Freecom CABLE II PARALLEL User manual

CABLE II
Rev. 112
Parallel
www.freecom.com

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FREECOM Cable II Parallel
GB
Cable II Change Adapter
Cable II Parallel
(printer port)
PARALLEL PORT

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USERS MANUAL
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Hardware requirements ..................................................................... Page 5
Software requirements ...................................................................... Page 5
Precautionary measures and operating instructions ........................ Page 5
CHAPTER 1:
Start-up operation - Hardware installation ...................................... Page 6
CHAPTER 2:
Software installation under Windows 95 / 98 / ME / NT 4.0 ............ Page 7
Software installation under DOS, Windows 3.x ............................... Page 8
CHAPTER 3:
Reference section ............................................................................... Page 10
Advanced settings in the FREECOM configuration .......................... Page 10
First Aid ............................................................................................... Page 12
© 2001 FREECOM Technologies
Table of Contents

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Dear User,
welcome to the installation of your FREECOM Cable II Parallel . Before installing
the drive, please read through the following points regarding its compatibility
with your system.
FREECOM Technologies GmbH Berlin, Germany
www.freecom.com
Warning !
All rights reserved. The products named in this manual are only used for identification
purposes and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies.
This device was designed for home or office use.
Warning! This device is equipment complying with EN55022 class A. This equipment
can cause radio disturbances in a residential area. If this is the case, the user has to take
appropriate measures and assume all responsibility and costs for. It may not be used
near or with any life-sustaing systems.
FREECOM Technologies is not liable for any damages that may occur from the use of
a FREECOM system. All rights reserved. We reserve the right to upgrade our products
in keeping with technological advances.

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General Information
Reliableperformanceofthe FREECOM Cable II Parallel Port cannotbeguaranteed
for configurations that do not meet the following requirements:
Hardware requirements
 min. PC 486 or higher
 min. 4 MB RAM
 one disk/CD drive and one hard drive
 a parallel port interface (standard, bidirectional, EPP)
Software requirements
 min. MS-DOS Version 5.0 or higher
 Windows 3.x
 Windows 95/98
 Windows ME
 Windows NT 4.0
Precautionary measures and operating instructions
Please turn off all components prior to every system change because hardware
changes of powered components can cause damage to the computer or the
FREECOM Cable II.
 Operate the FREECOM Cable II only in the temperature range from 10 - 45°C.
 If the FREECOM Cable II is moved from a cool location to a warmer one, wait
until the Cable II and your system warms to the ambient temperature before
using it, otherwise moisture from condensation could lead to errors.
 Do not use the FREECOM Cable II in a dusty environment.
 Do not drop the FREECOM Cable II or expose it to other types of shocks.
 The FREECOM Cable II should not be used near strong electromagnetic
radiation sources (speakers, mobile phones, etc.).
 Do not use an extension cable between the FREECOM Cable II and your
computer.
 If the FREECOM Cable II is connected to a printer interface equipped with a
dongle, the dongle and the the FREECOM system will not function reliably.
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General Information

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CHAPTER 1: Start-up operation - Hardware installation
1. Turn off your computer and all the equipment connected to it.
2. Disconnect the printer , if applicable, from your computer.
3. Connect the FREECOM Cable II Parallel to the printer port of your
computer. Make sure that the port on your PC is indeed a parallel port and not
one intended for other peripherals such as a scanner, in order to avoid
hardware damage.
4. If desired, you can connect your printer to the printer connection of the
FREECOM Cable II Parallel.
5. Connect the drive plug of the Cable II to the FREECOM device.
6. Plug the power supply of the FREECOM device into a power outlet.
7. Turn on your computer again and, if applicable, your printer
8. Now you can begin installing the software.
PC
Printer cable Printer cable
FREECOM
Cable II
Printer
connection
Computer
connection
Drive plug
FREECOM Cable II

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CHAPTER 2: Software installation
2.1 Software installation under Windows 95/98, Windows ME and
Windows NT 4.0
1. Insert the "FREECOM installation disk/CD" for the operating system you are
using (Windows 95/98, Win ME or Windows NT 4.0) into the drive of your PC.
2. Click "Start", "Run" and type in "a:\setup.exe" (Example for disk) or. Press
Enter.
3. When you have accepted the agreement, a new window will appear. The set-
up program suggests "C:\Program\FREECOM\Cable II Parallel" as the standard
default directory. (If you wish to copy the files into another directory, click
"Browse" and enter the path name.) Confirmthechosen folderwith "Continue".
4. The set-up program then suggests the entry "FREECOM Cable II Parallel" as
standard in the start menu of the programme folder. (You also have the
possibility to create your own folder.) Confirm the chosen entry with "Continue"
and the files will then be installed onto your computer.
5. The set-up wizard will inform you of the installation process. Follow the on-
screen instructions.
After you restart your computer, your FREECOM drive will appear with a new
drive letter under "My Computer".
Software installation

