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Black Box PI750A Manual

Black Box PI750A Manual

Multiport spooler viii
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© Copyright 1998. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746

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  • Page 1 © Copyright 1998. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved. 1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746...
  • Page 2 Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX SUPPORT FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746 Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 INFORMATION Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com...

  • Page 3: Federal Communications Commission

    FCC AND IC STATEMENTS FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection...
  • Page 4 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD 1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado. 2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura.
  • Page 5 NOM STATEMENT 11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato. 12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
  • Page 6 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. Hercules is a registered trademark of Hercules Computer Technology. AT, IBM, and PS/2 are registered trademarks, and PC/XT is a trademark, of IBM Corporation.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents Chapter Page 1. Specifications ..................... 1 1.1 Requirements ..................1 1.2 Conformity ..................2 1.3 Input/Output Characteristics ............2 1.4 Hardware Characteristics ..............3 2. Introduction ....................5 3. Hardware Installation ................6 3.1 System Requirements ................6 3.2 The Complete Multiport Spooler VIII ..........
  • Page 8 8.3 Non-Error Display Codes ..............92 8.4 Error Messages .................. 93 8.5 Operation-Time MPSDOS Errors: The CHKERR Program ... 96 8.6 Calling Black Box ................97 8.7 Shipping and Packaging ..............97 Appendix A: Cable Pinouts ................98 A.1 Cable Information ................98 A.2 Various Connector Types ..............

  • Page 9: Specifications

    CHAPTER 1: Specifications 1. Specifications 1.1 Requirements System Hardware Required — Connected computers: IBM PC, PC/XT, AT, or PS/2 with VGA, EGA, CGA, or Hercules video adapters System Software Required — Connected computers: DOS version 2.0 or higher; If running MPSWIN software: Windows version 3.0, 3.1, or 3.11 System Memory Required —...

  • Page 10: Conformity

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 1.2 Conformity Compliance — FCC Part 15 Class A; IC Class/classe A 1.3 Input/Output Characteristics PI750-2, PI760-2 models: IBM PC (Centronics Interfaces — compatible) parallel only; PI754, PI764 models: EIA RS-232 serial only; All other models: IBM PC parallel and EIA RS-232 serial Protocol —...

  • Page 11: Hardware Characteristics

    CHAPTER 1: Specifications 1.4 Hardware Characteristics Internal Memory — All units: 8 KB battery-backed-up static RAM for configuration storage; PI75X models: 1 MB buffer RAM, of which 16 KB is reserved for use by the system; PI76X models: 4 MB buffer RAM, of which 16 KB is reserved for use by the system;...
  • Page 12 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Power — “A”-suffix units (PI750A, PI751A, etc.): From wallmount power supply: Input: 90 to 132 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz; Consumption: PI750A, PI754A, PI760A, PI764A models: 12.7 VA; PI751A, PI755A, PI761A, PI765A models: 17 VA;...

  • Page 13: Introduction

    CHAPTER 2: Introduction 2. Introduction This manual tells you how to use the 4-, 8-, and 12-port models of the Multiport Spooler VIII (MPS-VIII) peripheral sharer and its included MPSDOS and MPSWIN print-control software. The Multiport Spooler VIII is a sophisticated peripheral sharer based on multiple microprocessors.

  • Page 14: Hardware Installation

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 3. Hardware Installation This chapter tells you the initial steps to take to set up your Multiport Spooler VIII. These instructions complement the Easy Installation Guide included in your package. NOTE These instructions are intended for the system administrator responsible for installing the Multiport Spooler VIII.

  • Page 15: Copying The Software Diskettes

    CHAPTER 3: Hardware Installation 3.3 Copying the Software Diskettes Before proceeding with the software installation, we recommended that you make a backup copy of the included software diskettes. Install from the backup copies and store the originals. Under DOS, you can use the DISKCOPY or COPY commands to make the backup diskettes.

  • Page 16: Powering Up The System

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) If your peripherals require more output-port connections than you have output ports on your Multiport Spooler VIII, connect these peripherals to free input ports. You can later use the configuration program to change these ports to output ports.

  • Page 17: What To Do Next

    CHAPTER 3: Hardware Installation 3.6 What to Do Next You have now finished your Multiport Spooler VIII’s hardware setup. Before you go on to Section 3.7, read the passages under the following three headings. Your answers will determine whether or not you need to install any of the software used to control the MPS-VIII.
  • Page 18 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 3.6.2 D MPSDOS, MPSWIN, UCTP? With MPSDOS and MPSWIN software, you can select a printer (or other peripheral) without having to exit your application or memorize the Multiport Spooler VIII port to which each peripheral is connected. With MPSDOS, you may select any of up to 11 printers from within a DOS application;...

  • Page 19: Using The Mpssetup Program

    CHAPTER 3: Hardware Installation NOTES 1) To install the Windows UCTP menu, you need to install MPSWIN. 2) Unless you plan to work extensively in both the DOS and Windows environments, you don’t need to do both the DOS and Windows installations;...
  • Page 20 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) To execute MPSSETUP, take the following steps. 1. Insert the Multiport Spooler VIII software diskette (or its backup copy) in your PC’s diskette drive. 2. Activate that drive by typing its letter designation followed by a colon (for example, “A:”...

  • Page 21: Configuration

    CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4. Configuration 4.1 Do You Need to Configure the MPS-VIII? Whether or not you need to configure the Multiport Spooler VIII depends entirely on your specific needs. An MPS-VIII comes with a basic factory-set default configuration, under which every fourth port (ports 4, 8, and 12) is an output port.

  • Page 22: Starting The Configuration Program

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 4.2 Starting the Configuration Program NOTE You can also partially configure the Multiport Spooler VIII by using the control commands that can be sent through the User’s Command Transmission Program (UCTP) or from the DOS command line (see Appendix D).

  • Page 23: Defining The Command Port

    CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.3 Defining the Connected Port (First-Time Configuration Only) When you configure the Multiport Spooler VIII for the first time, you must tell MPSCONF which one of the PC’s ports you have connected to the Multiport Spooler VIII. This screen will appear: Use your keyboard’s arrow keys to select the port name.

  • Page 24: The Main Menu

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 4.4 The Main Menu The Multiport Spooler VIII’s main menu, shown below, lists the functions involved in configuration. Special Keys: Displays Help information Enter Activates the option highlighted in reverse-video. Up and down Move to the desired option.

