U Sing H Yper T Erminal To T Est Ascii Rs-232 C Odes - Universal Remote Control MSC-400 Programming Manual

Using HyperTerminal to Test ASCII RS-232 Codes
Introducing HyperTerminal
Even the most advanced programmers can sometimes have trouble utilizing RS-232 commands. Poorly
documented instructions can make it very difficult to determine if you are properly coding your commands.
Minor transcription errors can be easily overlooked and even small flaw in the control cable can lead to hours
of frustration as you try to determine where the problem is. To make things easier, we've prepared this docu-
ment that explains how to set up and use HyperTerminal to test your codes and your components.
HyperTerminal is a free program included with Microsoft Windows (get a Vista compliant version here:
http://www.hilgraeve.com/htpe/download.html ) that makes it possible for your computer to send and receive
RS-232 codes. This program will allow you to verify that the RS-232 commands you've written for the MSC-
400 are correct. You can also use HyperTerminal to test the codes being sent out of the MSC-400 when all
other troubleshooting techniques have been exhausted. Keep in mind that this only works for ASCII codes –
we're researching to find a program that serves this same function for HEX based codes.
While this document will show you how to set-up and use HyperTerminal it is not written as a primer on
RS-232. For further details on what RS-232 is and how to use it in the MSC-400, please view our tutorial now
available on the installer only website.
How to set up HyperTerminal
1 To use HyperTerminal you first need to open the program. Do this by clicking on Start (bottom left
corner of your screen), select All Programs, select Accessories, then select Communications and
finally HyperTerminal. This will open the HyperTerminal program.
2 HyperTerminal opens and immediately a box pops up that asks for a connection description.
Type in Section Title HyperTerminal
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