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Personal Communications Library
For Visual BASIC (Windows)
(PCLVBW)
USERS MANUAL
Version 1.0
Feb 11, 1996
This software is provided as-is.
There are no warranties, expressed or implied.
Copyright (C) 1996
All rights reserved
MarshallSoft Computing, Inc.
Post Office Box 4543
Huntsville AL 35815
Voice 205-881-4630
FAX 205|880|0925
BBS 205-880-9748
_______
____|__ | (R)
--+ | +-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
--+--+ | +---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 1
C O N T E N T S
Chapter Page
1.0 Introduction................................................3
1.1 User Support............................................4
1.2 ASP Ombudsman...........................................4
1.3 Disabling Windows Ports.................................5
1.4 Installation............................................6
2.0 Library Organization........................................7
2.1 Configuration...........................................7
2.2 Initialization & Termination............................7
2.3 Modem Control & Status..................................8
2.4 Serial I/O..............................................8
2.5 Error Detection.........................................9
2.6 General Support.........................................9
3.0 Library Overview...........................................10
3.1 Using the Library......................................10
3.2 Example Programs.......................................10
3.3 Door Programs..........................................11
3.4 BBS Programs...........................................11
3.5 Compiling & Linking....................................11
4.0 Talking to Your Modem......................................12
4.1 Modem Standards........................................12
4.2 Flow Control...........................................13
4.3 Modem I/O (MIO)........................................14
4.3.1 MIO Introduction.................................14
4.3.2 MIO Functions....................................15
4.3.2.1 mioDriver................................15
4.3.2.2 mioBreak.................................15
4.3.2.3 mioSendTo................................15
4.3.2.4 mioWaitFor...............................15
4.3.2.5 mioQuiet.................................16
4.4.3 MIO Summary......................................16
4.4 Modem Initialization...................................17
5.0 Problems...................................................18
6.0 Serial Communications......................................19
6.1 Communications Basics..................................19
6.2 Standard Port Addresses................................20
6.3 Running 3 or 4 Ports Concurrently......................21
6.4 Using Multiport Cards..................................22
6.4.1 The DigiBoard....................................22
6.4.2 The BOCA Board...................................22
6.5 Transmitter Interrupts.................................23
6.6 RS232 Signals..........................................24
6.7 National 8250, 6450, and 16550 UARTs...................25
6.8 Register Summary.......................................26
7.0 [reserved section number]
8.0 Legal Issues...............................................28
8.1 Registration...........................................28
8.2 License................................................28
8.3 Warranty...............................................28
9.0 Summary....................................................30
9.1 Revision History.......................................30
9.2 Function Summary.......................................30
9.3 Further Reading........................................31
10.0 Other MarshallSoft Computing Products .....................31
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 2
1.0 Introduction
The Personal Communications Library for Visual BASIC / Windows (PCLVBW) is
an asynchronous communications library designed for experienced software
developers programming in Windows using Visual BASIC.
PCLVBW controls the serial port hardware directly. It does not use the
Windows serial communications API functions. This allows up to 20 ports with
a maximum baud rate of 115,200 baud. The PCL features:
o 36 communications and support functions.
o Supports the high performance 16550 UART.
o Use IRQ2 to IRQ15 with any UART address.
o Supports the PC/4 and PC/8 DigiBoard.
o Supports the BOCA BB1004, BB1008, and BB2016 boards.
o Supports hardware (RTS/CTS) flow control.
o Interrupt driven receiver & (optionally) transmitter.
o Supports 300 baud to 115,200 baud.
o Supports COM1 through COM8 (through COM20 with multiport boards)
o Adjustable receive queues from 8 bytes to 32 KB.
o Control-BREAK error exit.
o 18 communications error conditions trapped.
o Allows 4 ports to run concurrently (more with multiport boards).
o Complete modem control & status.
o Written in assembly language for small size & high speed.
o Does NOT use the Windows 3.X communications driver.
Why should you buy PCLVBW ? Several good reasons are:
COMPLETE - PCLVBW is complete since it provides absolute control of the
serial ports (including the high performance 16550).
COMPACT - PCLVBW is very compact at less than 8 KB. Your application
doesn't carry a lot of excess code.
FAST - PCLVBW is fast since it runs at 38400 baud on even slow 286
PCs and at 115200 baud on most everything else.
SUPPORT - If you get stuck, you talk to the programmer that wrote the
code, not a person hired to answer the phone.
BBS - A BBS is available (2400 to 14,400 baud, N81) in order to
provide immediate support as necessary.
NEWSLETTER - Our newsletter discusses "COMM TALK" is published quarterly
(available online) which discusses communications problems and
solutions.
PRICE - You get PCLVBW for a very reasonable price!
UPGRADES - Once you buy PCLVBW, you can always update to the most recent
version very inexpensively ($20 plus shipping).
Be sure to read the README.DOC file. It contains last release notes and
other last minutes changes and/or additions.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 3
1.1 User Support
We want you to be successful in developing your applications using PCLVBW!
We depend on our customers to let us know what they need in a communications
library. This means we are committed to providing the best communications
library that we can. If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us
know!
We provide customer support for registered customers by voice, FAX, BBS,
email, and US mail. We provide limited support for unregistered users by
voice, email, and BBS only.
If you are having a problem using PCLVBW, call us at 205-881-4630 between
1:30 PM and 9:30 PM (CST) Monday through Friday. You can also call at other
times and leave a message, and call back later for a reply. Registered users
(ONLY) can also FAX us at 205-880-0925 at any time (24 hours).
However, we can only answer questions with respect to using the PCLVBW
library. We cannot help you program your application, but we'll be glad to
discuss it with you.
You may also call our User Support BBS (2400 to 14400 baud, no parity, 8
data bits, 1 stop bit) at 205-880-9748 and leave a message (address it to
the SYSOP). We will usually have a reply ready for you within 24 hours.
The BBS is available 24 hours per day. All files are in standard ZIP format.
The BBS will contain the latest shareware version of all MarshallSoft
Computing products as well as related files such as:
BUGS.ZIP - Bug report.
PRODUCTS.ZIP - List of all shareware products.
The MarshallSoft Computing, Inc. newsletter "Comm Talk" is published
quarterly. It discusses various communications problems and solutions using
PCLVBW as well as related information.
The latest copy of our newsletter can be found on our support BBS, anonymous
FTP site, or on our Web site.
BBS : 205-880-9748 (look in file area "Newsletters")
Anon FTP : ftp.traveller.com (directory /pub/users/msc)
Web site : www.traveller.com/~msc/
1.2 ASP Ombudsman
MarshallSoft Computing, Inc. is a member of the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle
works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem
with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to
help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an
ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products.
Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI USA
49442-9427, Fax 616-788-2765, or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe
Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 4
1.3 Disabling Windows Ports
The Windows operating system virtualizes all serial ports that it controls.
This means that Windows intercepts reads and writes to hardware ports,
resulting in significan slowdown. And, when Windows virtualizes a port, the
UART FIFO control register (FCR) can not be modified.
Since PCLVBW also controls the hardware directly, it is best (although not
absolutely necessary) to disable Windows control of the serial ports and the
IRQs that will be used by PCLVBW applications.
To find which ports Windows wants to control, choose the "386 Enhanced" icon
in the "Control Panel" in the "Main Group" when running Windows.
The four standard COM ports which Windows typically controls are:
Port Address IRQ
COM1 &H3F8 4
COM2 &H2F8 3
COM3 &H3E8 4
COM4 &H2E8 3
Since COM1 and COM3 share an IRQ, if either is to be used by PCLVBW then
both should be disabled from Windows control. Similarly for COM2 and COM4.
To begin, exit from Windows completely. To disable the serial ports, edit
the [386Enh] section of the WINDOWS.INI file in the WINDOWS directory. For
example, to disable COM1 and COM3, add the following to the [386 Ehn]
section:
COM1Base=0
COM1Irq=-1
COM3Base=0
COM3Irq=-1
After modifying SYSTEM.INI, Windows must be restarted (type WIN).
The above procedure does not apply to multiport boards or any serial ports
that Windows does not know about.
16550 UARTS are really necessary when running under Windows, particularly at
baud rate above 9600. The Microsoft Diagnostics (MSD) program can be run
which will report the type of UARTs installed on your machine.
If a 16550 port MUST be shared with Windows, and you want the FIFO enabled,
look for statements such as
COM1FIFO=0
in the [386Ehn] section of SYSTEM.INI and delete it. However, the Windows
communications driver may have trouble with the FIFO, which is why there is
a statement to disable it. This problem does not occur with PCLVBW.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 5
1.4 Installation
(1) Before installation of PCLVBW, your Visual BASIC compiler should already
be installed on your system and tested. It is recommended that you disable
Windows's control of the serial ports that you will be using. Refer to
section 1.3 "Disabling Windows Ports".
(2) Make a backup copy of your distribution disk. Put your original
distribution disk in a safe place.
(3) Create a work directory on your work disk (normally your harddisk). For
example, to create a work directory named PCLVBW, we first log onto the work
disk and then type:
MKDIR PCLVBW
(4) Copy all the files from your backup copy of the distribution disk to
your work directory. For example, to copy from the A: drive to your work
directory, we type:
CD PCLVBW
COPY A:*.*
(5) Copy the DLL (dynamic link libraries) PCLVBW.DLL and MIO.DLL and the
icon file MSC.ICO, to the directory from which Visual Basic is running. This
is the directory reported by selecting FILES, and then PROPERTIES on the
Windows menu bar after clicking (once) on the Visual Basic icon.
(6) Start Visual Basic, and load the SIMPLE example program by opening
project SIMPLE.MAK. It can then be run by choosing RUN on the Visual Basic
menu bar. If Visual Basic cannot load the DLLs, it means that they have not
been copied into the Visual Basic directory as outlined in (5) above.
(7) Also load and compile LOGIN.
(8) The easiest way to test SIMPLE is to run it on two computers connected
by a null modem cable. Whatever is typed on one computer should be
displayed on the other. SIMPLE can also be tested by connecting your port to
a modem.
(9) LOGIN can be tested by connecting to a modem. Select
MODEM/START/HANDSHAKE on the dial menu bar to send an AT to the connected
modem. An "OK" is expected in return. Selecting MODEM/START/DIAL will dial
the MarshallSoft Computing BBS.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 6
2.0 Library Organization
The PCLVBW library is organized into six categories of functions. Refer to
the PCL Reference Manual (PCLVBW.REF) for details on individual functions.
2.1 Configuration
There are three functions in the configuration category. SioPorts sets the
number of PC and DigiBoard (or BOCA board) ports. SioUART is used to change
the UART base address for a communications port to a non-standard address,
while SioIRQ is used to assign a nonstandard IRQ line to a port. (See
chapter 6 Serial Communications for more details on standard UART addresses
and IRQ lines).
The configuration functions SioPorts, SioUART and SioIRQ must be called
before calling any other library functions. Be very careful in using these
functions. Remember that your serial hardware must support the UART and IRQ
that you specify. Always test any new configuration immediately.
SioPorts - Sets number of PC and DigiBoard (or BOCA board) ports.
SioUART | Sets the UART base address.
SioIRQ - Assigns an IRQ line to a port.
THE IRQ GOLDEN RULE: You may open (via SioReset) only one port per IRQ
(except for the DigiBoard and BOCA board).
Be sure to read section 1.3 "Disabling Windows Ports" since it is best not
to share ports with Windows.
2.2 Initialization & Termination
There are eight functions in the initialization and termination category.
Together, SioParms, SioFIFO, SioRxBuf, SioTxBuf, and SioReset initialize
your serial communications system. Your application must call SioParms and
SioRxBuf before calling SioReset, and SioReset must be called before any
serial I/O processing can be done.
After initialization, SioParms and SioBaud can be called again to change the
communications parameters without resetting the serial port. SioFlow can be
called to enable hardware flow control.
Before exiting from your application, SioDone must be called. Failure to
call SioDone can crash your system later.
SioRxBuf - Sets up receive buffer.
SioTxBuf | Sets up transmitter buffer.
SioFIFO | Sets the interrupt level for the 16550.
SioParms | Sets parity, stop bits, and word length.
SioReset | Initialize a serial port for processing.
SioDone | Terminates further serial processing.
SioBaud | Sets the baud rate of the selected port.
SioFlow - Enables / disables flow control.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 7
2.3 Modem Control & Status
There are nine functions in the modem control and status category which
provide your application with complete control over the status and control
bits of your modem.
There are two modem control bits, "Data Terminal Ready" (DTR) and "Request
To Send" (RTS). These bits can be read, set, or cleared by SioDTR and
SioRTS.
There are four modem status bits, "Data Set Ready" (DSR), "Clear To Send"
(CTS), "Ring Indicator" (RI), and "Data Carrier Detect" (DCD). SioModem can
read any of the modem status bits. SioDSR, SioCTS, SioRI, and SioDCD can
only read their respective modem status bit. SioGetDiv reads the baud rate
divisor register so the baud rate can be determined.
Refer to the chapter entitled "RS232 Signals" for a discussion of each of
the control and status bits.