  • Page 25: Loading A Configuration

    CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.5 Loading a Configuration To modify a configuration, whether it is the default configuration or a custom one, you must first load (retrieve) it. When you select Load configuration at the main menu, a screen appears and asks you to select the current configuration (the one that is active in the MPS-VIII) or a configuration stored in a file on disk.

  • Page 26: Multiport Spooler Viii Port Configuration

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 4.6 Multiport Spooler VIII Port Configuration When you select MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII port configuration from the main menu, the port-menu screen shown below appears. At this screen you can choose individual MPS-VIII ports to configure on separate screens. The port-menu screen provides some information about the ports, such as the port’s type and the direction of its communication.
  • Page 27 CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.6.1 C ONFIGURATION CREEN FOR ERIAL IDIRECTIONAL ORTS 4.6.2 C ONFIGURATION CREEN FOR ERIAL UTPUT ORTS...
  • Page 28 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 4.6.3 C ONFIGURATION CREEN FOR ARALLEL NPUT ORTS 4.6.4 C ONFIGURATION CREEN FOR ARALLEL UTPUT ORTS...

  • Page 29: Choosing And Changing Port Parameters

    CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.7 Choosing and Changing Port Parameters Using the port-configuration screens on the previous pages, you can configure any of the Multiport Spooler VIII’s ports, including the default output ports (numbers 4, 8, and 12), to meet your needs. After selecting a particular port, just select the parameter and change the value to the one you prefer.
  • Page 30 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 4.7.1 S UMMARY OF ONFIGURATION ARAMETERS Name Enter port name Type Set port direction Speed Set data rate Data Bit Set number of data bits Stop Bit Set number of stop bits Parity Set type of parity Handshake...
  • Page 31 CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.7.2 P ONFIGURATION ARAMETERS IN ETAIL Name Purpose Assigns a unique name to each port. Applies To All port types. Possible Values Each name can be up to 8 characters in length. The first character cannot be a number. You can use any ASCII keyboard character in the name except comma (“,”), asterisk (“*”), slash (“/”), question mark (“?”), carriage return (“Enter”), escape (“ESC”),...
  • Page 32 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Usage Notes Use this parameter to set ports to be input ports (MPS-VIII ports that receive information) or output ports (MPS-VIII ports that transmit information—for example, a printer job—to a peripheral or to another PC).
  • Page 33 CHAPTER 4: Configuration Speed Purpose Determines the data rate (also called “baud rate” or “transmission speed”) of the chosen port. Applies To Serial ports only. Possible Values 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, or 38400 bps. Use the up and down arrow keys to toggle from value to value.
  • Page 34 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Stop Bit Purpose Determines the number of stop bits on the chosen port. Applies To Serial ports only. Possible Values 1 or 2 (1 is the default). Usage Notes Set the number of stop bits of the Multiport Spooler VIII port to match the number of stop bits of the device to which it is connected.
  • Page 35 CHAPTER 4: Configuration Time-Out Purpose The timeout is the amount of non-transmitting time that may elapse during the transmission of a job before the Multiport Spooler VIII considers the job to be finished. The MPS-VIII will wait the length of the timeout for a transmission to resume without treating it as a new transmission.
  • Page 36 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Either of the following can happen when a timeout expires during such a delay: a) When transmission resumes, the Multiport Spooler VIII assumes it has a new job, rather than a resumption of the old job. Therefore, any form feed, header, or character string assigned to the input port is unnecessarily executed.
  • Page 37 CHAPTER 4: Configuration Output-Port Timeouts The timeout is not critical or necessary when a Multiport Spooler VIII output port transmits to peripherals such as a printer, plotter, or modem. To deactivate the timeout, set it to one second. The timeout on an output port is critical, however, when two or more MPS-VIIIs are daisychained or cascaded (connected to each other;...
  • Page 38 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Pause Purpose Sets a pause for all jobs transmitted to the Multiport Spooler VIII through the selected port. The MPS- VIII will receive user jobs intact, but will not send them to the selected port until the user releases the paused jobs.
  • Page 39 CHAPTER 4: Configuration Usage Notes The Multiport Spooler VIII normally allocates memory automatically, as required for each job. Manually allocating memory enables you to reserve memory exclusively for a given user. The amount you specify is always available to that user, regardless of the activities of other users.
  • Page 40 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Usage Notes This option is particularly helpful if you use the Print Screen function. Set the timeout to 1 second and activate the form feed. A form feed is then generated after each print screen. An end-of-job form feed is executed after the timeout expires.
  • Page 41 CHAPTER 4: Configuration NOTE Just as in DOS, the “?” wild-card character represents a single character, whereas the “*” character can represent a string of one or more characters. Usage Notes Suppose Mary’s PC is connected to port #2. You can specify port #12, which is connected to printer C, as the selected output for port #2.
  • Page 42 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Return Message Purpose Instructs the Multiport Spooler VIII to acknowledge the commands or configurations that it receives from the user. Applies To Parallel input ports and serial bidirectional ports used as input ports. Values “Active”...
  • Page 43 CHAPTER 4: Configuration Header Option Purpose Specifies header text, activates the header (with or without a form feed) and deactivates the header. Headers are ideal for identifying users’ print jobs, or sending printer- or modem-initialization strings. Applies To Parallel input ports and serial bidirectional ports. Possible Values Refer to the Usage Notes below.
  • Page 44 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Restriction Purpose Enables you to permit or deny access from an input port to an output port. You can use this option to determine who can use which peripherals. Applies To Parallel input ports and serial bidirectional ports used as input ports.
  • Page 45 CHAPTER 4: Configuration Usage Notes The upper row of port numbers lists all ports in the unit; the lower row of X’s and blanks indicates the user’s port. An X indicates the user can select the port. Use the arrow keys to move to the port that you want to change and press Enter to toggle its restriction status.

