User's Manual

Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1

Transferring Buffer Files

Once the parallel XFER cable is connected (Section 5.6.1) and the WinPXFER software

is installed and running (Section 5.6.1), it is now possible to transfer all data buffer files

to the external computer.

On the DVL, from the main menu, select number 2 – TRANSFER ALL BUFFERS.

The data will be transferred from the DVL to the computer and saved in the current

working directory. The progress of the data transfer will be displayed on the DVL screen

and the external computer.

When the data transfer is complete, on the external computer, exit from the WinPXFER

program. Press any button on the DVL to return to the main menu.

Parallel Port not bi-directional Error

Sometimes, when attempting to transfer data to the PC, the error message “LPT1 is not

bi-directional” may appear on the DVL screen. When transferring data from the DVL unit

to a PC, the printer port is used. The WinPXFER program utilizes the functions of a bi-

directional printer port for high-speed data transfer. A bi-directional port allows data to

be sent in both directions over the data lines. Most modern ports are bi-directional;

however, they may not be configured as such and may be configured as ‘output only’.

There are a number of ways the port can be reconfigured depending on the type and

manufacturer of your computer. Most computers configure the port using a BIOS setup

program. Again, different manufactures have different ways to start this program. Some

use the Delete key on boot up, some use the F1 or F2 key on boot up, some have a

special key sequence and others use a program run through DOS or Windows. Often

there is a line of text written to the screen during the boot-up sequence that indicates

which key must be pressed to run Setup. This key MUST be pressed BEFORE

Windows starts. If you miss pressing it, go into Windows, shut down, restart the

computer and try again. Consult your owners’ manual for details.

After the BIOS Setup program starts, the Parallel or Printer port configuration that needs

to be changed is normally under the ‘Peripheral’ or “Advanced” setting heading. If you

can’t find it under these headings, look under the various headings for some setting like

“Parallel Mode” or “Parallel Configuration”. Take note of what the current setting is. The

typical settings are Normal, ECP, EPP and bi-directional. It may require some

experimentation to find the correct setting that works with the WinPXFER program.

First, try changing the setting to bi-directional. Save the settings and exit the Setup

program (usually there is a special key like F10 to do this). Then allow the computer to

continue to boot up. Then, try transferring data again, as described above. If the “LPT1

is not bi-directional” error occurs again, reboot the PC, run the BIOS Setup program,

change the Parallel port setting to EPP, save the settings and try again. The settings

don’t appear standard so no one particular setting will solve the error on all computers.

Keep trying the different parallel port settings until one of them eliminates the error and

allows data transfer.