SioDTR - Set, clear, or read the Data Terminal Ready (DTR) bit.
SioRTS | Sets, clears, or reads the Request to Send (RTS) line.
SioModem | Reads the modem status register.
SioDSR | Reads the Data Set Ready (DSR) modem status bit.
SioCTS | Reads the Clear to Send (CTS) modem status bit
SioDCD | Reads the Data Carrier Detect (DCD) modem status bit.
SioRI | Reads the Ring Indicator (RI) modem status bit.
SioRead | Reads the contents of the 7 UART registers.
SioGetDiv - Reads the baud rate divisor registers.
2.4 Serial I/O
There are eleven library functions in the serial I/O category. Together,
these functions give the programmer complete control over serial I/O. Higher
level functions such as protocols and smart modem communications can be
completely implemented in terms of these functions. Refer to the example
code.
SioGetc and SioPutc read and write single bytes from the serial line.
SioPuts and SioGets read and write blocks of characters. SioUnGetc "ungets"
the last serial byte read. SioRxClear clears the receive queue while
SioTxClear clears the transmit queue. SioLine can be used to test for UART
errors. SioTxFlush completes transmission of all bytes in the transmit
buffer before returning. SioRxQue returns the number of bytes in the
receive queue while SioTxQue returns the number of bytes in the transmit
queue.
SioGetc - Reads the next character from the serial line.
SioGets | Reads a block of characters from the serial line.
SioPutc | Transmit a character over a serial line.
SioPuts | Transmit a block of characters over a serial line.
SioUnGetc | "Un-gets" (puts back) a specified character.
SioRxClear | Clears the receive buffer.
SioRxQue | Returns the number of characters in the RX queue.
SioTxClear | Clears the transmit buffer.
SioTxFlush | Flushes the transmit buffer.
SioTxQue | Returns the number of characters in the TX queue.
SioLine - Reads the line status register.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 8
2.5 Error Detection
There are two functions in the error detection category. They are concerned
with detecting or reporting communications errors. Use of these functions
can make your application significantly more robust.
SioBrkSig can read or modify the UART break bit. This is useful for
signalling the remote system that a fatal condition has occurred.
SioLoopBack can be used to test the integrity of your UART.
SioBrkSig - Asserts, cancels, or detects the RS232 BREAK signal.
SioLoopBack - Performs a UART loopback test.
2.6 General Support
There is just one functions in the general support category. SioInfo
returns a host of information, such as the PCLVBW library version, the
number of transmitter and receiver interrupts, etc.
SioInfo - Returns the library version, and various other info.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 9
3.0 Library Organization
3.1 Using the Library
Please examine the PCLVBW.BAS file. Note that COM1 is defined as port zero,
not port one. The user must assume the responsibilty for passing the
correct information when calling PCLVBW functions.
If there are any conflicts between PCLVBW definitions and those in other
libraries, the PCLVBW definitions can be changed in the PCLVBW.BI file and
any file that uses the definition. There is no change necessary for the
library code itself.
The PCLVBW libraries contain no references to any runtime libraries. Only
Windows API functions are called.
3.2 Example Programs
Two communications programs are provided as a demonstration of the PCLVBW
library - SIMPLE and LOGIN.
SIMPLE is a very simple communications programming using PCLVBW. Everything
that is typed on the keyboard is sent to the serial port, and everthing
incoming from the serial port is displayed on the screen.
Load SIMPLE.MAK from Visual Basic. Select "Change" from the menu bar to
change the port, baud rate, parity, data bits, or stop bits. Select
"OnLine" from the "Line" menu item to go online.
Test SIMPLE by connecting the port it controls to a modem and issuing AT
commands, or connect to another computer using a null modem cable.
LOGIN is the same program as SIMPLE but with the addition of "Modem" on the
menu bar. Under "Modem", select "Start", then "Handshake" in order to send
an "AT" to the connected modem, or "Dial" to send a dial string to the
modem (which dials our user support BBS). Once the dial sequence is sent,
the program will wait for up to 60 seconds for the "CONNECT" string from the
modem. This wait can be terminated at any time by choosing "BREAK" under
"Modem".
LOGIN serves as an example of the use of the MIO.BAS (modem I/O) functions.
Refer to section 4.3 "Modem I/O" for more information on MIO functions.
To test LOGIN, you need a AT command set compatible modem and a BBS to call
up. LOGIN will dial our BBS at 205-880-9748, or edit the dial string in
LOGLINE.BAS to call up a local BBS.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 10
3.3 Door Programs
In order to write a door program which "takes over" a serial port without
resetting the port or changing the baud rate, call SioReset() with NORESET
as the second argument rather than the baud rate. Call SioGetDiv() to get
the baud rate divisor if the baud rate must be determined. Be sure to call
SioDone() before returning to the invoking program.
3.4 BBS Programs
If you are designing a BBS program (also known as HOST programs), consider
using 16550 UARTS. You should also choose a multiport card such as the
DigiBoard or BOCA board if you wish to run more than 4 ports simultaneously.
If you are using an error correcting modem, then you should be sure to set
flow control and fix your baud rate at the highest possible transfer rates.
For 14,400 modems, this means 19200 or 38400. You may need a 16550 UART in
order to run at the higher speed.
If you are using an older multi-speed modem (say 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600)
that doesn't use flow control, you should change your baud rate to match the
baud rate as reported by the modem with the CONNECT message if necessary.
3.5 Compiling and Linking
Registered users may wish to recreate PCLVBW.DLL. The Microsoft assembler
(MASM) and the Microsoft C compiler are required. Type
NMAKE PCL4W.MAK
RENAME PCL4W.DLL PCLVBW.DLL
Similiarly, MIO.DLL can be recreated.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 11
4.0 Talking to Your Modem
A modem is used to extend the distance over which you may communicate.
Without a modem, your RS232 cable is limited to a maximum of approximately
50 feet. But with a modem, you can communicate literally around the world.
Also refer to Section 4.3 "MODEM I/O functions" for details on MODEM I/O
functions. These functions faciliate communications with modems.
4.1 Modem Standards
Two modems can communicate over a telephone line only if they are both using
the same signaling frequencies and modulation, which are determined by the
the modem standards used. Modem standards can be divided into three sets:
(1) speed, (2) data compression used, and (3) error control.
The Bell standards (103 & 212A) are those of AT&T. The CCITT (The
International Consultative Committee for Telephone and Telegraph) standards
are designated as "V. ".
Speed
Bell 103 - 300 baud
Bell 212A | 1200 baud
V.21 | 300 baud
V.22bis | 1200 & 2400 baud
V.32 | 4800 & 9600 baud
V.32bis | 4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, and 14400 baud
V.34 - 28800 baud.