  • Page 46: Other Main Menu Selections

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 4.8 Other Main Menu Selections Once you have established port parameters, you are returned to the main menu. If you choose, you can use the menu’s other functions to change various settings. 4.8.1 R ESTRICT CCESS...
  • Page 47 CHAPTER 4: Configuration 4.8.2 M ODIFY ASSWORD Use this function to set or change the Multiport Spooler VIII’s configuration password. By default there is no password. Using a password helps to prevent unauthorized users from changing the MPS-VIII’s configuration. A password can contain up to 16 characters, including any ASCII character except “Enter,”...
  • Page 48 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 4.8.6 S ONFIGURATION Select Save new configuration to save a revised configuration either to the Multiport Spooler VIII’s static RAM or to a PC file: • To replace the current saved configuration with the revised configuration, select the Change the Multiport Spooler VIII configuration option at the window that appears.
  • Page 49 CHAPTER 4: Configuration Conflicting Memory Size There is a conflict between the memory listed in the configuration and the Multiport Spooler VIII’s actual memory capacity. This is normally caused by trying to save a configuration to the MPS-VIII after more memory has been physically installed in the unit.

  • Page 50: Dos Software Installation: Uctp And Mpsdos

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 5. DOS Software Installation: UCTP and MPSDOS 5.1 The UCTP Menu and MPSDOS This chapter explains how to install the Users’ Command Transmission Program (UCTP) and the MPSDOS print-utility software for users working in a DOS environment.

  • Page 51: The Installation Procedure

    CHAPTER 5: DOS Software Installation: UCTP and MPSDOS 5.2 The Installation Procedure To install the UCTP and/or MPSDOS, take the following steps (refer to Section 5.3 for full details): 1. Insert the Multiport Spooler VIII’s diskette labeled “Disk 1 of 2” in one of your PC’s diskette drives.
  • Page 52 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 6. Tell MPSSETUP which of the PC’s ports is connected to the MPS-VIII. If the connected PC port is a serial port, set the port’s parameters. 7. Tell MPSSETUP which MPS-VIII model is connected to the PC. 8.

  • Page 53: Installation Screens

    CHAPTER 5: DOS Software Installation: UCTP and MPSDOS 5.3 Installation Screens 5.3.1 I (UCTP MPSDOS) NITIAL CREEN Source Enter the letter designation of the drive containing the MPS-VIII diskette. Destination This is the drive and directory where the software will be installed. The default C:\MPSVIII is displayed.
  • Page 54 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Baud Rate The default data rate (“baud rate”) is 9600 bps. You can choose from 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, or 38400 bps. Parity The default parity is None. You could select Even or Odd instead. Data Bits The default number of data bits is 8.
  • Page 55 CHAPTER 5: DOS Software Installation: UCTP and MPSDOS Advanced: Instead of the “Use X Printer” command, the Advanced UCTP menu has the “Select an Output Port” command. You can use this command to choose any port on the unit by number; your jobs will go to that port (and the attached peripheral) until you change your output selection.
  • Page 56 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) NOTE When loaded as a TSR, the program uses about 26 KB of conventional memory for a CGA or Hercules card and about 34 KB for a VGA or EGA card. In most cases this should not be a problem; however, installing the program as nonresident will free up the maximum amount of memory for other programs.
  • Page 57 CHAPTER 5: DOS Software Installation: UCTP and MPSDOS Token If you have more than one Multiport Spooler VIII unit interconnected in a daisychain or cascade, the token specifies which unit you are sending commands to (as opposed to through). If you are using only one unit, set the token number to “0.”...
  • Page 58 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 5.3.7 P (MPSDOS O EDIRECTION CREEN Normally, a PC has a maximum of four physical output ports installed: any four of COM1 through COM4 and LPT1 through LPT3. The MPSDOS program creates a number of “phantom ports” (often called “logical ports” or “virtual ports”) numbered COM1 to COM9 and LPT1 to LPT3.
  • Page 59 CHAPTER 5: DOS Software Installation: UCTP and MPSDOS In the “Redirection” column on this screen, the default for the phantom ports COM5 to COM9 is “NONE” (no redirection). Because the PC can’t have physical output ports with those names, COM5 through COM9 have no assigned output port if you do not choose to use them.
  • Page 60 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Here’s another example. Suppose you have a Multiport Spooler VIII with three printers attached: a black-and-white laser printer on port 4, a dot-matrix printer on port 7, and a color laser printer on port 8. If you can assign three MPSDOS phantom ports to these MPS-VIII ports, you can send jobs to the attached printers from inside your word-processing application: •...
  • Page 61 CHAPTER 5: DOS Software Installation: UCTP and MPSDOS Before field In this field, enter any string that you want sent before the print job. After field In this field, enter any string that you want sent after the print job. 5.3.8.A Entering Strings Strings may be up to 128 characters long.
  • Page 62 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 5.3.8.C Sending Strings to Peripherals Suppose that your application does not allow you to directly set the printer to a specific mode. By using the String option, you can send a specific escape sequence to the printer to set it to the mode you need.
  • Page 63 CHAPTER 5: DOS Software Installation: UCTP and MPSDOS 5.3.10 M (MPSDOS O ESSAGE ETURN ERIFICATION CREEN At this point a screen appears asking you whether you want the messages returned from the Multiport Spooler VIII to be checked. If you opt for this, then any time any errors are detected or a message is not received, your PC will beep two or seven times.

  • Page 64: Changing Mpsdos Settings

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 5.3.13 C DOS A (MPSDOS O ONFIGURING ORTS IN PPLICATIONS To complete the MPSDOS installation, you need to select the proper output (printer) ports for your application software. To do so, take these steps: 1.
  • Page 65 CHAPTER 5: DOS Software Installation: UCTP and MPSDOS Print Configuration Print the MPSDOS configuration. The configuration-printing screens appear (see Section 5.3.11). Modify Timeout Modify the MPSDOS timeout. The Timeout screen appears (see Section 5.3.8). Save Save the revised configuration. Exit Quit the configuration program.

  • Page 66: Windows Software Installation: Uctp And Mpswin

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 6. Windows Software Installation: UCTP and MPSWIN 6.1 The UCTP Menu and MPSWIN This chapter explains how to install the Users’ Command Transmission Program (UCTP) and the MPSWIN print-utility software for users working in a Windows environment.

  • Page 67: The Installation Procedure

    CHAPTER 6: Windows Software Installation: UCTP and MPSWIN 6.2 The Installation Procedure There are two basic steps to the Windows installation procedure: running the installation program and configuring the printer ports in Windows. To install the UCTP and MPSWIN, take the following steps (refer to Section 6.3 for full details): 1.
  • Page 68 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 4. At the initial screen that appears, tell SETUPWIN which diskette drive contains the MPSWIN diskette, as well as which type of MPS-VIII model is connected to the PC. 5. Tell SETUPWIN which PC port is connected to the MPS-VIII. If the PC port is a serial port, set parameters for that PC port.

