Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Qmodem terminal

At 5:36 PM -0700 11/1/04, Brad Eyben wrote:

>Hello,
>I'm trying to communicate with an API315 indexer drive in order to
>set up the in/out pins which are configurable.
>I've never used a terminal program, The only computer I have with a
>serial port that will fit the connector is running DOS only and I'm
>lost.
>Would some kind person here help?
>I've been able to install the program Qmodem as recommended in the
>manual, I've plugged it into the drive and fired up the software. It
>says I'm online but I'm unable to type anything into the terminal
>window.
>I've also used the MODE command to configure COM1 as requested.
>How can I check to see if the PC is transmitting over the cable or
>if the drive is responding.
>At this point I have no idea where to start. Seems like something
>outa the 80's.
>Also, if I go to split window, it lets me type commands but nothing
>happens when I push enter.
>The program is made by Mustang Software but I can't find a site for
>them. All the links are dead.
>Thanks for any help.
>Brad

Generally with a serial port program, you need to set

Data bits/Parity/stop bits/speed

So somewhere it should tell you something like:

8-E-1 9600

That means you need to set your terminal program up to use

8 data bits
Even parity
1 stop bit
9600 bits per second

There is also something called Echo. You need to turn Echo on if the
device is not designed to echo what you send to it back. Generally
you start with echo on, and if you start getting double characters
back when you type, turn it back off.

Another thing you need to check is your cable. just because the pins
match does not mean that you have the correct cable. It has been too
long for me to remember, but one cable type is for DTE (Data Terminal
Equipment I think) and the other is for DCE (or something like that).

Sorry I do not remember more, but it has been a long time. Web
searches on some of the terms above might prove helpful. -Chuck-