Data Compression
MNP 5 - Microcom Networking Protocol (proprietary).
V.42bis - International data compression standard.
Error Control
MNP 2,3,4 - Three level error correction (public domain).
V.42 - International error correction standard.
Most of the newer high speed modems use several of the above standards.
However, not all combinations of modem makes communicate easily with each
other, especially at high speeds (9600 and up).
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 12
4.2 Flow Control
With modems using data compression, the modem to modem connection will run
at various speeds depending on the quality of the line. The computer to
modem connection will be at a fixed baud rate. Therefore, a protocol (flow
control) is necessary to synchronize the data flow between a modem and the
computer to which it is connected. Refer to your modem manual for
information on flow control protocols supported.
Two flow control protocols are used by most all modems which require flow
control. Software flow control is called "XON/XOFF" (other software flow
control character pairs are defined but operate the same as XON/XOFF) and
hardware flow control is called "RTS/CTS". Most modems which require flow
control enable hardware flow control by default.
In XON/XOFF (software) flow control, the computer suspends transmitting data
if it receives a XOFF character (13 hex) from the modem, and continues
transmitting when it receives a XON character (11 hex). Similiarly, the
computer can signal the modem not to send any more data by transmitting a
XOFF to it, and can tell the modem to continue transmission be sending a
XON.
In RTS/CTS (hardware) flow control, the RTS line is used by the computer to
signal the modem , while the CTS line is used by the modem to signal the
computer. The RTS line is set OFF by the computer to tell the modem to
suspend transmission, and set to ON to tell the modem to continue
transmission. The CTS line is set to OFF by the modem to tell the computer
to stop transmitting, and set to ON to tell the computer to continue
transmitting.
Given the choice, always choose hardware flow control over software flow
control so that all data transmission is transparent. If hardware flow
control is not the default (which it almost always is), you should modify
your modem initialization string to turn hardware flow control on.
You will not need to use flow control when exchanging data between computers
connected by a null modem cable (no modems) as long as each packet is
acknowledged (as in XMODEM and YMODEM) and the buffer size is at least as
large as the packet size.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 13
4.3 MODEM I/O (MIO)
4.3.1 MIO Introduction
The file MIO.BAS contains declarations for using the Modem I/O DLL. These
functions ease communicating with modems using AT commands. The LOGIN
example program code has examples of using the MIO functions.
The Windows 3.X "operating system" is what is called "cooperative
multitasking". This means that the executing Windows task must voluntarily
"give up" control before another Windows task (or Windows itself) can
execute.
The difficulty is how to wait for a number of seconds while still
relinquishing control periodically before the wait is up. One solution is by
making functions that need to wait (such as the MIO functions) into "state"
machines. A function is broken down into parts called states, and control is
returned to Windows between executing each state.
For example, to send the string "ATDT1,205,880,9748" to the modem with
one tenth second delay between transmitted characters, the following
sequence is used:
(1) Send the string to the MIO driver by executing:
Code = mioSendTo(Port,100,"!ATDT1,205,880,9748")
The '!' characters are converted to carriage returns. The text string is
copied into the driver's data area.
(2) Call mioDriver (typically based on a Visual BASIC timer) until MIO_IDLE
is returned. Each time mioDriver is called, it will send another character
to the modem provided the required delay (since the previous character was
sent) has passed. If the delay has not passed, the driver simply returns
MIO_RUNNING, but without actually sending a character to the modem. Once
all characters have been sent, mioDriver will return MIO_IDLE, indicating it
is done and is ready to accept another function.
mioDriver will return MIO_RUNNING if it is still processing. Anything else
received indicates that it is still processing and the returned value is a
character from the modem that can be displayed if wanted.
(3) Once mioDriver returns MIO_IDLE, call mioResult to get the result of the
mioSendTo call.
The above is rather straight forward in practice. See the LOGIN application
for an example of its use.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 14
4.3.2 MIO Functions
4.3.2.1 mioDriver
Syntax: mioDriver(ByVal Port As Integer) As Integer
mioDriver executes the next state of any previously started MIO function
such as mioSendTo, mioWaitFor, and mioQuiet. It returns:
MIO_IDLE : if the driver is ready for the next mioSendTo, mioWaitFor, or
mioQuiet.
MIO_RUNNING : if the driver is not idle.
<otherwise> : if the driver is not idle, and the returned character was
received from the modem.
4.3.2.2 mioBreak
Forces the MIO driver to the IDLE state, abandoning any work in progress.
4.3.2.3 mioSendTo
Syntax: FUNCTION mioSendTo(ByVal Port As Integer,
ByVal Pace As Long,
ByVal Text As STRING) As Integer
The mioSendTo function sends the characters in the string 'Text' to serial
output. There is a delay of 'Pace' milliseconds between characters.
4.3.2.4 mioWaitFor
Syntax: FUNCTION mioWaitFor(ByVal Port As Integer,
ByVal Wait As Long,
ByVal Case As Integer,
ByVal Text As String) As Integer
The mioWaitFor function waits for characters from serial input that match
the string 'Text'. A total of 'Wait' milliseconds are allowed before timing
out and returning FALSE (0). If the 'Case' flag is TRUE, then the string
comparison is NOT case sensitive.
For example, to wait up to one minute for "CONNECT", "NO CARRIER", or
"BUSY" from the modem after dialing a number (on COM1):
Code = mioWaitFor(COM1,60000,1,"CONNECT|NO CARRIER|BUSY")
The function mioDriver() must be called until MIO_IDLE is returned. Then
mioResult() is called to get the result of the mioWaitFor. A value of 0
indicates that neither "CONNECT", "BUSY", nor "NO CARRIER" was received. A A
non-zero value indicates that one of the three sub-strings was received. A
ASC("0") is returned if "CONNECT" was seen, ASC("1") is returned if "NO
CARRIER" was seen, and ASC("2") is returned if "BUSY" was seen.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 15
4.3.2.5 mioQuiet
Syntax: FUNCTION mioQuiet(Port,Wait As Long)
The mioQuiet function waits for continuous quiet [no incoming serial data]
of 'Wait' milliseconds before returning. Any incoming character while
mioQuiet us running is flushed.