  • Page 69: Installation Screens

    CHAPTER 6: Windows Software Installation: UCTP and MPSWIN 6.3 Installation Screens 6.3.1 I NITIAL CREEN Source Enter the letter designation of the drive containing the MPSWIN diskette. ModelMPSWIN;PC Port Parameters Screen Choose the type of Multiport Spooler VIII that is connected to the PC. 6.3.2 PC P (UCTP MPSWIN)
  • Page 70 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Data Bits The default number of data bits is 8. You could choose 7 instead. Stop Bits The default number of stop bits is 1. You could choose 2 instead. Parity The default parity is None. You could select Even or Odd instead. Flow Control The default type of flow control is DTR/CTS (hardware).
  • Page 71 CHAPTER 6: Windows Software Installation: UCTP and MPSWIN To print something after you have redirected the ports, simply select a printer directly from within your Windows application. The MPSWIN driver ensures that the job is sent to the right printer. For example, suppose the physical PC port linked to the Multiport Spooler VIII is LPT1 and you have redirected the phantom COM2 port to port 4 on the MPS-VIII.
  • Page 72 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) You cannot redirect the port connected to the MPS-VIII. For example, if COM2 serves as that connection, it is not an eligible port for redirection. Here’s another example. Suppose you have a Multiport Spooler VIII with three printers attached: a black-and-white laser printer on port 4, a dot-matrix printer on port 7, and a color laser printer on port 8.
  • Page 73 CHAPTER 6: Windows Software Installation: UCTP and MPSWIN Tasks that you can do with a string include: • Redirecting print jobs to any Multiport Spooler VIII output port, • Performing a form feed, • Initializing a peripheral by sending an escape sequence, and •...
  • Page 74 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 6.3.4.C Sending Strings to Peripherals Suppose that your application does not allow you to directly set the printer to a specific mode. By using the String option, you can send a specific escape sequence to the printer to set it to the mode you need.
  • Page 75 CHAPTER 6: Windows Software Installation: UCTP and MPSWIN Advanced: Instead of the “Use X Printer” command, the Advanced UCTP menu has the “Select an Output Port” command. You can use this command to choose any port on the unit by number; your jobs will go to that port (and the attached peripheral) until you change your output selection.
  • Page 76 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 6.3.8 P RINT ANAGER CREEN At this screen, you can choose whether or not to use Print Manager (the Windows software spooler). When Print Manager is active, print jobs are saved to disk and then printed to the desired output port in the background while you are working on something else.

  • Page 77: Changing Mpswin Settings

    CHAPTER 6: Windows Software Installation: UCTP and MPSWIN 4. Choose the printer driver whose output port you want to set. 5. Click on Configure if you have Windows 3.0 or on Connect if you have Windows 3.1. 6. Select the new port from among the available ones listed. Do not select the computer port linked to the Multiport Spooler VIII, because no string has been defined for that port.
  • Page 78 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Command Validation Specify whether or not returned messages are verified. The Message-Return Verification screen appears (see Section 6.3.7). Print Configuration Print the MPSWIN configuration. The configuration-printing screens appear (see Section 6.3.9). Save the revised configuration. Save Exit Quit the configuration program.

  • Page 79: Operation

    CHAPTER 7: Operation 7. Operation This chapter describes how to use the Multiport Spooler VIII, whether by itself, with its included software, or in a daisychain or cascade. The software with which you can control the MPS-VIII includes the User’s Command Transmission Program (UCTP) and the print-utility software (MPSWIN or MPSDOS) with which you can select printers or other peripherals.
  • Page 80 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) A reserved port’s LED flashes until you cancel the reservation. If a job directed to a port is on pause, the port’s LED flashes very slowly (once every few seconds). Buffer Full If the Multiport Spooler VIII’s buffer becomes full, all the port LEDs flash until space becomes available.

  • Page 81: Using Mpsdos And Mpswin With The Mps-Viii

    CHAPTER 7: Operation 7.2 Using MPSDOS and MPSWIN with the MPS-VIII This section shows how to use the MPSDOS and MPSWIN application programs to print a document. It assumes that you have already installed MPSDOS or MPSWIN. For instructions on installing these programs, or on using them to configure ports, refer to the appropriate chapter (Chapter 5 for DOS, Chapter 6 for Windows).
  • Page 82 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) • Editor Editor enables you to edit the command file UCTP.PRO used by the UCTP program. It is explained in Appendix E.Editor icon • Help Help is a help file that might assist you in using MPSWIN applications. •...

  • Page 83: Using The Uctp With The Mps-Viii

    CHAPTER 7: Operation DOS Considerations If your application doesn’t support the port you want to print to (as will probably be the case with COM5 through COM9), print to a file using the port designation as the name of the file (for example, “COM5”). Windows Considerations DOS applications running under Windows will not use MPSWIN parameters for printing.
  • Page 84 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 7.3.1.C How the UCTP Looks Here is an example Advanced UCTP menu, called from (accesssed under) DOS: The UCTP differs in appearance depending on whether you call it from DOS or from Windows. However, both versions contain the same commands, and also a subwindow which you can use to change settings.
  • Page 85 CHAPTER 7: Operation 7.3.2 T UCTP C OMMANDS For some of these commands the Parameter window is displayed after you press Enter. In this window you enter the specifics of your request. For more information about some of these commands, refer to Chapter 4, which explains these commands in the context of default settings for each port.
  • Page 86 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Temporary Bi-directional Link* Use this command to establish a temporary bidirectional link between your serial bidirectional port and another serial port. Refer to the entry for the /Y command in Appendix D. The link is terminated when the timeout expires or when you use the Cancel Link command.
  • Page 87 CHAPTER 7: Operation Form Feed Use this command to control whether a form feed is sent after the timeout expires for each of your jobs. Note that some application software already includes this function, in which case you need not add another form feed with this command.
  • Page 88 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Send a Break* Use this command to cause an immediate timeout (that is, to skip the remainder of the timeout) by sending a Break to the Multiport Spooler VIII, so that you can immediately send another job. This command does essentially the same thing as the Cancel Links command.
  • Page 89 CHAPTER 7: Operation Token If you have two or more Multiport Spooler VIII units interconnected, you need to set the token to a non-zero value to access the second and subsequent MPS-VIII units your peripherals are connected to. For example, if three units are interconnected in a daisychain, set the token to 2 to access the third MPS-VIII: Subsequent commands will be passed through the first and second MPS-VIIIs and processed by the third, until you change the token again.
  • Page 90 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) To avoid overwriting the original version of the UCTP when you save the altered version, make a copy of the original version and give it a different filename. (UCTP files can have any filename, but must have the “.PRO” extension.) After you save the altered UCTP, you can rename the altered version and give the original version its old name back.

