User guide

Chelsea Technologies Group
FAST
tracka
User Guide HB179 Issue 7.0
Page
45
of
47
9. APPENDIX 2 - SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS
Improper configuration of the users’ host serial terminal or PC terminal emulator is the most
common source of problems with communicating with the FAST
tracka
. A series of hints and tips is
included here to help the user troubleshoot their serial communication system before requesting
assistance from CI Technical Support.
Basic Configuration:
1. The FAST
tracka
requires that the serial communication occurs with the following settings:
9600, N81. Ensure that the serial package or terminal device is set in this fashion by
checking the appropriate options fields in the software package.
2. Ensure that the Interface cable is properly seated in the bulkhead connector. This
seating can be checked by disconnecting the battery can to FRRF can external cable,
unplugging the Deck Unit from mains, and attempting to wakeup the FAST
tracka
with the
magnet switch. The FAST
tracka
should give indicator LED error codes representing no
power (three short blinks). By plugging the Deck Unit into mains and repeating the
wakeup, one long blink will indicate that the unit sees Deck Unit power through the
Interface cable, and assumedly the serial connections as well.
3. Ensure that the serial port is properly set on the host PC. For a 9 way D sub connector,
wire together pins 2 and 3. If you do not observe the appropriate character when typing
a key, the terminal is not properly configured. Examples of such problems include:
improper echo settings (multiple characters appear when typed), improper baud setting
(garbled characters appear when typed) and improperly set serial port/IRQs (mouse
action causes nonsense text to appear). Properly configure your terminal or terminal
emulator by consulting your terminal manuals, remedy this problem and proceed with
wakeup.