Contents
SyncLink Internet Adapter Help Contents

Press F1, for more information on using help.

SyncLink Setup Options

Detailed information on the configurable options, available in the

SyncLink Internet Adapter setup dialog box.

Advanced SyncLink Options

Information on advanced configuration topics.

SyncLink Diagnostics

Explanation of tests performed at startup and manual testing

procedures.

Changing The SyncLink Configuration

 	Steps to follow, for modifying the SyncLink adapter configuration.

Configuring The Serial Interface

Serial interface configuration information and electrical interface pinouts.

Removing The SyncLink Adapter

Information regarding the removal of the SyncLink card, from the system.

Null Modem Connections

Pinouts and documentation on configuring and using SyncLink in

null modem configurations.

Warranty Information

Warranty details and support information


SyncLink Setup Options

The setup dialog box allows you to configure the adapter software to match the hardware settings and line characteristics, as well as set several advanced options.

Hardware Setup

The SyncLink Internet Adapter has switches and jumpers for configuring various options such as Base I/O address, IRQ level, and DMA level.  The settings in this dialog box must match the actual hardware settings of the adapter. Each of the hardware settings represents a computer resource that cannot be used by other adapters (or integrated system devices), present in the computer. If there is a conflict between installed adapters, reconfigure the SyncLink adapter and change the corresponding setting in this dialog box.

I/O Base Address

The Input/Output base address identifies a set of registers the computer uses to communicate with the SyncLink adapter. This address specifies the starting address of the registers. The SyncLink adapter has 16 bytes of registers. The address range starting with the base address and extending 16 bytes cannot be used by any other adapter (or integrated system device) in the computer. The base address is specified in hexadecimal.

In the following table, the default assignment for a switch setting is highlighted.

I/O Base Address 	S1:1	S1:2	S1:3

100	OFF	OFF	OFF

110	OFF	OFF	ON

120	OFF	ON	OFF

200	OFF	ON	ON

210	ON	OFF	OFF

300	ON	OFF	ON

310	ON	ON	OFF

Disabled	ON	ON	ON

Switches 4 through 8 should be left at the factory default settings.

Switches 4 throught 7 need to be left in the ON position and switch 8 OFF.

Interrupt (IRQ) Level

An IRQ level must be selected for the SyncLink adapter.  Jumper block J2 is used to select this IRQ level.  Eight IRQ levels are available.  The jumper block is arranged as 2 rows of pins with 8 columns (pins) per row.  To select an interrupt, a jumper is placed on the two pins in the column that is marked with the desired IRQ level.

IRQ levels 3, 4, 5, 9(default), 10, 11, 12, and 15 are available for use by the SyncLink adapter.

Direct Memory Access (DMA) Level

The SyncLink adapter can be configured to use one of five (5) different DMA channels for use when operating as an ISA Bus Master adapter.  Jumper blocks J3 and J4 are used to select the DMA channel.  Both the request and acknowledge lines MUST be configured for the same DMA channel.  The jumper blocks for each signal (request and acknowledge) are arranged as two rows of pins with five columns (pins) per row.  To select a DMA channel, a jumper is placed on the column that is marked with the desired DMA channel.  This is done for both the request (DMA REQ ) signal (J3) and the acknowledge (DMA ACK) signal (J4).

DMA Channels 0, 1(default), 3, 5, and 7 are available for use by the SyncLink adapter.

Test Adapter

Click on this button, to perform both a manual internal and external test of the SyncLink Internet Adapter card.  See section, SyncLink Diagnostics, for more information on testing procedures.

Link Speed

Synchronous communications require data clock signals. Usually the data clock signals are provided by the attached communications device. Match the pull down list box with the line speed at which the SyncLink will be used.  It is VERY important to set this parameter to the correct setting.  RAS uses this setting to calculate error conditions, such as timeouts.  Refer to the table below, for common connections speeds.  Others are also available, in this setting.  You can  type in the correct value to match the link speed, too.