  • Page 91: Operating Daisychained Or Cascaded Mps-Viiis

    CHAPTER 7: Operation 7.4 Operating Daisychained or Cascaded MPS-VIIIs If you have installed more than one Multiport Spooler VIII and connected them together in a daisychain or cascade, there are several special concerns you must keep in mind. Firstly, you must make sure that the timeouts are set appropriately for your output ports.
  • Page 92 If you have a very large number of total stations (users and peripherals), we recommend that you call Black Box to discuss whether a true network would be more practical for you.

  • Page 93: Troubleshooting

    Multiport Spooler VIII or its software, along with possible causes and solutions. It also describes various display codes and error messages you might see. Lastly, it explains how to contact Black Box and how to package and ship your unit if you can’t solve the problem yourself.
  • Page 94 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) The LED of a bidirectional serial port used as an output port starts flashing for no apparent reason. Cause: Some serial printers use X-ON/X-OFF software flow control to control the flow of data into their small on-board buffer. If the Multiport Spooler VIII has DTR/CTS hardware flow control enabled, it will think that the X-ON/X-OFF characters sent back to it by the printer are data characters.
  • Page 95 CHAPTER 8: Troubleshooting The problem with this configuration is that the word- processing software uses the 8th bit for special characters such as accents and line-drawing characters. Also, AutoCAD requires 8-bit characters when it sends plot bitmaps to the printer. The original configuration that set the serial ports on the PC and the Multiport Spooler VIII to 7 bits and even parity must be changed.
  • Page 96 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Solution 2: From within AutoCAD, set your PC’s serial port to 8 bits, no parity. Use the AutoCAD SHELL command to access the DOS command line, and use MODE COM1:96,N,8,1 to set your PC’s serial port to 8 bits and no parity.
  • Page 97 When the unit is turned on the second time, a coded password is printed on the first available printer port. Call Black Box to obtain the password corresponding to the coded printout. The UCTP does not load on startup, even though I specified that it should when I installed it.

  • Page 98: Errors Indicated By The Mps-Viii's Leds

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) I cannot communicate with the Multiport Spooler VIII. Solution: Reset the default communication parameters on Port 1 of the MPS-VIII by doing the following: Turn the MPS-VIII on, and when the LED sequence starts (the LEDs light sequentially) turn it off and back on again.
  • Page 99 RAM Error: No RAM is found, or a RAM error is detected. Cause 3: Internal Error: An internal component has gone bad. Solution: Turn the Multiport Spooler VIII off and back on. If the same error occurs, the unit might require service. Call Black Box for technical support.

  • Page 100: Non-Error Display Codes

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 8.3 Non-Error Display Codes When the Multiport Spooler VIII is being used, the LEDs on its front panel flash. This section explains what the flashing lights indicate. If they flash in a way different from those described here, the Multiport Spooler VIII may be signaling an error.

  • Page 101: Error Messages

    CHAPTER 8: Troubleshooting 8.4 Error Messages You might see any of the following messages during installation, configuration, or operation of MPSWIN or MPSDOS. 8.4.1 I MPSWIN E NSTALLATION RROR ESSAGES Error deleting MPSWIN group This problem occurs when re-initialization is requested but MPSWIN is already installed.
  • Page 102 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Unable to copy MPSWIN.DRV Unable to copy MPSWIN.INI Unable to copy MPSWIN.HLP Unable to copy SETUPWIN.EXE Unable to copy EDITOR.EXE Unable to copy EDITOR.ICO Unable to copy README.WIN Unable to copy SYSTEM.INI Unable to copy WIN.INI Unable to copy WINUCTP.EXE Unable to copy WINUCTP.PRO...
  • Page 103 CHAPTER 8: Troubleshooting 8.4.2 I MPSDOS E NSTALLATION RROR ESSAGES Unable to copy file xxxx.xxx Either the file in question (xxxx.xxx) is not on the floppy disk, the hard disk is full, or the source disk and directory are not valid. Unable to open the configuration file.

  • Page 104: Operation-Time Mpsdos Errors: The Chkerr Program

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 8.5 Operation-Time MPSDOS Errors: The CHKERR Program The CHKERR program enables you to determine the nature of a particular problem. When an error is detected, two or seven consecutive beeps will sound; when this occurs, execute the program from the DOS prompt. Two beeps indicates that the port is busy or not ready.

  • Page 105: Calling Black Box

    If you need to transport or ship your Multiport Spooler VIII: • Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container. • Before you ship a unit for repair or return, contact Black Box to get a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number, and make sure you include everything you received with the unit (especially its power supply) when you ship it.

