Installing the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode

TechNote

Number: 00104-03
Date: April 1994

Installing the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode

1 The Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode

The Madge Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode is designed to be compatible with all Micro Channel- based personal computers. It can be used in any 16- or 32-bit computer which is compatible with the IBM PS/2 range of computers including the PS/2 Models 55, 70 and 95.

2 Installing the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode in your computer

The Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode has no switches to be set; the configuration is performed by software using the reference diskette supplied with your computer. You must first install the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode in your computer and then run the configuration utility.

Handling precautions

Do not remove the Ringnode from its protective antistatic packaging until you are ready to use it.
Discharge the static electricity from your body by touching a protective grounding device or the metal chassis of your computer before handling the Ringnode.
In dry climates or other environments where static electricity is prevalent, wear a grounding strap on your wrist before handling the Ringnode or removing the cover of your computer.
Always handle the Ringnode carefully by its edges and avoid touching any of the components or connection.

Installing the Ringnode

Always turn off the power to your computer before installing or removing any adapter cards.

Remove the cover of your computer.
Select an empty Micro Channel expansion slot in which to install the Ringnode.
Remove the blanking bracket. Keep its screw in a safe place.
Push the Ringnode firmly into its socket. Do not force it in. If it does not slide in easily, it may be misaligned.
Secure the Ringnode in place with the retaining screw.
Replace the cover of your computer.

3 Configuring the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode

The Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode is configured using the reference diskette which should be supplied with your computer. If you have configured option boards before, you will find this straightforward. The process consists of two steps: first, copy the @002D.ADF file from the Madge distribution diskette onto your reference diskette, and then run the automatic configuration option.

The configuration instructions below apply to IBM PS/2 computers. Other manufacturers' configuration procedures may differ slightly from this.

For further information about the configuration options refer to the @002D.ADF file which is in a readable form.

Automatic configuration

Ensure that the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode is correctly fitted in your computer.

Insert the reference diskette into drive A: and boot the computer from it.
The computer detects the new option board and displays a prompt asking if you wish to perform automatic configuration. Answer no.
From the main menu of the setup program, select copy option diskette.
Follow the instructions on the screen. Insert the option diskette (i.e. the Madge Install diskette) and the reference diskette in turn into drive A:. The program copies the @002D.ADF file from the Madge diskette onto the reference diskette. This file contain the information about the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode which the setup program requires to configure it.
You are returned to the main menu. Select the set configuration option.
Another menu is displayed. Choose run automatic configuration. This automatically configures the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode for operation. Note that the default setting for the ring speed is Ringnode disabled. You must change this setting to match the speed of your ring before you can use your Ringnode.
Reboot the computer with your normal boot disk.

If you ever need to remove the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode or subsequently insert it again you can run automatic configuration directly by answering yes to the first prompt, because the @002D.ADF file has now been copied to the reference diskette.

Note

It is most important that the Ringnode is set to the correct network speed. The ring will fail if you attempt to insert a Ringnode set to the wrong speed into your network.

Manual configuration

If you want to choose the options yourself or wish to see which options have been selected, you should perform the configuration manually instead of automatically. You must first copy the @002D.ADF file onto your working copy of the reference diskette as before. Then select the view configuration or change configuration option from the set configuration menu.

The screen shows the Madge Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode listed in its correct slot. Underneath this is list of options. You can move between the different options with the arrow keys and then use the F5 and F6 keys to cycle through the possible choices for each option. An asterisk (*) appears next to the option if your selection conflicts with another option board.

You can obtain help at any stage by pressing F1. This will explain what the various options mean.

Cabling media

The Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode is designed to work with either shielded twisted pair (STP) or unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling. See the Madge Smart LAN Support Software Installation Guide for important recommendations about the use of UTP cabling. The end bracket of the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode incorporates two data connectors: the upper connector is a 9-pin D-type for use with STP cables; the lower connector is a type RJ45 for use with UTP. The Ringnode's circuitry includes a media filter for unshielded twisted pair, which removes the need for an external filter.

It is essential that the correct cabling medium is selected during configuration of the Ringnode.

4 Preparing to run diagnostics

Connect the Ringnode to a working token ring network consisting of at least one Ringhub (or multi-station access unit), with a data cable to connect it to your computer. Connect the data cable to the appropriate connector (STP or UTP) on your Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode.
Boot up in the normal way. If your computer automatically enters an application program, exit from it and return to DOS. Run the Ringnode diagnostics (see Chapter 2 of the Madge Smart LAN Support Software Installation Guide) to verify that your Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode is working correctly.