List Box	Line Speed Equivalent

2400	2400bps

9600	9600 bps / 9.6Kbps

19200	19200bps / 19.2Kbps

38400	38400bps / 38.4Kbps

56000	56Kbps

57600	57.6Kbps

64000	64Kbps

115200	115200bps / 115.2Kbps

128000	128Kbps (Bonded ISDN)

1544000	1.5Mbps (T1)

2048000	2.0Mbps (E1)

Consult with you telecommunications expert to choose the correct entry, if you are not sure of the line speed you are running.

Provide External Clocking

In some instances (such as using a NULL modem to direct connect two computers), it is necessary to provide the data clocks from the SyncLink adapter. To supply this clock, select the desired data rate, from the pull down list box and click the check box titled, Provide External Clocking.  To disable the clocking option, uncheck this box. The clock is supplied on the AUX Clock pin of the serial interface.  See section, Configuring The Serial Interface,or the READ.ME document supplied on the SyncLink product diskette, for interface pinouts.

Connect Type

The connect type determines how the SyncLink adapter interacts with the connected communications equipment (modem, CSU/DSU, etc.). Auto Dial (AT Commands) mode should be selected for devices that support asynchronous AT commands, to control the device. All other devices should have the DTR Dial or Leased Line mode selected.

When the SyncLink adapter is configured for DTR Dial or Leased Line, the phone number entered in the RAS Phone Book entry is ignored.

Initialization String

If you have selected Auto Dial (AT Commands) mode, you can enter modem commands that initialize the data communications equipment (DCE), to perform a particular function.  These commands are usually standard AT commands.  The character pair ^M represents a carriage return (CR).

The default initialization string AT &D2 &C1 &Q1 &S1 Q0 V1 S0=0 ^M should be sufficient for a Hayes compatible async/sync modem.  This command may vary for modems from different manufactures.  Refer to your modem manufacture user guide, to verify these commands are correct.  The key settings for correct operation are:

1.	DTR Option - Modem should hang up when DTR becomes inactive and should return to the command state.  Auto-answer is disabled when DTR is inactive (&D2 command).

2.	Switched Carrier (DCD) Mode - When the modem is offline DCD is inactive, when the modem is online DCD is active (&C1 command).

3.	Modem should accept async commands while in command mode and switch to synchronous mode after a connection is established and DCD becomes active (&Q1 command).

4.	Switched DSR - When the modem is offline DSR is inactive, when the modem is online DSR is active (&S1 command).

5.	Commands sent to the modem and their results should be echoed back to the computer (Q0V1 command).

6.	Modem does not answer the phone, upon a ring (S0=0 command).

Note:  This command is modified (S0=1) to have the modem answer the phone, when the SyncLink is configured as a dial-in port, using Remote Access Server.

Advanced Options

To change the settings of the advanced options, click on this button. See section, Advanced SyncLink Options, for more detailed information.

NOTE:	The default settings for these options will work for most applications. You must have a thorough understanding of the options, to change them without causing communications problems.


Advanced SyncLink Options

The advanced options allow you to customize the behavior of the SyncLink adapter software for unusual applications. These settings should NOT be altered, unless you are completely familiar with their use.

HDLC Encoding

This setting determines the HDLC encoding scheme, used for the serial data. Most applications use NRZ (the default). If you have control over the encoding, for both ends of the link, then you may select NRZI. Both ends of the link must be set for the same encoding.

Connection Indicator

When waiting for a connection to complete, the SyncLink adapter software monitors a serial status signal, to determine when the connection is complete. Usually this signal is DCD (Data Carrier Detect) and is the default setting. In some instances, the communications device may use DSR (Data Set Ready), instead of DCD to indicate a connection. In this case, select DSR as the connection indicator.

Constant RTS

PPP links are full-duplex links and should leave RTS (Request to Send) active all of the time (the default setting).  If for some reason you need RTS to assert at the start of a transmission, and negate at the end of the transmission, remove the check from this option.