  • Page 106: Appendix A: Cable Pinouts

    In this section and in Section A.4, product codes are shown after the cable descriptions in the headers for cables we have in stock. Where the word “Quote” appears instead, call Black Box for a special quote. These are the connector types:...
  • Page 107 APPENDIX A: Cable Pinouts DB9 male RJ-11 or RJ-45 male RJ-11 or RJ-45 female 4-, 6-, and 8-pin 4-, 6-, and 8-pin A.2.1 DTR/CTS H (EVNBXL) ANDSHAKE Computer (DTE) Female DB25 MPS-VIII (DTE) Printer (DTE) Male DB25 Female DB25 N.C. This serial cable arrangement supports all modem features.
  • Page 108 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) A.2.2 DTR/CTS H AT (9-P ) (Q ANDSHAKE IRE FOR UOTE Computer (DTE) MPS-VIII (DTE) Female DB9 Female DB25 A.2.3 DTR/CTS H (EVNBPC) ANDSHAKE Computer (DTE) Female DB25 MPS-VIII (DTE) Printer (DTE) Male DB25 Female DB25 N.C.
  • Page 109 APPENDIX A: Cable Pinouts A.2.4 DTR/CTS H AT (9-P ) (Q ANDSHAKE IRE FOR UOTE Computer (DTE) MPS-VIII (DTE) Female DB9 Female DB25 N.C. The line from the PC to the MPS-VIII is used for hardware flow control. It may be omitted if the data flows in one direction only, as when printing from the PC through the MPS-VIII.
  • Page 110 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) A.2.6 X-ON/X-OFF H DB25 (EYN251) ANDSHAKE Computer (DTE) Female DB25 MPS-VIII (DTE) Printer (DTE) Male DB25 Female DB25 A.2.7 X-ON/X-OFF H AT (9-P ) (Q ANDSHAKE IRE FOR UOTE Computer (DTE) MPS-VIII (DTE) Female DB9 Female DB25 A.2.8 M...

  • Page 111: Telephone Cables And Modular Adapters

    The modular adapters shown in this section are not preassembled stock items. You can use the illustrations as blueprints to build your own adapters from the recommended adapter kits, or you can call Black Box for a quote on preassembled adapters.
  • Page 112 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) A.3.1 U RJ-11 C (EL04M) SING ONDUCTOR ELEPHONE ABLES WITH ONNECTORS (X-ON/X-OFF F ONTROL The wiring schemes on this page and the next support only software (X-ON/ X-OFF) flow control. IBM PC or PC/XT to MPS-VIII (DB25M to DB25M) Use two FA752 modular adapter kits.
  • Page 113 APPENDIX A: Cable Pinouts IBM AT to MPS-VIII (DB9M to DB25M) Use an FA756 modular adapter kit on the computer end and an FA752 kit on the MPS-VIII end.
  • Page 114 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) A.3.2 U RJ-11 C (EL06M) SING ONDUCTOR ELEPHONE ABLE WITH ONNECTORS The wiring schemes on this page and the next support both hardware (DTR/CTS) and software (X-ON/X-OFF) flow control in both directions. IBM PC or PC/XT to MPS-VIII (DB25M to DB25M) Use two FA752 modular adapter kits.
  • Page 115 APPENDIX A: Cable Pinouts IBM AT to MPS-VIII (DB9M to DB25M) Use an FA756 modular adapter kit on the computer end and an FA752 kit on the MPS-VIII end.
  • Page 116 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) A.3.3 U RJ-45 C (EL08M) SING ONDUCTOR ELEPHONE ABLES WITH ONNECTORS The wiring schemes on this page and the next support both hardware (DTR/CTS) and software (X-ON/X-OFF) flow control in both directions. IBM PC or PC/XT to MPS-VIII (DB25M to DB25M) Use two FA771 modular adapter kits.
  • Page 117 APPENDIX A: Cable Pinouts IBM AT to MPS-VIII (DB9M to DB25M) Use an FA756 modular adapter kit on the computer end and an FA771 kit on the MPS-VIII end.
  • Page 118 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) A.3.4 U RJ-11 C (EL04M) SING ONDUCTOR ELEPHONE ABLES WITH ONNECTORS (DTR/CTS X-ON/X-OFF F ONTROL The wiring schemes on this page and the next support both hardware (DTR/CTS) and software (X-ON/X-OFF) flow control in both directions. They are not compatible with the wiring schemes shown in Sections A.3.1 through A.3.3.
  • Page 119 APPENDIX A: Cable Pinouts IBM AT to MPS-VIII (DB9M to DB25M)

  • Page 120: Parallel Cables

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) A.4 Parallel Cables 25-Wire DB25 to 25-Wire DB25 (ECN25C) MPS-VIII Computer Male DB25 Male DB25 Signal description number number Data 0 Data 1 Data 2 Data 3 Data 4 Data 5 Data 6 Data 7 BUSY (PE) TTL LOW...
  • Page 121 APPENDIX A: Cable Pinouts 25-Wire DB25 to 36-Pin Centronics ® (EYN600) MPS-VIII Printer Male DB25 Male 36-Pin Centronics Signal description number number Data 0 Data 1 Data 2 Data 3 Data 4 Data 5 Data 6 Data 7 BUSY (PE) N.C. (SELECT) N.C.

  • Page 122: Appendix B: Quick Reference: Direct Commands And Display Codes

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Appendix B: Quick Reference (Direct Commands and Display Codes) Once you’re familiar with the features of the Multiport Spooler VIII, you can use these charts as a quick reference. They’re meant only as brief summaries; for more detailed information, see the main part of the manual.
  • Page 123 APPENDIX B: Quick Reference (Direct Commands and Display Codes)
  • Page 124 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models)
  • Page 125 APPENDIX B: Quick Reference (Direct Commands and Display Codes) Event Display Codes Notes Turning on MPS-VIII All LEDs turn on together, then off, then sequentially turn on and off Configuration parameters of Port #1’s LED flashes red port 1 reset to default values Reception of task Input port’s LED flashes (about three times a second)

  • Page 126: Appendix C: Software Files And Utilities

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Appendix C: Software Files and Utilities C.1 Files on the Included Diskettes The following software utilities for communication with the Multiport Spooler VIII are provided on the included support-software diskettes: CHKERR.EXE Enables you to see the nature of a problem encountered in MPSDOS. An error is encountered when you hear two or seven beeps from your PC.
  • Page 127 APPENDIX C: Software Files and Utilities MPSCONF.EXE The MPSCONF program allows you to configure (see Chapter 4) the Multiport Spooler VIII according to your requirements. MPSCONF.HLP A help file designed to assist you with the MPSCONF program. MPSDOS.COM The MPSDOS printing-interface program for use under DOS. MPSSETUP.BAT Installs the software package on your hard disk under DOS.
  • Page 128 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) To transmit a file, use the /F switch, as shown in Example 2 below. “Return_message” is optional. It confirms for the user that the Multiport Spooler VIII returned an expected message. If the expected message does not correspond to the one returned by MPS-VIII, a DOS ERRORLEVEL 1 is flagged.
  • Page 129 APPENDIX C: Software Files and Utilities SETUPWIN.EXE Configuration program for changing MPSWIN operation parameters. You can access this program by selecting the Config icon in the MPSWIN Applications window. Refer to Chapter 6 for information about this program. SMODE.COM Allows you to set the serial communication parameters of your PC’s serial port (see Appendix D for more information on this program).
  • Page 130 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) UPDATE.COM Allows you to update a Multiport Spooler VIII configuration after changing the memory capacity of the MPS-VIII unit. First save the configuration to be updated to a file on disk. Then make the necessary physical changes to the unit.

