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Parallel ƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒ ƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒƒ Technologies, Inc. Pipx User's Guide The Parallel Port Driver for ODI Workstations Version 1.00 ( Test Drive Release ) 30 May 1993 …ÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕª ∫ ∫ ∫ The Parallel Port Networking System ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ comprehensive parallel port networking solutions ∫ ∫ for today's most popular ∫ ∫ network operating systems ∫ ∫ ∫ »ÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕÕº (C) Copyright 1993 Jay Lowe, Parallel Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The use and copying of this product is subject to a License Agreement. Federal copyright law permits you to make a backup copy of this software for archival purposes only. Any other duplication of this software, including copies offered through sale, loan, rental, or gift is a violation of law, and subject to both criminal and civil penalities. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means with the prior written permission of Parallel Technologies, Inc. The information given in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Various trademarks used in this document are the property of the companies which own them. Parallel Technologies, Inc. Parallel Technologies, Inc. Corporate Address Shipping Address Parallel Technologies, Inc. Parallel Technologies, Inc. PO Box 7 18080 NE 68th, Unit A-100 Redmond, Wa 98073-0007 Redmond, Wa 98052 (206) 869-1136 (206) 869-9767 (fax) ( for UPS, FEDEX, etc ) Compuserve ID# 76640,203 InterNet ID# 76640.203@COMPUSERVE.COM Page ii Preface This is the User's Guide for Pipx, an ODI driver which is part of the family of Parallel Port Networking drivers from Parallel Technologies. Expert Users If you are an expert user, you may jump ahead to Quick Pipx Quick Pipx Quick Pipx. New Users If you are new to networking or parallel port technology, please examine the manual before you install Pipx. This manual assumes that you have already installed your network operating system software and want to modify your configuration to use the Pipx driver for Parallel Port Networking. Your Personal Satisfaction ... We would like you to know that we at Parallel Technologies are committed to your satisfaction with our products and services. We appreciate your comments, suggestions, and recommendations for improvements and features you would like to see in Pipx, and if you have any problems with using Pipx on your systems, please don't hesitate to use our Technical Support Service. Please read the section on Technical Support before calling. This will enable us to get you up and running as fast as possible. Thank you for purchasing Pipx. Page iii Software License Agreement Read this agreement before installing or using the Software. Installing and/or using the Software on your computer indicates your acceptance of these terms. If you do not agree to these terms and conditions, delete the Software and all it's associated files from your computer. This Software License Agreement gives you ONLY RESTRICTED RIGHTS to use the Software (and it's associated files and documentation) as follows: YOU MAY 1. Use the Software on at most TWO SYSTEMS at the same time for a period of 15 days for evaluation purposes only, 2. Make backup copies of the Software, so long as you place our copyright notice on the backup copies, 3. Request and receive technical support as provided in the Technical Support Policy. YOU MAY NOT 1. Use the Software in any way except as provided in this agreement, 2. Modify, transfer, or reproduce the Software in any way, except as expressly allowed in this agreement, This license is effective from the date of first use of the Software and shall remain in force until terminated. You may terminate this agreement by destroying any and all copies of the Software and its documentation. Parallel Technologies, Inc. may terminate this agreement if you fail to comply with any of the terms and conditions of it. You agree to destroy any and all copies of the Software and its documentation, in whatever form, if we terminate this license agreement, and you agree to provide us written certification of such destruction upon our request. Page iv Statement of Exclusion of Warranty ALL PRODUCTS DELIVERED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT ARE DELIVERED ON AN "AS-IS" BASIS AND PARALLEL TECHNOLOGIES, ITS DEALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS, EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Limitation of Liability PARALLEL TECHNOLOGIES DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. NEITHER PARALLEL TECHNOLOGIES NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES OR DAMAGES DUE TO LOST PROFITS, DATA, OR INFORMATION ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF PARALLEL TECHNOLOGIES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL PARALLEL TECHNOLOGIES' LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES EVER EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF CLAIM. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISKS AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington and shall inure to the benefit of Parallel Technologies, Inc. and any successors, administrators, heirs and assigns. Any action or proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a STATE or FEDERAL COURT of competent jurisdiction located in King County, Washington. Page v Table of Contents Welcome to Parallel Port Networking...... 1 Pipx - The Parallel Port ODI Driver...... 5 Pipx Features .......................... 6 Pipx Applications ...................... 8 The Pipx Family of Drivers ............. 10 Pipx Requirements ...................... 11 Pipx Cable Type Chart .................. 12 Pipx Installation........................ 13 Quick Pipx for Expert Users.............. 15 Configuring Pipx......................... 16 Pipx Parameter List .................... 20 Using Pipx with Your Network Software.... 21 Netware Lite ........................... 22 Windows Workgroups ..................... 23 FTP Software's PC/TCP .................. 24 Map Assist ............................. 25 Procedure Reference...................... 26 Directories and your PATH .............. 27 Editing NET.CFG ........................ 28 Copying Files .......................... 29 Comparing Files ........................ 30 Using PARALLEL.EXE ..................... 31 Changing to a different Cable .......... 32 Changing to another Port ............... 33 Networking and Printing on the Same Port 34 Using an Extension Cable ............... 35 Fun with Lights and Sounds ............. 36 Measuring Pipx's Performance ........... 37 Improving Pipx's Performance on Your System 38 Pipx Error Messages...................... 39 Troubleshooting Tips..................... 41 Appendix A. Technical Support Policy.... 42 Appendix B. Making Your Own 4BIT Cable.. 43 Appendix C. Other Parallel Technologies Products 44 [ Documentation is abbreviated in the Test Drive Version ] Page vi Welcome to Parallel Port Networking Welcome to the convenience and simplicity of parallel port networking! For more than 30 years, computer networks have been an excellent way for users to share information, programs, and system resources such as printers, modems, and other peripherals. Networking has evolved to a high art and networks have become a common feature of the workplace. But all is not sweetness and light. Networks are still arcane, expensive, and often inaccessible. To network a workstation, one must still have a network card, a special network cable, a point of access to the network, and a certain amount of expertise, not to mention patience and a screwdriver! All these tedious complications add up to a simple fact... networks are often too costly, to troublesome, or simply impossible. Parallel Port Networking comes to the rescue -- by allowing you to network together any two PCs with just a inexpensive cable. You don't have to open any cases or understand any strange hardware details. The secret is the driver software, which makes the parallel port connection look like a network adapter to your favorite networking software. This means you can add the unique convenience and portability of parallel networking to the network software environment you already have. The benefits and limitations of Parallel Port Networking compliment the capabilities of traditional networking to offer you a endless array of exciting new applications and adds new value to your existing network. Anywhere you go, you can have a network in minutes or... just seconds! Page 1 General Specifications for Parallel Port Networking Products Parallel Port MAC Drivers: ODI Workstation Pipx available now 69.95 NDIS 2.01 Pndis available April 93 69.95 NDIS 3.0 Pndis3 est available May 93 69.95 Packet Driver Ppacket available April 93 69.95 IPX (old monolithic) ParaIpx under consideration 69.95 Parallel Port Cables: 4BIT Cable 10 feet 29.95 Actual performance up to 50 Kbyte/sec laplink-compatible, supports all port types 8BIT Cable 10 feet 29.95 Actual performance up to 75 Kbytes/sec supports only 8BIT true bidirectional ports Turbo Cable Turbo Module + 2 6-foot cables 149.95 Actual performance up to 250 Kbytes/sec Raw transfer rate up to 800 Kbytes/sec Supports all parallel port types Turbo Port EPP Parallel Port for ISA systems 149.95 Actual performance up to 250 Kbytes/sec Raw transfer rate up to 800 Kbytes/sec Supports all parallel port types Supported Parallel Ports (99% of all ports are supported): 4BIT ports Unidirectional ports typical on ISA expansion cards 8BIT ports True bidirectional ports EPP ports Intel SL style EPP ports are currently supported Additional EPP ports will be supported as they appear ECP ports ECP ports will be supported when they enter the market Ports not supported Ports with inverted IRQ Ports with non-functioning IRQ Ports at nonstandard addresses or IRQs (These limitations may be lifted in future releases) Supported PC Systems: PC, XT, AT, ISA clones (8086, 286, 386, 486) Page 4 Features and Benefits of Parallel Port Networking Features Benefits Applications ------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Uses Parallel Port Completely External Temporary Connections No