4.3.3 MIO Summary
mioDriver : Allows the execution of mioSendTo, mioWaitFor, or
mioQuiet once they have been started. Returns MIO_IDLE
(defined in MIO.BAS) if ready not running, MIO_RUNNING if
running, and anything else is a character from the modem
that can be displayed if wanted.
mioBreak : Forces the MIO driver to IDLE state.
mioSendTo : Sends string (including control chars) to the modem.
mioWaitFor : Waits for a particular string from the modem, passing
all else through.
mioQuiet : Waits for continuous quiet of specified duration.
mioBreak : Breaks further modem I/O activity.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 16
4.4 Modem Initialization
If your application uses a modem (as opposed to using a null modem cable),
then you should always send an initialization string to your modem if it is
a programmable modem such as those made by Hayes. Communication programs
such as PROCOMM and TELIX always send such a string automatically as soon as
they start up.
The particular initialization string depends on the make of your modem. For
Hayes and Hayes AT command set compatible modems, the following string
(followed by a carriage return) may work:
AT E1 S7=60 S11=60 V1 X1 Q0 S0=0
Refer to your Modem User's Guide for a full discussion of these commands. A
brief description is as follows:
AT Modem attention command.
E1 Modem will echo what you send to it.
S7=60 Wait 60 seconds for carrier and/or dial tone.
S11=60 Use 60 milliseconds for tone dialing duration & spacing.
V1 Display result code as words (not numbers).
X1 Use the extended result message (CONNECT XXXX) set.
Q0 Modem returns result codes.
S0=0 Do not answer RING.
If your application will answer incoming calls, then set the S0 register to
the ring on which to automatically answer.
If you send the above codes by using SioPutc (as opposed to typing them from
the keyboard), then follow these guidelines:
(1) Send an initial carriage return before the initialization string.
(2) Pause at least a tenth of a second (100 milliseconds) after each
character sent as your modem needs the time to perform its own internal
processing. Pause a little longer if your modem is not accepting your
initialization string.
(3) Pause one and a half seconds after sending any initialization command
such as ATZ or AT&F since your modem must do quite a bit of processing.
If you experience any problems in initializing your Hayes modem, you should
first reset it to factory settings by sending:
AT&F
Your modem may require additional initialization than presented above. Refer
to your modem manual for details. It you have a comm program such as ProComm
or Telix that is known to initialize your modem correctly, then you may wish
to use the same initialization string.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 17
5.0 Problems
If you cannot get your application to run properly, first compile and run
the example programs SIMPLE and LOGIN. Both SIMPLE and LOGIN can be used to
call up any BBS.
If your application does not run but SIMPLE runs correctly, then you have
most likely made a programming mistake in your application. MarshallSoft
Computing cannot debug your application, especially over the telephone!
However, consider each of the following when searching for an error in your
application.
1. Are you connected to a device that requires flow control? Be sure to
turn on flow control with SioFlow if connected to a modem or other serial
device that uses flow control.
2. Loosing data at high baud rates? Turn on port FIFOs with SioFIFO if
16550 UARTS are being used. Also disable Windows control of the serial ports
you are using. See section 1.3 "Disabling Windows Ports".
3. Is your receive buffer large enough? In general, your receive buffer
should be twice as large as the largest incoming block of data.
4. If you are running two COM ports simultaneously, are you using separate
transmit and receive buffers? (you should).
5. Did SioReset return a zero value? If not, then you must call SioReset
again.
6. Did you send the proper initialization string to your modem? See section
4.4 "Modem Initialization".
7. Did you set DTR and RTS? Most serial devices require that DTR be set
before they will respond.
8. Do you have more than one COM1 port, etc. For example, if you have a
COM1 port on your motherboard, you cannot add another COM1 port or modem
board that uses COM1 without first disabling COM1 on the motherboard.
9. Are you passing the proper segment of the receive (or transmit) buffer?
See SIMPLE or LOGIN for an example.
Registered users can call 205-881-4630 from 1:30 PM to 9:30 PM CST Monday
through Friday for help.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 18
6.0 Serial Communications
6.1 Communications Basics
The heart of serial communications is the UART (Universal Asynchronous
Receiver Transmitter). The IBM PC/XT/AT and compatibles use the 8250,
16450, or the 16550 UART. The purpose of the UART is:
(1) To convert bytes from the CPU (Central Processing Unit), into a serial
format by adding the necessary start, stop, and parity bits to each byte
before transmission, and to then transmit each bit at the correct baud rate.
(2) To convert the incoming stream (at a specified baud rate) of serial bits
into bytes by removing the start, stop, and parity bits before being made
available to the CPU.
The UART is part of the serial interface circuitry which allows the CPU to
send and receive signals over the RS232 lines. This can be diagrammed as
follows:
Serial Interface
+-------------------+
| |
+-----+ Data Bus | +------+ | RS232 Signals
| CPU +------------+ | UART | +----------------*
+-----+ | +------+ |
| |
+-------------------+
The 8250/16450/16550 UART is capable of operating in one of two modes,
"polled" and "interrupt driven". The serial communications functions in the
BIOS uses the polled method. In this approach, the CPU is typically in a
loop asking the UART over and over again if it has a byte ready. If it does,
the polling code returns the byte. But, if the next byte comes in before
the polling code is executing again, then that byte is lost.
In the interrupt driven approach (used by PCLVBW for incoming data), when a
byte is received by the UART, an interrupt is generated and the "Interrupt
Service Routine" (ISR) is executed immediately, suspending temporarily
whatever else is executing. The ISR then moves the byte to a buffer so that
your application program can later read it. Refer to Section 6.6 and 6.7
entitled "RS232 Signals" and "National 8250, 16450, and 16550
UARTs" for further information on these topics.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 19
6.2 Standard Port Addresses
There are a few things to know about how serial communications ports are
used by IBM PC/XT/AT and compatible computers. The standard IBM PC/XT/AT
configuration values are as follows:
Port Reg. IRQ Vector
COM1 3F8H 4 12
COM2 2F8H 3 11
COM3 3E8H 4 12
COM4 2E8H 3 11
(Refer to your DigiBoard manual for DigiBoard addresses, or your BOCA board
manual for BOCA port addresses).
PCLVBW assumes the above values. If necessary, the UART base address can be
changed by SioUART, and IRQ lines can be re-assigned by SioIRQ. Remember
that each port to be used concurrently must have a unique IRQ line. Refer
to the PCLVBW Reference Manual for specific details.
When installing new communications cards, the following guidelines are
recommended:
(1) Be sure to read the documentation for the hardware you are installing.
Pay special attention to UART base addresses and IRQ lines, particularly if
trying to set up a non-standard configuration.
(2) If you have a choice in base addresses and IRQ lines, always choose
standard values as defined above.
(3) The first port should be COM1, the second COM2, etc. Do NOT skip over
any port.
(4) Use SioUART to zero all unused ports (for example, call SioUART(COM4,0)
if there is no COM4 port installed).
