Smart Systems User’s Manual Version 1.1
52
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.
