Contec COM-1(PM) User manual

PC-HELPER
RS-232C(1ch) Serial I/O Card
COM-1(PM)
RS-485(1ch) Serial I/O Card
COM-1D(PM)
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO.,LTD.

COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM) i
Check Your Package
Thank you for purchasing the CONTEC product.
The product consists of the items listed below.
Check, with the following list, that your package is complete. If you discoverdamaged or missing items,
contact your retailer.
Product Configuration List
- PC Card
[COM(PM)]…1
- Connection cable(One of the following)…1
[CB-1R(PM)] (In the case of COM-1(PM))
[CB-1D(PM)] (In the case of COM-1D(PM))
- PC-Card Attachment (CARD-AT1)…1set
- Connector…1
- This User’s Guide…1
- COM Setup Disk(CD-ROM)…1
Connector Guide
Guide
CD
PC Card Connection cable PC-Card Attachment

ii COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM)
Copyright
Copyright 1995 CONTEC CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form by any means without prior written
consent of CONTEC CO., LTD.
CONTEC CO., LTD. makes no commitment to update or keep current the information contained in this
document. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
All relevant issues have been considered in the preparation of this document. Should you notice an
omission or any questionable item in this document, please feel free to notify CONTEC CO., LTD.
Regardless of the foregoing statement, CONTEC assumes no responsibility for any errors that may
appear in this document or for results obtained by the user as a result of using this product.
Trademarks
MS, Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and
product names are trademarks of their respective holder.

COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM) iii
Table of Contents
Check Your Package............................................................................................................................i
Copyright ............................................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks .........................................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents...............................................................................................................................iii
1. BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT 1
About the PC Card.............................................................................................................................. 1
Features........................................................................................................................................ 1
Support Software ......................................................................................................................... 2
Cable & Connector (Option) ...................................................................................................... 3
Customer Support ............................................................................................................................... 4
Web Site....................................................................................................................................... 4
Limited Three-Year Warranty............................................................................................................ 4
How to Obtain Service ....................................................................................................................... 4
Liability............................................................................................................................................... 4
Safety Precautions .............................................................................................................................. 5
Safety Information....................................................................................................................... 5
Handling Precautions................................................................................................................... 6
Environment................................................................................................................................. 7
Inspection..................................................................................................................................... 7
Storage ......................................................................................................................................... 7
2. SETUP 9
What is Setup? .................................................................................................................................... 9
Using the PC card under Windows Using the Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup
Disk.............................................................................................................................................. 9
Using the PC card under Windows Using the Driver Library Package API-PAC(W32)........... 9
Using the PC card under Linux Using the Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk10
Operating Systems Other than Windows or Linux ...................................................................10
Step 1 Setting the Hardware............................................................................................................. 11
Connecting the PC Card to the Connecter Cable...................................................................... 11
Fitting the PC Card Attachment ................................................................................................ 12
Insert the PC Card...................................................................................................................... 13
Setting the Data Transmission Mode and Terminator on the COM-1D(PM)........................... 14
Step 2 Installing the Hardware ......................................................................................................... 17
Turning on the PC...................................................................................................................... 17
Setting with the Found New Hardware Wizard ........................................................................ 18
The check method of the completion of hardware installation................................................. 19

iv COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM)
Step 3 Initializing the Software........................................................................................................20
For use under Windows XP, Windows 2000............................................................................. 20
For use under Windows Me, Windows 98 or Windows 95 ......................................................21
For use under Windows NT....................................................................................................... 21
Step 4 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program ............................................................... 22
What is the Diagnosis Program?................................................................................................22
Check Method............................................................................................................................ 22
Using the Diagnosis Program....................................................................................................24
Setup Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 26
Symptoms and Actions..............................................................................................................26
If your problem cannot be resolved........................................................................................... 26
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 27
Interface connector ...........................................................................................................................27
In the case of COM-1(PM)........................................................................................................27
In the case of COM-1D(PM) ..................................................................................................... 28
Types of Cable and Example Connections.......................................................................................29
In the case of COM-1(PM)........................................................................................................29
In the case of COM-1D(PM) ..................................................................................................... 30
4. FUNCTIONS 31
Communication Function ................................................................................................................. 31
Serial Data Transmission...........................................................................................................31
RS-232C Control Lines (COM-1(PM))..................................................................................... 31
RS-422A/485 Control Lines (COM-1D(PM))........................................................................... 31
Send and Receive Data Buffers.................................................................................................31
Setting the Baud Rate ................................................................................................................ 32
5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 33
About Sample programs ................................................................................................................... 33
Uninstalling the driver software.......................................................................................................34
CD-ROM Directory Structure .......................................................................................................... 34
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 35
Hardware specification.....................................................................................................................35
Equivalent circuit..............................................................................................................................37