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Note: Dont forget to remove the FREECOM installation disk/CD before
restarting your computer. (For advanced features see section 3.2 "First
Aid..." of this manual).
The installation is now complete.
For CD-RW drives please refer to the drive manual for installing the specific
mastering software.
2.2 Software installation for DOS and Windows 3.x
The installation for DOS and Windows 3.x is menu-driven to make it as easy as
possible to integrate the FREECOM drive into your system. You can select the
different commands of the menu with the help of the arrow keys. Mark your
selection with the spacebar. Confirm your selection with [ENTER] the return key.
1. Exit Windows or other software programs to get to the DOS command prompt.
2. Insert the "FREECOM installation disk/CD" for the operating system you are
using (DOS or Win3.x) into your standard drive and change to this drive by
entering either "A: [ENTER]" (Example for disk). Start the installation from the
DOS prompt by entering: FCINST [ENTER].
3. Select the language in which the installation is to be performed.
4. Select the type of connection used and the device.
5. You can now decide if you want the installation to proceed "automatically"
whereby the installation program specifies the path and modifies your
computer's start up files (refer to step 9). However, if you want to modify the
settings manually, select "user-defined".

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6. Read the following information screen and acknowledge it by pressing the
[ENTER] key.
7. If you wish to select a different path, you can specify in which directory the
FREECOM software is to be installed. Please enter the complete path name
including the drive letter! If the directory does not yet exist, it will be created.
8. The files will now be copied into the directory you have specified.
9. After the files have been copied, you can allow the installation program to
modify the startup files of your computer (CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT)
automatically (recommended method). You can also display these modifications
or cancel the installation.
10. The installation updates your startup files and saves the original versions under
the names CONFIG.FC and AUTOEXEC.FC.
11. After the startup files have been modified, the installation is complete.
You can now exit the installation program. In order for the changes to take
effect, you must restart your computer.
Note: Don't forget to remove the FREECOM installation disk/CD before
restarting the your computer. (For advanced features see section 3.2
"First Aid..." of this manual).
The FREECOM installation is now complete.
After restarting your computer, additional boot messages are displayed which are
generated by the device drivers for the device you have just installed. The device
driver for the device is placed in the CONFIG.SYS file which creates a message that
can vary (example):
PW-CD: Freecom CD-ROM Device Driver Rev. K-936DOS
PW-CD: Copyright (C) Freecom Technologies 1995-1998
PW-CD: Mode is E0 at port address 378h
PW-CD: Drive: Toshiba CD-ROM XM-6202B 1110
PW-CD: CD-ROM drive installation successfully completed
Note: If a different driver message is displayed, this does not necessarily
indicate that an error has occurred. Please refer to the chapter 3 "Trouble
Shooting" only if the text contains the word "ERROR" or "WARNING".
Software installation

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CHAPTER 3: Reference section
3.1 Advanced settings in the FREECOM configuration
under Windows 95/98, Windows ME and Windows NT 4.0
"FREECOM Configuration" will automatically configure the FREECOM drive to
your PC. When installing the device for the first time, the setup program
automatically detects the type of parallel port in your PC and configures the
optimum data transfer mode for the parallel port. Normally, this is the optimum
setting which eliminates the need for making this setting manually. In the event
that you wish to have a different setting, you can call up the "FREECOM
Configuration" as follows: Click the Windows "Start" button and then click
"Program", "FREECOM Cable II Parallel". Double-click the icon "FREECOM
Configuration". You will see that the settings for the parallel port transfer mode
as well as the parallel port address are set to "automatic". The values detected by
the configuration program are shown in the first three lines of the upper section.
Status messages:
 'Driver' - Device driver version
 'Drive' - Drive designation
 'Connection' - Connection information (parallel port mode, EPP
write mode"(R/W)", port address and possibly
interrupt) or possibly errors.
To set the parallel port mode or address manually, simply click the desired settings.
Status lines
Settings