Screwdrivers Changable Connections No System Impacts Transient Connections Quick, Easy Immediate Connections Installation Supports All Port Universal Connect to any PC Types Connectivity Uses just a Cable Very Low Cost Entry Level Networks Very Portable Travelling Networks Standardized Drivers Emulates NIC Netware Lite (ODI, NDIS, packet) Supports Popular Windows for Workgroups Networks many, many others Range of Cable Types 4BIT - laplink 30 - 50 Kbytes/sec compatible 8BIT - 50% faster 40 - 75 Kbytes/sec TURBO - fast 50 - 250 Kbytes/sec universal Scaleable Covers range from low Buy the speed you need Performance cost to high performance Upgrade anytime Menu Configuration Plug and Play For casual applications No HW expertise or for novice users required Practical Limitations of Parallel Port Networking Limitation Impact Significance -------------------- ------------------------ ------------------- Limited Cable Length 10' typical PCs must be close 50' possible Limited Bandwidth 4BIT/8BIT slower than Useable but not NIC blazing TURBO cable rivals NIC Use TURBO Cable for high performance 4BIT and 8BIT modes Server PC may drag Use TURBO Cable to are CPU intensive under very heavy load reduce CPU loading Page 6 Pipx - The Parallel Port ODI Driver Pipx is the ODI member of the Parallel Port Networking driver family. Pipx is an ODI workstation driver. ODI is Novell's Open Data Link interface used with Netware products, including especially Netware Lite. Pipx is mainly intended for use with Netware Lite but it may be used with a variety of other network operating systems that support ODI: Microsoft Windows for Workgroups (via ODINSUP) Microsoft Lan Manager (via ODINSUP) FTP Software's PC/TCP Microtest's MAP ASSIST NCSA Telnet and other ODI-compatible software Pipx comes to you from the same engineers who invented the first parallel port network adapters, the first parallel SCSI hard disk, the first high-speed parallel port, and the first daisychained and multiplexed parallel devices, and more than 12 parallel port devices altogether. Now we've brought that expertise to bear in offering parallel port networking solutions for popular network operating systems. Based on many years of experience in developing parallel port devices and driver software, Pipx includes many advanced features which we hope you'll enjoy. We appreciate your comments and suggestions about Pipx. They help us to continue improving and refining the product to better serve you. This chapter describes these features, explains what you need to run Pipx, and discusses how Pipx can be used in various applications. Page 7 Pipx Features Convenience All you need to network any two PCs is a cable. No network adapters, no screwdrivers, no slots, no opening cases, no power supplies, no fancy network wiring. Just a simple parallel cable which you may already have. And since almost all PCs have parallel ports, anywhere you go you're network ready. Portability Pipx provides network capability wherever you go. On the road, at home, in the office, throughout the lab, Pipx allows you to make temporary or permanent network connections quickly and easily. For the travelling professional, Pipx's truly portable networking can save time and money while increasing your capabilities in the field. Intelligence Pipx let's you make connections between any two parallel ports. Pipx understands various types of parallel ports and supports several kinds of cables. It adaptively selects the best available IO mode for your ports. Old ports, new ports, slow ports, fast ports, no problemo. Compatibility Because Pipx is an ODI driver, it can be used with quite a selection of network software. Since the ODI interface is fairly popular, various shims exist for NDIS and packet driver interoperability. In some configurations, Pipx can run along with other network interfaces (Ethernet, Token Ring, etc) in the same machine. This feature allows you to have connectivity clusters which integrate the LAN, your desktop, and your laptop into a seamless environment. Page 8 Universal Connectivity Pipx can be used to network any two PCs which have parallel ports. Pipx understands understands a wide variety of different parallel port behaviors and adapts to the peculiarities of most ports. Across the installed base of PCs, Pipx is actually a more universal data transfer method than even floppy disks! Low Cost Pipx's only hardware requirement is the parallel port cable itself, which you may already have at your disposal. Pipx supports various types of popular cables, including those shipped with laplink-style products. Pipx also supports an advanced high speed TurboCable that has a raw transfer rate of up to 800 Kbytes/sec. To keep Pipx inexpensive, it is available with or without a cable. Scaleable performance Pipx allows you to buy the level of performance that fit's your needs. Pipx's performance ranges from about 40 Kbytes/sec to over 250 Kbytes/sec, depending on the type of ports you have, the cable connecting them, and on the performance of the network software. At the low end, Pipx's performance is quite usable for many applications under both DOS and Windows and is, at the very least, a great