(5) Be carefull not to configure two ports for the same address. This is
easier to do than you may believe.
(6) Choose an external modem over an internal one. It is much easier to
debug problems with an external modem than an internal one.
(7) Select hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) if flow control is required and
hardware flow control is not the default.
(8) Always test your port as soon as it is installed. Try several programs
that use the communications ports.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 20
6.3 Running 3 or 4 Ports Concurrently
PCLVBW supports up to 4 serial ports running concurrently (more if you have
a DigiBoard or BOCA board). One free interrupt for each port is required.
Refer to the next section if you have a DigiBoard or BOCA board.
Interrupts IRQ4 and IRQ3 are dedicated to the communications ports in a
standard IBM PC/XT/AT configuration. IRQ4 is shared between COM1 and COM3
while IRQ3 is shared between COM2 and COM4. This means that you can run two
ports simultaneously provided that they don't share an interrupt.
Suppose that you wish to run 3 ports simultaneously. To begin, you must have
3 serial UARTs installed on your computer. Assume, for purposes of this
discussion, that COM1 is installed on your motherboard, and that you have
purchased a new 2 port serial communications board.
You should be able to configure the first serial board port as COM2, which
uses IRQ3. Refer to the manual that came with your serial board.
In order to run the third serial port concurrently with the first two, an
unused interrupt must be found. If your serial card can use only IRQ3 and
IRQ4, then there is no way to run a third line since IRQ4 and IRQ3 are used
for COM1 and COM2.
However, many serial cards can use other IRQs, typically IRQ2 through IRQ5.
Since IRQ5 is normally used for a second printer port, it is a good
candidate for COM3. To use IRQ5 for the third serial port, first set your
serial card to use IRQ5 for COM3 (refer to your serial card manual) and then
add the following line to your applications code before calling SioReset:
SioIRQ(COM3,IRQ5);
Don't forget to disable any device that might use IRQ5, such as a second
printer port or a music card. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to
determine that you have no conflicts until you actually attempt to use the
IRQ. If there are conflicts, your system will probably hang and you will
have to reboot.
To run a fourth serial port, another free IRQ must be found. On some
systems, IRQ7 can be used. To use IRQ7 for the fourth serial port, first set
your serial card to use IRQ7 for COM4 and then add:
SioIRQ(COM4,IRQ7);
To summarize, your serial card must be able to generate the correct IRQ,
which is not already being used. Refer to the entry for the SioIRQ function
in the PCLVBW Reference Manual.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 21
6.4 Using Multiport Cards
The PCLVBW library supports the dumb Digiboard (PC/4 & PC/8) and the dumb
BOCA board (BB1004, BB1008, and BB2016).
6.4.1 The DigiBoard
In order to use the DigiBoard, you must configure PCLVBW using the
SioPorts(), SioUART(), and SioIRQ() functions.
Your PCs ports must be partitioned into "standard" PC ports and dumb card
ports. Remember that standard PC ports cannot share IRQs like the DigiBoard
(or BOCA board) can. If you are using IRQ4 and IRQ3 for standard PC ports
COM1 and COM2, then you cannot use either for DigiBoard ports (try IRQ5 or
IRQ7).
Suppose that COM1 through COM2 are standard PC ports (using IRQ4 and IRQ3)
and you have installed a PC/8 DigiBoard that you wish to use for COM3
through COM10 using interrupt line IRQ5. You choose to use the recommended
DigiBoard UART addresses starting at 0x100:
DEFINT A-Z
RC = SioPorts(8,COM1,&H140,DIGIBOARD) 'COM1 = 1st BOCA port
Address = &H100 '1st BOCA UART address
FOR Port=COM1 TO COM8 'look at each port
RC = SioUART(Port,Address) 'set the UART address
Address = Address + 8 'compute next address
RC = SioIRQ(Port,IRQ5) 'set the BOCA IRQ
NEXT I
The DigiBoard uses 0x140 for the status address for odd interrupts and 0x141
for even interrupts.
Digiboard may be contacted at 6400 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
55344. Telephone 612-943-9020 or FAX 612-943-5398.
6.4.2 The BOCA Board
As with the DigiBoard, you must configure PCLVBW before using the BOCA
board.
For example, to configure the BOCA BB2016 to use COM1 to COM16, with base
addresses starting at 0x100 and IRQ5:
DEFINT A-Z
RC = SioPorts(16,COM1,&H107,BOCABOARD) 'COM1 = 1st BOCA port
Address = &H100 '1st BOCA UART address
FOR Port=COM1 TO COM16 'look at each port
RC = SioUART(Port,Address) 'set the UART address
Address = Address + 8 'compute next address
RC = SioIRQ(Port,IRQ5) 'set the BOCA IRQ
NEXT I
BOCA may be contacted at BOCA Research, Inc., 6413 Congress Avenue, Suite
130, Boca Raton, FL 33487. Phone 407-241-8088, FAX 407-997-0918.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 22
6.5 Transmitter Interrupts
Transmitter interrupts are supported by the library. Separate libraries are
provided, one with transmitter interrupts enabled and one without. When
transmitter interrupts are NOT enabled, the following logic occurs everytime
you call SioPutc():
1. Wait for transmit buffer to become empty. The transmit
buffer may not be empty if the previous transmit is not
completed (the UART breaks down the byte & sends 1 bit
at a time).
2. When the transmit buffer is empty, the byte from the
SioPutc() call is loaded into the transmit buffer and
control is returned to the caller.
Note that you can not write to the UART any faster than the UART baud rate.
When transmitter interrupts are enabled, the byte from SioPutc() is put into
a previously prepared (by SioTxQue) transmitter queue. The interrupt service
routine fetches bytes from this queue as soon as the previous byte has been
sent.
While you can now call SioPutc() faster than the baud rate, bytes are still
transmitted at the given baud rate.
Transmitter interrupts are generally preferrable in Windows , although not
necessary. Transmitter interrupts are better not enabled if an application
will be doing little or no serial transmission.
An application can determine at runtime if the PCLVBW library has
transmitter interrupts enabled by calling SioInfo(ASC("I")). A non-zero
return value indicates that transmitter interrupts are enabled.
A transmit buffer must be set up using SioTxBuf if transmitter interrupts
are enabled, otherwise a transmit buffer is not required. See the programs
SIMPLE and LOGIN for an example.
The default library (PCLVBW.DLL) has transmitter interrupts enabled.
PCLVBW1.DLL is the library with transmitter interrupts disabled.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 23
6.6 RS-232 Signals
RS-232 is the name of the serial data interface standard used to connect
computers to modems. Most IBM compatible computers are built with at least
one serial port and use either DB9 (9 pin) or DB25 (25 pin) connectors.
