Gold Medal Software 4/Gold Medal Software - Volume 4 (Gold Medal) (1994).iso/os2/sio130d.arj/SIOUSER.INF

OS/2 Help File | 1994-07-28 | 45KB | 1,108 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Introduction ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

SIO.SYS and VSIO.SYS are companion device drivers for Version 2 (and up) of the
OS/2 operating system.

Both drivers (SIO/VSIO) have been coded with performance in mind, possibly
sacrificing some compatibility.  For this reason, SIO and VSIO are not exact
replacements for the OS/2 drivers COM and VCOM.  However, all serial
communications programs tested by the author work correctly using SIO/VSIO.

This manual is intended for the SIO user.  A separate SIO Technical Reference
Manual is included in the distribution zip. The Technical Reference Manual also
documents some advanced options and features that are not documented here.

This manual and the software distributed with it is provided with no
guarantees.  Use it at your own risk.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.1. What is SIO ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

SIO is a Serial Input/Output (SIO) communications driver.  It provides an
interface between application programs and the serial communications hardware.

SIO had been designed as a high performance replacement for the OS/2 device
driver COM.SYS.  See the Technical Reference Manual for information about the
known differences between COM.SYS and SIO.SYS.

SIO works with 8250 (type) serial I/O devices.  Such devices include, but are
not limited to the 8250A, 16450, 16550, 16550A and the 82510.  If you have a PC
that is an IBM or near compatible which has a serial communication port, it is
likely that it contains one of these devices.  In addition, SIO supports some
intelligent serial I/O cards.  See "Intelligent Cards Supported" for additional
information.  SIO will identify the type of serial devices that it finds and
display them at load time.

Like other Device Drivers, SIO will do very little standing alone.  There must
be an application(s) program that makes use of SIO's functions before one will
benefit from SIO.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.2. What is VSIO ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

VSIO is a Virtual Device Driver (VDD).  Virtual device drivers provide services
for DOS programs executing under OS/2.  Most Virtual Device Drivers emulate a
specific hardware device and/or BIOS service.  The primary job of a Virtual
Device Driver is to convert misbehaved DOS input/output into well behaved
input/output that can be accepted by the OS/2 driver SIO.SYS.

Using the protection mechanism of the 386 (and up) processor, a Virtual Device
Driver can instruct OS/2 to trap all input/output for given hardware ports.
Once trapped, the Virtual Device Driver (VDD) appropriately routes information
to/from the Physical Device Driver (PDD) and to/from the DOS program.

VSIO creates a virtual (imaginary) 16550A or 16450 (UART) in software.
Additionally VSIO emulates the BIOS INT 14h services. All of the hardware
registers of the virtual UART are simulated by VSIO.  VSIO does not attempt to
simulate the timing of the real UARTs.  DOS programs that depend on the timing
of real hardware UARTs may have problems executing under VSIO.

All DOS programs that execute under VSIO should have RTS/CTS handshaking
enabled (in the application) even if SIO proper is not using RTS/CTS handshake.

The virtualization (simulation) provided by VSIO is not (and can not be) exact.
However, most well written DOS programs should not have problems.

VSIO will only work with SIO installed and the versions of SIO/VSIO must match.
If VSIO refuses to install, you most likely have a version mismatch or COM.SYS
is still installed.  VSIO will not work with any other device driver like
COM.SYS.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Distribution and Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1. Distribution and Ordering ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The entire package collectively known as SIO is ShareWare.  It is not free
software or freeware.  See LICENSE.TXT and ORDER.TXT for additional
information.  The ShareWare version of SIO is distributed electronically and
supports only 4 ports (registered versions can be ordered supporting up to 16
ports).  One may check their favorite electronic hangout for the latest version
of SIO.  The latest copy of the ShareWare version is always posted for
downloading from the BBS at 1-703-494-0098.

Registered versions of SIO are distributed by US Mail, electronically mail and
from the SIO Distribution and Support BBS.  Users desiring to register
electronically, may call the BBS and register on line (1-703-494-0098) and
immediately download their registered version of SIO.  Use the ORDER command at
the main BBS prompt.

Registrations/Orders can also be placed by phone, mail, FAX, and email.  See
the front cover of this manual for the phone numbers and addresses.  Also see
ORDER.TXT for and order form that may be used.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2. Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Extensive testing has been done to insure that this product works on the widest
possible range of OS/2 V2 (and up) systems.  In most cases, problems can be
resolved by reading this manual carefully.

Registered users of SIO can update to the latest version using the BBS and its
UPDATE command.  All variations (number of ports) of SIO are available for
immediate download from the BBS by registered users.

Support is provided in section 4 of the OS/2 Vendor Forum on CompuServe (GO
OS2BVEN).  Section 4 of the OS2BVEN Forum is dedicated to the support of SIO.

In addition, support is provided by BBS, Email and FAX.  Voice support would
overwhelm the author and is not available.  If, after reading the manual
carefully, you are unable to resolve a problem, you may fill out PROBLEM.TXT
(adding information as necessary) and Email/FAX it to one of the following:


               Email
            CompuServe 71154,575
          Internet [e-mail]
            FAX [phone]
            BBS 1-703-494-0098

PROBLEM.TXT is included in the distribution ZIP.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Getting Started ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1. Installing SIO/VSIO ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

SIO is distributed as a ZIP file.  To extract the individual files from the
distribution file you need the program PKUNZIP or an equivalent.  PKUNZIP is a
product of PKWARE and can be downloaded from almost any bulletin board system
(BBS).  You probably already have PKUNZIP and know how to use it, otherwise I
doubt that you would be reading this.  When PKUNZIP is used to extract the
various files, -AV should appear after each file name as it is extracted.  In
addition, the message:

   Authentic files Verified!

should appear after the extraction process.  If this message does not appear,
or appears with a name other than Raymond L. Gwinn, the file is not an original
SIO distribution file.

