Major Alarm

Minor Alarm

Return to normal after Major Alarm

Return to normal after Minor Alarm

MAC System Status transfer ready to be sent

MAC History-log transfer ready to be sent

MAC Battery Test result ready to be sent

An SMNP trap manager (HP OpenView, IBM Tivoli, MacNet, etc.) can be configured to receive these traps and then start up the MacComm client software to communicate with the MAC unit at the site.

The information embedded in the message consists of:
1. Enterprise number for Comlab (14665)
2. Originating MAC unit IP address
3. Trap type (6 for enterprise-specific)
4. Code:
0 = Major Alarm
1 = Minor Alarm
2 = Return to normal after Major Alarm
3 = Return to normal after Minor Alarm
4 = MAC System Status transfer ready to be sent
5 = MAC History-log transfer ready to be sent
6 = MAC Battery Test result ready to be sent
5. Time stamp
6. For the other variables, nothing is sent

NOTE: MicroMAC units do not have SNMP capability.

For an example procedure to configure traps, consult our Technical Bulletin.

10 - How can I measure audio channels directly in dB with MAC units?


For each audio channel you want to measure directly in dB you will need to install a True-RMS Converter IC.

NOTE: MiniMAC units can not accept True-RMS Converter ICs.

The IC's should be fitted in the empty 14 way holders and the following jumpers should be moved from position 1-2 to position 2-3.

Refer to Chapter 6 of the latest MAC Reference Manual for detailed instructions on jumper settings.

11 - How can I connect a computer or PDA equipped with a USB port to an older MAC unit that does not have the USB connector on its front panel?

A USB to DB9 Serial Adapter is required to link the computer or PDA to the MAC DB9 female local terminal port on the front panel.

If you are using a computer, you must also install the software driver included with the adapter that will create a COM port in your computer. Then, go to the Setup menu in MacComm and select Communications. In the Local Communications section, select the newly created COM port in the Communications Port drop-down menu and set the Baud Rate to 9600.

12 - How can I use a PDA as a local terminal with a MAC unit?

Thanks to the MAC's VT-100 compatibility, you can use a simple terminal program on your PDA to monitor and control your MAC unit locally. A serial-port adapter is required to link the PDA to the MAC DB9 female local terminal port on the front panel.

Several terminal programs are available. The following are free, subject to change, and have not been tested:

1. FOR PDA's WITH PALM OS (Palm, Sony, Handspring, Garmin, Samsung, Tapwave, Kyocera, Fossil, etc.)

ptelnet
http://palmsource.palmgear.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=http://www.davicom.com/software.showsoftware&PartnerREF=&siteid=7&catid=0&area=software.developer&searchtitle=Applications%20by%20Marcio%20Andrade&searchterm=&step=1&orderby=modificationdate&direction=asc&userid=928342261&prodid=552

2. FOR PDA's WITH WINDOWS CE/ MOBILE (HP, Compaq, NEC, Casio, Dell, Motorola, O2, etc.)

Pocket Tera Term
http://hp.vector.co.jp/authors/VA002416/ce/tterm_ce.html

PROCEDURE:

Most PDA's will allow you to scroll through the MAC menus, but a screen resolution of 320 x 320 will give you a complete menu per screen although the characters will be quite small.

Once loaded into your PDA, just start the terminal program and type-in (or Graffiti-in) a few “Return” characters to wake-up the MAC VT-100 terminal communications. Once the MAC requests the password, enter it and then “Return”. You are now in communications with the MAC. The VT-100 menus all operate with alphabetical letters. Simply enter the letter for the menu item you wish and it will be displayed. “Return” brings you back up one menu level. To disconnect properly, enter an “X” when in the top-level menu.

13 - Where can I find the pinout information for the MAC Champ connectors?

Please see our Technical Bulletin.   You can also download the MAC Connection Layout information and use this template to record your site data.

14 - When I try to connect to a MAC unit by modem, communication stops during or after negotiation.

This problem may result from a modem time-out setting that is too short to allow carrier detection. We recommend you set the value to 120 seconds.

• In the Windows CONTROL PANEL, select Phone and Modems Options or Modems;
• In the MODEMS or GENERAL tab, select your modem, take note of the COM port the modem is attached to, and click Properties;
• In the ADVANCED tab, click the CHANGE DEFAULT PREFERENCES button and select the GENERAL tab. For Win98, simply select the CONNECTION tab;
• In the Call Preferences section, enter 120 (or a higher value) in the Cancel the call if not connected within box.

