Copyright: © 1994 Barr Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Citation: © 1994 Barr Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


Contents

Welcome

Features

Install Barr T1-SYNC for SNA Server

Set Up the Device Driver

-  Base Address

-  IRQ Level

-  DMA Level

-  Data Rate

Run Diagnostics

Upgrade T1-SYNC Software

Call for Help -- Barr Technical Support

View Version and Trademark Information

For Help on Help, press F1.


Welcome

... to Barr T1-SYNC for SNA Server. This high-performance product offers mainframe connection at T1 and E1 speeds. Barr T1-SYNC for SNA Server consists of a high-speed synchronous adapter and software drivers. The state-of-the-art T1-SYNC adapter uses bus-master technology to optimize PC processing. This allows your SNA Server for Windows NT software to achieve the maximum link speeds supported by your mainframe.

For additional product information, refer to these topics:

Features

Installation Overview

For Help on Help, Press F1.


Features

Barr T1-SYNC for SNA Server:

•	Supports universal electrical interfaces

•	Supports data rates up to 2.048 megabits per second

•	Allows up to four T1-SYNC adapters

•	Includes diagnostics

Supports Universal Electrical Interfaces

The T1-SYNC adapter includes on-board support and cables for all popular electrical interface specifications, including RS232, V.35, X.21, and RS530. The adapter can be changed from one interface to any other simply by plugging in a different jumper board. There is no new hardware to obtain if you decide to increase speeds or connect to a different type of modem interface in the future. The four interface types are summarized below:

•	RS232 is the most common low-speed modem interface. Although technically defined only up to 19.2 kilobits-per-second and for cable lengths up to 15 meters (50 feet), higher data rates are sometimes used with excellent results.

•	V.35 is the most common interface for high-speed modems and CSU/DSU interfaces. It frequently is used at data rates of 56 kbps and higher.

•	X.21 uses pairs of wires for each signal, to increase noise immunity and enhance speed and distance capabilities. This modem interface is popular in Europe.

•	RS530 also uses pairs of wires for each signal. It defines a 25-pin connector but is otherwise similar to the older RS449, RS422, and RS423 standards which used a 37-pin connector. It can be used with very high data rates and longer cable lengths.

Supports Data Rates Up to 2.048 Mbps

The Barr Systems T1-SYNC adapter can handle synchronous data rates up to T1 (1.536 Megabits-per-second) and the corresponding European standard E1 (2.048 Mbps). Any fractional T1 rate also can be used, such as 56 kbps, 256 kbps, 384 kbps, etc. While data will be clocked at these speeds, the actual rate that data is transmitted across the link may be limited by the processor speed of the host system. Slower computers may not be able to fill the line with data at T1 rates when running SNA Server. However, as faster processors become available, higher throughput will be obtained.

Allows Up to Four T1-SYNC Adapters

The SNA Server allows multiple host links. The T1-SYNC adapter supports multiple addresses allowing up to four adapters to be installed in a single machine. These adapters can be attached to the same host or to different hosts.

Includes Diagnostics

Barr T1-SYNC for SNA Server includes two diagnostic tools to verify that the adapter is installed correctly and to make a record of any problems that occur.

•	The T1-SYNC Self Test thoroughly checks each of the adapter pins, while verifying that the adapter is correctly installed and functioning properly.  Diagnostic error messages pinpoint installation and adapter errors.

•	The Barr Trace Facility records information about the software events surrounding a problem. Then it compresses the data into one file for you to provide to Technical Support.


Installation Instructions

You have two sources of information about installing the T1-SYNC adapter:

•	Refer to the manual that arrived in the adapter box for instructions to install the Barr hardware and load the Barr software.

•	Use this online help for instructions to configure the Barr software.

Please feel free to contact Barr Technical Support if you have any questions or problems. We will be happy to assist you.


Install the Barr T1-SYNC Software

Barr software provides the link between the T1-SYNC adapter and the SNA Server. To accomplish this link, you need to tell the Device Driver where to find the adapter card by defining which PC resources the adapter is using.


Set Up the X.25 Device Driver

To configure the device driver, navigate to the Barr X.25 Device Driver Setup screen:

Step 1	Run the Barr software by selecting the icon [image].

Step 2	From the Barr X.25 Setup screen, select Device Driver.

Step 3	From the Barr X.25 Device Driver Setup screen, enter settings for your T1-SYNC adapter.


