B&B Electronics 232PCC User Manual

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PCMCIA Card 
Documentation Number 232PCC0499 Manual 
B&B Electronics Mfg Co – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 
B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Comm. Pk – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445  
Configuring the Serial Card 
 
Once the Serial Card has been inserted, the PCMCIA socket 
must be configured for serial port operation. All PCMCIA 
input/output devices must be configured by software before they can 
be used.  This configuring/enabling process must be repeated (that 
is, the enabling program must be run again) whenever the Card is 
powered off, then on again.  A PCMCIA Serial Card will be powered 
off when the user removes it from the laptop and then re-inserts it.  
It may also be powered off, when the laptop goes into a "sleep" 
mode to conserve power.   
 
 
There are two kinds of PCMCIA enabling software:  
Card and Socket Services, and Point Enablers.  You must 
choose which software enabling method you will use to 
activate your Serial Card
.  Each method has its advantages and 
disadvantages.  (See Card and Socket Service Users section or 
Point Enabler Users section for more information.) 
 
 
Most laptops and desktops, that come equipped with PCMCIA 
slots, come with Card and Socket Services (CSS) software.  This 
software manages the PCMCIA ports.  If Card and Socket Services 
are running on your machine, your Serial Card will be set up and 
configured for you automatically when you insert the card into the 
PCMCIA slot.  This is usually the easiest and best way to configure 
your Card.  In most cases all you will need to do is plug in your Serial 
Card and access the assigned COM port.  (Refer to your PC 
documentation for information concerning the Card and Socket 
Services provided with your system.) 
Software Setup 
 
Once your card is configured, it can be accessed through your 
application software by choosing the appropriate COM port.  (Refer 
to the users manual associated with the software you are using for 
information on how to assign COM ports.) 
Card and Socket Service Users 
 
 
Card and Socket Services is a set of programs that are installed 
so that they are executed when the laptop is turned on.  The Card 
and Socket Service programs then stay resident - they remain in 
memory all of the time.  Card and Socket Services are designed to 
detect when a PCMCIA device has been inserted or powered off and 
then it automatically re-enables the device. This allows "hot 
swapping" - you can pull a PCMCIA card out and put in a different 
one and the new card is automatically enabled.  Card and Socket 
Services also "know" how to enable a variety of devices from