If the problem is still not solved :

• Go to the MacComm Setup menu and select Communications. Under Modem Communications, select the COM port to which your modem is attached to in the Communications Port, Modem drop-down menu;
• Add the "AT S7=120" command in the Initialization String 2 or 3 field. If the Initialization String field already begins with AT, do not rewrite the AT command.

15 - I am experiencing difficulties establishing a modem connection with a MAC unit.
You probably have a noisy or low quality phone line, and must therefore make sure the modulation rate of your modem is set to a maximum of 4800 bps.

• In the Windows CONTROL PANEL, select Phone and Modems Options or Modems;
• In the MODEMS or GENERAL tab, select your modem, take note of the COM port the modem is attached to, and click Properties;
• In the ADVANCED tab, add the appropriate command (see examples in table below) in the Extra initialization commands box. For Win98, select the CONNECTION tab, click the Advanced button, and add the appropriate command (see examples in table below) in the Extra settings box.

If the problem is still not solved:

• Go to the MacComm Setup menu and select Communications. Under Modem Communications, select the COM port to which your modem is attached to in the Communications Port, Modem drop-down menu;
• Add the appropriate command (see examples in table below) in the Initialization String 2 or 3 field.

NOTE 1: Some modem models allow you to set a minimum modulation rate. In such cases, set the minimum modulation rate to 2400 bps. If you only enter the maximum modulation rate, the connection will be established at 4800 bps and the modem will not be allowed to negotiate a lower speed if required by the line conditions.

NOTE 2: These settings will apply to all communications softwares linked to this modem. If other communications softwares require different settings, you can install other instances of the same modem. This is because Windows allows you to install several modems using the same physical unit. Windows simply adds the suffix #2 or #3 etc. to the modem description.

NOTE 3: If the Extra Settings field already begins with AT, do not rewrite the AT command.

Examples for selected modems:

For other modems, please refer to the user's manual provided with your modem.

16 - I cannot connect by modem to MAC units using MIP protocol. Only the VT100 protocol works. Also, I am unable to transfer a configuration to MAC units.

Your modem is probably configured with software data flow control (XON/XOFF). Your modem must be configured either for hardware data flow control (RTS/CTS), or no data flow control. For more information, please refer to the instruction manual of your modem.

17 - My modem does not take the first setup strings into account.

You are probably using commands that cancel previous commands. This mostly occurs when a reset command is used. It is important to use the reset command only in the first setup string. Remember not to mix a reset command with other commands in the same setup string because these other commands will be cancelled.

18 - When I use an external application to communicate with other on-site equipment through the MAC unit, the modem hangs-up.

This occurs when the software that established communication frees up the port to give control to the external application. When freeing up the port, a low level (0) is applied to the DTR pin and the communication is cut-off. A command allowing the modem not to hang-up when a low level (0) is applied to the DTR pin must be added to the modem settings.

• In the Windows CONTROL PANEL, select Phone and Modems Options or Modems;
• In the MODEMS or GENERAL tab, select your modem, take note of the COM port the modem is attached to, and click Properties;
• In the ADVANCED tab, add the "AT &D0" command in the Extra initialization commands box. For Win98, select the CONNECTION tab, click the Advanced button, and add the "AT &D0" command in the Extra settings box.
• NOTE: If the Extra Settings field already begins with AT, do not rewrite the AT command.

If the problem is still not solved:

• Go to the MacComm Setup menu and select Communications. Under Modem Communications, select the COM port to which your modem is attached to in the Communications Port, Modem drop-down menu;
• Add the "AT &D0" command in the Initialization String 2 or 3 field. If the Initialization String field already begins with AT, do not rewrite the AT command.

19 - I often have trouble communicating by modem and the connection seems unstable. What can I do?

You can test the noise on your landline if both your MAC modem and computer modem are over 14.4 kbps (older modems don't have equalizers). Use hyperterminal to establish a known good connection, such as an internet provider with ISDN lines, digital lines, or 56K capable lines. Some of these tests require that you escape to command mode with the escape code. The modem is automatically in Command Mode until you dial a number and establish a connection. The default escape code is : +++. The default reconnection code is : ATO. All commands sent to the modem must begin with AT and end with ENTER.