The only file that the basic user actually needs is SIO.SYS. Virtual DOS
machine (VDM) users will also want VSIO.SYS.  Copy one or both of these files
to a convenient directory or subdirectory on your system.  An installation
program (INSTALL.EXE) is provided to install the SIO files and modify your
CONFIG.SYS


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2. Quick Start ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Create a temporary directory, change into that directory and unzip the SIO
distribution zip there.  Type INSTALL followed by the enter key.  For a basic
setup, that is all that is needed.

If you choose to install SIO manually, the following should be done.

BE SURE THAT ANY SERIAL MOUSE DRIVER APPEARS IN THE CONFIG.SYS BEFORE SIO.SYS

If you are going to use standard communications ports, either COM1 or COM2 on
an ISA buss (AT or clone), or COM1 through COM4 on a PS/2, then add the
following line to your CONFIG.SYS file:

   DEVICE = SIO.SYS
   DEVICE = VSIO.SYS

Be sure to REMark out the COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS device drivers if they exist in
your CONFIG.SYS.

With the above statements you will be able to use standard COM1 and/or COM2 (if
they exist) on any PC system known to the author.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Command Line Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1. Basic Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The command line options are included in the command line that loads SIO in the
CONFIG.SYS file.  VSIO has no command line options.  Command line options are
usually grouped by port within parenthesis.

If you use only COM1 and/or COM2, at the standard IRQ and port addresses, you
will not need any command line options.  However, up to four serial
communications ports, COM1 thru COM4, can be specified at any base port address
and any IRQ.  On PS/2 systems and some ISA cards, SIO/VSIO supports multiple
communications devices sharing the same IRQ.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2. Syntax ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The basic command line syntax is as follows:

   DEVICE=SIO.SYS (Cn, An, In, Ig, Fc) [(Cn, An, In, Ig, Fc)]

Where:

"Cn" is the comm port number (1 thru 4) or the string COM1 thru COMn.  The port
number may proceeded by an asterisk "*" to indicate that the port may be used
as a PCMCIA comm port (eg *1 or *COM1).  Note that it is normal for SIO to
display a warning about not finding anything at PCMCIA ports.

"An" is a hexadecimal number that defines the base hardware I/O port address
for the communications port.  If this field is left blank, the default I/O port
address is used for the comm port.  Note that default I/O addresses exist only
for COM1 through COM4 on AT type systems and for COM1 through COM8 on PS/2
systems.

"In" is an IRQ number (0 thru 15) or the string IRQ0 thru IRQ15 or the string
NONE.  It is best if one leaves this field blank and allows SIO to determine
the IRQ, see AUTOMATIC IRQ ASSIGNMENT below.  The IRQ choice of NONE is
provided for cards that can work either with or without an IRQ like the Hayes
ESP.

"Ig" is an ignored parameter.  If exists for compatibility with COM.SYS.

"Fc" is the Forced 16550A chip parameter.  If an F is placed in this position,
a 16550A UART chip type is forced regardless of the automatically detected chip
type.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3. Example Command Lines ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

For a PC with COM1 and COM2 of standard configuration, the following command
line will load SIO correctly:

   DEVICE=SIO.SYS (1, 3F8, 4) (2, 2f8, 3)

A more readable, but identical, command line is:

   DEVICE=SIO.SYS (COM1,3F8,IRQ4) (COM2,2F8,IRQ3)

Forcing a 16550A on COM1 would be as follows:

   DEVICE=SIO.SYS (COM1,3F8,IRQ4,,F) (COM2,2F8,IRQ3)

In a similar manner, up to sixteen serial communications ports (four in the
Shareware version) can be defined and supported by SIO and VSIO.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Development and Debugging Tools ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.1. The Poor Man's Line Monitor (PMLM.EXE) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Simply type PMLM, followed by return, at an OS/2 command line prompt for
example command lines.

PMLM is basically of interest to developers of comm applications and those
providing technical support for those applications. This SIO utility is
released largely (in self defense) in the hope that some users can diagnose
their own problems.  PMLM's feature of saving trace information to disk will
only work with registered and beta versions of SIO.

PMLM provides basic line monitoring for OS/2, DOS and Windows comm programs.
All characters sent or received by application programs are displayed in the
upper portion of the screen. Receive characters are displayed as "white on
blue" and transmitted characters are displayed "yellow on violet".  Line
signals, such as CTS are displayed as "dim white on red" when turned off and
"bright white on red" when turned on.  In addition, a signals transition to OFF
is displayed in lower case and a signals transition to ON is displayed in upper
case.

Status information is displayed in the lower part of the screen. A bright white
display means the signal is on, a dim white indicates that the signal is off.
In addition, when bright, Rxoff and Txoff indicate the SIO has sent (Txoff) or
received (Rxoff) an Xoff, and an Xon is pending.

When a DOS or Windows session uses a comm port, an additional line of signal
status appears.  This status line shows the state of the virtual UART's
signals.  Only the signals which MAY be different from the real UART's signals
are shown.

"Rx Chars" and "Tx Chars" reflects the number of characters in SIO's receive
and transmit buffers respectively.

The last line on the screen shows the keys (from the keyboard) that PMLM will
recognize.  The bright character shows the key to hit for the associated
function.  The font keys will not work in a windowed OS/2 session.

