Alternate Serial Port Check

Use this option to test the functions of an additional serial communications (RS-232C) port. To perform the test you must insert a special loop-back connector into the alternate serial port so that the computer can check individual pins of the port.

This test is identical to the check for the primary serial port. For more details, see the description of the Serial Port (RS-232C) Check.

Dot-matrix Printer Check

Use this option to check the following:

The operation of your printer in IBM-compatibility mode

The compatibility of your printer with the extended character set your computer uses

. The ability of your printer to produce bit-image graphics and print images of the graphics screen.

When you select option 14 from the DEVICE LIST, you see this prompt:

Is dot-matrix printer on-line (Y/N)?

Check that your printer is connected to the computer and that it is turned on, loaded with paper, and online. Press Y and then Enter to continue, or press N and Enter to return to the menu.

When you continue the test, the computer checks that the printer is responding correctly. This test detects whether the printer is offline or whether an interface error exists. If no errors occur, the computer sends a repeating sequence of ASCII characters and bit-image data to the printer until you press any key. The pattern looks like this:

Performing System Diagnostics C-25