Barr X.25 Setup Screen

This screen is the main menu of the Barr software. Click on any part of the screen for more information.


Barr X.25 Setup Screen

Welcome

... to Barr T1-SYNC for SNA Server. This high-performance product offers mainframe connection at T1 and E1 speeds. Barr T1-SYNC for SNA Server consists of a high-speed synchronous adapter and software drivers. The state-of-the-art T1-SYNC adapter uses bus-master technology to optimize PC processing. This allows your SNA Server for Windows NT software to achieve the maximum link speeds supported by your mainframe.

For additional product information, refer to these topics:

Features

Installation Overview

Setup Screen

This screen is the main menu of the Barr software. Click on any part of the screen for more information.


Barr X.25 Setup Screen Instructions

From this screen, you can access configuration screens and diagnostic screens. For more information about the menu options, click on any of the buttons on the screen.


Device Driver Button

Set up or change the:

•	Base Address

•	IRQ Level

•	DMA Level

•	Data Rate


Upgrade Button

View Barr T1-SYNC product options. You also can upgrade the data mode or data rate of your Barr T1-SYNC product with authorization from Barr Systems.


Self Test Button

Run the Self Test to verify that the T1-SYNC adapter is correctly installed and functioning properly.


Trace Button

Use the Barr Trace Facility to record detailed information about the software events surrounding an error condition.


Exit Button

Exit the Barr software.


Barr X.25 Device Driver Setup Screen

From this screen, match the software settings to the hardware settings of your T1-SYNC adapter. Change default settings only when you verify a conflict with another device.

Click on any part of the screen for more information.

Note:  If you are installing more than one T1-SYNC adapter, be aware that multiple adapters share resources. This means that the settings for Base Address, IRQ Level, and DMA Level must be the same for all T1-SYNC adapters.


Base Address

PC Address for the T1-SYNC adapter. The Address you set on this screen must match the Device Address setting on the adapter card. The default setting, both on the adapter and in the software, is 280.

•	If you did not change the default setting when you installed the adapter, select 280.

•	If you did change the default setting, match the Base Address to the Device Address setting on the adapter. Other possible addresses are 290, 2A0, and 2B0.

Note:  Change the default setting ONLY if you verify an address conflict.

Note:  Multiple T1-SYNC adapters must be set to the same Base Address because they share resources.


IRQ Level

Hardware line over which the processor and the adapter communicate. The Interrupt Request (IRQ) carries signals to get the attention of the processor when the adapter is ready to receive or send information.

The default IRQ Level is 5. If you detect a conflict with another device, you can change the IRQ Level to 2, 10, 11, or 15.

Note:  Change the default setting only if you verify a conflict.

Note:  Multiple T1-SYNC adapters must be set to the same IRQ Level because they share resources.


DMA Level

Channel over which the T1-SYNC adapter directly accesses memory. The default setting is DMA Level 3. If you detect a conflict with another device, you can change the DMA Level to 0, 1, 5, 6, or 7.

Note: Change the default setting ONLY if you verify a conflict.

Note:  Multiple T1-SYNC adapters must be set to the same DMA Level because they share resources.

DMA Priority:  If another adapter prevents the T1-SYNC adapter from using DMA, you may see receive overruns and send underruns when operating at high speeds. The T1-SYNC adapter should be installed with the lowest DMA Level (highest priority) of all the adapters in the PC. This prevents other adapters that inadequately share DMA from affecting performance.


Data Rate

Enter a value in this field only when using:

•	An SNA Server-stored telephone number with a Hayes-compatible modem, or

•	The Barr synchronous modem eliminator (SME) cable.

For an SNA Server-stored telephone number with a Hayes-compatible modem, this field supplies the baud rate used to communicate with the modem in asynchronous mode while sending the dial string and setup commands.

When the T1-SYNC adapter provides clocking in conjunction with a Barr SME cable, this field supplies the data rate for synchronous communications.


Upgrade the T1-SYNC Software

Barr T1-SYNC for SNA Server is available in a variety of data rates, so you pay only for the level of performance you need. If you decide to upgrade to a higher performance level, you can perform a field upgrade. No additional hardware or software is required.

If you are interested in an upgrade, first you can use the Upgrade screen to review your current software settings and the available options. Then contact Barr Systems for pricing.

Note:  For more information about the available T1-SYNC options, see Features.


Barr X.25 Upgrade Screen

For an overview of the upgrade process, refer to Upgrade the T1-Sync Software.

