SeaLevel DataShark User manual

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 3188 Manual | SL9129 1/2023
DataShark
User Manual | 3188

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 3188 Manual | SL9129 1/2023
Contents
CONTENTS...........................................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 3
BEFORE YOU GET STARTED ...............................................................................................................................4
CARD SETUP ........................................................................................................................................................5
INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................................... 9
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................................................................11
SPECIFICATIONS ...............................................................................................................................................12
APPENDIX A – TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................13
APPENDIX B – HOW TO GET ASSISTANCE .....................................................................................................14
APPENDIX C – ELECTRICAL INTERFACE ........................................................................................................15
APPENDIX D - ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS....................................................................................16
APPENDIX E – SILK SCREEN ............................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX F – COMPLIANCE NOTICES...........................................................................................................18
WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................................................19

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 3188 Manual | SL9129 1/2023
Introduction
Overview
The Sealevel Systems DataShark provides the PC with 2 Asynchronous serial ports. The DataShark also
provides a jumper to select clocking modes that allow much higher data rates than those typically
associated with RS-232. These data rates are accomplished by using high-speed drivers and receivers
designed to handle these higher rates, up to a maximum 460Kbps. The DataShark can be configured as
COM1: through COM4:, providing a versatile interface for common RS-232 needs (i.e. modem, mouse and
plotters) as well as higher speed applications ( i.e. ISDN, V.34 modems etc.).
Factory Default Settings
TheDataShark factory default settings are as follows:
Port #
Base Address
IRQ
Port 1
280
5
Port 2
288
10
To install the DataShark using factory default settings, refer to Installation on page 6.
For your reference, record installed DataShark settings below:
Port #
Base Address
IRQ
Electrical Specification

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 3188 Manual | SL9129 1/2023
Before You Get Started
What’s Included
The DataShark is shipped with the following items. If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact
the supplier.
•DataShark Serial I/O Adapter
Advisory Conventions
Warning
The highest level of importance used to stress a condition where damage could result to the
product, or the user could suffer serious injury.
Important
The middle level of importance used to highlight information that might not seem obvious or a
situation that could cause the product to fail.
Note
The lowest level of importance used to provide background information, additional tips, or other
non-critical facts that will not affect the use of the product.

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 3188 Manual | SL9129 1/2023
Card Setup
The DataShark contains several jumper straps, which must be set for proper operation.
Address Selection
Each serial port on the DataShark occupies eight consecutive I/O locations and looks to the PC as a
standard serial port. A DIP switch (SW1) is used to set the port address options for the DataShark. Be
careful when selecting the port addresses as some selections may conflict with existing ports. The
following table shows the addressing options available with the standard PAL. If you do not see an address
option that suits your needs, please contact Sealevel Systems Technical Support about a custom PAL
option.
Port1 J2
Port2 J3
SW1
1
SW1
2
SW1
3
SW1
4
3F8
2F8
On
On
On
Off
3E8
2E8
On
On
Off
On
2F8
2E8
On
On
Off
Off
2F8
3E8
On
Off
On
On
3220
3228
On
Off
On
Off
4220
4228
On
Off
Off
On
5220
5228
On
Off
Off
Off
5220
4220
Off
On
On
On
280
290
Off
On
On
Off
300
308
Off
On
Off
On
310
318
Off
On
Off
Off
280
288
Off
Off
On
On
290
298
Off
Off
On
Off
300
280
Off
Off
Off
On
Disabled
Disabled
Off
Off
Off
Off
Figure 1 - Address Selection Table
Each COM: port in your system should have a unique address. Typically COM1: - COM4: addresses
are 3F8, 2F8, 3E8 & 2E8 Hex. If a COM1: & COM2: are already present, use the second addressing
option, this will provide the typical addresses for COM3: & COM4:.
Refer to Appendix A for common address contentions.

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 3188 Manual | SL9129 1/2023
Port Enable / Disable
Port 2 on the DataShark can be enabled or disabled with the jumper at E6 for applications requiring only
one port. The port is enabled with the jumper installed and disabled when removed. If Port 2 is disabled, be
sure to disable the interrupt request for that port by removing the IRQ jumper at E2. When the port is
disabled only the Port 1 address from the selection is valid (See Figure 1).
IRQ Selection
Headers E1 and E2 select the interrupt request for each serial port (E1 - Port 1, E2 - Port 2). If COM1: is
selected, the corresponding jumper must be on the IRQ4 setting. If COM2: is selected, the corresponding
jumper must be on IRQ3.
Most communications software applications default COM3: to IRQ4 and COM4: to IRQ3. This requires
the sharing of interrupts between COM1: and COM3:, and between COM2: and COM4:. While this is
the default, it is not always the preferred setting. Check your software configuration instructions to
determine the most appropriate IRQ selection.
Figure 2 - Header E1 and E2, IRQ Selection
Any two or more ports can share a common IRQ by placing the jumpers on the same IRQ setting and setting
the appropriate selections at E3. Consult your particular software for IRQ selection. If no interrupt is desired,
remove the jumper.