1. Before Using the Product
COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM) 1
1. Before Using the Product
This chapter provides information you should know before using the product.
About the PC Card
This PC card is a PCMCIA 2.0/JEIDA 4.1 compliant serial I/O card for performing RS-232C and RS-
422A/485 serial communications with external devices.
Use the card in a PCMCIA 2.0/JEIDA 4.1 or later (including PC Card Standard) PC card slot.
The < COM-1(PM) > has one RS-232C serial ports per card.
The < COM-1D(PM) > has two RS-422A/485 serial ports per card.
You can use the standard COM driver software (COM Setup Disk) supplied with the PC card to access
the serial ports as standard Windows or Linux COM ports.
Features
- As the card supports Plug&Play, the IO address, IRQ, and other resource settings are set
automatically.
- Maximum communication speed = 115,200bps.
- The baud rate can be set independently for each channel, by software.
- Each channel is equipped with separate 16-byte FIFO buffers for transmit and receive.
- Up to two cards can be installed on one PC.
- Driver software is supplied to allow the serial ports to be used as standard Windows or Linux COM
ports.
- The data transmission mode (full or half duplex) setting can be changed using a switch.
(COM-1D(PM))
- The card includes the 100Ωterminating resistors required for a party line (multi-drop) connection.
The resistors can be inserted in each signal line by setting a switch. (COM-1D(PM))
- All the RS-422A/485 signal lines are electrically isolated. (COM-1D(PM))
- You can use the PC card attachment to protect the PC card and cable socket.

1. Before Using the Product
2COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM)
Support Software
You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk (Bundled)
The purpose of this software is to allow the CONTEC serial communication PC cards to be used under Windows or
Linux in the same way as the standard COM ports on the PC. By installing additional PC cards, you can use COM ports
in the range COM1 to COM256.
The PC cards can be used for all types of serial communications such as for remote access service (RAS) and
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications.
Under Windows, the serial ports can be accessed using the standard Win32 API communication routines (CreateFile( ),
WriteFile( ), ReadFile( ), and SetCommState( ), etc.) The serial ports are also compatible with the Visual Basic
communication control (MSComm).
Under Linux, the serial ports are compatible with the operating system's standard tty driver. The standard routines
including open( ), close( ), read( ), write( ) are supported.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, Linux etc..
CAUTION
Up to two cards can be installed on one PC.
Driver Software Package API-PAC(W32) (Available for downloading (free of charge) from the
CONTEC web site.)
API-PAC(W32) is the library software that provides the commands for CONTEC hardware products in
the form of Windows standard Win32 API functions (DLL). It makes it easy to create high-speed
application software taking advantage of the CONTEC hardware using various programming languages
that support Win32 API functions, such as Visual Basic and Visual C/C++.
It can also be used by the installed diagnosis program to check hardware operations.
CONTEC provides download services (at http://www.contec.co.jp/en/) to supply the updated drivers and
differential files.
For details, read Help on the bundled CD-ROM or visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, etc..
Adaptation language Visual C/C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, Builder, etc..
Others Each piece of library software requires 50 megabytes of free hard disk space.
CAUTION
- This library provides local routines that are specific to CONTEC (SioOpen( ), SioWrite( ), SioRead( ), SioStatus( ),
etc.). These are not compatible with the standard Win32 API communication routines (CreateFile( ) and
WriteFile( ), etc.).
- Up to two cards can be installed on one PC.

