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_____________________________________________________________________________ Parallel.Exe Parallel Technologies, Inc. Parallel Port Information Utility PO Box 7 (C) Copyright 1993 Jay Lowe Redmond, WA 98073-0007 This program may be used Lab 206-869-1136 free of charge subject to the Fax 206-869-9767 Restricted License Agreement Compuserve 76640,203 as stated below Internet 76640.203@COMPUSERVE.COM _____________________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Parallel Port Information Utility ----------------------------------------------------- Parallel is a simple utility which displays the configuration of the parallel ports (LPT ports) in your system. Parallel is useful for: 1. Configuring parallel port software such as Windows printer connections, parallel port device drivers, and print spoolers. 2. Resolving technical support problems with parallel port devices, including printers and external peripherals such as network adapters, portable disks, tape drives, CD-ROMs, floppies, etc. 3. Configuring your parallel ports for best performance. 4. Resolving pesky IO address and IRQ contention problems. 5. Discovering the performance capabilities of your parallel ports. 6. Learning how your particular system's CMOS configuration relates to the actual configuration of your parallel ports. 7. Making informed decisions when buying parallel ports and devices. 8. Getting the best parallel port performance for your dollar. 9. Experimenting with your parallel port configuration. 10. Solving problems associated with print spoolers and network print capture programs which redirect printer output by changing the port mappings kept in the LPT Bios data area. Now is a good time for you to learn something about parallel ports, since parallel ports are becoming increasingly useful due to the recent explosion in the popularity of portable and external peripherals, and because new parallel port standards (EPP, ECP, IEEE 1284) are breaking performance barriers and allowing full bus speed operation. There are major performance differences between different types of ports and these differences are becoming of increasing significance to consumers. These applications of Parallel are dicussed in more detail below. But first let's take a quick look at how you run the program itself and interpret the various information it displays. PARALLEL.DOC Page 1 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual ------------------------------ Quick Overview of Parallel ------------------------------ Parallel operates by testing each of the standard addresses in your system where parallel ports might be found and gathering a broad assortment of useful information about the specific port behavior. Parallel tests the ports and then produces a compact display which is convenient and easy to read. You may need to refer to these instructions or the built-in reference screen a few times until you learn what the various columns of information mean. How to use Parallel: Step 1 => Disconnect parallel port peripherals (printers, disks, etc) Step 2 => Disable parallel port software (device drivers, spoolers, etc) Step 3 => Attach the optional loopback connector(s) for IRQ detection Step 4 => Run PARALLEL Step 5 => Read the display... Parallel will display five columns of information containing one or more lines about each port. The columns are: Port Type The parallel port's IO capabilities. Types are: No Port -- No port is exists at the address 4 bit -- A slow "unidirectional" port 8 bit -- A faster "bidirectional" port EPP -- A very fast Enhanced Parallel Port Address IO Base Address of the port (3BC, 378, 278) IRQ Interrupt level associated with the port (5 or 7) BIOS Name Logical device name of the port (LPT1, LPT2, LPT3) Notes A wide assortment of comments, warnings, etc. Port Strangeness Factor. On a single line, after the columnar display, Parallel reports a magic number called the "Port Strangeness Factor". This is simply the total number of strange or unusual properties that Parallel has found when examining your configuration. If your ports are considered strange by Parallel, you might want to take some action to correct the situtation or at least be aware of the peculiarity. The Port Strangeness is not reported if your configuration is nominal. PARALLEL.DOC Page 2 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual ------------------------------ Detailed Program Operation ------------------------------ Before running Parallel, temporarily remove all parallel port devices and software to establish a baseline configuration. Temporarily disconnect printers and other parallel port devices such as disks, network adapters, tape drives, etc, and disable any special parallel port software you may have running, like print spoolers or parallel port device drivers. The interaction of Parallel with external devices is discussed in some detail later on, and you may find that disconnecting these devices is simply not necessary in your configuration. Then, type PARALLEL at the command line. Parallel will display the parallel port type, IO address, IRQ level, BIOS name equivalence, and an assortment of informative notes about your parallel ports. If you have a relatively slow PC, you may notice that Parallel produces a certain amount of temporary "debugging" output as it attempts to determine your port configuration and then overlays this output with the final display. This is normal and has been included in the first release of the program for possible support purposes. Type PARALLEL ? for a reminder screen on interpreting the display. If, perchance, the display scrolls off the screen, which might happen if Parallel is reporting extensive notes about interesting conditions on your ports, then use the MORE command or redirect Parallel's output to a file. Redirection to a file can also be handy if you need to fax Parallel's output to someone. PARALLEL | MORE ; pauses the output every screen PARALLEL > filename ; redirects output to a file Parallel works best when you disconnect any parallel port devices, such as printers, external peripherals, or "laplink" cables. Even our 4bit, 8bit, or Univeral High-Speed Turbo cables for our handy parallel port network drivers (Pipx and Pndis) should be temporarily disconnected when you run Parallel, at least until you understand how Parallel can be affected by interference from devices attached to the port(s). Parallel may also affect active devices attached to parallel ports (printers, network adapters, external parallel port disks, etc), although we've made every attempt to minimize these effects. Parallel's interactions with devices are discussed in some detail below. PARALLEL.DOC Page 3 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual ------------------- Sample Displays ------------------- ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Parallel Port Information Utility, v1.00 (930308). Use PARALLEL ? for help. │ │ (C) Copyright 1993 Jay Lowe, Parallel Technologies, Inc. We thank you. │ ├─────────────┬─────────┬─────┬───────────┬───────────────────────────────────┤ │ Port Type │ Address │ IRQ │ BIOS Name │ Notes │ ├─────────────┼─────────┼─────┼───────────┼───────────────────────────────────┤ │ 8 bit port │ 3BC │ 5 │ LPT1: │ IRQ determined by loopback │ │ 4 bit port │ 378 │ 7 │ LPT2: │ IRQ determined by loopback │ │ No port │ 278 │ - │ - │ No port found at this address │ ├─────────────┴─────────┴─────┴───────────┴───────────────────────────────────┤ │ Experts in parallel port technology and devices since 1987. CIS# 