SyncLink Diagnostics

The NDIS adapter driver that is loaded during the startup of Remote Access Services, performs an internal test of the adapter, each time the service is started. If an error occurs during startup, an event is posted to the System Log, with a source name of  MGSL.  The text, in the body of the message, gives more detailed information regarding the problem encountered.  The System Log can be viewed using the Event Viewer application, found in the Administrative Tools program group.

The SyncLink adapter can also be tested by clicking on the Test Adapter button, in the MicroGate SyncLink Setup dialog box. This test will perform the same internal tests as the NDIS adapter driver, as well as an external loopback test, to test the serial interface.

To test the adapter manually, follow the procedure below.

1.	Click the Test Adapter button on the MicroGate SyncLink Setup dialog box.

NOTE:	If the diagnostics determine the NDIS adapter driver is currently running, and is using the resources that are to be tested, you will be informed that the NDIS adapter driver is  going to be temporarily disabled, and you MUST restart the computer.  After the computer has been restarted, you can perform the tests desired.  When testing is complete, the NDIS adapter driver will be enabled and the computer restarted.

2.	If the system had to reboot, go back into the Network applet, found in the Control Panel, and double click on the MicroGate SyncLink Internet Adapter, or select the adapter entry and click on the Configure button.

3.	Again click on the Test Adapter button, in the MicroGate SyncLink Setup dialog box.

4.	When presented with the SyncLink Diagnostics dialog box, select either the Internal Loopback or External Loopback data test mode.

NOTE:  When running the external diagnostics, you MUST have the loopback connector installed, on the 25 pin data port.  Without the loopback connector, the external diagnostics will fail.  The proper loopback connector for the interface the adapter was configured for, at the time of purchase, was supplied with the card.  The serial interface of the SyncLink adapter must be configured to match the interface labeled on the loopback connector (i.e. RS-232/V.35 or RS-422).  For more information on the serial interface refer to section, Configuring The Serial Interface.

5.	Click on the Start Test button, to begin the testing.  The test will first check to make sure there are no conflicts with the resources (Base I/O address, IRQ level and DMA level) selected at configuration time. If no problems are found, the diagnostics will begin looping data throughout the card.  If an error is encountered during this phase of the test,  a message will be displayed and the test will continue.

6.	To end the diagnostics, click on the Stop Test button.  Totals will be displayed, for the just completed tests.

7.	To exit the diagnostics, after successful testing or to make alterations to the resources to test, click the Done button.


Changing The SyncLink Adapter Configuration

If it becomes necessary to change the configuration of the SyncLink adapter, perform the following steps.

1.	Run the Network applet, found in the Control Panel of the Main program group.

2.	In the Network Settings dialog box, select the SyncLink Internet Adapter, from the list of installed adapters, and click on the Configure button.

3.	When all changes have been made, to match the new settings of the SyncLink adapter, click on the Ok button.

4.	You should now be returned to the Network Settings dialog box.  Click on the Continue button, to end the configuration process.

5.	The computer must now be restarted, for the changes to take effect.


Removing The SyncLink Adapter

If you find it necessary to remove the SyncLink adapter, from your system, follow the steps outlined below.

1.	Run the Network applet, found in the Control Panel of the Main program group.

2.	In the Network Settings dialog box, select the SyncLink Internet Adapter, from the list of installed adapters, and click on the Remove button.

3.	Click on the Continue button, to complete the process.  Note the adapter no longer appears in the list of installed adapters.

4.	The computer must now be restarted, for the changes to take effect.


Configuring The Serial Interface

SyncLink is shipped with one of its three serial interfaces configured to order.  The serial interface is configured by placing a 17-position jumper on one of three jumper blocks (J5, J6, J7).  The jumper is placed so as to completely cover one of the jumper blocks.  If necessary, the serial interface can be changed by moving the jumper to the desired block.