A summary of these pins and their function follows. For more detailed
information, refer to one of the many books dealing with RS-232 interfacing.
Signal Ground Pin 7 (DB25), Pin 5 (DB9)
The SG line is used as the common signal ground, and must always be
connected.
Transmit Data Pin 2 (DB25), Pin 3 (DB9)
The TX line is used to carry data from the computer to the modem.
Receive Data Pin 3 (DB25), Pin 2 (DB9)
The RX line is used to carry data from the modem to the computer.
Data Terminal Ready Pin 20 (DB25), Pin 4 (DB9)
The DTR line is used by the computer to signal the modem that it is ready.
DTR should be set high when talking to a modem.
Data Set Ready Pin 6 (DB25), Pin 6 (DB9)
The DSR line is used by the modem to signal the computer that it is ready.
Request to Send Pin 4 (DB25), Pin 7 (DB9)
The RTS line is used to "turn the line around" in half duplex modems, and
for hardware flow control in most modems that require flow control.
Clear to Send Pin 5 (DB25), Pin 8 (DB9)
The CTS line is used to "turn the line around" in half duplex modems, and
for hardware flow control in most modems that require flow control.
Data Carrier Detect Pin 8 (DB25), Pin 1 (DB9)
The DCD line is used by the modem to signal the computer that a data carrier
signal is present.
Ring Indicator Pin 22 (DB25), Pin 9 (DB9)
The RI line is asserted when a 'ring' occurs.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 24
6.7 National 8250, 16450, and 16550 UARTs
The Personal Communications Library is based on the standard National
8250, 16450, and 16550 UARTs. The 8250 was the original UART used
in the IBM PC, whereas the 16450 is a faster version found on most 286 & up
machines. The 16550 contains a 16 byte FIFO to further reduce communications
overhead. These UARTs consists of 8 register ports as follows:
Offset R/W Register
0 R/W Receiver (read) / Transmitter (write)
1 R/W Interrupt Enable (read)
2 R Interrupt Identification
2 W FIFO control (16550 only)
3 R/W Data Format (Line Control)
4 R/W RS-232 (Modem) Control
5 R/W Line Status
6 R/W RS-232 (Modem) Status
7 R/W Not used.
For the standard PC ports (not DigiBoard or BOCA ports), the UART registers
are based at 3F8h (COM1), 2F8h (COM2), 3E8h (COM3), and 2E8h (COM4). COM1
and COM3 share interrupt request line IRQ4 while COM2 and COM4 share request
line IRQ3. This means that COM1 and COM3 can't be used concurrently.
Similarly for COM2 and COM4.
If you have a DigiBoard (or BOCA board) installed, you will have 4 or more
additional ports using 16450 or 16550 UARTS. The default DigiBoard
and BOCA board ports are located at 100h, 108h, 110h, etc. Refer to your
DigiBoard (or BOCA board) manual.
Four sources of interrupts are possible with the 8250 and 16550: (1)
receiver error or BREAK, (2) receiver data ready, (3) ready to transmit, and
(4) RS232 input. These four sources of interrupts are summarized as
follows:
Source of Interrupt Action Required to Clear
Receiver error or BREAK. Read Line Status register.
Receiver data. Read data from data register.
Transmitter Buffer Empty. Write to data register or read IID reg.
RS232 input. Read Modem Status register.
However, PCLVBW only enables the receiving data interrupt. This means that
interrupts can only be caused by incoming data.
If you are not familiar with the 8250, several good books are available.
Refer to Section 6.0 Serial Communications for recommendations. Although a
knowledge of the 8250 is not necessary to use PCLVBW, a general knowledge of
the theory of asynchronous serial communications is recommended.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 25
6.8 Register Summary
REG 0 : Data Register
Reading from the data register fetches the next input byte, once it is
ready. Writing to the data register transmits the byte written to it over
the serial line.
REG 1 : Interrupt Enable
The Interrupt Enable register enables each of four types of interrupts when
the appropriate bit is set to a one.
bit 3 : Enable interrupt on RS232 input.
bit 2 : Enable interrupt on receiver error or break.
bit 1 : Enable interrupt on transmitter buffer empty (TBE).
bit 0 : Enable interrupt on received data (RxRDY).
REG 2 : Interrupt Identification (IID)
Reading the Interrupt Identification (read only) register once an interrupt
has occurred identifies the interrupt as follows:
Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0 Priority Interrupt
0 0 1 none none
1 1 0 0 (high) Serialization or break.
1 0 0 1 Received data.
0 1 0 2 Transmitter Buffer Empty.
0 0 0 3 (low) RS232 Input.
In the INS16650, REG 2 (write only) is also the FIFO control register.
Writing bits 6 & 7 will set the FIFO trigger level (number of bytes received
before an interrupt is generated).
Bit 7 Bit 6 Trigger Bit 7 Bit 6 Trigger
0 0 1 byte 1 0 8 bytes
0 1 4 bytes 1 1 14 bytes
REG 3 : Line Control
RS232 line parameters are selected by writing to this register.
bit 7 : DLAB = 0
bit 6 : BREAK on(1), off(0).
bits 5-3: Parity None(000),ODD(001),EVEN(011),MARK(101),SPACE(111)
bit 2 : One stop bit(0), two stop bits(1).
bits 1-0: Data bits = 5 (00), 6(01), 7(10), 8(11).
When the Divisor Latch Access Bit (DLAB) is 1, registers 0 and 1 become the
LS and MS bytes of the Baud Rate Divisor registers.
Baud Divisor Baud Divisor Baud Divisor
300 0180 4800 0018 38400 0003
1200 0060 9600 000C 57600 0002
2400 0030 19200 0006 115200 0001
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 26
REG 4 : Modem Control
RTS, DTR, loopback testing, and General Purpose Outputs #1 and #2 are
controlled by the Modem Control register as follows:
bit 4 : Enable local loopback.
bit 3 : Enable GP02. Necessary for 8250 interrupts.
bit 2 : Enable GP01.
bit 1 : Set / clear RTS.
bit 0 : Set / clear DTR.
REG 5 : Line Status
Reading the Line Status register provides status information as follows (1
for TRUE, 0 for FALSE) :
bit 6 : Transmitter Empty.
bit 5 : Transmitter Buffer Empty (TBE).
bit 4 : BREAK detect.
bit 3 : Framing error.
bit 2 : Parity error.
bit 1 : Overrun error.
bit 0 : Data Ready.
