Omega Engineering OMB-DBK-34A, User Manual

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5-2 Troubleshooting Tips
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DBK Option Cards and Modules
8. Software setup. Make sure the device selected in software matches the hardware being used. Verify
that setup parameters are correct for your application and attached DBK cards and modules.
9. Power management. The POWER.EXE power management program that is used by some notebook
computers is known to affect proper operation of the parallel and PCMCIA ports. If you are having
such trouble, remove the line loading this program from your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
10. Device drivers. Some computers are pre-configured for numerous device drivers in their
AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files. These drivers often conflict and can be a source of
trouble. It is helpful for diagnostic purposes to boot the machine and test the system with the
minimum number of device drivers loaded.
Parallel Port Troubleshooting Tips
Note: Does not apply to LogBook
After completing the Test Hardware function within the Daq device Configuration control panel applet, if a
connection is not made, try the following troubleshooting tips:
Windows 95/98/Me/2000
1. Check the power supply to make sure power is applied.
2. Check the parallel port cable for tight connections.
3. Try all of the protocols listed in the Daq device Configuration control panel. The parallel port
might have a communication protocol other than standard or normal mode.
4. If you still have not established communications, go to Control Panel, System, Device Manager,
Ports, LPT1 and verify the following:
(a) Under the General and Driver sections, make sure the parallel port is a standard parallel
port with a driver installed and that no resource conflicts are present. If no driver is
installed or resource conflicts are present, you need to resolve these issues with your
computer manufacturer or information services department.
(b) Under the Resource section, make sure the parallel port has an interrupt level assigned.
If not, add one by unchecking the “Use automatic settings” button, selecting “Basic
configuration 0001” so the same base address is maintained but an interrupt level is
added, and double-clicking on the interrupt level so you can add the interrupt level.
Generally, 7 is reserved for parallel ports but pick one to avoid conflicts. Reboot the
computer.
(c) If the parallel port is configured as an ECP parallel port and there are connection
problems, you need to access the BIOS and change the parallel port to a standard or
normal mode. You can generally access the BIOS by pressing F2 or Esc during booting
of the computer. You should see a message “Press F2 to enter setup.” Change the parallel
port mode from ECP to standard or normal. Reboot the computer.
(d) Windows/2000 users :
(1) In the Device Manager’s list, expand “Ports (COM & LPT)”
(2) Highlight “ECP Printer Port (LPT1)” and ‘right-click.’
(3) On the Properties box that appears, select the “Port Settings” Tab.
(4) Select the radio-button option that reads, “Use any interrupt assigned to the port.”