improvement over laplink-style connections. At the high end, Pipx rivals network cards in actual performance. With the increasing popularity of fast EPP and ECP parallel ports, Pipx brings true NIC level performance to more and more systems. Scaleable performance means that you can buy the performance level you want while keeping universal connectivity to all PCs. Page 9 Pipx Applications Temporary Connections Pipx is great for hooking two system together temporarily, to transfer files, install software, perform backups, and so forth. Transient Connections We find Pipx expecially useful for transient connections in our environment where "who's connected to who" changes minute by minute. It's handy to have one server running Pipx so we can just plug the cable into any other machine and mount the server drives to transfer files or perform tests. Pipx is extremely tolerant of this sort of transient connection, where clients come and go as needed. Alternatively, you could carry a portable server running Pipx from client to client and connect to them in seconds, without even rebooting, to perform backups, distribute software upgrades, etc. Desktop/Laptop Integration Many laptops travel from home to office and usually there is a desktop system waiting at either or both ends. My laptop is never alone. it has friends at work and a close, meaningful relationship with my home system. When I get home, I just plug in a cable, run a batch file, and my day's work is available on my desktop. Pipx cures the file-shuffling blues and cures "terminal versionitis". Connectivity Clusters Some network software, like Windows for Workgroups, knows how to handle multiple networks. This is excellent for Pipx, since it allows you to keep a permanent Ethernet connection while having another "sideways" connection using Pipx. This configuration brings your main network resources, your desktop, and your laptop together into one seamless environment. Page 10 Binary Networks It's amazing how many networks consist of just two PCs. If you're considered networking, then Pipx is your opportunity to get started with a small two system network at very low cost. Whether at home, in the office, or in the lab, Pipx gives you the capability to network two systems in the easiest possible way. Such networks make great learning tools and have many practical applications as well. Low Cost Connections Pipx is an extremely cost-effective way to connect two systems. It gives you full networking capabilities, reasonable transfer rates, lots of convenient features, and it does so at a very low cost. When you figure Pipx's performance per dollar ratio, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Compared to other networking technologies, it offers more bang for the buck across a wide performance range. If you compare kilobytes per second per dollar of cost, Pipx costs about $1 per KBPS whereas Ethernet costs about twice as much for desktops and more than 6 times as much for laptops. Page 11 The Pipx Family of Drivers Pipx is part of a family of network drivers for the parallel port. All of these driver have the same features as Pipx including: support for all types of parallel ports, multiple cable types, adaptive IO mode selection, and so forth. Pipx ... Parallel Port ODI driver The ODI workstation driver covered by this manual. Pndis ... Parallel Port NDIS driver Pipx for the NDIS environment native to Windows for Workgroups, Microsoft Lan Manager, and other systems. Artisoft has announced forthcoming Lantastic support for NDIS drivers. The NDIS enviroment offers the capability of accessing multiple networks from a single workstation. This feature is a good fit for Pndis, since it allows you to have a parallel port connection and an Ethernet or Token Ring connection operating simultaneously. Pndis will be released in the very near future. Ppacket ... Parallel Port Packet driver Pipx for the Packet Driver interface used with various commercial and public domain network software, notably TCP/IP applications. Ppacket is under development. Call for details on availability. Contact Parallel Technologues regarding the availability of parallel port networking for other driver interface types. We will be pleased to provide compatible parallel port networking for other environments with all the advanced port and cable features of Pipx. Page 12 Pipx Requirements To use Pipx, all you need is two PCs, your network software, and an appropriate parallel port cable. Your choices are listed below: Supported Network Software Novell Netware Lite Microsoft Windows for Workgroups (through ODINSUP) Microsoft Lan Manager (through ODINSUP) FTP Software's PC/TCP other ODI-compatible software may be supported Supported Computers for 286 and better systems use PIPX.COM for 8086-based IBM/PCs and XTs use PIPX86.COM Supported Parallel Ports Virtually all parallel ports are supported 4BIT ports ... often called "unidirectional ports" 8BIT ports ... may be called "bidirectional ports" EPP ports ... Intel 386SL and 486SL Enhanced Parallel Ports ECP ports ... will be supported when available Currently the port must have normal interrupt capability Use PARALLEL.EXE to determine your