76640,203 │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ The system above (a 486/33 clone with two LPT cards) shows: o an 8BIT true bidirectional port at 3BC using IRQ 5 o a 4BIT unidirectional port at 378 using IRQ 7 o loopback connectors are installed in both ports o the IRQ configuration is healthy, but reversed from "standard" o the ports are well behaved (there are no special notes) ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Parallel Port Information Utility, v1.00 (930308). Use PARALLEL ? for help. │ │ (C) Copyright 1993 Jay Lowe, Parallel Technologies, Inc. We thank you. │ ├─────────────┬─────────┬─────┬───────────┬───────────────────────────────────┤ │ Port Type │ Address │ IRQ │ BIOS Name │ Notes │ ├─────────────┼─────────┼─────┼───────────┼───────────────────────────────────┤ │ 4 bit port │ 3BC │ 7 │ LPT1: │ IRQ determined by loopback │ │ │ │ │ │ NOTE: Possible IRQ conflict! │ │ 4 bit port │ 378 │ 7 │ LPT2: │ IRQ determined by loopback │ │ │ │ │ │ NOTE: IRQ sense is INVERTED │ │ No port │ 278 │ - │ - │ No port found at this address │ ├─────────────┴─────────┴─────┴───────────┴───────────────────────────────────┤ │ Your Port Strangeness Factor = 2. We suggest that you read Parallel.Doc. │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ Experts in parallel port technology and devices since 1987. CIS# 76640,203 │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ The system above (an original IBM-PC) shows: o a 4BIT unidirectional port at 3BC using IRQ 7 o a 4BIT unidirectional port at 378 using IRQ 7 o an IRQ Conflict - both ports are using the same IRQ o the interrupt sense of the second port is inverted Notes: o we can't use IRQ5 in this case because the IBM/PC disk uses IRQ5 o these old expansion cards do not have IRQ5 capability anyway o when a new LPT card in placed at IRQ5, the interrupt test fails because the disk controller's interrupt line interferes with it PARALLEL.DOC Page 4 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual ------------------------------- Sample Displays (continued) ------------------------------- ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Parallel Port Information Utility, v1.00 (930308). Use PARALLEL ? for help. │ │ (C) Copyright 1993 Jay Lowe, Parallel Technologies, Inc. We thank you. │ ├─────────────┬─────────┬─────┬───────────┬───────────────────────────────────┤ │ Port Type │ Address │ IRQ │ BIOS Name │ Notes │ ├─────────────┼─────────┼─────┼───────────┼───────────────────────────────────┤ │ No port │ 3BC │ - │ - │ No port found at this address │ │ 4 bit port │ 378 │ ? │ LPT1: │ Need loopback to determine IRQ │ │ │ │ │ │ See instructions in PARALLEL.DOC │ │ │ │ │ │ Otherwise assume IRQ 7 or IRQ 5 │ │ │ │ │ │ Port has latent EPP tendencies │ │ │ │ │ │ EPP BIOS is not installed │ │ No port │ 278 │ - │ - │ No port found at this address │ ├─────────────┴─────────┴─────┴───────────┴───────────────────────────────────┤ │ Your Port Strangeness Factor = 1. We suggest that you read Parallel.Doc. │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ Experts in parallel port technology and devices since 1987. CIS# 76640,203 │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ The system above (a DELL NL25 laptop) shows: o a 4BIT unidirectional port at 378 with unknown IRQ o IRQ is unknown because the loopback connector is not installed o The port has EPP capability, but it is not currently enabled o There is no EPP BIOS installed in the system ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Parallel Port Information Utility, v1.00 (930308). Use PARALLEL ? for help. │ │ (C) Copyright 1993 Jay Lowe, Parallel Technologies, Inc. We thank you. │ ├─────────────┬─────────┬─────┬───────────┬───────────────────────────────────┤ │ Port Type │ Address │ IRQ │ BIOS Name │ Notes │ ├─────────────┼─────────┼─────┼───────────┼───────────────────────────────────┤ │ No port │ 3BC │ - │ - │ No port found at this address │ │ EPP port │ 378 │ 7 │ LPT1: │ IRQ determined by EPP hardware │ │ │ │ │ │ EPP BIOS is installed │ │ No port │ 278 │ - │ - │ No port found at this address │ ├─────────────┴─────────┴─────┴───────────┴───────────────────────────────────┤ │ Experts in parallel port technology and devices since 1987. CIS# 76640,203 │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ The system above (the same DELL NL25) shows: o the port has been switched into EPP mode with our own EPP BIOS Notes: o Enabling EPP on most EPP laptops requires a special EPP BIOS o These are usually provided by the laptop or peripheral vendor PARALLEL.DOC Page 5 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual ---------------------------- Interpreting the Display ---------------------------- Understanding the Port Type --------------------------- This can be 4bit, 8bit, EPP or No Port. We will add recognition for other ports such as Microsoft/HP ECP ports, and/or other IEEE 1284 ports, as they begin to appear in end-user systems. No Port No port was found at the given IO Address. Parallel tests all the base addresses and displays at least one line of information about each base address, even if there is no port installed at that base address. Parallel uses a rather more robust technique for detecting a port than is used in any of the BIOSes we have seen. This means that Parallel can detect ports which fail the BIOS boot-time tests. Parallel uses a rotating bit test and assumes the port exists if any of the bits at the port location respond correctly. False Positives. Parallel can be fooled into thinking that a port is present when it is not (false positive) only if there is some other device which behaves like a parallel port located at the address being tested. We have only seen this on one system, an off-shore 286 laptop which had several other design problems as well. False Negatives. There is one way in which Parallel can be fooled into thinking that a port does not exist (false negative). If an active device is connected to the data lines and is providing enough power to "overdrive" the port, then the port existance test will fail because the incoming data from the device will foil the readback test. We have only seen Parallel produce false negatives when an external device is actively driving the port's inputs or when the Loopback is incorrectly installed. By the way, in this case, the PC's BIOS will also fail to detect the port. Again, Parallel works best when you disconnect any parallel port devices. 4bit ports The port can do 8bit byte output and 4bit nibble input. These ports are often called "unidirectional", and are most commonly found on desktop bus cards (also called IO expansion cards, serial/parallel cards, or even 2S+P cards). This is still the most common type of port, especially on desktop systems. 4bit ports are capable of effective transfer rates of about 40 Kbytes/sec (KBPS) in typical devices and can be pushed upwards of 80 KBPS with certain design tricks. The port speed is also affected by electrical PARALLEL.DOC Page 6 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual characteristics of the noise suppression circuitry. Some ports have completely ridiculous arrangements of noise suppression circuits which slow them down quite dramatically and can prevent their functioning with parallel port peripherals. NOTE: The sample transfer rates given here reflect the actual performance of parallel port network adapters, disks, etc. The raw transfer rate of the port itself is higher but since most parallel devices use software strobing to control data access, the effective transfer rate is dependent on the quality of the driver software supplied with the device. Due to the recent explosion in the number of parallel port peripherals entering the market, there is an extreme degree of variability in the quality and performance of these devices and their drivers. 