How to communicate with IBM-PC/Compatibles in Serial

Model: 5800/58000 series

The P/N for the 58000 User's Guide is M0014-790 (the 58000 User's Guide
may be used for both 5800 and 58000 series plotters).

The 5800/58000 plotter series supports only the CalComp 907/PCI vector
format.

HPGL and HP/GL2 ARE NOT SUPPORTED (and there are NO optional upgrade
packages for these formats). Neither PostScript nor the Print Bridge
external interface are supported.

CalComp Raster Format (CCRF) is supported IF you purchase the CCRF
upgrade option (the 5800 series requires both the CCRF option and an XP
controller, the P/N for the XP controller is 701460-8). The CCRF upgrade
is processed by logging in a call with CalComp's service at 1-800-CALCOMP
(800-225-2667).

The 5800/58000 series plotters DO NOT support the CalComp Device Control
Language (CDCL).

The 5800/58000 series plotters were designed to be connected into a
dedicated system. This means only one of it's two ports (one serial and
one parallel) is recognized by the plotter as being active at any given
time. To switch from one port to the other, you must use a terminal and
change the COM parameter called MODE (see Note #A-4).

SPECIAL NOTE: The 5800/58000 series electrostatic plotters were
manufactured to be custom configured to meet any host computer's
connectivity specifications. These plotters were not user-installable
devices. Unit installation by a trained field engineer was included in
the original purchase price. Because of this, although most units were
configured as DCE devices, some were configured to be DTE. All of the
information in the following notes are for the most commonly used device
configuration, which is DCE. CalComp does not keep records as to exactly
how each unit was configured for a customer site. That information should
be available from the original operator or system administrator. (The
baud rate on these plotters is fixed and was also set during the original
installation. Changing the baud rate requires an onsite service call with
CalComp UNLESS the optional 4-to-1 MUX was installed. The 4:1 MUX gives
your plotter 4 serial ports, one Terminal port, and NO parallel ports.)

A. IF THE PLOTTER IS TO BE CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER' S SERIAL PORT:

1. Verify the cable and serial communications with the following
guidelines:

a. The 25 pin computer serial port (RS-232) requires a
female-to-male straight (modem) cable with pin #'s
2 thru 8 and 20 being used (CalComp P/N 11772-0250). The
9-pin RS-232 computer serial port requires the standard
IBM 9-to-25 (female to male) cable. There are 3 ports on
the back of these plotters. Each is numbered and configured
as follows:

8501 - The serial port to be used for handling plot data
8502 - The parallel port for plot data
8503 - The serial port to be used for Terminal
Operations ONLY
.
i. If the unit was configured as a DTE, a NULL MODEM
cable is required (which is wired with pin 2
connected to pin 3, and pin 3 to pin 2). The
CalComp P/N for a NULL MODEM cable is 754050-3.
(See the SPECIAL NOTE above).

b. SERIAL CABLE MAX LENGTH = 50' (double shielded type
recommended, CalComp P/N 11772-0250). Specially designed
cables which exceed the 50' limit may be used but are
not available from CalComp. For information on custom
cables refer to the problem summary, WHAT KIND OF CABLE
DO I NEED FOR THE PLOTTER?

c. The computer and plotter must match in baud rate, data
bits, stop bit, & parity (data bits, stop bit, and
parity are known together as the character or data
framing), and handshake. The handshake is set with MODE,
under the COM configuration group (which also includes
the SYNC, EOB, CSUM, and FRAME) and is either a MODE = DIR
(which stands for Direct Control or hardware handshaking),
Xon/Xoff, or Ack/Nak. See example below:

9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, and
MODE = DIR

i. The port parameters are set using Terminal
Operations and the communication parameter group
command, COM.

When you enter COM at the terminal prompt, you will
be prompted for a number of configuration options
as follows; MODE, FRAME, EOB, CSUM, and SYNC. See
Note #4 for a more detailed explanation of the COM
parameters.

d. NOTE: The baud rate on 5800/58000 plotters cannot be
configured by the operator. Setting the baud rate
requires a re-programming of some of the internal
switches on the plotter controller. CalComp does not
provide hardware assistance for this over the phone. An
onsite service call is required to reset the baud rate
UNLESS you have a 4-to1 MUX (multiplexer) installed. If
you have a 4:1 MUX, the baud rate can be configured
using a terminal.

2. THE PLOTTER'S SERIAL PORT CONFIGURATION MUST MATCH THE
SOFTWARE APPLICATION'S PLOT FILE: For 907/PCI, this is the
sync code value, number of sync codes, end of record code
(also called the EOM or EOB), checksum (either on or off), and
stepsize (use either 400 or 2032, depending on the plot driver
requirements). If the plotter is configured to a different
stepsize than the driver, the plot will either be much too
large or much too small (depending on the type of mismatch).

a. Check the software application's documentation or help
files for a listing of the CalComp 907/PCI plot
file configuration parameters. ALL 907/PCI FILES HAVE
THEM. Here is a typical 907/PCI configuration:

Sync = 2, # of Syncs = 1, EOM = 3, Checksum = NO,
Stepsize = 2032

Here is the AutoCAD 12/13 default 907/PCI file
configuration:

Sync = 16, # of Syncs = 2, EOM = 0D, Checksum = YES,
Stepsize = 400

See Note #4 (below) for details on how to verify and
change the plotter's communication settings.

