How to communicate with IBM-PC/Compatibles in Serial
How to communicate with IBM-PC/Compatibles in Serial
Model: 54424/54436 (Solus 4 series)
Please Note: This plotter series supports CalComp 907/PCI vector format,
the CalComp Raster Format (CCRF), HPGL, and HP/GL2 (HP 7600 emulation).
HP/RTL is supported with firmware revision 3.11 or greater.
The Solus 4 also supports TIFF and CALSG4. For detailed information print
TIFF and CALSG4 files, refer to the Plotter Reference Manual (P/N M0016-
310). The Solus 4 User's Guide P/N is M0016-280.
PostScript (LEVEL 1 ONLY) is supported if the PostScript upgrade option
for the Solus 4 has been ordered and installed (CalComp order P/N 22962-
1008).
A. IF THE PLOTTER IS TO BE CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER' S SERIAL PORT:
This plotter comes with 3 ports (two serial and one parallel). The
two serial ports both require NULL MODEM type cables. CalComp has a
heavy duty Null-Modem type cable available. The order P/N for this
cable is 754050-3.
A straight (MODEM) cable, such as CalComp's P/N 11772-0250, may
also be used if a NULL-MODEM adapter is attached. A Null-Modem
adapter may be ordered from CalComp. The P/N for this adapter is
21617-0019.
1. Verify the cable and serial communications with the following
guidelines:
a. By factory default, the plotter serial port to use is
COM_2.
On the back of the plotter are 3 ports, the one marked
COM_1/OPCOM is an RS-232 25-pin serial port (female,
DB25). This port is configured by the factory for
OPCOM. It cannot be used for plot data unless the OPCOM
link is switched off. You can switch COM_1 from OPCOM to
a plot data port at the Control Panel (see the chapter 4
of the User's Guide, pages 4-43 through 4-47).
b. Most PC s are setup as DTE (Data Terminal Equipment)
devices with 25 pin RS-232 serial ports. The Solus 4
plotters are also DTE devices. The cable to use in when
the terminal or PC is DTE is a DB25 (25-pin) NULL-MODEM
type RS-232 serial cable (transmit and receive pin
wires 2 and 3 are to be crossed). CalComp manufactures
a heavy duty, 25 pin, female-to-male NULL-MODEM cable.
The order P/N for this cable is 754050-3. This cable can
be ordered by calling CalComp at 1-800-225-2667.
c. IF THE IBM-PC/COMPATIBLE HAS A 9-PIN MALE SERIAL PORT:
The standard IBM female-to-male, 9 to 25-pin cable
should be used WITH CalComp's Null Modem adapter
attached (P/N 21617-0019).
d. SERIAL CABLE MAX LENGTH = 50' (double shielded type
recommended). If you wish to lengthen your current
working cable, you will need to attach a straight-
through cable to your existing one (order CalComp
extension cable 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?
2. THE PLOTTER'S SERIAL PORT MUST MATCH THE COMMUNICATION
SETTINGS ON THE PC:
The Solus 4 automatically configures itself for CalComp
907/PCI, CalComp CCRF, HPGL, and HP/GL2 (emulating an HP 7600
only). This means that only the following serial port
parameters must be configured:
PORT
PARAMETER
REQUIRED EXAMPLE
===============================================
Baud Rate ------------------------- 9600
Character Framing ----------------- 7,E,1
Plot Data Protocol ---------------- CTS
Stepsize -------------------------- 400
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 called Plot Data Protocol (on the plotter s
serial port configuration list) and is either CTS (which means
Clear To Send and stands for hardware handshaking. Hardware
handshaking is also known as Direct Control), Xon/Xoff, or
Ack/Nak.
The above parameters must match what is setup on your PC
system. First, configure the PC, then go to the plotter's
Control Panel and setup the plotter to match. This is
accomplished under the Control Panel menu option called PORT
SETUP (detailed information is found in the User's Guide,
starting on page 3-51).
3. PLOT FILES ARE AUTOSENSED BY SOLUS 4 PLOTTERS:
CalComp 907/PCI, HPGL, HP/GL2, CCRF, and CALSG4 are all
automatically recognized by the plotter.
There are more than 100 different types of TIFF file. CalComp
supports one of the most common 'flavors'. Please refer to
your Plotter Reference Manual (chapter 6) for specific details
on TIFF file requirements.
CalComp 907/PCI plot files include a Stepsize (steps-per-inch)
upon which vectors are precisely calculated. The Stepsize is
NOT Autosensed by the plotter. The Stepsize must be configured
in the Control Panel, under Port Setup.
The Stepsize on the plotter must match what the CAD
application software's plotter driver is configured for. The
factory default Stepsize setting for 54424/54436 plotters is
400 dpi. Both plotters may also be set to 2032 (as well as a
number of others). The Stepsize DOES NOT impact the resolution
quality of the plot file - only the internal vector
calculations.
When there is a Stepsize mismatch, the plot will come out
either much too small or much too large.
4. VERIFY PLOTTER OPERATION BY RUNNING THE DEMO PLOT:
Run the plotter's Demonstration Plot (DEMO PLOT 1). Please see
the User's Guide, page 5-10. If the demo plot runs, it means
the plotter's basic operation is sound.
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
A CDCL (CalComp Device Control Language) file is included
which will help to configure your port. 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 one of the following MODE statements
for parallel or serial (Note: DOS is not case
sensitive, otherwise, enter the MODE statement exactly
as shown, beginning with the word MODE. The letter 'n'
stands 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 it is set for CTS (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'
stands 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.
B. NO RESPONSE FROM THE PLOTTER:
This step presumes that all of the previous steps (as outlined in
Notes A1-A6 for serial communications) have been worked through and
the plotter still does not respond. This means you could not
successfully run the basic test which was given above (see note
A5), yet you are able to run the plotter's Demonstration Plot. The
following additional problems could be the cause:
1. Defective plotter cable
2. Com port assignment conflict on the PC
3. Defective computer serial port (or interface card)
4. Defective CalComp plotter interface (one or all ports not
working)
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 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
Demonstration 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 C2 and C3 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 above. 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 matches EXACTLY what is setup for both the plot
file parameters and the PC s port communications, and the
plotter is able to run its Demonstration 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).