4bit ports are found on about 50% of all systems and about 75% or more of desktop systems. We do not recommend 4bit ports; 8bit ports are better. NOTE: There is a class of "semi-bidirectional" parallel ports which appear to the PC to be 4bit ports, but actually have 8bit capability when they are connected to external devices with strong drivers. These include the original PC/AT parallel port. Parallel will report these ports as 4bit ports but they may actually function as 8bit ports with a few parallel port peripherals. A good example of a peripheral which handles these ports well are IQ Technologies' parallel port network adapters. It is actually possible to identify this type of port using a side-effect of Parallel's loopback test. See the special section below on Semi-Bidirectional ports. 8bit ports These ports can do both 8bit input and output. These ports are sometimes called "bidirectional ports", but that term is often misused by some vendors to refer to 4bit ports as well. Most newer laptops have 8bit capability although it may need to be enabled with the laptop's vendor-specific CMOS setup function. This is discussed below. A relatively smaller percentage of LPT bus cards have 8bit capability which sometimes must be enabled with a hardware jumper on the board itself. True 8bit ports are preferable to 4bit ports because they are considerably faster when used with external devices that take advantage of 8BIT capability. 8bit ports are capable of speeds ranging from 80-150 KBPS, again depending on the speed of the attached device, the quality of the driver software, and on the port's electrical characteristics. 8bit ports are PARALLEL.DOC Page 7 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual found on 25% of desktops, 50% of laptops, and about 90% of newer laptops built since 1991. CAVEAT: A number of vendors claim "bidirectional" capability EMPTOR for their parallel ports when they are actually just 4bit ports. When buying a parallel port expansion card, or an entire system, you might want to use Parallel to find out the REAL capabilities of the port. Be aware that a vendor's reputation for quality in other areas may not translate into good parallel ports. There are examples of well-known vendors making false claims for their parallel ports... sometimes, it appears, simply because they don't understand them... claims or ports. Of the 8bit add-in LPT cards we have tested, we like the Everex MagicIO the best, but it can be hard to find. We are not going to pan anyone's "bidirectional" add-in cards specifically, but be warned that the use of terms like "bidirectional" or "PS/2 compatible" may have nothing to do with the port's actual IO capability. You can use Parallel to test add-in cards to determine the parallel port's IO actual behavior. EPP ports Can do both 8bit input and output at bus speeds. These ports are as fast as 8bit bus cards and can achieve transfer rates of 1 Mbyte/sec and faster. For example, our EPP-capable external SCSI disk is faster on a very popular SL laptop than it's internal drive. EPP ports are supposed to conform to a well defined electrical standard and many of them actually do so. However, if you are buying a laptop and want to be sure of using fast EPP-capable external peripherals, then definitely arrange to try before you buy. Xircom has been active in creating and defining the EPP standard, and since their EPP-capable network adapters are fairly common, it's worth mentioning that these adapters can be used as a practical benchmark for the goodness of a particular EPP port. Crude but effective. EPP ports are most often found on laptops using the Intel 386SL chipset with the 360SL IO support chip. You can usually identify these laptops by the 'SL' suffix in their name, HOWEVER this is not a hard and fast rule, since there are non-'SL' systems with EPP ports as well as 'SL' systems which (in our tests) have non- functioning or sub-standard EPP ports. Other vendors offer add-in EPP cards for the ISA bus. Parallel will not currently recognize non-Intel EPP ports; we will be adding this feature in the near future. We know of one vendor now offering EPP-capable add-in cards: FarPoint Communications 805-726-4420 The FarPoint card is quite nice because it is a "soft" PARALLEL.DOC Page 8 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual design with downloadable personalities. It comes with support for fast Windows printing and a fast Netware spooling NLM. We like it. SMC's Component Products Division is due to release EPP and ECP chips in the very near future, so users can expect to see EPP and ECP capabilities become available on a wider range of systems. HOW TO: Run Parallel on any system you intend to buy to see what kind of parallel port(s) are provided. If you are buying a desktop with a built-in LPT card, try to get real 8bit capability instead of the more typical 4bit. Some LPT cards have hardware jumpers that are required to enable the bidirectional behavior. So make sure you get a manual for the LPT card when you buy a system. If you are buying a laptop and have any desire to use external peripherals like network adapters, portable hard disks, CD-ROMS, tape drives, etc, then seriously consider getting a laptop with an EPP port. They are a LOT faster running EPP-capable external peripherals. In any case, try before you buy. Few vendors (and users) are well-informed about parallel port technology and inappropriate claims, however inadvertant, are common. COMING: Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, and others are espousing a SOON -- new standard for parallel ports, the ECP port, which is ECP PORTS may become part of the proposed IEEE 1284 specification, which also covers EPP. Some vendors are reported to have silicon for this port, but we haven't seen it in any end-user systems yet. The ECP port is pretty much the same as EPP ports in terms of performance but uses a quite different hardware design. The major difference is that ECP has Microsoft's blessing and they will probably support it (but perhaps only in Windows) if it actually materializes. Quite typically, there is no guarantee that MS will ever support EPP. When using Parallel to make buying decisions, please make sure you've got the most recent release. Parallel port technology will be changing rapidly over the next year and we will be updating Parallel frequently. PARALLEL.DOC Page 9 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual Understanding the IO Address ---------------------------- This is the base address of the port. It will be 3BC, 378, or 278 hex. The IO address specifies the port's location in the PC address space. Normally the first port is configured to 3BC, the second to 378, etc, however the ports can be assigned to any of these three addresses. On bus cards, the IO address is usually set by a arrangement of jumpers unique to the particular board. You will need a manual or the ability to read PC board traces (gacck!). These jumpers are usually arranged to allow you to select one of three addresses: 3BC, 378, 278. Sometimes these addresses are called by the "logical device names" of LPT1, LPT2, and LPT3, although this practice is quite misleading (see BIOS discussion below). Some boards offer a more limited selection of configurations (usually 378 and 278) and a few are actually hardwired to a specific address. Vendors