PMLM's command line requires one parameter, the comm port number, and
optionally accepts an additional parameter giving a save trace file name.  For
example:

    PMLM 1 COM1INFO.TRC

will monitor COM1 and save ALL of the communications traffic in the file
COM1INFO.TRC.  The trace files created by PMLM contain exactly the same
information that is displayed by PMLM, video attributes and all.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.2. Viewing saved trace files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

VIEWPMLM.EXE may be used to view trace files created by PMLM. VIEWPMLM.EXE
requires one parameter, the trace file name.  The user can use the keys UP,
DOWN, PAGEUP, PAGEDOWN, HOME, and END to navigate the saved trace file.
Registered SIO users may freely distribute VIEWPMLM.EXE (along with saved trace
files) to anyone for technical support purposes.

VIEWPMLM can be used in native DOS, in DOS sessions under OS/2, and in OS/2
sessions.  This means that even those developers and support people need not
have OS/2 to view the captured communications data created by PMLM.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.3. SIO's Utility (SU.EXE) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This utility program has several useful commands.  You can obtain a list of the
available commands by typing SU at any command line prompt without any
parameters.  One very useful command is SU IRQS.  This command will show IRQs
that are currently free for use.  Commands are provided allowing user control
(missing from MODE) are available.  Status commands provide a wealth of
diagnostic information.  Some command line examples follow:

    SU 1 MODE
    su about
    SU 1 lock 57600


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Intelligent Cards Supported ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.1. Hayes ESP ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Only the ESP II is supported, the original ESP (ESP I in many PS/2 systems) is
not supported.  The SIO command line must contain the ESP's enhanced I/O port
address.  For bit rates exceeding 180000bps the IRQ MUST be specified for the
master port. For lower date rates NONE may be specified for the IRQ. SIO does
not search for the ESP ports as the Hayes drivers do under DOS/Windows.  This
searching can (will) break things under OS/2.  The SIO command line for an ESP
at I/O port 180h using IRQ14 would be as follows:

DEVICE=path\SIO.SYS (COM1,180,IRQ14)

If you would like the above reflected to DOS sessions as a standard COM1, then
use the following command line:

DEVICE=path\SIO.SYS (COM1,180:3F8,IRQ14:IRQ4)

Note that the numbers after the colons ":" are the address and IRQ of where the
port appears to DOS software running under OS/2.

Any IRQ specified for an ESP slave port is ignored.  For those that like to
have a clean looking CONFIG.SYS, SIO will accept NONE as the IRQ specification
of an ESP slave port.

If you wish to use the ESP in Compatibility Mode, simply specify the base port
address that the ESP's compatibility mode is configured for (ie 3F8 when
configured for COM1).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.2. Telcor Tport ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Telcor Tport is supported in both burst mode and 16450 emulation mode.
When in burst mode, the Tport's 16k FIFOs are enabled.  Additionally in burst
mode, no IRQ is used by the Tport.  In burst mode, any IRQ specified for the
Tport is ignored.  For those that like to have a clean looking CONFIG.SYS, SIO
will accept NONE as the IRQ specification of a Tport.  An example command line
defining a Tport card to be used in burst mode; and that is configured for COM1
follows:

DEVICE=path\SIO.SYS (COM1,Tport@3F8,NONE:IRQ4)

The Tport's 16450 Emulation mode simply uses a normal SIO command line. eg:

DEVICE=path\SIO.SYS (COM1,3F8,IRQ4:IRQ4)

In both examples the "IRQ4" following the colon above, means that the virtual
IRQs are to be sent to a VDM on IRQ4.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. PCMCIA ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

OS/2 Version 2.1 introduced limited PCMCIA support which includes PCMCIA
modems.  I am told that the PCMCIA support will be changed in the future, so
the following information may change.

SIO supports PCMCIA comm ports or modems.  However, several other device
drivers or programs are needed to use a PCMCIA modem under OS/2.  One of the
needed drivers is provided with OS/2 version 2.1 and is called PCMCIA.SYS which
provided "Card Services".

Another needed driver, "Socket Services", is usually supplied by the computer
manufacturer (or supplier).

A third driver is usually supplied by the modem manufacture (or supplier).
This driver is referred to as the "Client Driver" and may also be called the
modem enabler.

What all of the above boils down to is that these drivers, or their equivalents
are needed to enable the PCMCIA modem.  Once enabled, SIO can then use the
modem.

The Client Driver (or equivalent) usually allows the modems I/O address and IRQ
to be assigned.  If so, the address and IRQ assigned at the Client Driver must
match an address/IRQ combination for a comm port known to SIO.  This is not a
problem if one is using standard addresses and IRQs for the comm ports.

If the OS/2 drivers are not available, you can also try to enable your PCMCIA
modem using a DOS VDM and drivers/programs supplied for DOS.  This has worked
for many users.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.1. IBM's ThinkPad EasyPlaying System ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

IBM has released a set of PCMCIA drivers and DLLs for use with the ThinkPad
750.  The drivers and DLLs are included in a file named UT750.EXE which can be
downloaded from a library in the THINKPAD forum on CompuServe.  This set of
drivers seems to be generic for ISA systems and any MCA system.  That is, the
drivers and DLLs do not seem to be specific to the ThinkPad 750 and will work
on any ISA system (I think).

EasyPlaying driver sequence in CONFIG.SYS

I managed to get the EasyPlaying system up on my ThinkPad 720c (MCA
architecture) by replacing two of the ISA drivers with two of the 720's PCMCIA
drivers.  I used the 750c utilities disk and executed PCMINST2 from drive A and
let it do its thing.  I then went into the config.sys file and replaced the ISA
driver names with the MCA driver names, shuffled the drivers around (SIO.SYS
must be loaded before AUTODRV2.SYS).  Anyhow, the logical sequence of all the
drivers ended up as shown below.