  • Page 131: Files Created During Installation

    APPENDIX C: Software Files and Utilities C.2 Files Created During Installation During installation, the files described in this section (which contain information pertinent to the UCTP, MPSDOS, MPSWIN, and/or MPSCONF) are generated. NOTE If you want to run the UCTP program with operating parameters that are different from those specified during installation, you can reinstall the UCTP with the MPSSETUP program (see Section 5.2), or you can use the procedure described in this section to change the UCTP parameters.
  • Page 132 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) PORT Name of the computer port that the Multiport Spooler VIII is connected to (COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, LPT1, LPT2, or LPT3). If the port connected to the MPS-VIII is a serial port, these additional parameters are listed: BAUDRATE Serial-port data rate (300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19,200 or 38,400 bps).
  • Page 133 APPENDIX C: Software Files and Utilities SHARER,PORT1 to SHARER,PORT12 are used to send the redirecting command matching the Multiport Spooler VIII port number through the computer port linked to it. SHARER,STRING is used to send the user-defined string to the Multiport Spooler VIII through the computer port linked to it.
  • Page 134 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) C.2.1.B The [UCTP] Section of MPSWIN.INI The following parameters are listed: BREAK Sends a Break signal before each command to be sent to the UCTP. Options available are ON (enabled) and OFF (disabled). TOKEN The current value of the UCTP’s token (a single digit from 0 to 9).
  • Page 135 APPENDIX C: Software Files and Utilities C.2.3 UCTPNRES.BAT UCTPRES.BAT These files contain information about the nonresident and resident UCTP respectively. You can change these files with the commands and parameters listed in this section. Filename At the DOS prompt, type one of the following: UCTPCGA, UCTPEGA, UCTPVGA or UCTPHER (the last three letters depend on your graphics card).
  • Page 136 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Token If two or more Multiport Spooler VIII units are connected together, you have to be sure you are addressing the unit that governs your peripheral. In this case, specify the token parameter T followed by a digit from 0 to 9 (0 being the first unit in the chain, 9 the tenth).
  • Page 137 APPENDIX C: Software Files and Utilities Command-File Selection You can edit (see Appendix E) the default UCTP command file or write your own UCTP command file. Specify the command file by entering its name in brackets. In this example, the UCTP runs using a file called MYUCTP. •...

  • Page 138: Appendix D: Sending Direct Commands To The Mps-Viii

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Appendix D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII This chapter explains how to send direct control commands to the Multiport Spooler VIII without using the UCTP menu. You can use direct control commands to do such things as specify the number of copies sent to a printer, reserve a peripheral for your use, or activate a header for print jobs.

  • Page 139: Transmission Methods

    APPENDIX D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII D.1 Transmission Methods D.1.1 T DOS P RANSMISSION FROM THE ROMPT To send control commands directly from the DOS prompt to the Multiport Spooler VIII, use the DOS “Enable Console Printing” control-key combination Ctrl-PrintScreen.
  • Page 140 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) D.1.1.B Redirecting LPT1 to COM1 To send a command through a serial port, you need to set the serial port’s communications parameters to match the parameters of the corresponding Multiport Spooler VIII input port. Then you must redirect parallel port LPT1 to serial port COM1.

  • Page 141: Command Formats

    APPENDIX D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII D.2 Command Format You can send commands to the Multiport Spooler VIII individually or in a group. The “Command-Start Character” (“@”) must appear twice at the start of each command and once at the end (as the “End-of-Command Character”).
  • Page 142 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Example 2 @@/F1@ Description: Command-Start Characters Command (Automatic form feed) Parameter (Turn ON Automatic form feed) End-of-Command Character Example 3 @@/SThis Print Job is for Jack Smith@ Description: Command-Start Characters Command (Header definition) This Print Job Parameter (Header “This Print Job is for Jack Smith”) is for Jack...
  • Page 143 APPENDIX D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII D.2.2 G ROUPED OMMAND ORMAT You may send two or more commands in the same command string by typing them one after the other. These strings of grouped commands (also called “compound commands,” “command groups,” or “command clusters”) can contain up to 256 characters.
  • Page 144 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) D.2.3 C OMMAND ORMAT FOR AISYCHAINING OR ASCADING Multiple Multiport Spooler VIII units may be daisychained or cascaded (connected together—see Section 7.4). So long as there are not more than nine MPS-VIII units between the source PC and the destination MPS-VIII, you can send a command to any MPS-VIII in the chain or cadcade by using the token in the command line.

