RS232 TEST


        This program will test various RS232 hardware functions.  If it runs OK 
then The Weak Link and The $25 Network should run on the hardware.  

  1) hook up the cable between machines
  2) run  TMT.COM on one machine
  3) run  RCV.COM on the other machine
  4) the screen will display all errors

RCV runs continuosly until any key is pressed.  It prints "z" characters while 
the other machine is dormant. TMT runs once and then exits to DOS.  Both 
programs assume you are using COM1 to communicate. If not then enter the COM 
number on the command line when you run the program: 


        A>TMT COM1

        or

        A>RCV COM2

        or

        A>TMT 3


        The TMT program initiates the test.  The 1st test is to make sure the 
COM number you specify is really installed.  Then each RS232 card that is 
installed is printed out along with its hardware port address.  The total 
number of ports is then printed. (To find out what ports are on a machine, run 
RCV.)  The 2nd test is of the data channel.  If this test fails then the cable 
may be bad, or it may not be a null modem cable, or it may be hooked up to the 
wrong port.  MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT HAVE TWO CARDS INSTALLED AT THE SAME PORT 
ADDRESS. Unfoutunately a program cannot test for this possibility.  But with 
the proliferation of Multi I/O cards it is a common mistake to put two 
different cards in a computer with the same RS232 port address. If your 
computer has more RS232 connectors than the number of ports RCV shows you have 
installed then it is possible you have 2 ports at one address.  

        After the data line test is the DSR-DTR line test.  If this test fails 
then the cable you have is probably missing these two lines or they are not 
crossed between the machines.  

        The last test is a string transfer from RCV to TMT.   The test string 
will be printed to the TMT screen.  If this message appears then the test is 
good and "CHECK OK" will be printed to both screens.  If you encounter errors 
which you cannot decipher or fix then please call.  

                                        Don Jindra, Owner
                                        Information Modes
                                        P.O. Drawer F
                                        Denton, Texas  76202
                                        Ph. 817-387-3339