1. Before Using the Product
COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM) 3
Base package of ActiveX components for measurement system development
ACX-PAC(W32)BP (Option)
This is a set of useful Windows development tools for measurement systems and consists of a software component
library with ready-to-use samples which you can combine for easy programming.
The package contains components for controlling CONTEC I/O boards (PC cards). Features include interface control
for analog I/O, digital I/O, GPIB communications, and counter inputs, as well as X-Y plotting and file storage
support.
Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on this soft.
Advanced package of ActiveX components for measurement system development
ACX-PAC(W32)AP (Option)
Complements the ACX-PAC(W32)BP functions with additional components including graphics (plotting, switches,
and lamps, etc.) and mathematical and analysis tools.
Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on this soft.
Cable & Connector (Option)
RS-232C Straight Cable with D-SUB9P (1.8m) : RSS-9M/F
RS-232C Cross Cable with D-SUB9P (1.8m) : RSC-9F
RS-232C Straight Cable with D-SUB25P (1.8m) : RSS-25M/F
RS-232C Cross Cable with D-SUB25P (1.8m) : RSC-25F
RS-232C Connection Conversion Straight Cable (25M→9F, 1.8m) : RSS-25M/9F
RS-232C Connection Conversion Straight Cable (25F→9M, 1.8m) : RSS-25F/9M
RS-232C Connection Conversion Cross Cable(25F→9F, 1.8m) : RSC-25F/9F
D-SUB9P Male Connector Set (5 Pieces) : CN5-D9M
D-SUB9P Female Connector Set (5 Pieces) : CN5-D9F
D-SUB25P Male Connector Set (5 Pieces) : CN5-D25M
D-SUB25P Female Connector Set (5 Pieces) : CN5-D25F
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.

1. Before Using the Product
4COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM)
Customer Support
CONTEC provides the following support servicesfor you to use CONTEC products more efficiently and
comfortably.
Web Site
Japanese http://www.contec.co.jp/
English http://www.contec.com/
Chinese http://www.contec.com.cn/
Latest product information
CONTEC provides up-to-date information on products.
CONTEC also provides product manuals and various technical documents in the PDF.
Free download
You can download updated driver software and differential files as well as sample programs available in
several languages.
Note! For product information
Contact your retailer if you have any technical question about a CONTEC product or need its price,
delivery time, or estimate information.
Limited Three-Year Warranty
CONTEC Interface PC cards are warranted by CONTEC CO., LTD. to be free from defects in material
and workmanship for up to three years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser.
Repair will be free of charge only when this device is returned freight prepaid with a copy of the original
invoice and a Return Merchandise Authorization to the distributor or the CONTEC group office, from
which it was purchased.
This warranty is not applicable for scratches or normal wear, but only for the electronic circuitry and
original PC cards. The warranty is not applicable if the device has been tampered with or damaged
through abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or unreasonable use, or if the original invoice is not included, in
which case repairs will be considered beyond the warranty policy.
How to Obtain Service
For replacement or repair, return the device freight prepaid, with a copy of the original invoice. Please
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA) from the CONTEC group office where you
purchased before returning any product.
* No product will be accepted by CONTEC group without the RMA number.
Liability
The obligation of the warrantor is solely to repair or replace the product. In no event will the warrantor
be liable for any incidental or consequential damages due to such defect or consequences that arise from
Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.

1. Before Using the Product
COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM) 5
Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.
Safety Information
This document provides safety information using the following symbols to prevent accidents resulting in
injury or death and the destruction of equipment and resources. Understand the meanings of these labels
to operate the equipment safely.
DANGER DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury or in property damage.

1. Before Using the Product
6COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM)
Handling Precautions
DANGER
Do not use the product where it is exposed to flammable or corrosive gas. Doing so may result in an
explosion, fire, electric shock, or failure.
CAUTION
- Do not strike or bend the PC Card. Doing so could damage the PC Card.
Otherwise, the PC Card may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.
- Do not subjectthe socket used to connect the cable to the PC card to knocks or otherexcessive force.
Otherwise, the PC card may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Connect the cable to the card before inserting the card into the PC.
Otherwise, the PC card may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Do not try to remove the cable from the connecter on the PC card without pressing the locking spring
as this may prevent the cable from being securely connected.
- When inserting the PC card, check that you are inserting the card with the correct orientation and
that the card is inserted firmly.
Inserting the PC card incorrectly may damage the PC card or connector or result in a bad connection.
- Ensure that the PC power supply has sufficient capacity for all mounted cards.
An inadequate power supply may cause misoperation, overheating, or faults.
- The specifications of this product are subject to change without notice for enhancement and quality
improvement.
Even when using the product continuously, be sure to read the manual and understand the contents.
- Do not modify the product. CONTEC will bear no responsibility for any problems, etc., resulting
from modifying this product.
- Regardless of the foregoing statements, CONTEC is not liable for any damages whatsoever
(including damages for loss of business profits) arising out of the use or inability to use this
CONTEC product or the information contained herein.
The following information only applies to the COM-1D(PM).
- Only set the switches and jumpers on the PC Card to the specified settings.
Otherwise, the PC card may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.