DEVICE=D:\THINKPAD\PCMCIA.SYS
DEVICE=D:\OS2\MDOS\VPCMCIA.SYS

DEVICE=D:\OS2\MDOS\VMOUSE.SYS
DEVICE=D:\OS2\POINTDD.SYS
DEVICE=D:\OS2\MOUSE.SYS

DEVICE=D:\SIO\SIO.SYS (*COM2)
DEVICE=D:\SIO\VSIO.SYS

DEVICE=D:\THINKPAD\EZPLAY2.SYS
DEVICE=D:\THINKPAD\AUTODRV2.SYS D:\THINKPAD\AUTODRV2.INI
DEVICE=C:\PCMCIA\IBM2SS02.SYS
DEVICE=C:\PCMCIA\ICRMU02.SYS
DEVICE=D:\THINKPAD\$ICPMOS2.SYS

The only difference for ISA systems is that the drivers IBM2SS02.SYS and
ICRMU02.SYS are suffixed with a 1.  That is, ISA systems use IBM2SS01.SYS and
ICRMU01.SYS.  The PCMCIA modem was loaded at COM2 in the above example.  No
changes were made in the AUTODRV2.INI file.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. Automatic IRQ Assignment ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

SIO will automatically locate the IRQ that a comm port is attached to.  The IRQ
used by SIO for a given comm port is assigned in the following manner:

1 - If an IRQ is specified in the SIO command line then that IRQ is used.
However, SIO will display a warning message if the IRQ seems to be other than
specified.

2 - If no IRQ is specified in the command line, and if SIO detected the IRQ
then the detected IRQ is used.

3 - If no IRQ is specified in the command, and if SIO could NOT detect an IRQ
then the default IRQ for the comm port is used. SIO will also display a warning
message in this case.

The following STYLE command line is recommended for all but the most unusual
systems.  That is, specify only the port number for those above COM2 (to tell
SIO to support those ports) and let SIO do the rest.

    DEVICE=SIO.SYS (COM3) (COM4)

If you do not have a COM3 or COM4, or if the mouse is using the only comm port
above COM2 then the following command line should be used.

    DEVICE=SIO.SYS


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. DOS Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

VSIO gets its operational characteristics from DOS Settings. Several basic DOS
Settings are provided.  They specify the type of access (if any) that a DOS
program is to have to a communication port that SIO controls.

All of the DOS Settings default to what most users should use most of the time
(which is ON).  Also, all of the DOS Settings are prefixed with SIO_.

If any of the DOS settings are changed, then the DOS session must be restarted
from the Work Place Shell for the changed setting to take affect.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1. SIO_Allow_Access_COMn ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

"SIO_Allow_Access_COMn" (where n is 1 thru 4).  This DOS setting defaults to
ON.  If this setting is turned OFF for any or all of the ports, the DOS program
will not be allowed any access to that port(s).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.2. SIO_Virtualize_COM_Ports ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

"SIO_Virtualize_COM_Ports"  This Dos setting defaults to ON and it applies to
all communications ports used by the DOS session.  When ON, this DOS setting
means VSIO is to act as an interface between the SIO and the DOS program.  When
OFF, the DOS program is given direct access to the hardware ports of the
UART(s).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.3. SIO_Virtualize_16550A ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

"SIO_Virtualize_16550A"  This DOS setting defaults to ON and it applies to all
communications ports used by the DOS session.  When ON, VSIO will simulate a
16550A.  When OFF, VSIO will simulate a 16450.  Some DOS programs may not work
when a 16550A is simulated.  Turning this setting off may allow the program to
work (but slower).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.4. SIO_Share_Access_With_OS/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

"SIO_Share_Access_With_OS/2"  This DOS setting defaults to ON and it applies to
all communications ports used by the DOS session.  When ON, SIO will allow an
OS/2 session to access a communications port which the DOS session first opened
(and has not closed).  If set to OFF, then the DOS session will have exclusive
use of the communications port(s) that it uses.  This setting does not apply to
a second DOS session attempting to access a communications port,  two different
DOS sessions are never allowed to access the same port at the same time.
Additionally, this setting has no affect upon the access to a communications
port which is first opened by an OS/2 session.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.5. SIO_Screen_Sync_Kludge ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

"SIO_Screen_Sync_Kludge" DOS setting.  This DOS setting defaults to off and it
applies to all communications ports used by the DOS session.  Some DOS BBS
programs (such as Wildcat) and many DOS Door programs attempt to synchronize
the screen output with transmitted data.  This plays havoc with a multi tasking
system like OS/2 and results in very slow transmitted data.  When this setting
is on, an attempt is made to fake out these misbehaved programs and allow them
to run at normal transmit speed.  This setting should not be turned on unless
you experience VERY slow transmission from a DOS program.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.6. DOS Settings to Control Mode ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.6.1. All of the DOS Settings that begin with "SIO_Mode"  allows one to ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

construct a MODE command for a DOS session.  These settings apply to SIO
proper, and not necessarily to the DOS program itself. For example, if you set
XON/XOFF handshake with the appropriate SIO_Mode setting, you are specifying
that SIO is to implement the handshaking.  The DOS application itself will be
unaware of this handshaking.  This can be very confusing, so think it through
before you start changing the defaults.