Click on any part of the screen for more information.


Adapter

Select the adapter for which information is displayed.


Serial Number

Serial number of your Barr T1-SYNC adapter. Have this number on hand when contacting Barr Systems.


Maximum Data Rate

Highest data rate at which your current options can communicate.


Max Data Rate

Lists the available data rate options.


Authorization Code

Must be entered to upgrade your Barr software. When you purchase a software upgrade, you are given an authorization code.


Upgrade Button

After selecting Upgrade Options and entering the Authorization Code given to you by Barr Technical Support, click on this button to upgrade your T1-SYNC software.


Diagnostics

Barr T1-SYNC for SNA Server includes two diagnostic tools, the Self Test and the Barr Trace Facility.

•	The Self Test verifies that the T1-SYNC adapter is correctly installed and functioning properly.

•	The Barr Trace Facility implements the SNA Server Trace Facility to record detailed information about the software events surrounding an error condition. The Barr Trace Facility automatically gathers and compresses the information from the trace into a single file for you to provide to Barr Technical Support.


T1-SYNC Self Test

Barr T1-SYNC for SNA Server features a self test to verify that the T1-SYNC adapter is correctly installed and is functioning properly. This test requires the Test Plug that arrived strapped to the modem cable. The Self Test consists of two diagnostics, the Signal Lead Test and the Local Loop Back Test.

To run the Self Test, take the following steps:

Step 1	Insert the Test Plug into the T1-SYNC adapter.

Step 2	From the Self Test screen select Start.

Step 3	Check the test results.

A failure in the Signal Lead Test could indicate a conflict with another device. If the Signal Lead Test fails and no circuit error message is displayed, try changing the IRQ Level of the adapter. Also, check that the dip switches on the adapter card are properly configured and the device address setting in the software matches the card configuration. Refer to Device Address and Switch Settings in the T1-SYNC installation manual for more information.

Any other Signal Lead Test failure or any Loop Back Test Failure could indicate a problem with the adapter. Contact Barr Technical Support for more information.


Signal Lead Test

This test checks each of the send and receive pins of the T1-SYNC adapter. The software sends a signal out each send pin. The Test plug routes the signal back through a corresponding receive pin. Then the software checks that the signal returns through the correct pin. For example, a signal is sent via the Transmit Data pin and returns via the Receive Data pin.

Any errors received from the Signal Lead Test indicate the circuit that failed, for example:

CTS circuit failed.

DCD circuit failed.


Local Loop Back Test

In this test, a data string of 256 characters is sent in a rotating pattern. The Test plug returns the data through the receive side of the adapter, and the software verifies that the returned data matches the sent data.

Any errors received from the Local Loop Back Test simply indicate that the test failed.

Loop Back Test failed.


Self Test Screen

For more information about diagnostic tools, refer to these topics:

Diagnostics

Self Test Overview

Click on any part of the screen for more information.


Adapter

Select the adapter that you want to test. You can test any of the Barr T1-SYNC adapters you have installed.


Result Indicators

Indicate the results of the Self Test.

• Off indicates that the diagnostic has not run.

• Passed indicates that the diagnostic completed with no errors.

• Failed indicates that the diagnostic completed with errors.


Controls

Enable you to

•	Start the Self Test

•	Access online Help

•	Exit the Self Test screen when Done

To begin the Self Test, select Start.


Diagnostic Messages

Indicate the status of the Self Test and provide a description of any errors that occur. Refer to Signal Lead Test and Local Loop Back Test for a description of the error messages generated by each diagnostic.


Adapter Information

The software reads the serial number and interface from the T1-SYNC adapter and displays them here.


Barr Trace Facility

The Barr Trace Facility is started and stopped from the Barr Trace Facility screen. While the trace runs, you can Continue from the Barr Trace Facility screen and recreate the error condition or the activities about which you want to gather information. The Barr Trace Facility uses the SNA Server Trace facility to gather information about the following:

•	Activity between SNA Base and the link service

•	Activity within the Data Link Layer (DLC)

•	Internal messages between SNA layers

To the SNA Server Trace facility information, the Barr Trace Facility adds the following:

•	Registry information

•	Event logs

Then it compresses the data into one file for you to provide to Barr Technical Support. For instructions to send the file to Barr Systems, refer to How to Get this Trace to Barr Systems.


Barr Trace Facility Screen

For an overview of the Barr Trace Facility, refer to Barr Trace Facility.

Click on any part of the screen for more information.


