The Business Master (3rd Edition)

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__________________________________________________ T H E M O D E M D O C T O R Version 5.0S / 5.0R Hank Volpe copyr. 1989,1990,1991,1992,1993 P.O. Box 43214 Baltimore MD 21236 __________________________________________________ Thank you for using the Modem Doctor. This file offers you a brief introduction into how the program works, and how you can use the Modem Doctor to solve your communication problems. Why would you need the Modem Doctor? Well, have you ever tried to install a serial card or a modem to find out that you have the IRQ lines set wrong, or the modem cable wired wrong, or some silly jumper set incorrectly? What about when you have had trouble connecting to a BBS? Is it the phone line, your setup, or your modem? Could it be the uart, settings on your serial card, or an incorrect assignment of the base port address? The Modem Doctor was written to assist you with all of these problems and some of the pitfalls involved in Personal Computer communications. The Modem Doctor checks every serial port chip (uart) register, checks cables and modems for proper handshaking signals, and will inform you if it runs across something that isn't set properly. Modems are also rigorously tested, including handshaking tests and modem self-connect tests which simulate an on-line connection. IRQ assignment errors, base port addressing errors, and a host of other settings are checked. The Modem Doctor also will inform you of the type of uart and modem you have installed, and will print a copy of the test results to a printer or a file. I feel the Modem Doctor is very easy to use, in fact all you need to do is move the cursor around with your arrow keys and press return to run a feature or press the escape key to get out. You can get help at any time by pressing ALT-H. You can change the baud rate of the port you are working with at any time by pressing ALT-B. ALT-F is used to by-pass the microprocessor tests (which is discussed more in the technical reference manual). These special keys are called "Hot-Keys", and can be short-cuts at times during testing. Remember a left or a right arrow is used to move around the main menu. Pressing enter will activate a pulldown window. Use the up or down arrows to make a selection. Press enter to start a test or escape to abort. Use any of the "hot-keys" at any time you wish. It's that simple! Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 2 Starting Modem Doctor --------------------- Here is a list of all the Modem Doctor files. Make sure you are logged onto the disk drive that has all of these files. Hard disk users should be logged into a directory that contains these files; MDR.EXE The Modem Doctor program executable file. MDR.CFG A file that contains your custom color selections (optional, created by the user). MDR5.DRV A reserved file name for future external modem drivers. (there are currently no files with this name). MDR.DAT A file that contains user created setup instructions for running MDR in the /S mode (this will be explained later). MDR.MNU A mouse driver file that can be loaded with any Microsoft- compatible menu load program (such as menu.com). The program MDR.EXE can be run out of a dos path command without you being logged into the proper directory or disk, however the user selected configuration (MDR.CFG) and external driver files will not be used. Also included with the Modem Doctor are the following text files that are a good source of technical information about testing, and the history of the Modem Doctor program. Included is an order form, for the Modem Doctor is distributed in two versions. The shareware version (5.0S) allows you to take a look at the Modem Doctor before you buy it. The Registered Version (5.0R) includes more features, comm port selections, higher baud rates and some extra test information. I feel quite certain you will agree that the Registered Version is worth the price of $19.95 (which includes shipping in the U.S.). Here is a list of these support files; MDR5DOC.TXT The Technical reference Manual that explains in detail the operation and testing of your modem and uart. MDR5FST.TXT This file. MDR5ORDR.TXT The form for you to use to order the registered version of the Modem Doctor. There are four modes that the Modem Doctor operates in; normal, bios writes, setup (/s) and exchange (/x). Normal mode is simply starting the Modem Doctor from the dos prompt by typing; MDR. Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 3 Bios write mode is a feature that you might use if you have a totally incompatible display adapter. If you are visually impaired, this feature allows the text of the Modem Doctor to be echoed to your speech synthesizer system. Bios writes use the ROM-Bios of your computer instead of working to the display adapter. This method is very slow compared to screen writes, so if you have no need for it, I would suggest that you refrain from using it. Starting the Modem Doctor in this bios write mode is done from the dos prompt by typing ; MDR /b Setup mode is a very useful feature and gives you the ability to use the Modem Doctor every day. Setup mode is used to send setup strings (initialization strings) to your modem. In this mode, the Modem Doctor looks for a file called MDR.DAT, which you make with a simple ASCII text editor. This file contains the port, the baud rate, and the setup string you want to send to the modem. If the modem received this information properly, a message is printed to the screen, and an errorlevel of 0 is returned. If there is a problem, a message is printed and an errorlevel of 99 is returned. You can use this feature inside batch files, and these errorlevels can be used to trigger different actions. This mode is explained in great detail, with example batch files and MDR.DAT files. Starting the Modem Doctor in this setup mode is done from the dos prompt by typing ; MDR /s (Note, the setup mode is a registered feature). New in Version 5.0, you can instruct Modem Doctor to use a comm driver instead of its normal, uart control functions. This allows you to test the operation of FOSSIL or other INT 14 drivers. A warning though, most comm drivers do not allow Modem Doctor complete diagnostic testing ability. Always make sure your modem is operating properly with Modem Doctor before you use the FOSSIL feature. To start Modem Doctor in this mode, type MDR /i (for INT 14 generic interface) or MDR /F (for FOSSIL support). Modem Doctor works with both standard and extended version FOSSILS. Finally, the exchange mode is used to swap Comm pointers in memory. This makes Com1 act like Com2. The main reason for this feature is so you can access a serial device that is not interrupt driven (like a printer) from some high level languages that do not allow access to Com2. Some programs do not work with two Comm ports. Running the program does not permanently alter anything, all changes can be restored by running the Modem Doctor in exchange mode again, or by warmbooting your computer. Starting the Modem Doctor in this exchange mode is done from the dos prompt by typing; MDR /x. You can use MDR /x to swap any of the 4 Dos comm port pointers besides the defaults of Com1 and Com2. To do this just type the numbers of the two ports you wish to switch..ie MDR /x 1 4 will swap Com1 and Com4. MDR /x 2 3 will swap Com2 and Com3. The following pages show you operating instructions that you receive when the Modem Doctor runs in the normal or bios write modes. Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 4 After the Modem Doctor starts, you are presented with the following screen; ┌───────────────────────────── The Modem Doctor─────────────────────────────┐ │ Welcome to the Modem Doctor │ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ╒[ Modem / Uart Hardware Detection]══════════════════════════════════╕ │ Port assignments Base(hex) Irq Special Port Usage │ │ Com port 1 [ ] 3f8 4 │ │ Com port 2 [ ] 2f8 3 IRQ assigned to a mouse driver│ │ Com port 3 [ ] not found │ │ Com port 4 [ ] not found │ │ Com port 5 [ ] │ │ Com port 6 [ ] │ │ Com port 7 [ ] │ │ Com port 8 [ ] │ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ╔[ Serial Port Detection ]═══════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Serial port detection ║ ║ Searching for other standard active Comm ports ║ ║ ║ ║ Total Comm ports =2 ║ ║ PRESS ANY KEY TO START TESTING ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ When you start Modem Doctor for the first time, two windows are displayed on screen. The first window, (Modem/Uart Hardware detection) gives you a snapshot of your computer/serial port hardware. In the example above, it found 2 Comm ports (or serial ports). The registered version also looks for custom Comm ports (those defined by a user in a section called Log-in). New in version 5.0, Modem Doctor will also attempt to verify which IRQ line your comm port is using. Modem Doctor traps IRQ's 2,3,4,5,7 and then creates a situation that should cause an interrupt. When the interrupt happens, Modem Doctor notes the IRQ line, and displays it under the IRQ heading. If no interrupt occurs, a 0 is displayed, which means you may have an IRQ problem, or you need to use a FOSSIL driver for support. (See the tech reference manual under FOSSILS and TIMER routines). Also new in version 5.0, if a serial port is being used by a mouse driver, Modem Doctor will flag this usage. This is done by requesting this info from the mouse driver. Note, this feature only works with Microsoft compatible mouse drivers. Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 5 Meanwhile, the Serial Port Detection window displays what Modem Doctor is doing. This window maintains a dialogue between you and the program, and if problems or special instructions need to be displayed, they are shown in this window. Finally, at the bottom of the screen, the copyright notice is displayed along with either "shareware version" or your personal serial number. As a registered user, you need your serial number for support and for updates.After you press return, you will get the following windows on your screen; At this point, pressing any key will bring up a series of windows, whose function is explained below; ╔[ Ports ]═╗ ╔[ IRQ's ]═╗ ╔[ Baud ]══╗ ║ Use COM 1 ║ ║ Use IRQ 2 ║ ║ 300 BPS ║ ║ Use COM 2 ║ ║ Use IRQ 3 ║ ║ 1200 BPS ║ ╚════════════╝ ║ Use IRQ 4 ║ ║ 2400 BPS ║ ║ Use IRQ 5 ║ ║ 4800 BPS ║ * ║ Use IRQ 7 ║ ║ 9600 BPS ║ * ╚════════════╝ ║ 19200 BPS ║ * ║ 38400 BPS ║ * Registered Versions ║ 57600 BPS ║ * only ╚════════════╝ The Ports window will only display valid comm ports that you can work with. The IRQ window automatically selects what it believes is the correct IRQ (based on its tests), however you are free to select any IRQ line you wish. Note- selecting the wrong IRQ is a great way to get all kinds of useless error messages, so unless you think Modem Doctor made a mistake, use the choice that Modem Doctor has made for you. Finally, you can pick a baud rate. Although any computer, even an old XT will work at the highest rates, you should realize that only fast machines can really use faster speeds. Make sure you read the sections in the Technical Reference Manuals regarding HISPEED modems and Interrupt Latency testing.Use the up or down arrow keys to move the highlighted bar to your selection. If you are using a mouse, and if you have the custom Modem Doctor mouse driver loaded, , moving the mouse up or down on your pad will do the same thing. Press return or the left mouse key to complete your selection. Please take care when selecting a baud rate, for you should not select a speed faster than the modem you wish to test can support. If you are just testing the serial port without a modem, you can set the speed anywhere. In the example above, say we decided to use port 2 and use 2400 bps as the speed. Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 6 After selecting the speed, you will get the next window; ╒[ Select an Option ]═══════════════╕ │ Test Modem / Port 2 to 2400 BPS │ │ Test the Uart Hardware Only │ │ Don't set up modem, return to Menu │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘ Testing the Modem and the Port starts a series of tests which communicate to the comm port, talk to the microprocessor in the modem, run a few tests of the modem in what is called the "command mode" and then it displays of all Uart status and control and the first 16 Modem S-registers. If you decide to test the uart only, then only the comm port section of the tests are run. You should use this test if you are just testing the comm port, or if you want to determine if the problem you are having is with the modem or the comm port. The last option gives you the ability to change your mind in case you made an error in any of the port or baud rate choices, or simply hit the escape key to get out of this testing. The Modem Doctor requires that you have logged in at least 1 comm port so that it can execute tests. So, if this is your first time through and you did not select, you will be "beeped" and warned to setup a port in order to access any of the other tests with the exception of auto-login and manual log-in (for registered users). If you have selected at least 1 comm port, then if you escape, the last settings you used will still be in force. Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 7 Assuming you made a selection to start testing, the Modem Doctor now begins testing. If you selected to test the modem and the port, you will get the following displayed to you in most instances; ╒[ Modem / Uart System Diagnostics]══════════════════════════════════╕ │ Comm port /IRQ in use [ ] Port = 1 Address = 3F8 IRQ = 4 │ │ Int 14 interface [ ] Inactive │ │ Uart type [ ] 16450/8250A detected │ │ Baud rate selected [ ] 2400 │ │ Baud Rate reg test [ ] Confirmed correct baud rate │ │ Modem Microprocessor [ ] Modem Microprocessor On-Line │ │ Modem ID Type [ ] 9600+ bps modem │ │ Modem Memory/Rom [ ] Memory tests OK │ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ╒[ Diagnostic Dialog]═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕ │ Preliminary diagnostic checks of hardware │ │ ----------------------------------------- │ │ Confirmed uart setup to proper baud rate │ │ Testing Modem Microprocessor │ │ -------------------------- │ │ │ │ Modem microprocessor command bus active │ │ Modem ID reports a 2400 bps modem installed │ │ Modem microprocessor memory tests OK │ │ Modem microprocessor accepts setup commands │ │ Modem - Uart status appears correct │ │ Press any key to see register status and diagnosis │ │ │ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ What did the Modem Doctor do? Well, first, the Modem Doctor looked for the type of uart so that it could figure out what tests to run. It next checked a very important register in the uart that holds the baud rate divisor. It programmed it for a certain speed and then made sure that speed was indeed held properly in the uart register. These same tests are run if you had decided only to run the uart tests and not the modem tests (or visa versa). Next, the Modem Doctor established communications with the modem microprocessor. There are dozens of ways in which this could happen, but for starters, it figures you are using an "AT" compatible instruction set. There are ways to test modems of any kind with the Modem Doctor. This information is available in the technical reference manual that comes with the Modem Doctor, so for now just assume this is a standard PC-type modem. When the Modem Doctor makes contact, it tells you that the modem is in the command mode. it then asks the modem for its ID number. Theoretically, this should indicate the maximum speed your modem can work at, however, there are some manufacturers that do not follow this convention, so don't be alarmed if you have a 9600 bps modem and it says you have a 2400 bps installed, for the Modem Doctor is only working with information provided Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 8 by the manufacturer and stored in its ROM. Next, a quick test of the RAM and ROM memory is run. Some modems do both, others only do one or the other. Finally, a setup string is sent to the modem, which should respond back properly. If you decided to run the uart tests alone, then none of these modem tests are run. Finally, the screen is filled with displays that show you the internal settings of the Uart registers and the first 16 S-registers. Many modems have more than 16 S-registers, however these first 16 are the only universally agreed-upon registers. If a problem turns up, you will get a diagnostic message that points out the error gives you an idea of what the problem can be. A normal Uart test sequence looks like this; ╒[ Line Control Register ]══════════╕ │ DLB STB STP EPS PEN STB WS1 WS0 │ * These will alternate color. Dark └───────────────────────────────────┘ for a logic low, Bright for a ╒[ Line Status Register ]═══════════╕ logic high. If all is ok │ TSE THE BI FE PE OE DR │ you get the diagnostic window └───────────────────────────────────┘ message displayed below. ╒[ Modem Control Register ]═════════╕ │ LP OT2 OT1 RTS DTR │ └───────────────────────────────────┘ ╒[ Diagnostics ]══════════╕ ╒[ Modem Status Register ]══════════╕ │ Hardware tests OK │ │ RLS RI DSR CTS DRD TER DDR DCS │ │Press any key to continue│ └───────────────────────────────────┘ │ │ ╒[ Interrupt ID Register ]══════════╕ └─────────────────────────┘ │ ID1 ID0 ITP │ └───────────────────────────────────┘ ╒[ Interrupt Enable Register ]══════╕ │ ESI ELI ETI ERI │ └───────────────────────────────────┘ ╒[ Interrupt Mask Register ]════════╕ │ IQ7 IQ6 IQ5 IQ4 IQ3 IQ2 IQ1 IQ0 │ └───────────────────────────────────┘ Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 9 If however something is wrong, you will get this display; ╒[ Line Control Register ]══════════╕ │ DLB STB STP EPS PEN STB WS1 WS0 │* The register name is displayed as └───────────────────────────────────┘ the first item and what was wrong. ╒[ Line Status Register ]═══════════╕ │ TSE THE BI FE PE OE DR │╒[ Diagnostics]═══════════════════════╕ └───────────────────────────────────┘│ Line Control Register readings show │ ╒[ Modem Control Register ]═════════╕│ that the word length selected is │ │ LP OT2 OT1 RTS DTR ││ incorrect or you have a parity error│ └───────────────────────────────────┘│ error. WS1 and WS0 should both be │ ╒[ Modem Status Register ]══════════╕│ on indicating that 8 bit words are │ │ RLS RI DSR CTS DRD TER DDR DCS ││ to be used. All other readings │ └───────────────────────────────────┘│ should be low. Parity