The "SIO_Mode" settings WILL NOT BE APPLIED IF THE COMM PORT IS ALREADY OPEN
WHEN THE DOS SESSION FIRST ACCESSES THE COMM PORT. This means that the
"SIO_Mode" settings will NOT be asserted for spawned DOS comm programs.  That
is, for spawned DOS comm programs, the mode of operation that is already in
effect will continue to be in effect and the "SIO_Mode" settings are ignored.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.6.2. SIO_Mode_DTR ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

"SIO_Mode_DTR"  This setting has three options that specify how SIO and VSIO
are to treat the DTR signal.  The there available option are:

     No Change at OPEN or CLOSE.
     Turn ON at OPEN, OFF at CLOSE.
     HandShake Signal, as in DTR/DSR.

If either of the first two settings is selected, then basically the DOS
application has direct control over the DTR signal.  If the second option is
selected, then DTR will be turned on by SIO when the DOS program first touches
the comm port.

If the third option is selected, then SIO will use DTR as a handshaking signal.
That is, DTR will be turned off if SIO can not accept any further receive data.
In addition, if the DOS application program turns off the Virtual DTR, VSIO
will stop supplying the DOS application with receive data.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.6.3. SIO_Mode_IDSR ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

"SIO_Mode_IDSR"  This setting specifies how SIO is to react to received data
and the DSR signal.  The two available options are:

     Ignore DSR During Receive.
     Required for Valid Receive Data.

If the first option (the default) is selected, then SIO will ignore DSR and
accept all received data.  If the second option is selected, then SIO will
ignore received data when the DSR signal is off.  VSIO ignores this DOS
setting.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.6.4. SIO_Mode_OCTS ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

"SIO_Mode_OCTS"  This setting specifies how SIO will react to the CTS signal
when transmitting data.  The two available options are:

     HandShake Signal, as in RTS/CTS.
     Ignore CTS During Transmit.

If the first option (the default) is selected, then SIO will not transmit data
when the CTS signal is off.  If the second option is selected, then SIO will
ignore CTS during transmit.  Note that this setting should be set to "Ignore"
for 3 wire connections like the Seiko Smart Label Printer, and Laplink.  VSIO
ignores this setting


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.6.5. SIO_Mode_RTS ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

"SIO_Mode_RTS" This setting has three options that specify how SIO and VSIO are
to treat the RTS signal.  The there available option are:

     HandShake Signal, as in RTS/CTS.
     No Change at OPEN or CLOSE.
     Turn ON at OPEN, OFF at CLOSE.

If either of the last two settings is selected, then basically the DOS
application has direct control over the RTS signal.  If the last option is
selected, then RTS will be turned on by SIO when the DOS program first touches
the comm port.

If the first option (the default) is selected, then SIO will use RTS as a
handshaking signal.  That is, RTS will be turned off if SIO can not accept any
further receive data.  In addition, if the DOS application program turns off
the virtual RTS signal, VSIO will stop supplying the DOS application with
receive data.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.6.6. SIO_Mode_XON/XOFF ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

"SIO_Mode_XON/XOFF"  This setting specifies if (and how) SIO is to use XON/XOFF
flow control.  The four options are:

     No XON/XOFF flow control by SIO.
     Received XON is flow control.
     Sent XON is flow control.
     Rcvd and Sent XON is flow control.

The first option (the default) specifies that SIO is not to use XON/XOFF flow
control at all.  The second option specifies that SIO is to treat received
XON/XOFF as flow control, but that SIO must not send XON/XOFF as flow control
characters.  The third option specifies that SIO may send XON/XOFF as flow
control characters, but that received XON/XOFF characters are to be treated as
normal data.  The fourth option turns on XON/XOFF flow control in both
directions, meaning that all sent and received XON/XOFF characters are flow
control.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. Configuration Profiles ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

I will attempt to provide the DOS Settings that one should try for DOS
communications programs in this section.  The settings may not work on all
systems.  I will add to this section as I receive information from users.  All
DOS Settings that are not given should be at their defaults.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.1. Seiko Smart Label Printer ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

I tested the Seiko printer successfully using the following DOS settings for
SIO:

    SIO_Mode_DTR         No Change at OPEN or CLOSE
    SIO_Mode_FIFO_Load_Count  1.
    SIO_Mode_IDSR        Ignore DSR During Receive
    SIO_Mode_OCTS        Ignore CTS During Transmit
    SIO_Mode_ODSR        Ignore DSR During Transmit
    SIO_Mode_RTS         No Change at OPEN or CLOSE
    SIO_Mode_XON/XOFF     Received XON is flow control

In addition, you should run the printer in it's own separate Win-OS/2 session.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.2. IBM's SLIP ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

I have been told by many users that a MODE command is required for IBM's SLIP
program to work correctly.  The recommended MODE command is as follows:

    MODE DTR=ON


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11. SIO/VSIO and COM/VCOM Differences ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

What follows is some of the differences between SIO/VSIO and COM/VCOM that are
known to the author.

1 -  COM.SYS will automatically seek out and support four comm ports, COM1
through COM4.  SIO.SYS will automatically seek out and support only COM1 and
COM2. If SIO.SYS is to support more than two comm ports, they must be defined
in the command line that loads SIO.SYS. For example, DEVICE=SIO.SYS (COM3)
(COM4) will cause SIO.SYS to support four comm ports.

2 -  In the absence of overrides in the command line, COM.SYS will seek out
four comm ports in the sequence of I/O ports 3F8h, 2F8h, 3E8h and 2E8h.  The
first port found in this sequence is given the logical name COM1, the second is
COM2 etc.  This means that the comm port at 2F8h could become COM1.  In the
opinion of the author, this confuses some users to frustration.

