Black Box SW925AE, SW928C, SW929C, SW927C, SW926C manual Troubleshooting

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MODULAR SMART SWITCH

10. Troubleshooting

The Modular Smart Switch is designed to a high standard and all units are fully tested before leaving the factory. There are no user-serviceable parts. If a fault persists, please contact technical support.

10.1 Self-Test at Power-On

The Modular Smart Switch automatically tests its basic operation when it powers on. The buffer indicators flash for a few seconds while the test is being conducted and go out when the test has passed. If the buffer indicators do not flash or do not go out, then there may be a problem—consult technical support.

10.2 Parallel Interfaces—No Data Transmitted through the Switch

If you have problems transmitting data through the switch using parallel interfaces, make sure that the direction (input or output) has been set correctly—see Section 4.2. If you have any problems in transmitting to parallel ports, do not use the automatic in/out detection setting, because this is not guaranteed to work with all printers.

The channel indicators show whether data is being routed correctly from one port to another.

10.3 Parallel Interfaces—Corrupted, Extra, or Lost Data

Problems with corrupted data when using parallel communication are rare. When problems do arise, they are mostly cabling problems. Avoid using ribbon cables. Use shielded cables and keep the length to 22.9 ft. (7 m)

or less where possible. Problem cables can cause occasional data corruption and spurious page feeds on laser printers.

MODULAR SMART SWITCH

10.4 Problems Interfacing Serial Devices

Most problems experienced with connecting serial devices are caused by incorrect cabling or incorrect handshake/protocol settings. Do not assume that, because a cable has the correct connectors and works between two other devices, it will work when connected to the Modular Smart Switch. Always use the cabling specified in this manual (see Appendixes A and B). Incorrect cabling may cause many different problems, such as:

No data transmission

Loss of data, corrupted prints and plots

Unreliable file transfer

10.5 Serial Interfaces—No Data Transmitted through the Switch

Check that you can send data between your devices using a direct connection. If you can’t, check your devices. If you can, connect the Modular Smart Switch and try sending a small amount of test data.

If the input channel indicator comes on, then no data is being sent into the switch—check the cable between your PC and the Modular Smart Switch, and check that you are sending the data from the correct port on your computer.

If the channel indicator flickers or comes on, then data is being transferred into the Modular Smart Switch.

If no data appears to be transmitted out from the Modular Smart Switch, then check the cable between the switch and your output device.

If the channel indicators go out after the timeout period (usually 16 seconds), then all the data has been sent out of the switch. If nothing appears to have been received on your output device, then check the protocol (a protocol problem often causes the data to be changed into a stream of null characters).

10.6 Serial Interfaces—Corrupted Data

The most common cause of corrupted data when using serial interfaces is a handshake problem. If you experience corrupted data when using serial ports, check that the protocols set on your equipment are the same as those set on the Modular Smart Switch. If you are using hardware handshake, check that the hardware flow-control lines are connected on your cable.

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Contents Modular Smart Switch Modular Smart Switch Modular Smart Switch Contents Chapter Modular Smart Switch Product Information SpecificationsFeatures IntroductionFitting Expansion-Buffer Memory Installing Memory and Port ModulesFitting Port Modules Fitting Port ModulesSetting the Global Timeout Period Configuring the Modular Smart SwitchOFF Timeout PeriodSoftware Handshake Setting Serial-Port Protocols and OptionsProtocols Hardware HandshakeSelecting Ports for Your Equipment Installing the Modular Smart SwitchPositioning the Modular Smart Switch Connecting Devices to the Modular Smart SwitchComputers Connected to Parallel Ports Switching OnMode LPT1=COM1 Enabling ComputersUsing the Modular Smart Switch Port Indicators 1 toBuffer Status Indicators Running the Control Software from the DOS Prompt Using the Control SoftwareInstalling the Resident Software Command-Line OptionsUsing the Control Software Running the Control Software from within Microsoft WindowsRight Shift Selecting a Destination Printer, Plotter, or Modem Main MenuFile Transfer Direct Output Functions Options Destination Direct Output of Typed Keyboard CharactersSetting the Options Using the Functions MenuHigh-Baud-Rate Limitations Serial Port Control UtilityAdmode COMn baud, parity, databits, stopbits ExampleEither Using the Control Software with Windows VersionTransferring Files Between IBM Compatible PCs Using the Modular Smart Switch to Transfer FilesHotkey Using the Control Software with File-Transfer SoftwareTransferring Data Between PCs Not Compatible with IBM General Hints and TipsPM Connect Software CommandsConnect Command IntroductionPM Clear Clear CommandEnd-of-File Command PM Connect 1 TimeoutoffSending Default Start-of-Day Destination Ports Troubleshooting RS-232 and RS-422 Pin Assignments Appendix a Serial PortsMerged Printouts Print Data Transmitted but File Transfer FailsCTS Connecting to Computers-RS-232 ConnectionsConnecting to Modems Connecting to PrintersConnecting to NEC Spinwriter Connecting to PlottersRS-422 Cables Connecting to DEC LN03 Laser PrinterParallel Pin Assignments Appendix B Parallel PortsCable for IBM PC, PC/XT, AT, or Compatible Cable to 36-Pin Amphenol Connector