Via Systems

Technical Bulletin



Summary: How to connect to the Host system.
ViaDuct All



Symptom:

ViaDuct is unable to connect to the host through either serial or TCP/IP.

Problem:

Becuase of improper configuration or system coflicts ViaDuct is unable to communicate with the host.

Solution:

Serial Connection

When trying to make a connection, if you are not sure which COM port is desired there is a way to find out which port is in use.

  1. Using an unfolded paper clip, touch pins 2 and 3 at the same time (See Diagram 1). While touching pins 2 and 3, type letters on your keyboard. If the letters you type appear on the screen you are receiving feedback from that port. If not, try jumping the pins on your next COM port. If you are unable to receive feedback from any COM port, contact your hardware representative.


  2. If you receive feedback from your comport, but are still unable to connect to the Pick system, check your cabling. Obtain a NULL modem cable that will connect the two systems. The null modem cable will cross pins 2 and 3 - on connections, this is necessary before a connection can be made.


  3. If you still cannot make the connection (no logon prompt) then verify the connection by using another communications package (Procomm Plus for DOS, Procomm for Windows, Windows Terminal, or Hyper-Terminal). Windows 3.1, 3.11 and WFWG ship with a program called Windows Terminal. Windows 95 ships with a program called Hyper-Terminal. Either of these products can be used to determine if you have successfully made the connection to your host machine. When configuring the connection type you must:


    4. a.  choose the correct COM port
    b.  select baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits and flow control to match the host port
    c.  use the vt100 terminal emulation on the host port and also on the communications package.

    If you still do not see your logon prompt with these packages then you have not successfully made the connection and you will need to consult your hardware vendor for assistance. If you are able to make the connection and see the logon prompt with these communications packages, but still are not successful with Via Duct then the problem is probably an IRQ conflict. Please refer to Technical Bulletin VIRQ.DOC "IRQ Conflicts May Cause Problems When Trying To Connect To Pick System".

  4. After making a connection, if the screen does not look right, you need to check the following settings:


    5. ViaDuct SoftwareHost Port Settings
    Term type same as hostTerm type same as ViaDuct
    Baud rate same as hostBaud rate same as ViaDuct
    Parity same as hostParity same as ViaDuct
    Stop/start bits same as hostStop/start bits same as ViaDuct
    Line Feed and Form Feed are the same number and that number is between 3 and 5.
    Serial Ports
    Diagram 1


    Other Connections

    Special considerations when making a network connection:

  1. When using the SPECIAL connection and no logon screen appears, press <ENTER> <ENTER> <SPACEBAR> <ENTER> <ENTER> or try CTRL - Q on the Pick system


  2. If that does not work, try <ALT>F <ENTER> and R and B on the PC system. This key combination resets the Via Duct connection settings for Windows versions of Via Duct. To reset Via Duct for DOS <ALT> R <ENTER>.


  3. If the connection type is TCP/IP
    1. with Via Duct for Windows, from the main tool bar menu select setup:communications. In the communications dialog box click on special and then click on select. In the select dialog box choose socket and then enter the ip address of the host machine. If the TCP/IP software is Distinct (from Distinct Corporation) the select Telnet and enter the correct host name. Telnet is only used for a connection using the Distinct software. For more information on this type of connection please refer to the manual page 2-8 to 2-12.
    2. with Via Duct for DOS please refer to Chapter 24 in your manual.


  4. If you are unsuccessful making a TCP/IP connection please verify that you are able to ping your host. If you are using Windows TCP/IP software please verify that you can ping your host from Windows. If you can ping the host, but cannot make the connection with Via Duct please contact your dealer, or if you purchased Via Duct from Via System, please contact technical support at 888-TEAM VIA (888-832-6842).


29 August 1996 jj
© Via Systems