port type Supported Cable Types Advanced design supports a range of cables and performance 4BIT ... compatible with laplink-style cables for all ports 8BIT ... for 8BIT ports only, 50% faster than 4BIT TURBOcable ... high speed cable compatible with all ports TURBOport ... EPP-capable ISA add-in card See the Pipx Cable Type Chart on the next page Page 13 Pipx Cable Type Chart Pipx supports various of cable types offering a range of performance and compatibility with different parallel ports. Cable Type Compatibility Performance Cost actual max KBps through NW Lite ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4BIT all ports 30 - 50 KBps 29.95 8BIT 8BIT ports only 50 - 75 KBps 29.95 TurboCable all ports 50 - 250 KBps 149.95 TurboPort all ports 50 - 250 KBps 149.95 ------------------------------------------------------------------- The 4BIT Cable This cable works with all parallel ports and is compatible with the cables used with many laplink-style systems. This is the most universal "dumb" (wire-only) cable. Only 4BIT and TURBO cables will work with all parallel ports. The 8BIT Cable This cable type offers 50% better performance than the 4BIT cable but can be used only between two true 8BIT parallel ports. The Turbo Cable The Turbo Cable is actually a small module containing logic which allows both ports to function independently at their maximum speed. The Turbo Cable's 800 Kbyte/sec transfer rate achieves NIC speeds between EPP ports and speeds up other modes as well The Turbo Port The Turbo Port is a ISA add-in EPP parallel port card which provides the same high-speed capability as the Turbo Cable and can also be used as an EPP port for fast printing in DOS and Windows. Page 14 Pipx Installation Overview Install Pipx by copying all the files contained on the Driver Diskette to your hard disk (or floppy) in the desired directory. We will assume that you will install Pipx into C:\NWLITE. In any case, instructions given later in the manual require only that the PIPX components be available in a directory which is on your path. Installation Procedure 1. Connect to the desired directory: C:\> cd \nwlite 2. Copy the contents of the Driver Diskette to C:\NWLITE: C:\> copy a:*.* c:\nwlite 3. Use TYPE, PRINT, or your editor to examine the README file C:\> type README.DOC | more or, C:\> print README.DOC or, C:\> edit README.DOC Page 16 Contents of the Driver Diskette PIPX.COM the Pipx ODI workstation driver PIPX86.COM the Pipx ODI workstation driver for PC/XT's PIPX.DOC the User's guide in ASCII text format README.DOC the latest information on Pipx PARALLEL.EXE the Parallel Port Information Utility PARALLEL.DOC the User's Guide for Parallel.Exe PIPXLITE.BAT sample batch file for using Pipx with NW Lite PIPX_NET.CFG sample NET.CFG file for Pipx Page 17 Quick Pipx for Expert Users If you are an expert user, you can proceed simply by installing Pipx and using it instead of your existing ODI driver. 1. Copy the contents of the Driver Diskette to the desired directory. 2. Run PARALLEL to determine your parallel port configuration. 3. Configure PIPX by adding the following NET.CFG section: Link driver Pipx Port [ parallel port address: 3BC, 378, 278 ] Int [ parallel port IRQ level: 7 or 5 ] Cable [ cable type: 4BIT, 8BIT, TURBO ] Node Address [ arbitrary node address, 12 hex digits ] Lights [ optional: Persistent or Transient ] Sounds [ optional: Transmit or Receive ] Be sure you use different Node Addresses on each system. 4. Modify your network load procedure to use Pipx, for example: [ sample Netware Lite STARTNET.BAT file ] SHARE LSL PIPX <-- load the Pipx ODI driver instead IPXODI SERVER CLIENT 5. Repeat the installation on the second system. 6. Connect the systems with the appropriate cable. 7. Start the network on both systems. Page 18 Configuring Pipx Overview The v1.00 release of Pipx requires manual configuration of the parallel port parameters and cable parameters. We have provided a copy of PARALLEL, the Parallel Port Information Utility, which can be used to determine the required parameters for your systems. It is only necessary to perform this manual configuration procedure (Steps 1 through 3 below) once on each system where you'll be using Pipx. We will be adding automatic configuration in a future release. These instructions assume you have already installed your network software for some other network adapter using an ODI driver and now want to run that software between two systems using Pipx. The following steps are required to configure Pipx on each system: Step 1 - Determine your parallel port configuration Step 2 - Edit your NET.CFG file Step 3 - Revise your network loading procedure Step 4 - Install the appropriate parallel port cable Step 5 - Run your network software Step 1 - Determine your parallel port configuration Decide which parallel port(s) you want to use with Pipx. Use the PARALLEL program provided on the Driver Diskette to determine the Address and IRQ level of the selected parallel ports. Page 19 Read the PARALLEL.DOC file if you need to use the IRQ loopback procedure in order to determine the IRQ level. This file also contains useful information on configuring your ports for best