3. VERIFY THE PLOTTER OPERATION BY RUNNING THE CONFIDENCE PLOT:

The Confidence Plot tests the plotter's engine. Run this test
using the following procedure:

a. Be sure the plotter is turned on and is in (AUTO) mode.
When in AUTO mode the plotter is ready to receive plot
data and the AUTO light is ON.

b. Put the plotter into MANUAL mode by pressing the
MAN/AUTO key once. The MANUAL light should now be ON.

c. Next, press the key marked TEST, then press 0 and then
the ENT key.

The self-test should now begin to process. If you can't get
the CONFIDENCE PLOT to work, Call CalComp for further
assistance 1-800-CALCOMP (800-225-2667).

4. HOW TO VERIFY AND CHANGE THE PLOTTER'S PORT CONFIGURATION:

There is only one way to change the plotter's port. You must
use a DUMB TERMINAL (or a software communications program
running in terminal mode) which is setup to talk to the
plotter's TERMINAL port. The plotter's terminal port is the
serial port numbered 8503, located on the back of the
plotter). Details on using Terminal Operations are found in
the problem summary; HOW TO SETUP A TERMINAL FOR THE PLOTTER
(and in the User's Guide, Chapter 6).

a. The plotter's port settings are called COM parameters
(in Terminal Operations) and are summarized as follows:

COM
PARAMETER EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
--------------------------------------------------------
MODE sets the plotter for a
DIR,XONXOFF,
MODE specific data protocol DIR
(DIR,XONXOFF,and ACKNAK
are ACKNAK,serial protocols
CENT is for centronics
parallel)

SYNC sets Sync Code value $16,$16
(2 sync codes shown,with a
value of hexadecimal 16)

EOB sets the End-of-Byte code $0D
value

CSUM sets Checksum to either ON Y
or OFF (Y = ON)

FRAME sets plotter's character frame 7,E,1
(required for serial port only)

CLOCK should always be set to ASYNC ASYNC
for IBM PC's & compatibles

When using Terminal Operations to configure the
plotter's port, the Sync code and EOB values are to be
entered as hexadecimal numbers. The plotter's operating
system differentiates decimal numbers from hexadecimal
by marking them with a preceding character; the dollar
sign ($). For example; the Sync Code value of 16 would
be entered as $16. The Sync Code value of 2 would be
entered as $2. The 0D (for EOB) would be entered as $0D
(using a terminal, see chapter 6 of the 58000 User's
Guide).

b. To verify the plotter Stepsize, enter the command
STEPSIZE (at the terminal prompt). The plotter should
then ECHO back the current stepsize setting. To change
the Stepsize, enter as follows (at the terminal prompt);

STEPSIZE = 400 (or 2032, for example).

c. To find out what revision your plotter's controller is,
enter REV at the terminal prompt. The plotter should
then ECHO back (to the terminal) the firmware revision
for your plotter (example, 908K, rev 3.11).

5. RUN A TEST FILE FROM DOS TO CONFIRM THAT THE PLOTTER WORKS
WITH YOUR COMPUTER: This test presumes you have a good cable
and your computer is connected directly to the plotter - with
any switch boxes having been removed from the system (please
see Note #6, on switch boxes).

Test basic connectivity by sending a plot from DOS. A test
file for the CalComp 907/PCI plot format is available from
CalComp's Web site (http://www.calcomp.com), under the
filename TESTPCI.ZIP. Download TESTPCI.ZIP and unzip
the file with PKUNZIP version 2.04G or later. This version
of PKWARE is also available from CalComp s Web site (and
includes documentation on how to use PKUNZIP). This 907/PCI
test file (TESTPCI.PLT) has the following configuration:

Sync = 16, # of Syncs = 2, EOM = 0D, Checksum = YES,
Stepsize = 2032

Anytime you want to confirm that the plotter and computer
work, run the following test (NOTE: A DOS batch file named
TESTPLOT.BAT is included and will run the procedures below
automatically. To use the batch program, type TESTPLOT and
then press ENTER at the DOS prompt):

a. Configure DOS with the following MODE statement for the
serial port: (Note: DOS is not case sensitive,
otherwise, enter the MODE statement exactly as shown,
beginning with the word MODE. The letter 'n' in COMn is
for the port number, for example COM2)

MODE COMn:9600,N,8,1,P

(Note: Be sure the plotter baud rate and data framing
matches 9600, n, 8, 1 and the MODE is set to DIR
(hardware) handshake.)

b. Copy the 907/PCI test file using the following DOS
command line shown below (Note: DOS is not case
sensitive, otherwise, enter the COPY statement exactly
as shown, beginning with the word COPY. The letter 'n'
in COMn is for the port number, for example COM2)

COPY TESTPCI.PLT COMn

When the test file plots it provides proof that there is
good basic connectivity with your computer system and
CalComp plotter.