REG 6 : Modem Status
Reading the Modem Status register provides the following status information
(1 for TRUE, 0 for FALSE) :
bit 7 : DCD status.
bit 6 : RI status.
bit 5 : DSR status.
bit 4 : CTS status.
bit 3 : Delta DCD status.
bit 2 : Delta RI status.
bit 1 : Delta DSR status.
bit 0 : Delta CTS status.
The delta bits (bits 0 through 3) are set whenever one of the status bits
(bits 4 through 7) changes (from 0 to 1 or from 1 to 0) since the last time
that the Modem Status register was read. Reading the Modem Status register
clear the delta bits.
REG 7 : Scratch Register
There is no function associated with register 7. It does not exist in early
versions of the 8250.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 27
8.0 Legal Issues
8.1 Registration
If you wish to register the PCLVBW library, please send $75 plus $5 S&H ($10
outside of North America) to:
MarshallSoft Computing, Inc.
Post Office Box 4543
Huntsville AL 35815
Multiple copies are available: The first copy is $75. Copies 2 through 5 are
$60 each. Copies 6 through 10 are $45 each. Copies 11 and up are $30 each. A
site license is also available for $495 (includes 5 sets of printed
documentation). We pay shipping on multiple copy orders.
We accept American Express, VISA, and Mastercard (account number, expiration
date, exact name on your card, and complete billing address required),
checks in US dollars drawn on a US bank, purchase orders (POs) from
recognized US schools and companies listed in Dun & Bradstreet, and COD
(street address and phone number required) within the USA (plus a $4.50 COD
charge).
You can also order PCLVBW from The Public Software Library (PSL) with your
MC, Visa, AmEx, or Discover card by calling 800-242-4PSL (from overseas:
713-524-6394) or by FAX at 713-524-6398 or by CompuServe at [71355,470].
THESE NUMBERS ARE FOR ORDERING ONLY. The product number for PCLVBW is 11499.
(Specify VisualBASIC/Windows when you call). Please have your shipping
address and credit card billing address ready.
If you wish to update from an older version of PCLVBW, send $20 plus $5 S&H
($10 outside of North America). Updates must be ordered directly from
MarshallSoft Computing.
The registered package includes:
o Assembler source code for the communications library.
o C source code for the modem I/O library.
o Printed Users and Reference Manuals.
o Telephone, email, FAX, and BBS support for one year.
Print the file INVOICE.DOC if an invoice is needed. The registered user will
receive the latest version of PCLVBW shipped by two day priority mail
(packet airmail overseas). A 3.5" diskette is provided unless a 5.25"
diskette is requested.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 28
8.2 License
MarshallSoft Computing, Inc. grants the registered user of PCLVBW the right
to use one copy of the PCLVBW library (in object form) on a single computer
in the development of any software product (other than libraries such as
PCLVBW). The user may not use the library on more than one computer at the
same time. The source code for the library (PCLVBW.ASM) is copyrighted by
MarshallSoft Computing and may not be released in whole or in part.
Products developed using PCLVBW can include the object form of the library
and may be distributed without any royalty.
8.3 Warranty
MARSHALLSOFT COMPUTING, INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS
SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED 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
MARSHALLSOFT COMPUTING, INC. NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE
CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR
INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF MARSHALLSOFT COMPUTING, INC. HAS
BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL
MARSHALLSOFT COMPUTING, INC.'S LIABILITY FOR ANY SUCH DAMAGES EVER EXCEED
THE PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM
OF THE CLAIM. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY
AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion of the limit of liability for
consequential or incidental damages, so the above limitation may not apply
to you.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Alabama and
shall inure to the benefit of Marshallsoft Computing, 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 Madison County, Alabama. The parties hereby consent
to in personam jurisdiction of said courts.
PCLVBW Users Manual Page 29
9.0 Summary
9.1 Revision History
Version 1.0 - 10 February 1996
This is the first release of the Visual BASIC / Windows version of our
library. It uses the common assembler language library used in all of our
Windows and DOS communications library products.
9.2 Function Summary
Refer to the PCLVBW Reference Manual (PCLVBW.REF) for detailed information
on the communications and support functions. A one line summary of each
function follows:
SioBaud Sets the baud rate of the selected port.
SioBrkSig Asserts, cancels, or detects BREAK signal.
SioCTS Reads the Clear to Send (CTS) modem status bit.
SioDCD Reads the Data Carrier Detect (DCD) modem status bit.
SioDone Terminates further serial processing.
SioDSR Reads the Data Set Ready (DSR) modem status bit.
SioDTR Set, clear, or read the Data Terminal Ready (DTR) bit.
SioFIFO Sets the interrupt level for the 16550.
SioFlow Enables / disables hardware flow control.
SioGetc Reads the next character from the serial line.
SioGetDiv Reads the baud rate divisor registers.
SioKeyPress Detects if keyboard has been pressed.
SioKeyRead Reads the keyboard.
SioInfo Returns library version number & memory model.
SioIRQ Assigns an IRQ line to a port.
SioLine Reads the line status register.
SioLoopBack Performs a UART loopback test.
SioModem Reads the modem status register.
SioParms Sets parity, stop bits, and word length.
SioPorts Sets # ports, 1st DigiBoard / BOCA port & status reg.
SioPutc Transmit a character over a serial line.
SioRead Reads any of 7 UART ports.
SioReset Initialize a serial port for processing.
SioRI Reads the Ring Indicator (RI) modem status bit.
SioRTS Sets, clears, or reads the Request to Send (RTS) line.
SioRxBuf Sets up receive buffer.
SioRxClear Clears the receive buffer.
SioRxQue Returns the number of characters in the receive queue.
SioTxBuf Sets up transmit buffer.
SioTxClear Clears the transmit buffer.
SioTxFlush Flushes the transmit buffer.
SioTxQue Returns the number of characters in the transmit queue.
SioUART Sets the UART base address.
SioUnGetc "Un-gets" (puts back) a specified character.
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9.3 Further Reading
The best way to learn about serial communications is to read a good book on
the subject. Several good texts are available. Two that I like are:
(1) C Programmers's Guide to Serial Communications by Joe Campbell (SAMS)
(2) Mastering Serial Communications by Peter Gofton (SYBEX).
10.0 Other MarshallSoft Computing Products
MarshallSoft Computing also makes communication libraries for Visual BASIC /
DOS (PCL4VB), Power BASIC (PCL4PB), C/DOS (PCL4C), C/Windows (PCL4W),
Pascal/DOS (PCL4P), Delphi (PCL4D).
We also will be releasing a communications library that uses the build-in
Windows communications functions. It will be limited to 9 ports at 19200
baud.
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