******************************************** Device Simulator for Windows version 3.00 (c) Simulation Systems Ltd. 2009 ******************************************** This README file contains the latest information about Device Simulator for Windows 3.00. For complete usage instructions please refer to the online help. TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------- - Important Notices - Changes since version 2.10 - Installation - Minimum Requirements & Configuration - Support & Feedback ------------------- IMPORTANT NOTICES ------------------- * IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that Device Simulator for Windows is run under Windows NT/2000/XP or later. The timer resolution in Windows 95/98/Me is inadequate for detecting some types of errors on serial communication links. * IMPORTANT: Device Simulator for Windows cannot operate accurately if the serial FIFO buffers are enabled. This can cause misleading results and error events. It is important that FIFO buffers are disabled after installing Device Simulator for Windows. Please read the "HOWTO - Disabling FIFO's.pdf" document for instructions. This can be found in the Device Simulator for Windows "docs" directory. * IMPORTANT: When running Device Simulator for Windows it is recommended that all other programs are closed, it may also be necessary to disable any memory resident applications such as anti-virus software. * IMPORTANT: Please do not remove any of the Device Simulator for Windows files from their installed location as the software will not function correctly and any future upgrades may experience problems installing. * IMPORTANT: Using the SSL NMCS2 RS232/485 converter (Stores Code: 99-9340-06) may cause Device Simulator for Windows to detect a single short packet on mode entry or driver re-configuration. This is normal behaviour and should only occur on driver re-configuration and not affect any Device Simulator for Windows operations. * The installation will automatically upgrade the existing version. However it is recommended that any previous installation is removed manually before continuing. This can be done by selecting "Add/Remove Programs" in the Windows control panel and clicking the "Remove" button next to the current Device Simulator for Windows entry. * Please regularly check the Device Simulator for Windows web site: http://www.simulation-systems.co.uk/winDevSim for software updates and additional downloadable content. Upgrades may include: - Configuration Files - Plan Reader Files - Manual & FAQ Files - Script Files - HOWTO Files ---------------------------- CHANGES SINCE VERSION 2.10 ---------------------------- * User Interface: IP Mode is added in order to process Multi-Messages and Unsolicited Status Reply. * User Interface: Configuration of Unsolicited Status Replies has been added to the Sign Status Editing form in IP Mode. * New Sign type: EMI94xx and MS3/MS4 with EMI94xx as EMI part sign type support in IP Mode. * New Message type: The intelligent indicator (EMI94xx) can be requested to send an extended Test Result message (CF=26h) comprising 2 data bytes for each configured aspect. Therefore NMCS2 messages sent from Device Simulator for Windows will be prefixed by an extra byte containing the length of the message as shown below: Single aspect Test Result: Data Length + Address + Control Field + DATA1 + DATA2 + Checksum All aspects Test Result: Data Length + Address + Control Field + DATA1 + DATA2 + ...+ DATA1n + DATA2n + Checksum NOTE: Device Simulator for Windows currently does not directly support IP communications. The application NMCS2IP is provided as a temporary solution, to convert between NMCS2 and the IP/TCP protocol, defined in MCE1126 – NMCS2 Internet Interface Specification, allowing IP systems and devices to communicate with Windevsim over RS232. NMCS2IP can be installed from the HA Maintenance Tools CD. To install the package, insert the CD into the drive and the setup program should launch automatically. If Auto-Run has been disabled, run the SETUP.EXE from your CD-ROM drive (e.g. D:\SETUP.EXE) NMCS2IP should be run on the same PC as Device Simulator for Windows, linked together with a pair of virtual COM ports, configured using the open source, com0com Null-modem emulator software, which can also be installed from the HA Maintenance Tools CD. After installing com0com it will be necessary to rename the virtual COM ports and enable buffer overrun on the WinDevsim port: 1. Launch the com0com Setup Command Prompt from the Windows start menu. 2. Enter the change commands, for example: command> change CNCA0 PortName=COM11 command> change CNCB0 PortName=COM12 EmuOverrun=yes These port numbers should then be used when configuring NMCS2IP(COM11) and WinDevsim(COM12). -------------- INSTALLATION -------------- Device Simulator for Windows will automatically install from the HA Maintenance Tools CD. To install Device Simulator for Windows insert the CD into the drive and the setup program should launch automatically. If Auto-Run has been disabled, run the SETUP.EXE from your CD-ROM drive (e.g. D:\CDROM.EXE). Adobe Acrobat Reader also needs to be installed to use Device Simulator for Windows on-line help. This product is also available on the HA Maintenance Tools CD. To install Device Simulator for Windows from a file downloaded from the Internet, run the self-extracting executable file and follow the on-screen instructions. NOTE: Device Simulator for Windows does not require a CD-KEY but will require activation. ------------------------------------- MINIMUM REQUIRMENTS & CONFIGURATION ------------------------------------- * Minimum Specification: - IBM Compatible PC. - Pentium 400MHz or equivalent - 128 MB RAM - MS Windows NT/2000/XP, or later versions of Windows - 50MB free disk space. - CD-ROM drive - At least 1 standard RS232 COM port - 1024x768 resolution monitor * Recommended Specification: - Pentium 1500Mhz or equivalent - 256 MB RAM - Windows XP - 1280x1024 resolution monitor Please note that it is recommended that Device Simulator for Windows be run on no less than a 400Mhz PC. Lower specification PCs may experience performance related issues. 50MB of hard disk space is required for product installation, additional hard disk capacity may be required for logs and downloadable content. At least one standard RS232 COM port is required. Tester also supports USB/PCMCIA serial port adapters. -------------------- SUPPORT & FEEDBACK -------------------- Device Simulator for Windows includes a comprehensive user manual which should answer most questions. However if you experience any problems, usability issues or have any comments for future developments please let us know by contacting us: Simulation Systems Ltd Unit 12, Market Industrial Estate Yatton, Bristol, BS49 4RF Tel: (01934) 838803 Fax: (01934) 876202 Web: http://www.simulation-systems.co.uk/ E-mail: windevsim.support@simulation-systems.co.uk