1. Before Using the Product
COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM) 7
Environment
Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, the PC card may
overheat, malfunction, or cause a failure.
Operating temperature
0 to 50°C
Humidity
10 to 90%RH (No condensation)
Corrosive gases
None
Floating dust particles
Not to be excessive
Inspection
Inspect the product periodically as follows to use it safely.
- Check that the bus connector
and its cable have been
plugged correctly.
- The the bus connector have no stain or corrosion.
Storage
When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
(1) Put the PC card in the storage bag.
(2) Wrap it in the packing material, then put it in the box.
(3) Store the package at room temperature at a place free from direct sunlight, moisture, shock,
vibration, magnetism, and static electricity.

1. Before Using the Product
8COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM)

2. Setup
COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM) 9
2. Setup
This chapter explains how to set up the PC card.
What is Setup?
Setup means a series of steps to take before the product can be used.
Different steps are required for software and hardware
The setup procedure varies with the OS and applications used.
Using the PC card under Windows
Using the Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk
This section describes the setup procedure to be performed before you can start developing application
programs for the PC card using the bundled CD-ROM “Standard COM Driver Software -
COM Setup Disk”.
Taking the following steps sets up the software and hardware. You can use the diagnosis program later
to check whether the software and hardware function normally.
Step 1 Setting the Hardware
Step 2 Installing the Hardware
Step 3 Initializing the Software
On the CD-ROM, refer to the \PCCARD\COM(PM)\Readmee.txt file and the installation instructions
files for each OS located in the \PCCARD\COM(PM)\InstDoc.
If Setup fails to be performed normally, see the “Setup Troubleshooting” section at the end of this
chapter.
Using the PC card under Windows
Using the Driver Library Package API-PAC(W32)
Refer to the API-PAC(W32) "Hardware Installation Procedure (HWINSTU.HLP)" help file for the
procedure to follow when using API-SIO in the "Driver Library API-PAC(W32)".
If using API-SIO from API-PAC(W32), install from API-PAC(W32) instead of from the supplied
CD-ROM.
See also the following parts of this manual as required.
This chapter Step 1 Setting the Hardware

2. Setup
10 COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM)
Using the PC card under Linux
Using the Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk
You can perform application program development using the "Standard COM Driver Software -
COM Setup Disk" in the supplied CD-ROM. The procedure for using the software is described in the
\Linux\Readmee.htm file.
See also the following parts of this manual as required.
This chapter Step 1 Setting the Hardware
Operating Systems Other than Windows or Linux
Refer to the following if using on an OS other than Windows or Linux.
This chapter Step 1 Setting the Hardware
Chapter 3 Functions
Chapter 6 About Hardware

2. Setup
COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM) 11
Step 1 Setting the Hardware
This section describes how to set the PC Card and plug it on your PC.
Check that your PC has a TYPE II PC card slot that complies with PCMCIA 2.0/JEIDA 4.1 or later
(including PC Card Standard).
Connecting the PC Card to the Connecter Cable
Connect the PC card end of the cable (CB-1R(PM) or CB-1D(PM)) to the PC card. Make sure you
connect the cable as shown in Figure 2.1 with the top side of the connector (indicated by the mark)
aligned with the top side of the card.
CAUTION
- When inserting the cable, carefully align the cable connector with the socket on the PC card and
push straight in. Applying excessive force to the connector on the PC card may damage the
connector or result in a bad connection.
- Never insert or unplug the connector while the PC power is turned on. However, you may insert or
remove the PC card with the power on.
PCMCIA Slot Side
Connection Cable Marks
PC Card
Locking Spring
Locking Metal Fitting
Figure 2.1. Connecting the PC Card to the Connecter Cable