do this to save a little money and also to eliminate the chance of creating an address collision with the "standard" address of 3BC. Because of the increasing number of clones which are assembled from various components, we often see systems with one LPT card, configured to address 378. In fact, a fair number of systems are shipped with this 378 configuration. A slightly interesting result we've seen in several desktops spins off when someone adds a second LPT card to a system which already has a LPT at 378, IRQ 7. Sometimes they naively reason that since 378 is taken, they can use 3BC and slap in the card without checking the IRQ level. This creates a configuration of 3BC and 378 both using IRQ 7, a situation which can lead to intermittent crashes when using interrupt driven parallel port software. By the way, a few systems have parallel ports and com ports built onto the motherboard itself and, in this case, the configuration jumpers will be found on the motherboard. Notice that there are three commonly used IO Addresses (3BC, 378, 278) and two available interrupt levels (IRQ 7 and IRQ 5). This means that if you have three LPT cards in a system, two of them will probably be sharing a hardware interrupt level. This is hardwarily permissible, and generally doesn't create any problems since most DOS and Windows software doesn't use interrupts for printing anyway. However, if you are using LPT software like an interrupt-driven print spooler or interrupt-driven LPT devices like external hard disks, external network adapters, and so forth, then you have to be sure that either (1) the ports are not using the same interrupt level, or (2) the software is capable of "interrupt sharing". When adding or configuring LPT cards, we suggest using 3BC, IRQ 7 for the first card; 378, IRQ 5 for the second card; and 278, no IRQ for the third card. This gives you two interrupt-capable LPT ports, and one port (at 278) which you should use only for non-interrupt driven usage, like the status-driven spooling provided by DOS. In any case, armed with this understanding and the Parallel Utility, you are equipped to select a configuration which works for you. PARALLEL.DOC Page 10 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual HOW TO: The IO ADDRESS is a standard parameter in network configuration files where it takes on different names and syntaxes to confuse innocent users. Some simple-minded parallel port peripherals (ones without auto-configuring capability) require that you specify the IO address, IRQ level, and sometimes the Port Type in a vendor-specific way. Parallel provides you with this information. See Configuring Networks and Devices below. HOW TO: Resolving IO Address conflicts is usually fairly simple, since it is rare to find a device which uses the standard parallel port addresses. A good procedure for eliminating potential IO address conflicts when installing parallel port add-in boards is to remove all the boards, install one, use Parallel to see what addresses it finds, install the next, and so forth. If Parallel finds each board at a separate addresses as you install them, then you can be sure of your configuration. PARALLEL.DOC Page 11 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual Understanding the IRQ Level --------------------------- This is the hardware interrupt level assigned to the port. It will always be either 7 or 5. Parallel displays "?" when it cannot detect the IRQ level of the port and "-" when the port doesn't exist. Parallel needs an external loopback connector to automatically detect the IRQ. With appropriate precautions (described in horrible and excruciating detail below) you can use a simple paperclip as a loopback connector. Normally IRQ 7 is assigned to the first port and IRQ 5 is assigned to the second port. However, due to the explosion of clones assembled from disparate parts, it is not uncommon to see systems with one LPT port located at 378 with an IRQ of 7 or 5. This is because clones are often assembled using offshore add-in LPT cards which are shipped configured to operate as a second LPT card. This is a good time to point out that there are few hard and fast rules when it comes to parallel port configuration. Ports can be located at any one of the three standard base address and can use either of the IRQ levels. If you are developing parallel port software, you should auto- detect the actual configuration rather than assume any standard usage. We offer libraries and source code for this purpose. Here at Parallel Technologies, we test our software using many strange configurations and delight in adding idiosyncratic ports to our extensive collection. The most common idiosyncrasy of port IRQ is IRQ inversion. The PC standard calls for interrupts to be generated on 0->1 transitions of the interrupt line. A small percentage of parallel ports generate their interrupts on 1->0 transitions. Ports with inverted IRQ can fail to operate with some interrupt software, particularly certain external network adapters, disks, and so forth. Parallel identifies these ports with a note "IRQ style is INVERTED". Some parallel ports have non-functioning IRQ lines. They are simply not capable of generating interrupts. Only a very few pieces of software are capable of dealing with these ports by using a polled mode of operation. It is sometimes possible to repair such systems by jumpering the interrupt enable line to the parallel port chip. On ISA cards (bus cards in ISA slots) the interrupt level is usually set with jumpers on the board - these jumpers are different for every card so you need to hunt around for the manual in order to change them. If you're lucky there will be readable labels on the card itself. On laptops, the interrupt level can usually be set using the vendor's specific CMOS configuration (setup) program. Sometimes these CMOS setup programs are built into the ROM; sometimes they exist as separate programs or as part of the vendor's diagnostic program(s). Refer to your manual to find out how to enter the CMOS setup mode. BE CAREFUL when using the CMOS setup, since it gives you access to parameters that can disable your system if wrongly changed. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING. PARALLEL.DOC Page 12 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual ****************** * IMPORTANT NOTE * ****************** Misuse of your system's CMOS setup program can prevent your system from operating correctly, or in some cases, from operating at all! Be sure you know what you are doing; read your user's manual or get qualified help if you have any doubts. Another strange feature of these software configurable ports is that they often have very peculiar ideas about nomenclature. Often these CMOS setup programs use vendor specific "magic code words" to select various parallel port configurations, and these magic words can have non-obvious effects. Sometimes the vendor's manuals don't even provide a secret decoder ring to explain what their magic words really mean in terms of IO Address, IRQ, and Port Type. Parallel will be useful for determining the actual effect of the CMOS setup choices on your system. For example, on my Dell NL25 laptop, 4bit mode is called "Normal" and 8bit is called "Enhanced" and there is no choice at all for the real Enhanced Parallel Port (the SL's EPP port). So someone might obviously think they have enabled EPP by choosing "Enhanced". Futhermore, the IRQ level cannot be set directly, but rather is set as a by-product of selecting combinations of the IO address and the Port Type. Most of the choices on my Dell