  • Page 145: Command Descriptions

    APPENDIX D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII D.3 Command Descriptions This section takes a detailed look at each command. For the Multiport Spooler VIII to detect and interpret a command, the beginning of the command (the command-start character followed by “/”) must be within the first 256 characters of a new task.
  • Page 146 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) D.3.2 C OMMAND UMMARY The table below lists the available MPS-VIII direct commands; these are explained in detail on the following pages. For possible settings and examples, see the direct-command quick-reference table in Appendix B. Command Description activate/deactivate pause...
  • Page 147 APPENDIX D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII D.3.3 T OMMANDS IN ETAIL activate/deactivate pause Use this command to suspend transmission to an output port until the job is released. This is useful when you need to replace or load paper for a peripheral in between two jobs.
  • Page 148 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) NOTES The ports may be selected with wild-card characters. This command stays active until the /P command is sent. Once you send the /B command, no matter how many copies you request with the /C command (see below), the number of copies is limited to ten (only ten copies will be printed).
  • Page 149 APPENDIX D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII return to Default port configuration Use this command to reset to their defaults several port-configuration parameters of the Multiport Spooler VIII input port connected to your PC. This command resets these parameters: •...
  • Page 150 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) activate/deactivate Headers Use this command to activate or deactivate a header for the connected Multiport Spooler VIII input port. The header is printed at the beginning of each job until you deactivate it. /H may be used with a parallel input port or a bidirectional serial port.
  • Page 151 APPENDIX D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII Log (reserve a peripheral) Use this command to reserve a peripheral (output port), so that only you (your input port) will have access to it. The peripheral will be reserved until you cancel the reservation by sending a Break signal. You can have only one peripheral reserved at a time.
  • Page 152 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) select a Port Use this command to direct all subsequent transmissions (jobs) from your input port to a selected output port. For example, if you have been transmitting to Port 4 and then use this command to select Port 3, all subsequent transmissions are sent to Port 3.
  • Page 153 APPENDIX D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII define a header String Use this command to define a header up to 60 characters long to be printed before each job from your port. This is especially useful when many users are sending jobs to the same printer.
  • Page 154 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) set Timeout delay Use this command to define the length (1 to 999 seconds) of the timeout. A timeout is used to indicate when the end of a task has been reached. End-of-task identification is important for two reasons: •...
  • Page 155 APPENDIX D: Sending Direct Commands to the MPS-VIII /Y and /Z set exclusive bidirectional link Use these commands to obtain exclusive bidirectional use of a peripheral. This is useful when the peripheral returns data to the PC, as do modems and plotters.
  • Page 156 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) 2. When the serial port’s communication protocol is software (X-ON/ X-OFF): You should set the source port to bidirectional and the destination port to serial output. This makes for optimum use of the Multiport Spooler VIII’s memory buffer, because the MPS-VIII will be able to properly interpret any X-ON and X-OFF characters that may be generated during the job.

  • Page 157: Appendix E: Editing The Uctp

    APPENDIX E: Editing the UCTP Appendix E: Editing the UCTP You can use the included String Editor program to customize the UCTP by removing command files, modifying them, or creating new ones. You can edit any UCTP file, whether it is for a Default or Advanced menu. In the DOS environment, access the Editor by typing EDITOR at the DOS prompt and pressing Enter.
  • Page 158 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Command refers to the characters that will actually be sent by the UCTP over the communication port. A command is described by the line of text preceding it. A command may be up to 200 characters long. Appendixes B and D contain descriptions of the available commands.
  • Page 159 APPENDIX E: Editing the UCTP The Editor’s Command Characters You can control the editor with several special command characters. These characters are shown in the two lines at the bottom of the screen. The functions of some of the characters are: Enter Insert a line Ctrl-Y...

  • Page 160: Appendix F: Sharing A Fax Modem

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Appendix F: Sharing a Fax Modem You can use the Multiport Spooler VIII to share a fax modem as well as a printer. Because it’s one of the most popular packages, we use Delrina WinFax ®...

  • Page 161: Installing Mpswin

    APPENDIX F: Sharing a Fax Modem F.3 Installing MPSWIN 1. Insert the MPS-VIII software into the appropriate drive on the PC. 2. Activate that drive, type INSTWIN, and press Enter. 3. Select the disk drive where MPSWIN has been loaded. 4.

  • Page 162: Subsequent Installations

    MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) F.4 Subsequent Installations Repeat the MPSWIN installation for each PC that will be used with the fax modem. For all subsequent WinFax PRO installations, use the same fax- modem type and description detected as the first PC, and answer “No” to the question “Test the COM ports for presence of a FAX device?”...

  • Page 163: Appendix G: Installing And Operating Win95 Software

    APPENDIX G: Installing and Operating Windows 95 Software APPENDIX G: Installing and Operating Windows 95 Software Appendix G: Installing and Operating Windows 95 Software G.1 Installation To install the Spooler’s Windows 95 utility software, you can follow the general procedure outlined in Chapter 6 of your manual for the Windows 3.1x software.
  • Page 164 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) G.1.2 I NSTALLATION ROCEDURE Follow these steps, instead of those in Section 6.2 of your manual, to install the Windows 95 software: 1. With the Spooler’s Windows 95 diskette in one of your PC’s diskette drives, select Run from Windows 95’s Start-button menu.
  • Page 165 APPENDIX G: Installing and Operating Windows 95 Software 6. Choose the desired UCTP menu level. 7. Choose whether returned messages are verified. 8. Print the configuration. 9. Confirm installation. Windows 95 will be restarted; a program group called “MPSWIN95 Applications” will appear. If you have chosen for UCTP to load automatically in Step 5, it will load and run now;...
  • Page 166 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) G.2 Operation G.2.1 T MPSWIN95 P ROGRAM ROUP After you have installed MPSWIN95, you can work with your Windows 95 applications as usual. However, MPSWIN95 handles external I/O (printing, file transfer, etc.) for Windows 95. It does so in the background, so you can continue working undisturbed.
  • Page 167 APPENDIX G: Installing and Operating Windows 95 Software Assign port... Redirect any of the nine phantom ports. The Port Redirection screen appears (see Section 6.3.3). Here you can select Define String to define a “before” and “after” string for any port;...
  • Page 168 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) G.2.4 H MPSWIN95 NDERSTANDING MPSWIN95’s Help is a standard Windows Help file; select the green underlined topics or cross-references and read the displayed information, just as you would with the Help file of any other Windows 95 application. G.2.5 UCTP: S ENDING OMMANDS...
  • Page 169 APPENDIX G: Installing and Operating Windows 95 Software Reserve a Peripheral* Same as the DOS and Windows 3.x commands (see Section 7.3.2). Cancel Peripheral Reservation* Use this command to cancel peripheral reservations by sending a Break to the MPS-VIII. This command does essentially the same thing as the Send a Break command.
  • Page 170 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Cancel Bi-directional Link* (4-, 8-, and 12-port version only) Use this command to cancel bidirectional links by sending a Break to the MPS-VIII. This command does essentially the same thing as the Send a Break command.
  • Page 171 APPENDIX G: Installing and Operating Windows 95 Software Define a Header (Default versions) or Header Definition (Advanced versions) Use this command to define the header for your input port. A window appears in which you can enter a header of up to 60 characters (Default versions) or 80 characters (Advanced versions).
  • Page 172 MULTIPORT SPOOLER VIII (4-, 8-, and 12-Port Models) Release Pause* Same as the DOS and Windows 3.x command (see Section 7.3.2). Release First Task* Same as the DOS and Windows 3.x command (see Section 7.3.2). Redirection of Output Port* (24-port version only) Use this command to select a different output port to receive your jobs.
  • Page 173 NOTES...

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