To configure the serial interface of the SyncLink adapter, follow the steps outlined below.

1.	For convenience of jumper removal, a combination of two black 8-pin jumpers separated by a single-pin colored jumper is used to form the 17-position interface jumper.

NOTE:  The 8-pin jumpers are installed with the shorting bars visible on top.  This orientation MUST be maintained when relocating.

2.	Removal of the interface jumper is accomplished by first removing the colored jumper, then the black 8-pin jumpers one at a time using common pliers.

NOTE:  DO NOT  attempt removal with a screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, or any tool other than pliers.  This may cause damage to the jumper, the jumper block pins, or the board.

3.	Holding the SyncLink in one hand with the component side up, grasp the 8-pin jumper firmly about the middle with the pliers and gently remove it by applying sufficient perpendicular force away from the board.  The jumper should come off easily.

4.	Insert the jumpers by hand onto the corresponding pins of the desired interface jumper block with the shorting bars on top and push down firmly.

Electrical Interface

RS-232 Interface

Jumper J5 selects the RS-232 serial standard. This uses V.28 single-ended drivers and receivers for all signals and a DB-25 connector. This setting is used for connecting to slow speed serial devices such as modems.

V.35 Interface

Jumper J6 selects the V.35 serial standard. This uses V.11 differential drivers and receivers for data and clock signals. V.28 single ended drivers and receivers are used for the remainder of the serial signals. The SyncLink V.35 pinout may be used for direct connection to a DCE that implements the Codex V.35 pinout for a DB-25 connector. For DCE devices that use the ISO-2593 34-pin Block Connector, an adapter cable is required (available from MicroGate Corporation).

RS-422 Interface

Jumper J7 selects the RS-422 serial standard. This uses V.11 differential drivers and receivers for all serial signals. This standard is capable of data rates up to 10 Mbps. The SyncLink supports the RS-530 standard for serial connector pinout through a DB-25 interface (no adapter cable required). RS-449 uses the same electrical specification as RS-530, but uses a DB-37 connector, so an adapter cable is required (available from MicroGate Corporation).

Data Port Signals.2 Data Port Signals (DB-25 Pin Serial Connector)

Tables 1, 2, and 3 give signal names and pinouts for the data port's RS-232, V.35, and RS-422 serial interfaces, respectively.

Table 1: RS-232 Data Port Pin Connections

Signal Name	Electrical Desc	DB-25 Pin No.
Earth Ground		1
Signal Ground		7
RTS	RS-232/V.28	4
CTS	RS-232/V.28	5
DTR	RS-232/V.28	20
DSR	RS-232/V.28	6
DCD	RS-232/V.28	8
RI (Ring)	RS-232/V.28	22
TxD	RS-232/V.28	2
RxD	RS-232/V.28	3
TxCLK	RS-232/V.28	15
RxCLK	RS-232/V.28	17
AuxCLK	RS-232/V.28	24

NOTES:

<Signal Name>+ represents the inverting input/output

<Signal Name> represents the noninverting input/output

Table 2: V.35 Data Port Pin Connections

Signal Name	Electrical Desc	DB-25 Pin No.	V.35 Block Pin No.
Earth Ground		1	A
Signal Ground		7	B
RTS	RS-232/V.28	4	C
CTS	RS-232/V.28	5	D
DTR	RS-232/V.28	20	H
DSR	RS-232/V.28	6	E
DCD	RS-232/V.28	8	F
RI (Ring)	RS-232/V.28	22	---
TxD+	RS-422/V.11	2	P
TxD-	RS-422/V.11	14	S
RxD+	RS-422/V.11	3	R
RxD-	RS-424/V.11	16	T
TxCLK+	RS-422/V.11	15	Y
TxCLK-	RS-422/V.11	13	AA
RxCLK+	RS-422/V.11	17	V
RxCLK-	RS-422/V.11	19	X
AuxCLK+	RS-422/V.11	24	U
AuxCLK-	RS-422/V.11	23	W