yield IRQ 7, but one lonely choice - LPT1, 278, Normal mode results in IRQ 5. It makes a strange sort of sense when you are experienced with parallel ports, but is likely to be confusing to the average user (if we ever find him, or her). The Dell is not alone in it's strange naming conventions, most laptops have confusing, misleading, or incomplete labels and controls in their CMOS setup programs. This sort of indirect control in very common in CMOS setups and creates a lot of tech support calls from frustrated users. In addition, most SL laptops don't have the capability to enable their EPP ports from CMOS. Usually you need to run a separate vendor-supplied BIOS extension to enable EPP capability. These take the form of a tiny TSR which adds INT 17h BIOS extensions for controlling the EPP port, and handles command line arguments for enabling and disabling EPP. An interesting sidelight of switching into EPP mode can be that your port IO address may change on the fly. The Intel EPP hardware allows EPP ports to be configured at IO Addresses 378 and 278. So if you have set your port address to 3BC (with CMOS for example) and then switch into EPP mode, your port will appear to have moved. Parallel will come in handy in trying to make sense of what your laptops' CMOS settings are actually doing to your parallel ports. PARALLEL.DOC Page 13 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual Understanding the BIOS Name --------------------------- This is the "human-readable" (hah!) name which you use to refer to the port when using DOS commands, Windows picklists, and so forth. It will be one of the following: LPT1, LPT2, LPT3. LPT4 is extremely rare and Parallel currently ignores it. The port address is NOT the same as the BIOS name for the port. For example, LPT1 can refer to a port at 3BC, 378, or 278. So, how does the BIOS associate the LPT names with the actual ports? Whenever your system boots, the BIOS goes out and tries to write and readback data from locations 3BC, 378, and 278. If it can read back what it writes, then the BIOS decides there is a port there and adds the IO address to a LPT table in the "Bios Data Area". This table is four words located at 40:8. A command like "copy foo.txt lpt2:" means "copy the file foo.txt to the second printer that BIOS knows" and DOS uses a software interrupt, INT 17h, to do just that. INT 17h looks in the Bios Data area to find out the IO address of the "second printer", which can be any of the IO Addresses - 3BC, 378, or 278. The result is that LPT1 refers to the first port BIOS finds at boot time, wherever it may be. So "LPT1" means "the first printer", not necessarily 3BC, 378, or 278. Some BIOSes have unique methods for finding their LPT ports. When you see LPT1, LPT2, or LPT3 used in hardware manuals to refer to port locations, be alert for possible misleading information. Some well-known vendor's manuals use LPT1 to refer to 378 and LPT2 to refer to 278, an entirely spurious practice which has confused many users. It is possible for some parallel port software to set the port into an IO mode that causes it to fail the BIOS test and seem to "disappear" from your system even after a soft boot (CTRL-ALT-DEL). Parallel has a better test, and finds such ports. A hard reset (a power-off reset) will clear the port. Parallel ports are not completely trivial devices; they have a number of states that can affect their operation. So if you are having a parallel port problem, one of the first things to do a power-off reset. Another factor here is that various programs can fiddle with the LPT table. The utility SWAPPRT, for example, can be used to swap LPTx with LPTy which it does by moving the entries in the LPT table. There are variations of this redirection theme. If Parallel does not display a BIOS name for a port, that means the IO Address for that LPT position has been replaced with a value that does not match a valid hardware port. Some parallel port device drivers do this as a way to grab possesion of the port and prevent other software from writing to the port while the driver is installed. PARALLEL.DOC Page 14 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual Understanding the Notes and Comments ------------------------------------ The "Notes" field of the display will contain various comments, depending on what Parallel has detected. Each note may be followed by one or more comments giving further information or directions. These secondary comments are indented one space under their note. "No port found at this address" No parallel port is installed at this IO Address. However, it is also possible that an active external device is overdriving the port's inputs, which can prevent the software readback test from working. Be sure that you have disconnected all external devices. "Need loopback to determine IRQ" The port exists, but does not respond to attempts to generate IRQs. This is because a loopback connector is required for IRQ detection in most cases. "Port IRQs are not functioning" This is pretty bad. It means that the loopback connector is present and working correctly, but Parallel still can't generate any interrupts. Technically it means that transitions in the ACK line don't affect the PIC. Practically it means that interrupt devices and software probably won't work, unless they have polling support. Possible reasons for failing the IRQ test include: 1. The port's interrupt capability is disabled Check your CMOS configuration and/or the hardware jumpers on the parallel port board(s) to be sure that the interrupt is enabled. The function of CMOS parameters and/or hardware jumpers varies from system to system, so check your manual or contact your vendor if you have problems enabling the port's interrupt line. Note that most CMOS and jumper arrangements combine enabling the IRQ with selecting the level, ie, "enable IRQ5" or "enable IRQ7". Removing the jumper generally disables IRQ. 2. The port does not have IRQ capability Most ports DO have interrupt capability, but a small percentage (at a guess %1 to %5) do not. More laptops lack interrupts than add-in cards. Add-in cards without IRQ are rare. Most reports of non-functional parallel port PARALLEL.DOC Page 15 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual IRQs in desktop systems can be tracked to configuration problems which create interrupt conflicts (see #3) which effectively disable IRQ. 3. There is an IRQ conflict with another device It is possible that another device in your system is preventing the parallel port IRQs from functioning. For example, in IBM-PCs and XTs, the disk controller which uses IRQ 5 can prevent parallel ports configured to IRQ5 from creating interrupts. To isolate this problem, remove all boards from the system that are not required to perform the test. In other words, strip down to just the parallel port, floppy controller and video, and repeat the test. If possible, configure the parallel port to IRQ7. If the port can create IRQ7 interrupts, but not IRQ5 interrupts, then an interrupt conflict is likely. "IRQ determined by loopback" The loopback was detected, is operating correctly, and the port's IRQs are functioning correctly. The IRQ level found is given in the IRQ column. "IRQ estimated by port float" No loopback connector was detected, but the port is generating IRQs anyway. This probably means that the port is connected to an inactive (unpowered) external device. Treat IRQs determined in this way with some skepticism; better to disconnect the device and use a loopback connector. "IRQ determined by EPP hardware" If the Port Type is determined to be EPP, then Parallel does not use the IRQ test, but rather reports the IRQ which is standard for an EPP port at that IO Address. "IRQ noise is present" Parallel has detected extraneous interrupts occuring on IRQ level 5 or 7 during the IRQ test. This condition is reported when the total number of interrupts occurring on both IRQ5 and IRQ7 exceeds the number of interrupts Parallel tests for. This can mean several things: 1. PIC errors. The PC's interrupt controller (PIC) is generating errors as described below. PARALLEL.DOC Page 16 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual 2. An active device other than the parallel port is generating interrupts on IRQ 5 or 7. 