.SYS file to include the following two lines:
device=[path] spil.exe [parameter 1] [parameter 2]
device=[path] strtok.sys [node address]
The CPIL.EXE and STRTOK.SYS files together replace the
DXMA0MOD.SYS and the DXMC0MOD.SYS programs from IBM. The CPIL
parameters are described in Section 4.2.
The node address parameter of STRTOK.SYS is optional, and may be used
to override the “burnt-in” node address that the adapter normally uses. The
node address is a 12-digit hexadecimal parameter.

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MODULAR PARALLEL ADAPTERS AND MODULAR MEDIA UNITS
5. Self-Test and Diagnostics
The network drivers diskette contains the STRDIAG self-test diagnostic utility
program, which tests the adapter, reports the result of the tests, and may be
used to change the data transfer rate between 16 Mbps and 4 Mbps.
NOTE
Be sure that the network driver is not loaded before you run this
program.
To run the self-test and diagnostics program:
1. Copy the STRDIAG.* files from the supplied network drivers diskette
into the network directory.
2. At the network directory prompt, type the following command:
strdiag
The strdiag command may be entered with special command line
parameters, as follows:
U—force unidirectional mode
C—use color display (default is monochrome)
?—display a Help screen
3. The STRDIAG main menu is displayed with a list of topics. To select
a topic, use the up and down arrow keys to highlight your choice,
and press the Enter key.
5.1 Diagnostics
The diagnostics program verifies that the Adapter has been properly
connected, executes several self-test routines, and displays the following
information:
• LPT port number and address
• IRQ line used (if any)
• Interrupt line polarity of the parallel port
• Data transfer method (unidirectional, bidirectional on ps2)
• Transmission speed (16/4 Mbps)

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CHAPTER 5: Self-Test and Diagnostics
• Node address
• Model name and hardware version
• Date of manufacture
• Serial number
If the Adapter is not properly connected or not powered on, the following
message is displayed:
Adapter not connected or not powered.
After the information above is displayed, additional tests are performed.
These tests check the internal components of the Adapter, the cable circuitry
up to the MAU (ring), and the Adapter’s ability to integrate within the ring.
The diagnostics begin by identifying the parallel port’s address and IRQ
number. During the information display, the EEPROM and other internal
components are checked for proper operation.
The Bring Up Test checks the communication processor and its peripheral
devices such as the RAM. It also tests the integrity of the software downloaded
to the processor.
After the Bring Up Test, the processor is ready for initialization, which
checks the interrupt logic and the connection between the PC and the
communication processor. The initialization test also tests the internal cable
circuitry of the Adapter.
During operation, many Token Ring tests are performed, such as physical
insertion test, address verification tests, and ring poll participation. These
tests check the integration between the Adapter and other ring members.
5.1.1 C ONTINUOUS D IAGNOSTICS
The diagnostics portion of the STRDIAG program activates a single set of
adapter tests. However, in order to thoroughly test the adapter, you may want
to run the tests continuously. The continuous diagnostics option activates
those tests.
Once activated, all tests are run in a loop. The display indicates the last run
results of each test, the number or tests performed successfully, and the
number of test failures, if any. The tests can be terminated at any time by
pressing any key.
5.1.2 S ET A DAPTER S PEED
The Adapter is software-switchable for operation on 16-Mbps or 4-Mbps
Token Ring networks. The Adapter is preconfigured to operate at 16 Mbps.
This option provides the user with the ability to change the current value.