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 Automatic detection
Automatically detects the transfer mode.
 unidirectional (also: SPP) standard parallel port mode, the more reliable
but slower transfer mode works in most cases.
 bidirectional For bidirectional mode (also SPP)
 Standard EPP For computers with EPP (EPP = Enhanced Parallel Port).
 Fast EPP For computers with a fast EPP mode.
 Choosing non-standard modes
(for computers with special parallel ports)
- Computers with National Semiconductor (NS) parallel port
- other computers with EPP
 Switching off EPP detection
When booting the computer, the EPP search routine is
disabled.
Use this option if you are encountering problems with
automatic detection.
 EPP write mode Set to "Auto" by default.
Here you can enable or disable the faster EPP mode.
If you experience difficulties, deactivate this mode.
 IRQ (not in SPP) Here you can specify the Interrupt of your parallel port. A
properly functioning interrupt optimizes drive and system
performance.
If you experience difficulties with your printer, disable this option.
-"Standard": The standard interrupt setting is used.
-"Disabled": An interrupt is not being used.
- For example "7" or "5":
Interrupt number of the parallel port
Note: The "FREECOM Configuration" configures the device to the parallel
port of the PC. In case you wish to change the basic settings (address, IRQ,
mode) of the parallel port in your PC, you can do so in the so-called BIOS
of your computer.
Settings in the PC's BIOS
The most common way to enter the BIOS of a PC is to press the "DEL"-button while
the computer is booting and a message appears on the screen: "To enter SETUP
press DEL...".
The further procedure depends on type and manufacturer of your PC. Please,
check the PC´s manual or the manual of the mainboard for details.
The following example is given for a ROM PCI/ISA BIOS (2A59IG0E) of Award
Software Inc. There you will find the basic settings of the printerport in the menu
"Integrated Peripherals". Select this item while moving with cursor keys, then
press "ENTER". In the next screen you will find the item "Onboard Parallel Mode"
where you can change the setting using the "PgUp ↑ "and "PgDn ↓ "keys.
Advanced settings in the FREECOM configuration

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Select "EPP/SPP" with "Parallel Port EPP Type EPP1.9". Address and interrupt (IRQ)
of the printer port can be changed in the same way after selecting the item
"Onboard Parallel Port".
Save your changes and exit the BIOS by selecting the item "SAVE & EXIT SETUP"
in the main menu of the BIOS.
Further settings
 Standard setting:Restores the original settings.
 Activate status messages during system startup
If this option is activated, Windows 95 will display a status
message in case problems occur with the FREECOM device.
The message will appear even if the FREECOM parallel port
device is not connected to the computer. If the status message
is caused by other factors, please refer to the section
on the driver settings for other "FREECOM Configuration"
options.
You can suppress the status message by deactivating this
option or enabling the option "Do not show this window
when restarting!"
After having made all the desired settings, confirm them by
clicking "OK". You will then be asked if you would like to save
your changes. In order for the changes to take effect, you
must restart your computer. You can do this when prompted
by the system (automatic restart) or at a later time.
You can terminate the configuration program at any time
without making any changes by clicking "Cancel".
3.2 First Aid - Trouble Shooting
If you still have problems getting your FREECOM drive to function properly despite
having installed it correctly, then please check the following points:
Hardware requirements:
 Does your system meet the hardware requirements (see page 5)
Connecting the FREECOM drive
 Is the Cable II correctly connected to your PC and the FREECOM drive? Check
if the FREECOM Cable II Parallel is plugged in correctly. The Cable II must be
securely fastened!
 Is the drive getting power? Determine if the medium can be ejected and if the
device is getting power when the system boots.

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System settings:
 Check the settings of the Parallel Port Mode ("EPP" is recommended) as well
as the address and interrupt (IRQ) of the printer port in the BIOS of your PC. If
your BIOS does not support the mode "EPP" you should select an uni- or
bidirectional mode. (See also chapter 3.1 "Settings in the PC's BIOS" and "First
aid under Windows 95/98 and Windows NT 4.0")
 Is a memory manager like QEMM activated? Check settings in the file
c:\config.sys! If you find a command that activates the memory manager,
please delete this line or mark it with a REM, store config.sys and restart your
PC. (The manual of your operating system contains all information about
programming config.sys)
 Disable the system´s power management if present. The manual of your
operating system will guide you.
Printer problems:
 Was the printer properly connected?
 Is the device turned on?
 If necessary, deactivate the "Interrupt" (see under "Settings in the FREECOM
configuration" on page 11)
First Aid under Windows 95/98, Windows ME and Windows NT 4.0
The computer will not start
1. Turn off your computer and disconnect the FREECOM Cable II Parallel from the
parallel port of your PC.
2. You will need to restart your PC.
3. Click "Start" - "Program"- "FREECOM Cable II Parallel" - the "FREECOM
Configuration" (see page 11 chapter 3.1).
4. Disable the "EPP write mode" and confirm with "OK". Shut down your
computer and then turn off the power. Reconnect the FREECOM Cable II
Parallel to your computer and turn your PC back on.
5. If this does not solve the problem, repeat steps 1 to 3, activate the box "Switch
off EPP detection" at the bottom left and then confirm by clicking "OK". Shut
down your computer and then turn off the power. Reconnect the Cable II to
your PC and turn it back on.
First Aid