errors could │ ╒[ Interrupt ID Register ]══════════╕│ happen once but not every time. If │ │ ID1 ID0 ITP ││ either persists, then the Uart is │ └───────────────────────────────────┘│ defective or communications to the │ ╒[ Interrupt Enable Register ]══════╕│ Uart are suspect. │ │ ESI ELI ETI ERI ││ │ └───────────────────────────────────┘│ PRESS ANY KEY TO CONTINUE │ ╒[ Interrupt Mask Register ]════════╕│ │ │ IQ7 IQ6 IQ5 IQ4 IQ3 IQ2 IQ1 IQ0 ││ │ └───────────────────────────────────┘└─────────────────────────────────────┘ There are many diagnostic messages you could get, and all of these are detailed in the technical reference manual. If you are running the modem test, you will get this display plus the first 16 S-registers, however if there was an error detected, you will get the example listed above and no S-register display. The reason for this is simple, because the uart might have a problem there is no way to know if the data coming from the modem is totally correct. After you have logged in at least 1 comm port, the Modem Doctor will enter the main menu section. Use the main menu bar by operating your left and right arrow keys. Complete a selection with the enter key, or escape with the escape key. The menu system is very straight forward, so you will only see here a list of all the possible menus you might run into. For detailed explanations on the tests that are conducted, refer to the Modem Doctor technical reference file (MDR5DOC.TXT). Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 10 Main Menu Bar: ┌───────────────────────────── The Modem Doctor────────────────────────────┐ │Log-in Regs Carrier Loopback Options Setup End Program │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ For example, if you wanted to display the registers again, chose the Regs selection and press return. Next you will get a pulldown of various register tests. Just use the down or up arrows to slide the bar to the selection you wish to make, and press return to activate it. Pulldowns ------------ Pulldowns are easy to use. Each pulldown system follows the same ground rules; First, you can escape any pulldown by pressing Escape, or skip to the next pulldown by using the left or right arrow keys. Second, each pulldown includes a detailed help menu that you can access by moving the sliding bar to help or by pressing the hot-key combination ALT-H. Press any key to escape help and return to your selection. As you move from pulldown to pulldown, the Modem Doctor will remember your last selection and move the sliding bar to that choice for you. Detailed Menus and what each does for you; * Select these from the Login menu ┌───────────────────────────── The Modem Doctor───────────────────────────┐ │Log-in Regs Carrier Loopback Options Setup End Program │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ╔[ Comm Port Login ]═══════════╗ ║ Let me Auto Detect COMM Ports ║ <- Searches for all Comm ports ║ You Manually Enter COMM Ports ║+<- You enter port addresses ║ Help with Auto login Commands ║ <- Detailed help or ALT-H ║ Return To Main Menu ║ ╚════════════════════════════════╝ + registered version only * Select these from Regs menu ┌───────────────────────────── The Modem Doctor────────────────────────────┐ │Log-in Regs Carrier Loopback Options Setup End Program │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ╔[ Register Tests ]══════════════╗ ║ Quick Uart Register Diagnostics ║ <- Displays all registers ║ DTR/DSR RTS/CTS echo test ║ <- Tests handshake lines ║ Dynamic RTS/CTS handshake test ║+<-|Handshakes under simulated ║ Dynamic Xon/Xoff handshake test ║+<-|on-line conditions. ║ Display any 10 S-registers ║ <- Display S-registers ║ Help and Info on these tests ║ <- Help or ALT-H ║ Return To Main Menu ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════╝ + registered version only Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 11 * Select these from Carrier menu ┌───────────────────────────── The Modem Doctor────────────────────────────┐ │Log-in Regs Carrier Loopback Options Setup End Program │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ╔[ Setup ]═════════════╗ ║ Run the Carrier Tests ║ <- Simulate on-line tests ║ Select Modem Commands ║ <- Pick a modem driver ║ Help With Carrier Test ║ <- Help ║ Return to Main Menu ║ ╚════════════════════════╝ * Select from Loopback ┌───────────────────────────── The Modem Doctor────────────────────────────┐ │Log-in Regs Carrier Loopback Options Setup End Program │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ╔[ Loopback Tests ]═══════════╗ ║ Analog Loopback using a PLUG ║ +<- test Uart & Cables ║ Digital Loopback 8250 UARTS ║ +<- Uart test only ║ Loopback Plug Technical Data ║ +<- How to build a ║ Help with Loopback Tests ║ loopback plug ║ Return To Main Menu ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════╝ +registered version only * Select from Options ┌───────────────────────────── The Modem Doctor────────────────────────────┐ │Log-in Regs Carrier Loopback Options Setup End Program │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ╔[ User Options Selection ]╗ A Built-in mini-terminal -> ║ Interactive Terminal Mode ║ Status of all tests -> ║ View Current Statistics ║ Reset all tests to 0 -> ║ Reset Current Statistics ║ Send results to printer -> ║ Print Current Statistics ║ ║ Help with these options ║ ║ Return To Main Menu ║ ╚════════════════════════════╝ * Setup selections ┌───────────────────────────── The Modem Doctor────────────────────────────┐ │Log-in Regs Carrier Loopback Options Setup End Program │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ╔[ Setup ]═════════════╗ Pick the Comm port and Baud rate -> ║ Setup Command Section ║ Customize your choice of colors -> ║ Choose System Colors ║ ║ Return to Main Menu ║ ╚════════════════════════╝ Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 12 * End options ┌───────────────────────────── The Modem Doctor────────────────────────────┐ │Log-in Regs Carrier Loopback Options Setup End Program │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ╔[ Exit Options]═╗ Quit and display results -> ║ Exit the Program║ Don't quit, stay in program -> ║ Don't Exit ║ ╚═════════════════╝ If you have a mouse, you can easily construct a custom mouse driver that will replace all of your motions. The Modem Doctor does not presently contain built-in mouse support, but it will work with any program such as Microsoft's Mouse.com and Menu.com. An example driver is included with the files on disk (MDR.MNU). Basically, you use the mouse motion left to right and up and down to replace the arrow keys, a key for escape and a key for enter or return. Test report generator: Whenever you quit the Modem Doctor you will get a statistical summary of all the tests and results that were run. You can also access this report anytime, and print it or reset it to zero from the options menu pulldown system. The results of these tests look like this; ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE MODEM DOCTOR Ver. 4.0 Copyr. 1990 by Hank Volpe has tested this modem ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diagnostics were run on your modem with the following results Results of COM2 Testing Test Name # of Tests # of Char Sent # of Errors --------------- ---------- -------------- ----------- CARRIER ORIGINATE 0 0 0 CARRIER ANSWER 0 0 0 ANALOG LOOP 0 0 0 DIGITAL LOOP 0 0 0 MICROPROCESSOR 0 n/a 0 REGISTER TESTS 24 n/a 2 INTERRUPT TESTS 1 n/a 0 Speeds Modem/Uart were tested at -------------------------------- Tested Baud Rate : 2400 Results will be displayed in order for each comm port you tested. If there was an error detected, this line will be highlighted on the screen. You can reset these tests at any time, print and reset, or whatever you like. Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 13 The Status Bar --------------- Com1 | 2400bps | Micro:ON | TxINT: ON | Cfg: Generic Compatible The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the screen. It shows you The Port you are using and the speed your port is operating at. Additionally it shows you if the Modem Doctor has successfully communicated to the modem microprocessor. MICRO : ON means it has, MICRO : OFF means that it has not. Normally, if you run the Modem / Uart test from the setup mode, this display will say MICRO : ON. If you only ran the Uart test, then it will say MICRO : OFF. You can toggle between states using a short-cut Hot-Key ALT-F, but I wouldn't recommend it your first time out. The ALT-F really can help if you have a modem problem to force testing, which is why it was included as a feature. See the technical reference manual for a detailed description of this feature. TxINT :ON indicates that Modem Doctor is using "transmit interrupts" to determine when to send characters to your uart. ALT-T toggles this feature on or off. Older 8250 Uarts running on slow systems had serious problems using transmit interrupts. If you have such a machine, I would recommend you turn this feature off if you have any problems. Refer to the Technical Reference Manual for further information. Finally, the name of the Modem Driver you are currently using is displayed on the right. Alert Bars: ----------- Alert bars are warnings that the Modem Doctor found something that it thinks should be set another way to insure good communications. The