NOTES:

<Signal Name>+ represents the inverting input/output

<Signal Name> represents the noninverting input/output

Table 3: RS-422 Data Port Pin Connections

Signal Name	Electrical Desc	DB-25 (RS-530) Pin No.	DB-37(RS-449) Pin No.
Earth Ground		1	1
Signal Ground		7	19
RTS+	RS-422/V.11	4	7
RTS-	RS-422/V.11	19	25
CTS+	RS-422/V.11	5	9
CTS-	RS-422/V.11	13	27
DTR+	RS-422/V.11	20	12
DTR-	RS-422/V.11	23	30
DSR+	RS-422/V.11	6	11
DSR-	RS-422/V.11	22	29
DCD+	RS-422/V.11	8	13
DCD-	RS-422/V.11	10	31
TxD+	RS-422/V.11	2	4
TxD-	RS-422/V.11	14	22
RxD+	RS-422/V.11	3	6
RxD-	RS-424/V.11	16	24
TxCLK+	RS-422/V.11	15	5
TxCLK-	RS-422/V.11	12	23
RxCLK+	RS-422/V.11	17	8
RxCLK-	RS-422/V.11	9	26
AuxCLK+	RS-422/V.11	24	17
AuxCLK-	RS-422/V.11	11	35

NOTES:

<Signal Name>+ represents the inverting input/output

<Signal Name> represents the noninverting input/output


Warranty Information

Limited Hardware Warranty

MicroGate Corporation warrants this hardware product to be in good working order for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by Buyer from MicroGate Corporation or an authorized MicroGate Corporation Reseller. Should the product fail to be in good working order at any time during this one year warranty period, MicroGate Corporation will, at its option, repair or replace this product at no additional charge except as set forth below. Repair parts or replacement products will be furnished on an exchange basis and will be either reconditioned or new at the discretion of MicroGate Corporation. Repaired or replacement units shall be warranted for the remainder of the original one year warranty period. This limited warranty does not include service to repair damage to the product resulting from accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, or modifications which have not been made or authorized by MicroGate Corporation.

To validate this Limited Hardware Warranty, Buyer must complete and return the Limited Hardware Warranty Registration Form supplied by MicroGate Corporation within thirty (30) days of purchase.

Beyond the warranty period, MicroGate Corporation will repair or replace defective hardware products for a fixed price if defects are not due to accident, disaster, abuse, misuse, or modifications which have not been made or authorized by MicroGate Corporation.

If this product should require service, obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from MicroGate Corporation and return the product in its original shipping carton (or equivalent shipping container with the board protected by one inch non-static padding) to the address below, shipping prepaid, along with proof of purchase, a return address, a telephone contact, and an explanation of the suspected defect. You agree to insure the product or assume the risk of loss or damage in transit. C.O.D returns are not accepted.

MicroGate Corporation

9501 N. Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 105

Austin, Texas 78759

Attention: RMA #:________

There are no warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, which extend beyond the description and duration set forth herein.

MICROGATE CORPORATION'S SOLE OBLIGATION UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND MICROGATE CORPORATION SHALL NOT, IN ANY EVENT, BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND RESULTING FROM THE USE OR POSSESSION OF THIS PRODUCT.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

Limited Hardware Warranty Registration

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Attn: Warranty Registration

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Customer Support

If you need to contact customer support, please call MicroGate at (512)345-7796 weekdays between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. CST, except holidays.

Support may also be obtained by email, support@microgate.com.


Null Modem Connections

A Synchronous NULL Modem is a simple device which connects two SyncLink adapters to each other, without using a modem or CSU/DSU. The NULL modem is placed between the two adapters.