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The drive cannot be accessed
1. Click "Start" - "Program" - "FREECOM Cable II Parallel" - the "FREECOM
Configuration".
2. Check whether an error message is displayed in the upper status lines (see
illustration on page 11). If not, it is very likely that your PC's parallel port is set
to an incompatible mode.
3. You can change this mode in your computer's "BIOS" (Basic Input Output
System). In most computers you can access the BIOS by pressing the F2 or DEL
key on your keyboard shortly after you turn on your computer. (or refer to the
manual for your PC or motherboard).
4. Look for an option which allows you to change the parallel port setting. Avoid
selecting an ECP or ECP+EPP mode. Select a different parallel port mode instead
(for example, EPP, EPP+SPP or bidirectional).
5. Make sure that you do not forget to save the new setting when exiting the
BIOS. The changes you have made will not take effect until you restart your
computer.
First Aid under DOS, Windows 3.x
If you cannot access the FREECOM drive after having booted your PC, or if error
messages were displayed
or
if your computer freezes while it is loading the FREECOM driver (after you have
successfully installed the driver software), turn it off and then please check the
following:
 Have you inserted a formatted disk?
 Does the driver load successfully at a different port address?
 Is software installed which reroutes the parallel port or manipulates it in
another way (for example, INTERLNK.EXE)? Remove the driver and then restart
your computer.
 Is the following entry in the startup file CONFIG.SYS present and correct?
(DEVICE=C:\FC\LSPAR.SYS)
 Has the DOS command LASTDRIVE been set to make a sufficient number of drive
letters available? (for example, insert "LASTDRIVE=Z" into the CONFIG.SYS file)
Note: Settings for trouble shooting can be found on the FREECOM
installation disk/CD in the file "Info.txt" which can be opened with an
editor (for example, c:\edit info.txt).

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3.3 De-Installing the software
- under Windows 95/98, Windows ME and Windows NT 4.0
1. Click "Start" - "Program" - "FREECOM Cable II Parallel" and then double-click
the icon "unInstall".
2. Confirm the next prompt by clicking "Yes".
- under DOS/Windows 3.x
If you want to undo the installation, start the program "UNINST.EXE" in the
installation directory. This removes all files and entries from the system.
3.4 Assigning the drive letter to the FREECOM Drive
under Windows 95/98
After successful installation, Windows assigns the FREECOM drive a new drive
letter, automatically in most cases. This can shift the drive letter of an internal CD-
ROM drive (for example, from 'D' to 'E'). If this leads to problems, it is possible to
change the drive letter assignment as follows:
1. Click "Start" - "Settings" - "Control Panel".
2. Double-click "System".
3. Click the tab "Device Manager" and then click "Disk Drives" or "CD-ROM" if
your FREECOM drive is a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CDWriter or CD-ReWriteable
drive.
4. Double-click the FREECOM drive, and then the tab "Properties" - "Settings".
(The currently assigned drive letter as well as the reserved drive letters will then
be displayed).
5. Under "Reserved Drive Letter" enter a drive letter, for example, "F" for the
FREECOM device as the "Start drive letter" and "F'' again as the "End drive
letter".
6. Confirm your selection with "OK". When you restart your computer, the
FREECOM drive will be assigned the letter "F" in "My Computer".
De-Installing the software

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FREECOM Internet Service
FREECOM Technologies makes the following service available in the Internet at
www.freecom.com
 Online information on technical problems
 Current product information
 Drivers, driver updates and software information
Support hotline
If you have carefully read the manual and, despite having observed all
troubleshooting information, still cannot get your FREECOM device to work
properly, you can contact our hotlines:
Hotline Email
Deutschland & Österreich [phone] [email protected]
France & Belgique (F) [phone] [email protected]
Nederland & België (N) [phone] [email protected]
Schweiz (D) [phone] [email protected]
Suisse (F) [phone] [email protected]
United Kingdom & Ireland [phone] [email protected]
All other countries:
Please apply to your local FREECOM Reseller or email to:
[email protected]
If possible, try to call from a phone near your computer.
Please have the following information ready for your call:
 the serial number on the rear side of your FREECOM drive and the Cable II
 the revision no. your driver disk/CD
 the information on the power supply
 the version number of your operating system and the software you are having
problems with
 the precise error description or error message displayed
 the name and the model of your computer and, in case needed, the installed
hardware
 Can the problem be reproduced every time?
 Has this problem occurred before? If it is new, have you recently changed the
configuration of your system?