performance. Step 2 - Edit your NET.CFG file Pipx looks in your NET.CFG file for it's configuration parameters when it is loaded. This file must be in a directory on your path. Edit your NET.CFG file to add the necessary Pipx parameters, in the "Link driver Pipx" section: Link driver Pipx Port 3BC [ the base address of the port ] Int 7 [ the IRQ level of the port ] Cable 4BIT [ the cable type you are using ] Node Address babeface [ arbitrary 12 hex digits ] Lights Transient [ optional display lites ] Sounds Transmit [ optional sound effects ] These parameters are discussed in detail in the Pipx Parameters section, but a few immediate comments are appropriate: The Node Address may be any unique IEEE Ethernet node address consisting of 12 hex (0-9, A-F) digits. Be sure you use a different Node Address for each system. The Node Address is present to provide for a future routing feature which will allow Pipx packets to be routed onto other network segments: Ethernet, Token Ring, other Pipx. We suggest that you enable the Lights Transient feature initially because it provides immediate feedback that Pipx is working properly. You can remove it from NET.CFG later. Step 3 - Revise your network loading procedure Revise your batch file (or manual loading procedure) to use PIPX. Page 20 We suggest you first copy your existing batch file to a new file: C:\NWLITE> copy startnet.bat startpip.bat and then edit the STARTPIP.BAT to use PIPX instead of the previous ODI driver. You may also use the PIPXLITE.BAT batch file on the Driver Diskette which load and unloads Netware Lite with Pipx. This batch file is handy as it allows you to easily load and unload the network. Here is an example using the Netware Lite STARTNET.BAT file: STARTNET.BAT for NE2000 STARTPIP.BAT for Pipx SHARE SHARE LSL LSL NE2000 <- replace this line -> PIPX IPXODI IPXODI SERVER SERVER CLIENT CLIENT Step 4 - Install the appropriate cable Attach the parallel port cable to the parallel ports of both systems. 4BIT cables may be used with any parallel ports 8BIT cables require that both ports have 8BIT capability TURBO cables may be used with any parallel ports Step 5 - Load your network software Run your network software using the STARTPIP.BAT file or your own custom procedure. Pipx will display the configuration information when it runs, and, if you selected the Lights feature, Pipx will begin to display it's current status in the upper right hand corner of the screen immediately. This display, which appears only in text modes, has an extremely small performance impact and should not affect the operation of programs. Page 21 If Pipx encounters an error during loading, it will display an error message and an ordered list of steps which may correct the error. Refer to the Pipx Error Messages section for more information. You may load the network software on either station first. Pipx does not require that the second station be running when it starts. Network operations will simply not start happening until the second Pipx station is ready to listen. Page 22 Pipx NET.CFG Parameter List Port Required: [ 3BC | 378 | 278 ] The base address of the parallel port being used. Int Required: [ 7 | 5 ] The IRQ level of the parallel port being used. NOTE: Polled operation and Inverted IRQ is not supported in this release. Please contact us if you require support for non-standard ports. Cable Required: [ 4BIT | 8BIT | TURBO ] The type of parallel port cable being used. Node Address Required: 12 hex digits A locally administered network address. May be any 12 hex (0-9, A-F) digits. Be sure you use a different node address on each Pipx station. Lights Optional: [ Persistent | Transient ] Persistent ... enables persistent Display Lites Transient ... enables transient Display Lites Sounds Optional: [ Transmit | Receive ] Transmit ... sound effects on Tx complete Receive ... sound effects on Rx complete Frame Optional: one or more of the following: Ethernet_802.3 (default) Ethernet_802.2 Ethernet_II Ethernet_SNAP Page 23 Pipx Error Messages Pipx may display the following error messages when it loads. FATAL: You must specify the PORT, INT, and CABLE type in NET.CFG Cause: One or more missing NET.CFG parameters Fix : Please configure the Link Driver PIPX section of NET.CFG : You may refer to PIPX.DOC for configuration instructions One or more of the required NET.CFG parameters is not present. You should examine your NET.CFG file to see that the "Link driver Pipx" section is properly configured. Be sure that NET.CFG is on the path. FATAL: The PORT specified in NET.CFG does not respond, see Pipx.Doc Cause: The specified PORT does not act like a parallel port Fix : Check your PORT parameter. Is it one of 3BC, 378, 278? : Verify that the port works. Run PARALLEL.EXE to test your ports : Make sure you are using the right type of cable for your port : If possible, try a different parallel port The port type detection has reported that the specified parallel port is not operating properly. You should check your Port parameter in NET.CFG. Use PARALLEL to test your port for correct operation. Try to isolate the problem by using Pipx on a different parallel port. Page 42 FATAL: Unrecognized