3. The port's interrupt line is electrically noisy. This has been seen with boards which have two parallel ports where transitions in one port's IRQ line causes noise on the other port's IRQ. This result may be ignored if you are not having any problems, but be informed that this condition is quite likely to confuse parallel port software which tries to autodetect the port's IRQ level. TECHNICAL NOTE: PIC errors are usually found with parallel port chips whose "open" condition on the ACK line may allow the IRQ signal to float randomly. This effect creates 8259 interrupt controller errors which are directed to IRQ7 where they can be mistaken for "real" interrupts. This effect may confuse some parallel port software. An 8259 error condition is defined to occur when the 8259 attempts to service the requesting device but the device's interrupt line has gone inactive. These are also known as "lost interrupts", which are not really lost but rather redirected to IRQ7. A noisy IRQ line can create the appearance of lost interrupts. This effect of lost interrupts explains why some parallel port driver software works well on IRQ7 but not IRQ5, or vice versa. Parallel port interrupt handlers have to account for conditions that are generally not seen by other device drivers. So if you are having problems with a parallel port device driver you may want to try configuring the port to the other interrupt level. "NOTE: Data port has stuck bits!" The rotating bit test has detected bits in the data port which cannot be set or cleared properly. You have probably inserted the Loopback incorrectly. Of course if there is no Loopback wire present, then something else must be happening! It could be that an active device is forcing some of the data lines to a fixed level. It could also mean that your port exists, but some of the data bits are not working, which is a polite way of saying that your port may be busted. Parallel may report a false Port Type in this case. Make sure that the loopback, if used, is correct. Make sure that no devices are plugged into the port. "IRQ style is INVERTED" PARALLEL.DOC Page 17 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual The port's IRQ line functions in an opposite sense from the PC standard. A significant amount of software will fail to work with such ports. There is no remedy for this condition in general; the best we can advise is to use a different port if you have a bus system or try other CMOS settings on a laptop if that is possible. You might try contacting your vendor. Parallel may falsely report inverted IRQ if there is an external device connected to the port. "Possible IRQ Conflict" Two or more ports in your system are using the same IRQ level. If you are not using interrupt-driven parallel port peripherals or printing software then you might simply ignore the warning if you are not experiencing any problems. However, you should know that some very strange results can occur when two parallel ports are trying to drive the same IRQ line. Sometimes one or both ports can falsely appear to have INVERTED IRQ. The best solution is to move one of the ports to another IRQ level, if that is possible. "BIOS Data doesn't match hardware" The contents of the BIOS Data Area LPT Table does not correspond to the expected initial state at boot time. This is probably due to a parallel port device driver or a SWAPLPT program having fiddled with the BIOS data, in which case it may be considered normal operation. This information is useful if you are having problems with print redirection. Also, some parallel port device drivers do not examine the hardware directly to determine which ports exist, but rather only look at the BIOS. If you have run some other parallel port software which has changed the BIOS in a non-standard way, then these device drivers may fail to find any parallel ports, or may try to access the wrong port. This can often be solved by changing the order of loading or by manually configuring the failing driver. PARALLEL.DOC Page 18 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual --------------------------- Automatic IRQ detection --------------------------- Parallel uses two methods for automatic detection of a port's IRQ level: port float or the external loopback connector. Understanding Port Float ------------------------ Many parallel ports will "float" in a unstable logic state when connected to an unpowered external device such as a printer. This unstable logic state may cause the port to generate a limitless stream of apparent interrupts to the CPU if the port's interrupt line is enabled. This peculiar behavior is used to advantage by Parallel. If you have a unpowered (powered off) printer, or other device, attached to a port, then Parallel may be able to detect the interrupt level using this floating port behavior. In this case, Parallel will display "IRQ determined by port float". You should treat the IRQ determined in this way as a "best guess". To be sure of the IRQ, you need to disconnect the floating device and use loopback. In some cases, attaching a unpowered device to a port will enable Parallel to detect IRQ by loopback, since the combination of port and device appears indistinguishable from a loopback connector to Parallel. FLOAT NOTE: Powered on devices usually hold the interrupt line in a stable state and prevent IRQ autodetection. It is best to disconnect your parallel port device(s) and use the loopback connector when you need the absolute best results from Parallel. EXAMPLE: On my home system, an unpowered HP LaserJet II printer on an 8bit port "floats" and Parallel reliably reports IRQ5. Attached to a 4bit port on the same system, the LaserJet is indistinguishable from a loopback connector. So turning the LaserJet off converts it into an expensive, but handy, paperclip. Turning it on prevents IRQ detection. TECHNICAL NOTE: Whether or not a given device and port combination will float, emulate loopback, or be invisible to Parallel is determined by the pull-ups on each end, CMOS vs TTL logic behavior, and the power available at the port to a unpowered device. In the above example, I suspect that enough power is provided by the 8bit TTL port to drive the unpowered CMOS logic in the LaserJet into an unstable oscillating state, which appears to the system as a frenzy of level 5 IRQs. Port float is a handy effect, but use Loopback for best results. Loopback -------- The most reliable way to determine IRQ is to use an external loopback connection. Loopback is described in the next section. PARALLEL.DOC Page 19 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual -------------------------------------------- IRQ detection using the LoopBack Feature -------------------------------------------- ****************** * IMPORTANT NOTE * ****************** First, DECIDE NOT TO SCREW UP YOUR PORT by crudely jamming wires into the wrong places with too much force. REMEMBER that the female DB-25 connector is likely to be made out of CHEAP, BREAKABLE PLASTIC, so decide right now not to break it. WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE YOU MAY DO FOR WHATEVER REASON. The danger is that you will push too hard when inserting the loopback wire and force the female connector pin out of its position in the DB- 25 shell. That is why WE SUGGEST MAKING A LOOPBACK PLUG using a male DB-25 connector as described below. If you cannot make a loopback plug, then use a parallel port extension cable instead. This protects your port from physical damage and also makes it a lot easier to work with. The port is supposed to be electrically designed to tolerate the loopback perfectly well. However there is a DANGER OF DAMAGE BY STATIC DISCHARGE so make sure that you GROUND YOURSELF TO THE PORT before inserting the loopback wire. It would be terrible if you blew out a $25 parallel port on a $1000 486 motherboard simply because you failed to PAY ATTENTION TO THESE PRECAUTIONS. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK. The other danger is that you will apply the loopback to a port which is not really a parallel port at all. DON'T DO THIS. If you are not sure of what you are doing STOP RIGHT NOW. We have no control over what you might damage if you try this with a port other than a parallel port. Whew... on with the instructions. 1. Find the parallel port(s) you want to test. They will be female DB-25 connectors. MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED THE PARALLEL PORT. Disconnect any devices (printers, network adapters, external disks, etc) which might be attached to other parallel ports on your system. 2. Make sure that the connector IS NOT SOME OTHER TYPE OF CONNECTOR like an external SCSI connector or a COM port. SCSI ports can be either female DB-25s or a larger connector, like a 37, 40, or 50-pin connector. COM ports are usually male DB-25 or small male DB-9 connectors, but this is not guaranteed. Look in your manual if there is any doubt. DON'T PROCEED unless you are sure you have identified the parallel port(s) correctly. 3. Connect the Loopback Plug and go to Step 7. If you do not have a Loopback Plug, use a straight through M-F parallel port extension cable to prevent damage to your port. Connect the male end of the extension cable to your port and place the loopback wire into the female end of the cable. PARALLEL.DOC Page 20 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual 4. Identify Pin 10 and Pin 9 on the female end of the extension cable. Refer to the illustration below. Notice that a DB-25 connector is wider on one side. The pins you want are the 4th and 5th from the left on the wider edge. USE A FLASHLIGHT TO FIND THE MARKINGS IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT. Front View -------- Pin 10 - 4th from left on wider edge Female DB-25 | ---- Pin 9 - 5th from left on wider edge Connector | | v v ____________________________________________________________ / \ \ 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 / \ / \ 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 / \______________________________________________________/ Pin 10 is the interrupt line (the ACK line) Pin 9 is the high order data line (the 80h bit) 4. Create a loopback wire. A standard paperclip works fine. Just straighten it out and bend it into a "U" shape with the ends 1/8 inch apart. Make sure the ends of the paperclip are SMOOTH and have NO ROUGH EDGES that might damage the plastic connector. 5. GROUND YOURSELF to the PC and to the parallel port by touching your hand and the loopback wire first to the PC's metal chassis near the parallel port connector and then to one of the connector nuts or the connector metal housing itself. Do this to DISCHARGE ANY STATIC ELECTRICITY you may have about you (created for example by scooting across the rug in a silk negligee on the way to your PC or by stroking your cat with woolen gloves). Parallel ports are usually resistant to static discharge, but not all ports are created equally, so don't ask for trouble. 6. Carefully insert the paperclip into the extension cable's DB-25 connector so that Pin 9 is connected to Pin 10. DON'T FORCE IT. It will insert at most about 1 quarter of an inch (about .5 cm) and there should be absolutely no physical resistance. 7. Now run Parallel. It will automatically use the loopback to determine which IRQ level the port is actually using. You may loopback more than one, or all, ports at the same time. 8. Remove the loopback when you are done. 9. Congratulate yourself on using reasonable handling precautions when working with expensive equipment. PARALLEL.DOC Page 21 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual -------------------------------------- Making Your Own Loopback Connector -------------------------------------- We strongly advise that you make a loopback connector, inside of using the expedient paperclip approach. Simply obtain a male DB-25 connector and solder a permanent connection bewteen Pin 9 to Pin 10 on the back of the connector. Male DB-25 connectors are inexpensive and commonly available in electronics parts stores. This will prevent any physical damage to your port, which is the major source of risk with this procedure, and the reason for our incessant nagging about precautions. This sort of loopback connector will be no more dangerous to your system than a printer, and is a handy accessory if you frequently use Parallel. Connect Pin 10 to Pin 9 Back View ----- Pin 10 - 4th from left on wider edge Male DB-25 | | Pin 9 - 5th from left on wider edge Connector | | v v ____________________________________________________________ / \ \ 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 / \ / \ 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 / \______________________________________________________/ Pin 10 is the interrupt line (the ACK line) Pin 9 is the high order data line (the 80h bit) PARALLEL.DOC Page 22 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual -------------------------------------------- Semi-Bidirectional Ports, A Special Case -------------------------------------------- A port is semi-bidirectional when it is capable of performing 8BIT input when connected to a device which has strong drivers. So this semi-bidirectionality comes about as the relationship between the port and the device it is connected to. This type of port will appear to be a 4BIT port with most parallel port external peripherals, since low power CMOS drivers are by far the most common in these external devices. A few peripherals have stronger TTL drivers which can achieve 8BIT operation by overdriving the port. There are even sub-classes of ports which can achieve the effect depending on what data is used. Some vendors describe their ports as bidirectional when actually they are only semi-bidirectional and will only function as 4BIT ports with most peripherals. True 8BIT ports are preferable because they have a significant speed advantage with most external peripherals. Indeed, some parallel port peripherals require true 8BIT capability. Identifying semi-bidirectional ports ------------------------------------ Step 0 => Read the cautions and disclaimers applying to loopback Step 1 => Select the port to test. The test only applies to 4BIT ports. Step 2 => Attach a parallel port extension cable to the port Step 3 => At the female DB-25 end, loopback Pin 8 to Pin 21 (GND). Step 4 => Run Parallel Step 5 => If Parallel reports "Data port has stuck bits" then the port is likely to have semi-bidirectional capability. We will probably