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ICDM-RX/TCP Installation and Configuration Guide
Testing Ports Using Test Terminal
11.4. Testing Ports Using Test Terminal
You can use the following procedure to test COM ports. If you need to install the ICDM-RX/TCP device driver,
locate the latest driver from: https://www.pepperl-fuchs.com.
The following procedures require a loopback plug to be placed on the port or ports that you want to test. A
loopback plug was shipped with your product. If you need to build a replacement or additional loopback plugs,
refer to Connecting Serial Devices on Page 76.
11.4.1.Overview
Test Terminal (WCom2) allows you to open a port, send characters and commands to the port, and toggle the
control signals. This application can be used to troubleshoot communications on a port-by-port basis.
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Send and Receive Test Data: This sends data out the transmit line to the loopback plug, which has the
transmit and receive pins connected thus sending the data back through the Rx line to Test Terminal, which
then displays the received data in the terminal window for that port. This test is only testing the Tx and Rx
signal lines and nothing else. This test works in either RS-232 or RS-422 modes as both modes have
transmit and receive capability. A failure in this test will essentially prevent the port from working in any
manner.
•
Loopback Test: This tests all of the modem control signals such as RTS, DTR, CTS, DSR, CD, and RI
along with the Tx and Rx signals. When a signal is made HI in one line the corresponding signal line
indicates this. The Loopback Test changes the state of the lines and looks for the corresponding state
change. If it successfully recognizes all of these changes, the port passes.
A failure on this test is not necessarily critical as it will depend on what is connected and how many signal
lines are in use. For example, if you are using RS-232 in 3-wire mode (Transmit, Receive and Ground) a
failure will cause no discernible issue since the other signals are not being used. If the port is configured for
use as either RS-422 or RS-485 this test will fail and is expected to fail since RS-422 and RS-485 do not
have the modem control signals that are present in RS-232 for which this test is designed.
11.4.2.Opening Ports
The following procedure shows how to use Test Terminal to send and receive test data to the serial ports. If
necessary, use Installing PortVision DX on Page 27, which contains Test Terminal.
1. Stop all applications that may be accessing the ports such as RRAS or any faxing, or production software.
See the appropriate help systems or manuals for instructions on stopping these services or applications.
If another application is controlling the port, then Test Terminal will be unable to open the port and an error
message will be shown.
2. Start Test Terminal (WCom2). If necessary, start PortVision DX from the Start menu, select
Pepperl+Fuchs Comtrol > PortVision DX or click the desktop shortcut.
3. Select Tools > Applications > Test Terminal (WCom2).
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Troubleshooting