With no command line overrides, SIO.SYS uses a fixed I/O port concept.  That
is, COM1 is always at I/O port 3F8h, COM2 is always at 2F8h, etc.  Another way
of looking at this is;  if no comm port exists at port 3F8h, then you do not
have a COM1.  SIO.SYS will not move another (found) comm port into the logical
COM1 slot.

3 -  VSIO opens a comm port for a DOS session with sharing allowed.  VCOM uses
an "exclusive use" open for DOS sessions.

4 -  SIO.SYS always controls the FIFOs of the 16550 UART. SIO.SYS will not
allow an application program (OS2 or DOS) to disable the FIFOs of a real 16550.
The application may specify the transmit fifo load count.

5 -  SIO.SYS will accept any number between 50 and 115200 (921600 if a Hayes
ESP) as a valid baud rate.  For example, if an application program attempts to
set a baud rate of 9990 bps, COM.SYS will reject it and SIO.SYS will accept it.

6 -  SIO/VSIO execute faster than COM/VCOM.  This means that some applications,
that are timing dependent, may not work under SIO/VSIO that do work under
COM/VCOM.

7 -  VSIO optionally (and by default) simulates a 16550A for DOS sessions.
VCOM simulates a 8250/16450.

8 -  SIO/VSIO provides more reliable active flow control for DOS sessions.  For
example, if RTS/CTS handshaking is in use, VSIO processes the RTS settings by
the DOS program while SIO completely controls the real RTS signal.  COM/VCOM
simply passes the RTS signal directly to the hardware.

9 -  COM.SYS will block an application until a write completes. SIO will return
to the application program immediately if all of the write data will fit into
SIO's internal buffers.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12. Problems and Solutions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

1 -  Port already in use is displayed.

This message is displayed when the comm port or the IRQ is in use.  If the comm
port is not actually in use, the IRQ is most likely in use.

2 -  SIO displays a warning message that the IRQ for a port appears to be
wrong, but the port works.

SIO probably detected more than one IRQ attached to the comm port.  This
indicates a possible hardware problem with your system that you may want to
have checked.

3 - The modem will not initialize.

Configure your comm program(s) to insert a delay between modem initialization
characters as they are sent to the modem.

4 - WinFax locks up during install.

During the WinFax install, temporarily turn OFF the DOS setting
SIO_Virtualize_COM_Ports.  Once installation is complete, the setting
SIO_Virtualize_COM_Ports can be restored.

5 - Telemate does not recognize VX00 as a FOSSIL.

Set the baud rate in Telemate to less than 57600.

6 -  Comm output is very slow from DOS.

This is a problem common to many DOS BBS and Door programs. They attempt to
synchronize the local screen with the transmitted data.  That is, they send a
character, wait until it is sent and then display the character on the local
screen.  This does not cause a problem for the single tasking DOS environment.
However, this procedure causes at least two (probably more) context switches in
the multi- tasking environment of OS2, which in turn brings the processor to
its knees.  One possible solution is for the programmer to synchronize line by
line instead of character by character.

7 -  FaxWorks' driver FMD.SYS cannot access a comm port when SIO is used, but
works okay with COM.SYS.

The problem may be that the comm port is in use (often by a DOS program).  In
all cases known to the author, this has

been the case.  That is, FMD.SYS can not access the port because it is in use,
and FMD.SYS does not report the problem in a manner that is understandable to
many users.

COM.SYS seems to have a bug that will allow an OS2 device driver (like FMD.SYS)
to use a comm port when it is in use by a another device driver, and it
(COM.SYS) does not cause an error when it should.  The exact conditions of this
is not fully understood by the author and the above supposition may not be
totally correct.

8 -  Procomm stops receiving

Procomm seems to have a bug in its implementation of RTS/CTS handshaking.  The
problem shows up most often when Procomm is windowed.  Under certain
conditions, Procomm will turn the virtual RTS OFF and does not turn it ON
again.  This prevents VSIO from sending further data to Procomm if SIO_Mode_RTS
is set for RTS/CTS handshake.  A solution to the problem that seems to work is
to set SIO_Mode_RTS to other than RTS/CTS handshake.  Note that SIO_Mode_RTS
should be set for RTS/CTS handshake under almost all other conditions.

9 - WinFax does not work well.

 a- Connect problems with recipient's fax station

 b- Cannot send more than one page of a multiple page fax

 c- Transmission fails between pages

 d- Transmitted pages are corrupted, missing parts, or cut off.

Class 1 FAX modem:  The modem init strings set by WinFax 3.0 will work in the
single-layered comm world of DOS and Windows.  However, these modem init
strings will not work in the multi-layered comm environment used by OS/2.
Specifically, WinFax 3.0 sets the modem to use only Xon/Xoff flow control.
Ideally, both Xon/Xoff and Hardware handshaking needs to be set.  If only one
handshake can be set, set the modem to Hardware handshake.  For USR FAX modems,
use &H3, for many other modems, the setting is &K3.  Additionally, for WinFax
3.04 and up, place the following in your WINFAX.INI file:

       HdwFlowControl=1

Class 2 FAX modem:  It seems to the author that hardware handshake screws up
some (possibly all) class 2 FAX modems. Therefore, when using a class 2 modem,
WinFax should be configured to use XON/XOFF handshaking. For WinFax 3.04 and
up, place the following in your WINFAX.INI file:

   HdwFlowControl=0

The author feels that the inability to use hardware handshake with class 2 FAX
modems is a serious design deficiency.

10 - Serial Printer messes up on last page.