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 3188 Manual | SL9129 1/2023
Interrupt Modes
Header E3 selects the interrupt mode for each port. Each port must be set in the correct mode to insure
proper installation.
‘N’ indicates the (N)ormal, single interrupt per port mode. ‘S’ Indicates the (S)hared interrupt mode, which
allows more than one port to access a single IRQ. Any two or more ports can share a common IRQ by
placing the jumpers on the same IRQ setting and setting the appropriate selections at E1. Consult your
particular software for IRQ selection. If no interrupt is desired, remove the jumper. ‘R’ indicates the inclusion
of a 1K ohm pull-down resistor required on one port when sharing interrupts.
N SR
1
E3 2
Figure 3 - Header E3, Normal IRQ Mode
Set the jumpers to ‘S’ for shared interrupt mode on all blocks sharing an IRQ except one. Set that port block
for ‘S’ and ‘R’. This provides the pull-down resistor circuit that makes sharing of IRQs possible. If you are
using more than one DataShark or a compatible adapter in a bus, you should only have one port set to ‘R’.
The following example shows both ports sharing a single IRQ.
N S R
1
E3 2
Figure 4 - Header E3, Shared IRQ Mode

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 3188 Manual | SL9129 1/2023
Set the jumper to ‘S’ if you are using more than one DataShark in a bus or you wish to completely remove
the pull-down resistor for hardware compatibility. Setting the adapter in this configuration when it is not
accompanied by a pull-down resistor will prevent the ports from triggering an interrupt.
N S R
1
E3 2
Figure 5 - Header E3, Sharing IRQ’s with another adapter
Clock Modes
The DataShark employs a unique clocking option that allows the end user to select from divide by 4, divide
by 2 and divide by 1 clocking modes. These modes are selected at Headers E4 and E5. To select the Baud
rates commonly associated with RS-232 (i.e. 2400, 4800, 9600, 19.2, … 115.2K Bps ) place the jumper in
the divide by 4 mode. To double these rates up to a maximum rate for 230.4K bps place the jumper in the
divide by 2 position. To select the maximum data rate (460.8K bps) place the jumper in the divide by 1
position. In the example below, Port 1 (E4) is selected for the divide by 4 rate to support a common RS-232
application (i.e. serial mouse) and Port 2 (E5) is selected to support a high speed application in the divide
by 1 mode (i.e. ISDN or digital link).
Figure 6 - Headers E4 and E5, Clocking Modes
E4
E5
4
2
1
4
2
1

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 3188 Manual | SL9129 1/2023
Installation
Do not install the hardware until the software has been fully installed.
The DataShark can be installed in any PC expansion slots, but to access the ‘AT’ or (E)ISA IRQs (10, 11, 12,
15) it must be installed in one of the 16 bit slots. The DataShark contains several jumper straps for each
port which must be set for proper operation prior to installing the adapter into the computer.
1. Turn off PC power. Disconnect the power cord.
2. Remove the PC case cover.
3. Locate an available slot and remove the blank metal slot cover.
4. Gently insert the COMM+2 into the slot. Make sure that the adapter is seated properly.
5. Replace the screw.
6. Replace the cover.
7. Connect the power cord.
Installation is complete.
Operating System Installation
For Windows Users
Only users running Windows 7 or newer should utilize these instructions for accessing and
installing the appropriate driver via Sealevel’s website. If you are utilizing an operating system
prior to Windows 7, please contact Sealevel by calling 864.843.4343 or emailing
[email protected] to receive access to the proper driver download and installation
instructions.
1. Begin by locating, selecting, and installing the correct software: SeaCOM Asynchronous
Serial Software.
2. Select “Download Now” for SeaCOM for Windows.
3. The setup files will automatically detect the operating environment and install the proper
components. Follow the information presented on the screens that follow.
4. A screen may appear with text similar to: “The publisher cannot be determined due to the
problems below: Authenticode signature not found.” Please click the ‘Yes’ button and
proceed with the installation. This declaration simply means that the operating system is
not aware of the driver being loaded. It will not cause any harm to your system.

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 3188 Manual | SL9129 1/2023
5. During setup, the user may specify installation directories and other preferred
configurations. This program also adds entries to the system registry that are necessary
for specifying the operating parameters for each driver. An uninstall option is also included
to remove all registry/INI file entries from the system.
To avoid accidental damage, be sure to follow the proper ESD procedures by grounding yourself
and the board.
Other Operating Systems
Refer to the appropriate section of the Serial Utilities Software.