warning is displayed with a red bar and a "beep". That is called a fatal error, which means that it is doubtful that your modem or serial port will operate with these settings. Other alert bar displays that do not have a audible "beep" are considered setup warnings, and are suggestions of what you should do to make your communications better. External Modem Drivers (MDR5.DRV) The Modem Doctor uses a software module to communicate with most brands of modems. These "modem drivers" are built into the Modem Doctor. When you start up the Modem Doctor, it will make a choice of the correct driver to use depending on what kind of modem it finds. You can always override this choice by going to the Carrier tests and selecting the pulldown "Select Modem Commands". Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 14 To keep your registered version of Modem Doctor as state-of-the-art as possible, Version 4.0 and higher have the ability to read external modem driver files. Like printer drivers, these files can be loaded to extend the ability of the Modem Doctor to communicate with any type of modem. This means you should never need to update for the sake of incorporating a new modem selection into the Modem Doctor. ALL FUTURE MODEM DRIVER FILES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE. You can always download the latest version of Modem Doctor and Modem Drivers from the Modem Doctor BBS (410-256-3631). Questions about the Modem Doctor -------------------------------- Q: Will the Modem Doctor "fix" a problem? A: If the problem is software based, or if it is a problem with port conflicts or incorrect assignments, the Modem Doctor will straightened it out for testing purposes only. It will advise you though what it found and suggest what you can do to correct the problem later. You can always print this information by using the Print Screen command from your keyboard. Q: I have a LCD display, and the colors the modem doctor uses do not give me good contrast. A: Go to setup, select custom colors, and pick the shades you like, or better still, use monochrome shades. This information will be saved in a file in the same directory you are in currently for the next time you load the Modem Doctor. Q: I tell the Modem Doctor to test my Modem, but it says it is not compatible. A: This could be due to several things; 1) You must make sure you use a baud rate equal to or lower than the maximum baud rate of your modem. If you try for example to talk to the modem at 19.2K bps but your modem is only a 2400 bps, then the Modem Doctor will report falsely about your modem. 2) You do not have a modem attached to that port. In this case run the Uart diagnostics. 3) Your modem is off or disconnected. Q: I would like to use a mouse, but the Modem Doctor doesn't recognize it. A: The Modem Doctor does not have internal mouse support, but it will work with programs such as Microsoft's Menu.com and special mouse drivers that you create. A sample driver is included with the Modem Doctor. Modem Doctor Ver 5.0 copyright (c) 1987-1993 Hank Volpe Users Manual Page 15 Q: If a new modem comes on the market that is not compatible, can the Modem Doctor work with it? A: You can use the Modem Doctor in what is called the "Dumb Modem" mode to test any modem than has external switches to generate carrier tests. Furthermore, this release of the Modem Doctor will work with externally created modules for incompatible modems. If a modem is manufactured at a later time that creates a new set of rules, these external modules will be distributed at no cost to all users. Also, custom modules can be created for any registered user for a small fee. Q: The Analog loop tests do not run. A: This feature only works in the registered version. If you have a registered version and have a problem, you also need to have a loop-back plug attached either to the back of your PC, or to the end of a cable that you are testing. You can run these tests usually through most modem command modes, however you might get errors that are not valid. The Analog loopback was meant to be a help in spotting a bad cable or connector. Q: Do I need to worry if my modem does not pass any of the Dynamic tests? A: Only if you have a high speed modem. Most 9600 bps modems need these handshaking signals to work properly, but at 2400 and lower, they are seldom used. If the Modem Doctor reports that all the uart handshaking signals are present, then all you need to do is set your modem up according to the manufacturers handbook. You can do this from the Interactive terminal mode without even exiting the Modem Doctor, and then use the Modem Doctor to test that your settings are correct.