Trace Control

Enables you to Start the trace, Stop the trace, and select which link service to trace. The Trace Status indicates whether the trace is Active or Off.

After starting the trace, you need to Continue from this screen and recreate the problem or event about which you want to gather information. Then return to this screen and Stop the trace.


Link Service

Enables you to select which link service to trace. You can select from the Barr link services that you have installed.


Reporting

When you stop the trace, the Barr Trace Facility compresses the data gathered into one file for you to provide to Barr Technical Support.

•	Trace File - Name of the file containing the trace information.

•	Last Update - Date when the trace file was last updated.


How to Get this Trace to Barr Systems

The Trace File indicated on the Barr Trace Facility screen is the file you need to send to Barr Systems. You can send it using any of the following methods:

•	Upload the file to the Barr Bulletin Board System (BBS)

•	Attach the file to an E-mail message sent via CompuServe

•	Copy the file to a software disk and send it in a package to Barr Systems


Continue Button

Click on Continue to exit the Barr Trace Facility screen.


Using the Barr BBS

You can use the Barr Bulletin Board System (BBS) to:

•	Provide a trace file to Barr Technical Support

•	Obtain information about Barr products

•	Request Technical Support.

Steps for Uploading a File

The following steps outline how to upload a trace file to the Barr BBS. For more information about using the Barr BBS, consult the Barr Systems BBS User Guide included in your T1-SYNC for SNA Server package.

Step 1	Verify that you have the required equipment.

Step 2	Check your communications software settings.

Step 3	Dial the BBS and log on.

Step 4	Upload your trace file.

Step 5	Log off the BBS.

BBS Help Line: Contact Barr Systems at 800-BARR-SYS (or 904-371-3050) and ask for BBS help.

Note:  For BBS screen navigation tips, refer to Barr BBS Navigation Tips.


Barr BBS Equipment Requirements

To dial the Barr Bulletin Board System (BBS), you need a PC with the following hardware and software:

•	An asynchronous modem capable of a speed from 1200 to 14,400 bps. (For speeds greater than 2400 bps, your modem must support the CCITT modem standard.)

•	Communications software such as ProComm, Qmodem, Micro Link, or the Terminal program in Microsoft Windows.


Communications Software Settings

The BBS is equipped with a V.32 modem capable of speeds from 1200 to 14,400 bps. (For speeds greater than 2400 bps, your modem must support the CCITT modem standard.)  Set up your communications software as follows to use the Barr BBS:

Your communications software must be set to:

•	Dial 904-491-3148

•	Use Data bits = 8, Stop bits = 1, and Parity = None

You may need to adjust other settings to get your communications software to recognize your modem.

File Transfer Protocol

Because you will be performing a file transfer, you should determine which file transfer protocols your communications software supports before dialing the BBS. When you transfer a file between your PC and the BBS, the same file transfer protocol must be selected both in your communications software and on the BBS. Protocols supported on the Barr BBS include:

•	Xmodem/CSUM

•	Xmodem/CRC

•	Xmodem/1k

•	Ymodem

•	Zmodem

•	Kermit

•	ASCII

Zmodem is a good choice because it results in the fastest file transfer.


Log on to the Barr BBS

Each time you connect to the Barr Bulletin Board System (BBS), it prompts you to enter your user name and password. Your user name consists of your first and last names. Refer to the appropriate instructions:

Instructions for First BBS Logon

Instructions for Subsequent Logons

BBS Help Line: Contact Barr Systems at 800-BARR-SYS (or 904-371-3050) and ask for BBS help.


Instructions for First BBS Logon

The first time you logon, the BBS creates your user account and displays information of interest to first-time users.

Step 1	Enter your first and last names at the prompts:

What is your FIRST NAME?

What is your LAST NAME?

Step 2	Confirm the spelling of your name. The Barr BBS recognizes that you are a new user and asks you to confirm your name:

Is your name spelled correctly?

Select Y for Yes, or select N for No and re-enter your name.

Step 3 	Select a password for your user account. The BBS displays the following prompt:

Please select a password?

Note the password you choose -- it is required for all subsequent logons.

Step 4 	The BBS displays the New User Questionnaire. It asks a few questions about you and your BBS account, such as your company name, phone number, and default file transfer protocol. When you finish the questionnaire, press Enter.

When these steps are complete, the BBS creates your account, logs you on, and displays several information screens. Then the BBS Main Menu displays.