Add the following command line to your CONFIG.SYS file:

     RUN=MODE COM1 TO=ON


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 13. IRQ Sharing on ISA ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Sharing the same IRQ for multiple communications ports on ISA systems is not
for the weak of heart (or mind).  If you have problems with shared IRQs, DO NOT
contact the author.  Contact the board or computer manufacturer for help.

Some general rules are as follows:

1 - Two different boards (plugged into different slots) can not share the same
IRQ.  This is a hardware limitation of ISA systems and can not be corrected by
software.  This means that you can not plug in two internal modems, set them
for the same IRQ and expect them to work.  This does not apply to PS/2 systems.
The problem of multiple boards sharing the same IRQ was corrected in the PS/2's
buss design.

2 - SIO can not (will not) share an IRQ with other device drivers at the same
time.  SIO releases IRQs that it is currently not using.  This is different
form how COM.SYS works.  This difference may show up as an unexpected "port
already in use" error that does not occur with COM.SYS.  I have received
reports that the SDLC drivers try to concurrently share IRQs with the ASYNC
driver.  SIO.SYS will not allow this while COM.SYS will.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 14. I/O Port and IRQ Assignments ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

I have obtained the following information from various sources. Accuracy is not
guaranteed.  In fact, nothing in this document is guaranteed.  Addresses and
IRQs for COM1 and COM2

   COM1 uses 03F8h and IRQ4
   COM2 uses 02F8h and IRQ3

Defacto standard for COM3 and COM4 for PC, XT and AT

   COM3 uses 03E8h and IRQ4
   COM4 uses 02E8h and IRQ3

Addresses and IRQ for COM3 through COM8 on the PS/2

   COM3 uses 3220h and IRQ3
   COM4 uses 3228h and IRQ3
   COM5 uses 4220h and IRQ3
   COM6 uses 4228h and IRQ3
   COM7 uses 5220h and IRQ3
   COM8 uses 5228h and IRQ3

All PCs (known to the author) prior to the PS/2 and EISA only use 10 bits to
address hardware I/0 ports.  Systems prior to the PS/2 and EISA can not address
the standard PS/2 addresses for COM3 through COM8.  If an AT or below attempts
to address COM3 through COM8 using the PS/2 addresses, only the low 10 bits of
the address are used.  That is, the high digit of the hexadecimal address will
be ignored.  This means that any reference to COM3 through COM8 will actually
address ports 220h through 22Fh on older PCs.

One should avoid expansion boards that use ports 220h through 22Fh unless the
expansion board is a serial I/O board.

SIO will (attempt to) determine the hardware architecture (ISA/EISA and PS/2)
that it is being executed on and use the appropriate hardware port addresses
for COM1 thru COM4 as defaults.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15. Serial I/O Chips ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The following is a collection of comments developed from hearsay, random
documents, experience, and technical specifications. So, take it with a grain
of salt.  Order information from the various manufactures if you want accurate
information.

Very good reference books are available from National Semiconductor
Corporation.  They cover most of the SIO devices (also called UARTs) that you
will find in many PCs and clones.  I am not sure that books can be ordered
directly from National semiconductor. They may require that you get it from a
distributor.  In any case, the address on the back of the one manual is:

   National Semiconductor Corporation
   2900 Semiconductor Drive
   P.O. Box 58090
   Santa Clara, CA 95052-8090

   Tel:[phone]
   TWX:[phone]


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.1. 8250 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

As best that I know, the 8250 was the first SIO chip (integrated circuit) that
was used by the IBM PC and many clones.  In my opinion, it was a poor choice on
the part of IBM.  I feel many superior devices, at comparable prices, were
readily available. At that time, I feel the 8251A or the 8530 would have been
better choices.  But, they used the 8250 and therefore we must use it.  From a
hardware standpoint the 8250 is a relatively slow device. It is advisable that
programmers not perform successive inputs or outputs to this device.  It seems
that software programs can load the various registers of the 8250 faster than
it can process the information.  The 8250 had a total of 7 registers.  The
specifications state that 56kb is the maximum baud rate.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.2. 8250A ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

I believe the 8250A is the 8250 with some bug fixes.  I have no idea what the
bugs may have been.  A quick glance at the specifications shows the speed of
the 8250 and 8250A to be much the same.  The 8250A added an 8th register.  This
additional register enables software to detect if an 8250 is installed.  The
specifications state that 56kb is the maximum baud rate.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.3. 16450 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The 16450 seems to be a speeded up version of the 8250A.  There is no direct
way (that I know of) for software to detect the difference between an 8250A and
a 16450.  I believe the 16450 was developed to eliminate the need for software
to insert delays between successive accesses to the device.  The specifications
indicate the 16450 is a much faster device than its predecessors. The
additional speed is only the speed at which the processor can access the
device.  The maximum baud rate for the 16450 is still stated at 56kb.  However,
I have been told by some people that they have run the 16450 successfully at
much higher speeds. I do not believe there was ever a 16450A.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.4. 16C451 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The 16C451 is a CMOS version of the 16450.  CMOS is a term for the material and
manufacturing process used to make the part. CMOS typically uses less power
than other technologies.  If you are not designing hardware, you should view
the 16C451 as a 16450.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.5. 16550 (Non A) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

It is hard to find a 16550 (Non A).  I was told by National Semiconductor that
they did everything they could to get all 16550s back.  SIO will detect a 16550
and tell you if you have one.  I am told that the 16550 was installed in early
PS/2 systems.  The 16550 was the first shot at a FIFOed version of the 8250
family from National semiconductor.  However, I was told by National
Semiconductor that the FIFOs of the 16550 are not reliable and they should not
be enabled.  SIO will treat a 16550 like a 16450.  In this mode, they are
reliable.  National Semiconductor would not provide me with a specification for
the 16550.  However, I suspect its maximum baud rate is the same as the 16550A
which is 256kb.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.6. 16550A, 16550AF and 16550AFN ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In the manuals that I have, National Semiconductor does not explain the
differences between the 16550A and the 16550AF.  I suspect the AF part may have
a few bug fixes.  I believe the N in AFN describes packaging, ceramic versus
plastic, DIP versus surface mount etc.