CABLE type in NET.CFG, see Pipx.Doc Cause: The CABLE parameter is not one of 4BIT, 8BIT, or TURBO Fix : Check your CABLE parameter The Cable type given in NET.CFG is not valid. It must be one of the following: 4BIT, 8BIT, or Turbo. Only the first character is significant. Check your Cable parameter in NET.CFG. Check that NET.CFG is on your path. FATAL: The specified CABLE will not work on the selected PORT Cause: You have specified a cable which is incompatible with your port Fix : Refer to Pipx.Doc for information on cable and port compatibility : This is usually caused by using an 8BIT cable on a 4BIT port : 4BIT ports only support 4BIT and TURBO cables Pipx has determined that the Cable you have specified is incompatible with your parallel port. This is usually caused by trying to use an 8BIT cable on a 4BIT port. The 8BIT cable only works between 8BIT ports. You should use a 4BIT or TURBO cable with 4BIT ports. Page 43 FATAL: The PORT setting in NET.CFG is not a valid port address Cause: PORT parameter is not one of 3BC, 378, or 278 Fix : Set the PORT parameter to the address of the port being used : You may use PARALLEL.EXE to examine your ports if necessary : Valid PORTs are 3BC, 378, and 278 : Refer to Pipx.Doc for example configurations You have specified a PORT address which is not a valid parallel port. Valid address are 3BC, 378, and 278. Check the PORT parameter in your NET.CFG file. Be sure that NET.CFG in on the path. FATAL: The INT setting in NET.CFG is not a valid interrupt level Cause: INT parameter is not one of 7 or 5 Fix : Set the INT parameter to the IRQ level of the port being used : You may use PARALLEL.EXE to determine the IRQ level if necessary : Valid INTs are 7 and 5 : Refer to Pipx.Doc for example configurations The INT parameter in NET.CFG is not a valid interrupt level for the parallel port. The INT parameter must be 7 or 5. Check the INT parameter in your NET.CFG file. Be sure NET.CFG is on the path. FATAL: This version of Pipx cannot run on this computer Cause: PIPX.COM requires a 286 or better CPU Fix : Use PIPX86.COM which supports 8086 processors You are trying to run PIPX.COM on an 8086-based computer. You must use PIPX86.COM instead on 8086-based systems. Page 44 Technical Support Policy With your purchase of Pipx, you receive up to 4 hours of technical support for a period of one year. Technical support is offered via Compuserve Email, via fax, and by telephone at our office during the hours of 1:00pm - 5:00 pm Pacific Time. When requesting technical support, please be prepared with the following information in printed form. If your problem cannot be resolved on the spot, we will ask you to fax this information to us: 1. Your parallel port configuration as reported by PARALLEL 2. The manufacturer and model numbers of your systems 3. The type of cable you are using 4. Your CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, NET.CFG files 5. Your PROTOCOL.INI file if you are using NDIS software Parallel Technologies, Inc. Parallel Technologies, Inc. Corporate Address Shipping Address --------------------------- --------------------------- Parallel Technologies, Inc. Parallel Technologies, Inc. PO Box 7 18080 NE 68th, Unit A-100 Redmond, Wa 98073-0007 Redmond, Wa 98052 (206) 869-1136 (206) 869-9767 (fax) ( for UPS, FEDEX, etc ) Compuserve ID# 76640,203 Internet ID# 76640.203@COMPUSERVE.COM Page 47 Making Your Own 4BIT Cable If you wish, you may make your own 4BIT cable for use with Pipx. the cable wiring diagram is given below: ******************************* * 4-BIT CABLE WIRING DIAGRAM * ******************************* DB-25M DB-25M Male Connector Male Connector 1--------------------------------1 2--------------------------------15 3--------------------------------13 4--------------------------------12 5--------------------------------10 6--------------------------------11 7 7 8 8 9 9 10--------------------------------5 11--------------------------------6 12--------------------------------4 13--------------------------------3 14--------------------------------14 15--------------------------------2 16--------------------------------16 17--------------------------------17 18--*--------------------------*--18 | | 19--* *--19 | | 20--* *--20 | | 21--* *--21 | | 22--* *--22 | | 23--* *--23 | | 24--* *--24 | | 25--* *--25 Sheild--------------------------------Sheild Page 50 --------------------------------------------- Other Products from Parallel Technologies --------------------------------------------- We at Parallel Technologies' have been creating innovative parallel port devices and software since 1989. Here are a few highlights: o 1st ... network adapter for the parallel port o 1st ... built-in passthrough printing port o 1st ... automatic self-configuring drivers o 1st ... universal support for all parallel ports o 1st ... network adapters with multiple media support o 1st ... Windows 3.1 multimedia driver for parallel adapter o 1st ... Multiple Parallel Device API for shared devices o 1st ... intelligent parasitic power for self-powered devices o 1st ... daisychained parallel port peripherals o 1st ... multiplexed parallel port peripherals o 1st ... Parallel Port