Data Clocks

A NULL modem for synchronous communication is different from a NULL modem used for asynchronous communication. Synchronous communication uses clock signals, which MUST be supplied to both adapters. Usually, the attached communications device (modem or CSU/DSU) provides the data clocks. When using a NULL modem, one of the adapters must be set to provide external clocks. The SyncLink adapter can provide a clock source, on the AUX Clock pin of the serial interface. This is controlled in the, Advanced Options, dialog box, of the SyncLink adapter setup. The NULL modem routes this clock output to the transmit and receive clock inputs, on both adapters. This means the NULL modem must be attached, with the Clock Source end, to the SyncLink adapter that is supplying the external clock signal.

NULL Modem Wiring

The exact wiring of the NULL modem will depend on the serial interface configuration of the SyncLink adapter: RS-232, V.35, or RS-530.

The following NULL modem cabling requirements are necessary, for use with the SyncLink adapter:

RS-232 Null Modem

Clock Source End

DSR (Pin 6)	DTR (Pin 20)

DCD (Pin 8)	RTS, CTS (Pins 4,5)

DTR (Pin 20)	DSR (Pin 6)

RTS, CTS (Pins 4,5)	DCD (Pin 8)

Tx Clock, RxClock, AUX Clock 	TxClock,Rx Clock

(Pins 15,17,24)	(Pin 15,17)

Transmit Data[TxD] (Pin 2)	Receive Data[RxD] (Pin 3)

Receive Data[RxD] (Pin 3)	Transmit Data[TxD] (Pin 2)

V.35 Null Modem

The V.35 NULL modem is similar to the RS-232 NULL modem, except the data and clock signals use two wires each. In this table, each signal pair is described by <Signal Name>+ and <SignalName>-.

Clock Source End

DSR (Pin 6)	DTR (Pin 20)

DCD (Pin 8)	RTS, CTS (Pins 4,5)

DTR (Pin 20)	DSR (Pin 6)

RTS, CTS (Pins 4,5)	DCD (Pin 8)

Tx Clock+, RxClock+, AUX Clock+	TxClock+, Rx Clock+

(Pins 15,17,24) 	(Pins 15,17)

Tx Clock-, RxClock-, AUX Clock- 	TxClock-, Rx Clock-

(Pins 13,19,23)	(Pin 13,19)

Transmit Data[TxD+] (Pin 2)	Receive Data[RxD+] (Pin 3)

Transmit Data[TxD-] (Pin 14)	Receive Data[RxD-] (Pin 16)

Receive Data[RxD+] (Pin 3)	Transmit Data[TxD+] (Pin 2)

Receive Data[RxD-] (Pin 16)	Transmit Data[TxD-] (Pin 14)

RS-530 Null Modem

The RS-530 NULL modem uses two wires per serial signal. In this table, each signal pair is described by <Signal Name>+ and <SignalName>-.

Clock Source End

DSR+ (Pin 6)	DTR+ (Pin 20)

DSR- (Pin 22)	DTR- (Pin 23)

DCD+ (Pin 8)	RTS+,CTS+ (Pins 4,5)

DCD- (Pin 10)	RTS-,CTS- (Pins 19,13)

DTR+ (Pin 20)	DSR+ (Pin 6)

DTR- (Pin 23)	DSR- (Pin 22)

RTS+,CTS+ (Pins 4,5)	DCD+ (Pin 8)

RTS-,CTS- (Pins 19,13)	DCD- (Pin 10)

Tx Clock+, RxClock+, AUX Clock+ 	TxClock+,Rx Clock+

(Pins 15,17,24)	(Pins 15,17)

Tx Clock-, RxClock-, AUX Clock- 	TxClock-,Rx Clock-

(Pins 12,9,11)	(Pins 12,9)

Transmit Data[TxD+] (Pin 2)	Receive Data[RxD+] (Pin 3)

Transmit Data[TxD-] (Pin 14)	Receive Data[RxD-] (Pin 16)

Receive Data[RxD+] (Pin 3)	Transmit Data[TxD+] (Pin 2)

Receive Data[RxD-] (Pin 16)	Transmit Data[TxD-] (Pin 14)