In the opinion of the author, there is no substitute for the 16550A (and its
successors) in the 8250 type series.  The 16550A is compatible with most
software written for the entire family of 8250 type devices.  Programs that are
16550A aware can provide much improved performance over previous devices.

The maximum baud rate for the 16550A is specified at 256kb. However, due to the
hardware design of the PC et al, 115kb is the maximum baud rate that can be
programmed by software.

The 16550A can be plugged into the same socket that contains an 8250, 8250A or
16450.  If your SIO expansion board has the SIO chips in sockets, you can
upgrade to the 16550A by simply removing the old chips and replacing them with
16550As.

The key to the performance increase of the 16550A is its FIFOs. It has 16 byte
FIFOs for both transmit and receive data.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.7. 16550s Made by Western Digital ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

I have been told, but I have not verified for myself, that 16550s made by
Western Digital have a problem with their FIFOs when working at 2400 baud or
below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.8. 16C551 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The 16C551 is a CMOS version of the 16550AF.  See the above description of the
16C451 for a discussion of CMOS.  Do not feel you need to upgrade from a 16550A
or AF to a 16C551.  There is no gain from an existing users point of view.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.9. 16C552 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The 16C552 is two 16C551s on a single chip.

The 16C551 is a CMOS version of the 16550AF.  See the above description of the
16C451 for a discussion of CMOS.  Do not feel you need to upgrade from a 16550A
or AF to a 16C551.  There is no gain from an existing users point of view.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.10. 16C554 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The 16C554 is four 16C551s on a single chip.

The 16C551 is a CMOS version of the 16550AF.  See the above description of the
16C451 for a discussion of CMOS.  Do not feel you need to upgrade from a 16550A
or AF to a 16C551.  There is no gain from an existing users point of view.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.11. 82510 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

I believe Intel is the only company that manufactures the 82510. The 82510 is
feature rich with several modes of operation.  Its default mode is to operate
as a 16450.  The 82510 has a 4 byte FIFO for both transmit and receive data.  A
4 byte FIFO is sufficient to provide significant performance over a basic
16450.

The 82510 is small in size.  Therefore, it is found in many lap tops.

The 82510 is somewhat of a sleeper.  I believe it would be much more widely
used if Intel had promoted it more.  However, given a choice between the 82510
and the 16550A, I would select the 16550A.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16. Multi-Port Serial I/0 Cards ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

I have received many requests for information about multi-port serial I/O card.
I will describe the boards that I know about (or have heard about) here.  I
will add to the list as I receive precise information from manufactures, users,
or I develop it myself.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16.1. STB 4COM  (ISA buss) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

I am very impressed with the STB 4COM card, they have almost got it.  Yes, its
the same company that makes the VGA cards.  The 4COM card uses a 16554 which is
the equivalent of four 16550A. Comm ports can use IRQs 2/9, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11,
12, and 15.  Any or all ports can share IRQs, and they have done this right.  I
tested SIO with all four ports of the 4COM on IRQ12 and they worked correctly.
The user can select any of the following I/O port address for a comm port: 3F8,
2F8, 3E8, 2E8, 1A8, 1E8, 1F8, 2A8.  The 4COM card is priced at $110 and I
ordered mine from Steve Winter of Prerapture Solutions.  Steve can be reached
by telephone at 1-919-286-1502 for information and foreign callers. In the US
orders can be placed by calling 1-800-735-5266.  Their mailing address is:

   Prerapture Solutions
   1806 Albany St.
   Durham NC 27705-3135


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16.2. Gtek BBS550 (ISA buss) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Gtek BBS550 is a communications card with the equivalent of 8 16550s (in
reality two 16C552s) UARTs.  Where were these cards 5 years ago!  Like the STB
4COM, I am very impressed with the BBS550.  It has a wide range of selectable
I/O port address, some in the 16 bit range (above 3FFh) which can be very
useful.  I tested the board with all 8 ports installed using IRQ3 (although I
never had more than 3 ports active at the same time).  The board performed well
using shared IRQs.

The BBS550 has 8 RJ-45 connectors (10 pin), 6 of which comes directly off the
back of the card.  The other two RJ-45 connectors are internal and special
cables with grommets are supplier for these 2 ports.  The cables supplied with
the BBS550 expands the RJ-45 out to standard DB-25 connectors.

Gtek is located in St. Louis Mississippi.  Their phone number is 800-282-4835
or 601-467-8048.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16.3. Neotech Quad Serial (MCA buss) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Well, I just got my first PS/2 system (for testing of SIO) and I am using the
NeoTech Quad Serial card in that system.  What can I say, it works beautifully
and interrupt sharing has never been a problem on MCA systems.  This card (as
shipped) came with four individual 16450 chips installed, but they were in
sockets so I installed 16550 UARTs before I installed the card.  The card has
one large connector on the back of the card and the supplied cable expands that
to 4 standard DB-25 connectors.  Those of you needing a good 4 port card for an
MCA system contact:

   Neotech Inc
   30295 Solon Industrial Pkwy.
   Solon, Ohio 44139

   Voice   [phone]
   FAX    [phone]