2. Setup
12 COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM)
Fitting the PC Card Attachment
Fitting the PC card attachment helps prevent the cable from being disconnected if force is accidentally
applied to the top of the connector.
Refer to the instructions supplied with the PC card attachment for details on how to fit it.
CAUTION
When using other PC cards in the same PC, the PC card attachment may obstruct the other cards and
make them difficult to insert. In this case, please remove the PC card attachment.
PC Card
PC Card Socket Side
PC CardAttachment
Figure 2.2. Fitting the PC Card Attachment

2. Setup
COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM) 13
Insert the PC Card
Insert the card into the PC card slot on the PC.
Firmly insert the card into the slot with the orientation indicated by the arrow symbol on the card, as
shown in Figure 2.3.
The PC card has a key to prevent it from being inserted incorrectly. Do not try to force the card into the
slot the wrong way around as this may damage the card or the slot on the PC. Also, check the card slot
on your PC as the slots on some PCs are oriented so that cards is inserted with the top side facing down.
Refer to the manual for your PC for instructions on how to remove the card.
Figure 2.3. Insert the PC Card
CAUTION
Take note of the following points as inappropriate handling of the PC card may damage the card or
connector socket and may result in a bad connection.
- Always insert the PC card with the correct orientation and in accordance with the instructions.
- Do not hold the card by the cable or connector when inserting the card into the slot.
- Do not move the PC with the cable still plugged in.
- Do not apply any excessive force to the cable socket on the PC card such as by pulling on the cable
connector.
- Do not place any objects on top of the cable connector.

2. Setup
14 COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM)
Setting the Data Transmission Mode and Terminator on the
COM-1D(PM)
This setting is only required on the COM-1D(PM).
Use a flathead screwdriver or similar to open the cover on the underside of the connector cable (CB-
1D(PM)). This exposes the DIP switch (SW1). As shown in Figure 2.4, an easy way to open the cover
is to insert the tip of the screwdriver into the slot on the underside of the connector cable and then rotate
the screwdriver.
Turn the screwdriver to the right.
Connecting cable
Figure 2.4. How to Open the Cover
CAUTION
Pushing the screwdriver in too far may damage the inside of the connector. Take care not to apply
any force to the inside when turning the screwdriver.
SW1 can be used to set the COM-1D(PM) to full or half duplex mode. Full duplex can be used for a
one-to-one connection. Half duplex mode allows a party line connection to be used. You can also use
this switch to specify whether or not to insert the 100Ωterminating resistor into the receiving lines (RxD
and CTS).
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
O
N
Bottom
Lid SW1
Figure 2.5. Switch for Setting the Transmission Mode and Terminating Resistors for the COM-
1D(PM)

2. Setup
COM-1(PM), COM-1D(PM) 15
COM-1D(PM) data transmission mode setting
Bits 1 to 5 of SW1 set the transmission mode. The settings are shown in the table below.
Table 2.1. COM-1D(PM) Data Transmission Mode Setting
Data
transmission
mode
Setting
procedure
(SW1)
Half duplex
[Half] Connect RTS and CTS to
external device
Loopback RTS and CTS
Connect to the RTS and CTS
signals from the external
device.
This sets TxD as the only
data line and uses the RTS
signal on the PC card to
switch between send and
receive.
Full duplex
[Full]
RTS
CTS RTS
CTS
If the device you are
communicating with does
not use the RTS and CTS
signals, you can use this
setting to make CTS active
when the RTS signal on the
PC card is set to active.
SW1 SW1 SW1
O
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
O
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
O
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CAUTION
Do not set both bit 1 and bit 2 of SW1 ON at the same time as this may damage the PC card.
COM-1D(PM) terminating resistor setting
Bits 6 and 7 of SW1 specify whether or not to insert a terminator. The settings are shown in the table
below.
Table 2.2. COM-1D(PM) Terminating Resistor Settings
Connection on board
Insertion of Terminator
Figure 2.7 A or D
(either end of signal line)
Setting procedure
Inserted Not Inserted
Figure 2.7 B or C
(other than end of signal line)
O
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
O
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CAUTION
Always set bit 8 of SW1 to OFF.