Installing the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode

TechNote

Number: 00106-03

Date: April 1994

Installing the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode

1 The Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode

The Madge Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode is compatible with all 16- and 32-bit Micro Channel- based personal computers. The card provides support for Micro Channel streaming mode. You can use it in any Micro Channel slot. For best performance, use a 32-bit slot.

2 Installing the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode in your computer

If you want to install an optional ROM, follow the instructions in TechNote 00107. Install the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode in your computer according to the instructions in this section and then, to configure the Ringnode, follow the instructions in Section 3.

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 connectors.

Installing the Ringnode

Note

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.
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 MC32 Ringnode

To configure the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode, use the reference disk supplied with your computer.

The configuration instructions below apply to IBM Micro Channel computers. Other manufacturers' configuration procedures may differ slightly from this.

For further information, read the text that the screen displays while you are running the change configuration option. This text describes the configuration process while it is happening. Configuration consists of the following steps:

Step 1 Copying the @0074.ADF file

Ensure that the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode is correctly fitted in your computer.
Insert the reference disk into the A: drive 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 an option diskette.
Follow the instructions on the screen. Insert the option disk (that is, the Madge disk that contains the configuration file) and the reference disk in turn into the A: drive. The program copies the @0074.ADF file from the Madge disk onto the reference disk. This file contains information about the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode,which the setup program requires.
6 You are returned to the main menu.

Step 2 Setting the configuration options

Select the set configuration option.The screen displays another menu.
From the set configuration menu, select the change configuration option.
The screen displays the Madge Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode listed in its correct slot. Beneath this is a list of options. The default settings for the options probably suit you. To move between the different options, use the arrow keys. To scroll through the possible choices for each option, use the F5 and F6 keys.
If your selection conflicts with another option board, an asterisk (*) appears next to the option.
To obtain help at any stage, Press F1 . The help option explains what the various options mean.

Note
Make sure you set the ring speed option to the speed of your network. If you insert a Ringnode set to the wrong speed into your network, the ring will fail. The default setting for the ring speed option is NOT SELECTED.

If you want to use streaming mode, set the transfer mode option to STREAMING ENABLED. The default setting for the transfer mode option is STREAMING DISABLED(FAIR). For more information, refer to the help option.
Make sure you set the cabling option to the cabling medium of your network. The default setting for the cabling option is STP.
Press F10
This saves your configuration.
Press return.
Press F3 repeatedly until you exit from the change configuration option.
Press the return keyto reboot the computer with your normal boot disk.

Cabling media

The Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode works with either Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) or Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling. For important recommendations about the use of UTP cabling, see the Madge Smart LAN Support Software Installation Guide . The end bracket of the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode has two data connectors:

The upper connector is a 9-pin D-type for use with STP cabling.
The lower connector is a type RJ45 for use with UTP cabling.

The Ringnode's circuitry includes a media filter for UTP, which removes the need for an external filter.

Make sure that you select the correct cabling medium 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 MC32 Ringnode.
Boot up into DOS. If your computer automatically enters an application program, exit from it and return to DOS. To verify that your Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode is working correctly, run the Ringnode diagnostics (see Chapter 2 of the Madge Smart LAN Support Software Installation Guide) .