Expansion System o 1st ... product development tools for OEMs and developers o PC MAG Editor's Choice for Ethernet parallel port NIC o most total network adapters -- 6 and counting... o most total parallel port peripherals -- 12 and counting... We have in-depth experience with the wonderful and sometimes bizarre world of the PC parallel port and serve on both the EPP and IEEE 1284 standards committees. Having created more than a dozen parallel port devices with their associated drivers and software utilities, we are the most experienced source for off-the-shelf technology, developer tools and components, and contract services. Here are a few of our current and forthcoming products that you may find interesting. Parallel -- the Parallel Port Information Utility ------------------------------------------------- A handy utility which examines your system's parallel ports and reports the Port Type, IO address, IRQ level, BIOS name, and an assortment of informative notes and warnings in a compact and easy to read display. The output may be redirected to a file for tech support purposes. Parallel uses very sophisticated techniques for port and IRQ detection and is aware of a broad range of quirky port features. Parallel is the definitive parallel port Tech Support tool. Parallel is Freeware, subject to a restricted license agreement. It may be used free of charge for any personal, non-commercial purpose. Vendors should contact us regarding commercial licenses. A forthcoming commercial version of Parallel will use an active loopback connector enabling many new features including detailed resolution of port IO behavior and effective throughput testing. Parallel Port Networking ------------------------ Now you can network two PCs using your favorite network software with just a parallel port cable between the systems. Our family of parallel port network drivers (PIPX, PNDIS, PPACKET, and others TBA) work with standard network software to turn your parallel port into a network adapter. All types of ports are supported with a very few specific exceptions. Supports: Netware Lite, Workgroups for Windows, MS Lan Manager, various TCP/IP systems, and other network operating systems that use the ODI, NDIS, or packet driver interfaces. Performance is better than you might expect, ranging from a low end of 40 KBps between 4BIT ports all the way up to an effective 200 KBps between EPP ports using our TURBO cable. This upper range is better than many ethernet ISA cards. The drivers are available with or without cables, and existing cable types typically used with laplink type products are also supported. The MultiPort Parallel Port Expansion System -------------------------------------------- The MultiPort 4-port multiplexor turns your parallel port into a general purpose expansion system, capable of supporting up to four simultaneously operating parallel port peripherals including network adapters, portable hard drives, tape backup units, CDROMs, floppies, and so forth. For example, you can use the MultiPort Mux to attach a network adapter, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a printer, all operating together through a single parallel port. Now your laptop (and desktop) can enjoy a full range of peripherals with all the portability, sharability, and convenience of parallel port devices. Parallel Port Developer's Kit ----------------------------- Pipx was constructed with Parallel Technologies' advanced parallel port software, which has been used in over 10 parallel port devices including network adapters, parallel port disks, parallel port wireless IR adapters, parallel port MIDI interfaces, and so forth. This software includes support for all types of ports, IO code that is extremely resistant to port idiosyncrasies, and full autodetection of all port hardware features. The code is very well documented. A selection of sample drivers for parallel port devices is also available. OEM Products ------------ Most of our products are available for OEM licensing, including network adapters, EPP-capable hard disks, parallel-SCSI interface, parallel MIDI adapter, and the MultiPort parallel port expander. Development Services -------------------- We specialize in contract development of parallel port peripherals and associated software including DOS and Windows device drivers. Our broad and deep experience with parallel port devices and our commitment to specialization allows us to design, implement, test, and support them very efficiently. You might be interested in our 30/90 development offer. We propose to convert any ISA peripheral into a parallel port device in only 30 days to prototype, 90 days to production. We also offer more limited development support, such as developing additional devices drivers for existing peripherals. We are quite experienced with EPP ports and are ready to upgrade your existing parallel port devices to full EPP performance. Consulting and Training ----------------------- In support of in-house development, you will find our consulting and training services invaluable in avoiding the pitfalls of parallel port development while achieving the highest possible product performance and quality.