build this test into the next version of Parallel. PARALLEL.DOC Page 23 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual ----------------------------------------------------------------- Using Parallel to Manually Configure Parallel Port Peripherals ----------------------------------------------------------------- With the information that Parallel reports, you are equipped to perform manual configuration of network adapters and other parallel port peripheral devices, should they require such manual configuration. Here are a few examples of how Parallel's IO address and IRQ level are used in popular network software configuration files when them for use with parallel port adapters. Note that these examples also apply to our Pipx and Pndis drivers which allow Netware Lite, Windows for Workgoups, and Lan Manager networking using simple parallel port cables between two systems. TestDrive versions of Pipx and Pndis are available on Compuserve, or you can buy the commercial versions directly from us. These drivers allow you to use your favorite network software between two systems through the parallel port, without network adapters. This is a handy capability for laptops, and in other situations where you need truely portable and universal networking at low cost. Pipx and Pndis support several different types of cables, ranging from the low-performance "laplink" type cable you may already have up to our fabulous Universal High-Speed Turbo Cable (wow!) which can do parallel port networking at 200 Kbytes/sec or more. In the following examples, assume Parallel has reported a parallel port at IO address 3BC, IRQ 7. These examples are not meant to be cookbook instructions, but are offered to give you a feel for how to apply the information displayed by Parallel. Other manual configuration parameters may or not not be supported by specific vendors as custom keywords. Examples are: IOMODE, IRQMODE, CABLETYPE, PORTTYPE, BITMODE, and so forth. Netware NET.CFG file for ODI drivers ------------------------------------ PORT 3BC INT 7 Lan Manager or Windows Workgroups PROTOCOL.INI file --------------------------------------------------- IOBASE = 0x3BC IRQ = 7 Other device configuration files and programs --------------------------------------------- If you are having trouble installing a parallel port peripheral, be prepared to run Parallel when calling your vendor for technical support. They will be better able to help you use their custom features if you can tell them your exact parallel port configuration. PARALLEL.DOC Page 24 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual --------------------- Technical Support --------------------- Parallel is Freeware, and comes with Freeware-style support. It has been extensively tested with a wide range of systems from original PCs to 486s and works with all parallel port hardware we've seen. We are willing to offer friendly assistance on an as-available basis, but only via Compuserve mail (CIS 76640,203) or in the IBMHW forum. Alas, we do not offer free telephone assistance to the general public. If you are in dire need of technical support in solving parallel port related problems, you may open a support account with us by contacting: Mailing Address Shipping Address --------------------------- --------------------------- Parallel Technologies, Inc. Parallel Technologies, Inc. PO Box 7 18080 NE 68th, # 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 The Parallel software itself, and other parallel port software utilities and developer's libraries, example drivers, hardware prototyping tools, contract development services, and a wide range of OEM parallel port products are available from Parallel Technologies. Custom versions of the Parallel Port Information Utility are available. Please call us if your firm would benefit from a custom version of the Parallel Port Information Utility. Vendors of parallel port hardware are invited and requested to contact us so that we may ensure that Parallel is compatible with their products. We offer consulting services in the design of parallel port hardware, parallel port peripheral devices, and DOS and Windows software. Permission is given to distribute and use Parallel without charge, provided you adhere to the terms and conditions of the license agreement given below. Specifically, you may not charge anyone for for sharing or using Parallel, and you may not modify it or change it. Nor may you use it as part of a commercial product or service without our written permission. Vendors may freely distribute Parallel on an individual basis, without charge, by electronic BBS or other means. However, you may not include it in or with your product without our written permission. We welcome your comments and suggestions by Email, phone, or fax. If you have particular features you would like to see supported by Parallel, we'd be more than glad to hear from you. PARALLEL.DOC Page 25 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual --------------------------------------------- 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.DOC Page 26 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual 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. PARALLEL.DOC Page 27 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual 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. PARALLEL.DOC Page 28 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual ------------------------------ Software License Agreement ------------------------------ IMPORTANT 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 all it's associated files and documentation) as follows: YOU MAY 1. Use the Software without charge on as many systems as you wish, 2. Share the Software with others for their personal use, but only if you share it intact, without any changes or modifications of any kind, and complete with all it's documentation and associated files. You must pass it on exactly in the same form as we release it, or not pass it on at all. 3. Make backup copies of the Software, so long as you place our copyright notice on the backup copies, 4. Request and receive limited technical support as provided in the Freeware Product Support Policy below. 5. Vendors may distribute the Software free of charge by electronic or other means for the purpose of technical support, but may not include the Software in their products without our written permission. YOU MAY NOT 1. Use the Software in any way except as provided in this agreement, 2. Modify, alter, copy, transfer, or reproduce the Software in any way, except as expressly allowed in this agreement, 3. Translate, de-assemble, de-compile, reverse program, or reverse engineer the Software or any of its components, 4. Charge any kind of fee for distributing the Software without our written permission, 5. Use the Software for commercial purposes without our permission, 6. Sublicense, lease, rent, sell, distribute, or otherwise dispose of the Software without our written permission. 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.DOC Page 29 Parallel Port Information Utility ────────────────────────────── User's Manual 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. 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. ================================================================= = FBI WARNING = = Failure to observe the restrictions of this license = = may be a violation = = of 17 United States Code sections 101 through 810 = = which carries severe personal and corporate penalties. = ================================================================= PARALLEL.DOC Page 30