6. IF A SWITCH BOX IS BEING USED: (A/B manual or electronic)
Switch boxes often create connectivity problems which can only
be isolated and confirmed by removing the switch box and
running a test. Remove the switch box and run a test (see note
#5 ABOVE). When the test file plots it provides proof that
there is good basic connectivity with your computer system and
plotter.

CalComp provides assistance only on equipment which we
manufacture. If problems appear to occur only while a switch
box is connected, please contact the switch box manufacturer's
help line or consult their support documentation.

C. NO RESPONSE FROM THE PLOTTER - TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES:

This step (C) presumes that all of the previous steps (as outlined
in Notes A1-A6 for serial communications) have been worked through
(you have the correct type of cable, and the plotter's port
configuration matches EXACTLY what is setup in the test plot file
and your PC's port parameters) and the plotter still does not
respond (i.e., you could not successfully run the basic test given
in step A, note #5), however, you are able to run the plotter's
Confidence Plot. The following additional guidelines should help
you to isolate the current problem:

1. POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE CABLE: Do not assume the cable is good. The
correct cable may still be a defective cable. Cables are
exposed to handling and as such their wires and connectors are
susceptible to damage that often cannot be seen.. The only
sure way to know you have a good cable is to test it. One way
to do this is to check the wire connection from one end (pin
connecter) of the cable to the other. Each pin must be checked
this way using a common electrical OhmMeter (multimeter) or
electrical continuity checker. CalComp does not provide these
common tools (they are available from most hardware stores).

a. SERIAL CABLE TESTS: Test the serial cable for correct
*pin assignments, electrical continuity, and possible
shorts (A short occurs when cable wires which should be
isolated are connected to one another. For example;
pin's 1 on both ends of the cable are supposed to be
connected and test OK, however, pin 1 and pin 3 also
test as being connected - this is a short). *Call
CalComp for assistance IF you do not know what your
cable's wiring is supposed to be.

Another way to test is to try a second serial cable that
is currently working with a another printer or plotter.
Be sure the second serial cable meets the CalComp
plotter requirements. If your tests prove that you have
a good serial cable but the plotter still does not work
- GO TO STEPS D2 and D3 for further assistance.

2. COM PORT ASSIGNMENTS ON THE PC: If you are getting some DOS
error messages, these error messages often relate to problems
with the PC hardware or DOS I/O conflicts.

Most DOS I/O conflicts come from two sources; memory resident
programs (TSR's), and shared COM port addresses (called
interrupts).

a. If there are TSR's on your system, unload them from
memory (either all of them or one-by-one) and reboot the
system clean (a clean reboot implies that the system is
reset but the TSR s are not loaded). DO NOT TRY TO PLOT
AGAIN UNTIL YOU HAVE REBOOTED YOUR PC WITHOUT THE TSR'S
LOADING. Once the system is up again, try the test given
in Note A5. If the plotter works now, the earlier
problems would appear to have been caused by at least
one of the memory resident programs on your PC system.

b. COM port conflicts usually occur if there is one port
address being used by two I/O devices connected to your
PC. There is usually a DOS or Windows error message
displayed when these problems occur. They are especially
common now that most people have standardized on Windows
and are trying to get the most out of their 486/586
PC's. COM port conflicts can be difficult to resolve,
even for an experienced PC user. The reason these I/O
conflicts occur is simple; someone configured the PC for
I/O devices which share the same interrupts. CalComp
does not provide configuration assistance for PC
systems. CalComp does offer assistance in the setup and
correct use of all DOS and Windows drivers which we
provide.

I/O conflicts can take a lot of time to sort out,
therefore it is suggested here that, in the spirit of
possibly saving time and getting to the bottom of
whether or not your plotter is actually failing, test
the plotter with another PC as explained in the next
step (3).

3. THE PLOTTER OR COMPUTER MAY HAVE A DEFECTIVE INTERFACE: This
step presumes you have a good cable, the port configuration on
the plotter is confirmed to match EXACTLY with what is setup
for both the plot file parameters and the PC s port
communications, and the plotter is able to run its Confidence
Plot.

a. SERIAL INTERFACE: The PC may give a communications
error if it has an internal hardware problem. Whether or
not DOS system errors have been displayed, perform the
following test:

i. Try a different computer. Any PC (286 or better)
can be used (DOS 5.0 or greater preferred). The
same cable should be used if at all possible. If
that is not possible, be sure to use a good one
that EXACTLY meets the plotter's requirements If
the plotter works with a second computer you can be
reasonably certain the original communication
problems were probably caused by either an I/O
conflict or port defect on the first computer
tested.

If the plotter does not work with the second computer
(which was confirmed to be setup with all of the correct
configuration parameters and cabling), call CalComp for
further assistance 1-800-CALCOMP (800-225-2667).