BBS Help Line: Contact Barr Systems at 800-BARR-SYS (or 904-371-3050) and ask for BBS help.


Instructions for Subsequent Logons

On any logon after the first logon, you can enter your full name at the first name prompt. If you misspell your name, the BBS prompts you to re-enter it. If you forget your password, call the BBS Help Line. The BBS administrator will assign you a new password.

If you need to change your BBS settings, select Y for [Y]our Settings from the Main Menu. You can change your password, phone number, default file transfer protocol, screen display, and message editor.

BBS Help Line: Contact Barr Systems at 800-BARR-SYS (or 904-371-3050) and ask for BBS help.


Barr BBS Navigation Tips

The BBS menus and screens are designed for simplicity. To make a selection, simply type the displayed character and press Enter.

At the bottom of the information screens, a prompt displays three choices:

- Pause -  [C]ontinue display,  [N]onStop display,  [S]kip display:

•	Select C to continue to the next screen.

•	Select N to quickly scroll through the information, which may span more than one screen, and advance to the next topic.

•	Select S to skip the information, which may span more than one screen, and advance to the next topic.

Note:  Instead of pressing Enter after each command, you can enable the BBS Hot keys function from the Main Menu option [Y]our Settings.


Upload your Trace File

The trace file indicated on the Barr Trace Facility screen is the file you need to upload. It is a compressed file which will transfer faster, saving your time and reducing long distance telephone charges.

Files uploaded to the BBS must be attached to a message. The message must be addressed to a specific BBS user account. If you have been working with a Barr Technical Support analyst and know how to spell their name, address the file to them. If not, address the file to SNASERVER. This is the BBS account set up specifically for receiving trace files. The addressee name must be spelled correctly.

Take the following steps to transfer a file from your PC to the Barr BBS:

1.	From the Main Menu, select M to display the Message Menu.

2.	Select E to enter a new message.

3.	Enter the <user name> of the message recipient. When in doubt, address the message to SNASERVER.

4.	Enter the subject <Trace File>.

5.	Select N at the Return receipt? prompt.

6.	Select Y to use the full screen editor or N for the line editor.

7.	Enter brief <message text> describing the activity captured by the trace.

8.	Press Escape when you are done entering message text.

9.	Select T to attach a file to the message.

10.	Select Y to confirm that you want to attach a file.

11.	Enter the <file name>. This is the name the file will have on the BBS. Use a unique name, such as your first or last name, or the name of your organization.

12.	Select a file transfer <protocol>. The same file transfer protocol must be selected in your PC communications software.

13.	Initiate the <upload> from your communications program.

14.	When the upload completes, select S to save the message and the attached file on the BBS.

Note:  Your message and file will be lost unless you [S]ave them!

Note:  For more information about navigating through the BBS screens, refer to Barr BBS Navigation Tips.


Log off the Barr BBS

When you are finished with your Barr BBS session, from any BBS menu:

Step 1	Select G for [G]oodbye & Logoff.

Step 2	Select Y to confirm that you want to log off.


Contacting Barr Systems Via CompuServe

Files and messages can be sent to Barr Systems via CompuServe. For overseas customers, this method is less expensive than using the BBS. To access CompuServe, you need a CompuServe account, an asynchronous modem, and asynchronous communications software. The CompuServe Information Manager (CIM) available from CompuServe is the easiest software tool to use when contacting CompuServe.

•	When logging directly on to CompuServe, the mail address for Barr Systems is >MHS:Mail@BarrSys.

•	If you have an MHS mail system that interfaces with the CompuServe MHS hub, the mail address is Mail@BarrSys.

Be certain to mention that you are requesting Technical Support. If you are sending a trace file, include a brief description of the event recreated in the trace.


Barr Systems

You can contact us at:

Barr Systems, Inc.

4131 NW 28 Lane

Gainesville, FL  32606-6681

Phone:	800-BARR-SYS

904-371-3050

Fax:	904-491-3141

Internet:	Mail@BarrSys.Com

BBS:	904-491-3148

You can reach us by telephone between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time.


Version and Trademark Information

This is Version 9402, April 1995 of Barr T1-SYNC Help for X.25 Communications.

T1-SYNC is a trademark of Barr Systems, Inc.

Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Windows NT and SNA Server are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.


Continue Button

Exit this screen and save the settings you have selected.


Help Button

Access Barr T1-SYNC Help.


Cancel Button

Exit this screen without saving the settings you have selected.