Impulse 1103 - Manual (Page 13)

Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Sealevel Systems IC485+I Page 11
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Serial Utility test software is supplied with the Sealevel Systems adapter and should be used in the troubleshooting
procedures. Using this software and following these simple steps, most common problems can be eliminated without
the need to call Technical Support.
1. The IC485+I is a level converter and therefore requires no system resources such as I/O ports or IRQs. The I/O
resources of the host RS-232 COM: port will be used to access the port.
2. If you are experiencing problems, a good starting point is to verify proper operation of the host RS-232 COM:
port. Connect the host port TX and RX lines and use Sealevel’s WinSSD utility to perform a loopback test. If
you cannot open the host port, ensure that it is enabled in the System BIOS. If using a Plug ‘n’ Play operating
system, verify that it is recognized by the system.
3. If the host RS-232 port is working properly, verify that the IC485+I is configured correctly for your application
based on the ‘Card Setup’ section earlier in this manual. After attaching the IC485+I, you may perform a
loopback test by connecting TX+ to RX+ and TX- to RX-. Keep in mind that this test will fail should you have
DIP-switch SW2 position 6 on. This forces the IC485+I into ‘No Echo’ mode and will prevent the loopback test
from passing. For loopback purposes, always have DIP-switch SW2 position 6 off even if you will use No Echo
in your actual application.
4. During the loopback test, pay attention to the TX and RX LEDs, as both of these should be on. Failure of one or
both of these to be on would indicate a hardware problem on the adapter.