1. Rockwell/Conexant/Multitech modems

TERMINATION REASON.......... NONE

     LAST TX rate................ 28800 BPS

     HIGHEST TX rate............. 28800 BPS

     LAST RX rate................ 28800 BPS

     HIGHEST RX rate............. 28800 BPS

     PROTOCOL.................... LAPM

     COMPRESSION................. V42Bis

     Line QUALITY................ 044

     Rx LEVEL.................... 036

     Highest Rx State............ 67

     Highest TX State............ 67

     EQM Sum..................... 0033

     RBS Pattern................. FF

     Rate Drop................... FF

     Digital Loss................ None

     Local Rtrn Count............ 00

     Remote Rtrn Count........... 00

     

Copy the table of numbers in the table and you can visualize the results of your test.


REFERENCES:

Using a 3Com/USR modem to test the phone line by Jeff Liebermann

ModemHelp.net (Conexant/Rockwell)

20 - I am using a US Robotics modem and sometimes, when I try to establish communication with a unit and the unit answers in voice mode, I get the following message: "Unable to communicate with the unit. Busy."

US Robotics compatible modems can sometimes interpret voice messages as a busy tone, and you need to add commands to the modem settings.

• In the Windows CONTROL PANEL, select Phone and Modems Options or Modems;
• In the MODEMS or GENERAL tab, select your modem, take note of the COM port the modem is attached to, and click Properties;
• In the ADVANCED tab, add the "AT X2 &B1" or "AT X1 &B1" or "AT X0 &B1" command in the Extra initialization commands box. For Win98, select the CONNECTION tab, click the Advanced button, and add the "AT X2 &B1" or "AT X1 &B1" or "AT X0 &B1" command in the Extra settings box.
• NOTE: If the Extra Settings field already begins with AT, do not rewrite the AT command.

If the problem is still not solved:

• Go to the MacComm Setup menu and select Communications. Under Modem Communications, select the COM port to which your modem is attached to in the Communications Port, Modem drop-down menu;
• Add the "AT X2 &B1" or "AT X1 &B1" or "AT X0 &B1" command in the Initialization String 2 or 3 field. If the Initialization String field already begins with AT, do not rewrite the AT command.

21 - I am using a US Robotics modem and I have trouble communicating with MAC units.

Your modem is probably trying to establish communication in the V.8 mode. You need to add a command to the modem settings in order to disable this mode since it is not compatible with the MAC unit's modem.

• In the Windows CONTROL PANEL, select Phone and Modems Options or Modems;
• In the MODEMS or GENERAL tab, select your modem, take note of the COM port the modem is attached to, and click Properties;
• In the ADVANCED tab, add the "AT S32=32" command in the Extra initialization commands box. For Win98, select the CONNECTION tab, click the Advanced button, and add the "AT S32=32" command in the Extra settings box.
• NOTE: If the Extra Settings field already begins with AT, do not rewrite the AT command.

If the problem is still not solved:

• Go to the MacComm Setup menu and select Communications. Under Modem Communications, select the COM port to which your modem is attached to in the Communications Port, Modem drop-down menu;
• Add the "AT S32=32" command in the Initialization String 2 or 3 field. If the Initialization String field already begins with AT, do not rewrite the AT command.

22 - My US Robotics modem does not always take the setup string commands into account.

The port speed is probably too high, and you need to lower it to 57600 bps.

• In the Windows CONTROL PANEL, select Phone and Modems Options or Modems;
• In the MODEMS or GENERAL tab, select your modem and click Properties;
• In the MODEM or CONNECTION tab, select 57600 in the Maximum Port Speed drop-down menu.

23 - I added the "X0" command to the Windows modem setup string and I still get the following message : "Unable to communicate with the unit. Busy."

Your modem driver is probably sending commands just before dialing in order to verify the status of the line. This operation cancels some of the setup string commands.

• In the Windows CONTROL PANEL, select Phone and Modems Options or Modems;
• In the MODEMS or GENERAL tab, select your modem and click Properties;
• In the MODEM or CONNECTION tab, disable the Wait for dial tone before dialing command.

24 - When I use a Windows modem to communicate with a MAC unit, the modem does not connect at the TAPI Baud Rate set in the Dial Directory.

It is possible that your modem driver does not support this parameter. Although the parameter is part of all Windows modems standard interface, a large number of modem manufacturers do not take it into account. For more information, please contact your modem manufacturer.

25 - How do I set-up my Siemens external GSM/GPRS modem?

1. TC35i & MC35i modem power lead:

Orange: 0V

Black & Blue: +
2. Connect the modem to a spare COM Port on your computer using a straight through 9 pin D-type lead.
3. Start Hyperterminal, in Properties select the COM port the modem is connected to, then set:

Bits per second: 19200

Data bits: 8

Parity: None

Stop bits: 1

Flow control: Hardware
4. Press the return (or enter) key after all AT commands.
5. For the TC35i:

Type AT+IPR=19200 and you should get an OK

Type AT+IFC=2,2 and you should get an OK
6. For the MC35i:

Type AT+IPR=19200 and you should get an OK

Type ATQ3 and you should get an OK
7. For both units type AT&W to save to memory.
8. Disconnect power to the modem, wait 1 minute and then reconnect.
9. For the TC35i:

Type AT+IPR? And you should get 19200

Type AT+IFC? and you should get 2,2
10. For the MC35i:

Type AT&V and look for Q3 at the end of the first line

Look for +IPR: 19200 further down the list
11. Close Hyperterminal.
12. Connect to the MAC unit using MacComm and in Configuration, select Alarm-Call Parameters and set the Outgoing Baud Rate to 19200.
13. Connect the modem to the rear panel DB9 connector of the MAC unit and re-power both the MAC unit and the Modem. After a few seconds the lights on the MAC unit should stop flashing and you should be left with the green DC Power LED and the Activity LED flashing.

26 - After MacNet is installed, when I start the software I get the following error message : "Database error... Error 40...".

MacNet database files may not have been saved in the Windows registers at installation. Follow this procedure :

• Start Windows Explorer;
• Go to C:/MacNet;
• Click twice on mnODBC.reg;
• Restart MacNet.

27 - When I try to add a site to MacNet, I get the following error message : "Database error".

Your database files are probably read only. This mostly occurs when you make a copy from a CD-ROM. Give read-write access to the files and restart MacNet.

If your computer runs under Windows NT, 2000 or XP, it is possible that you do not have the permission to give read-write access to the files. Please contact you network administrator.

28 - How can I create a map of only one country for MacNet using MapInfo?

1. Using MapInfo, open the file "general.tab" located in C:/MacNet/Database/Map.

2. Open a new table ("open new mapper") and name it "country" (the .tab extension will be added automatically by MapInfo).

3. On the general map, find the country you want to add. Select the country, copy it to the clipboard and paste it to the new "Country" screen.

4. When this is done, rename and save all the "country.xxx" files under "general.xxx" and the new map is created.

29 - When I try to display a site schematic in MacNet, I get a gray screen.

Some essential files may be missing in the schematics directory. Click here to get them. Once downloaded, copy these files to the MacNet schematics directory C:/MacNet/Database/Schema.

30 - How does the MAC's internal clock synchronize with MacNet?


The MAC's internal clock is automatically set every time MacNet communicates with the site. Therefore the PC that runs MacNet should have an accurate clock. The following site at NIST has information on setting PC clocks via the internet: http://tf.nist.gov/service/its.htm. It has software that can be downloaded for NTP. Windows XP Pro has built-in time synchronization to NIST by double clicking on the clock in the bottom right-hand corner.

MAC units react differently to the MacNet time sync commands depending on the settings in the MAC unit. To validate current settings, go to the MacComm Configuration dialog box, and select System. In the Clock Setup dialog box, verify the settings for Time Zone Relative to GMT and Daylight Saving Time Setup.

1. If the Time Zone Relative to GMT field is empty, the MAC's time and date will be set to the same values as the PC's time and date.

2. If the Time Zone Relative to GMT field is configured, but the Daylight Saving Time Setup fields are empty, the MAC's time and date will adjusted taking into account the differences between the MAC's time zone and the PC's.

3. If the Time Zone Relative to GMT and the Daylight Saving Time Setup fields are configured (the Daylight Saving Time Date, the Standard Time Date and the Change By field must be configured) the MAC's clock will be set taking into account the information in all the fields.

31 - When I use a communication port to access a receive modem with MacNet, the modem does not answer.

In MacNet, go to the Options drop-down menu, select Setup then Peripheral Configuration. Verify your settings under the RX Modem tab.

If the RX Modem is attached to a COM port, select this COM port in the Communication Port or Modem drop-down menu, and you will have access to the Initialization Strings. Add the auto-answer "AT S0=1" command in the Initialization String 2 or 3. If the Initialization String field already begins with AT, do not rewrite the AT comand.

 

32 - How can I reduce the amount of information that is recorded in the MAC's history log.

Contact us for any other questions.