******************************************** Tester for Windows 2.10 (c) Simulation Systems Ltd. 2006 ******************************************** This README file contains the latest information about Tester for Windows 2.10. For complete usage instructions please refer to the online help. TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------- - Important Notices - Changes since version 2.0 - Installation - Minimum Requirements & Configuration - Future Developments - Known Issues - Support & Feedback ------------------- IMPORTANT NOTICES ------------------- * IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend to run Tester under Windows NT/2000/XP. Although Windows 95/98/Me is supported, the limited timing capabilities of these operating systems may produce unexpected results in Acceptance Test/Diagnostic modes due to their dependence on high resolution timing. If you are using windows 95/98/Me please ensure you do not: - Use a PC slower then the recommended specification. - Run any other applications or unnecessary memory resident programs (i.e. anti virus). - Play with the user interface extensively during long operations. * IMPORTANT: Tester 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 Tester. This can be done by the Tool|FIFO Control menu option. Please refer to user menu for more information. * IMPORTANT: When running Tester it is recommended to close all other programs and it may be necessary disable any memory resident applications such as anti-virus software. * IMPORTANT: Please do not remove any of the Tester 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 Tester to detect a single short packet on mode entry or driver re-configuration. This is converter fault and should only occur on driver re-configuration (serial port initialisation) and not effect any Tester operations. * Tester will automatically upgrade any existing version. However it is recommended to remove any previous installation manually before continuing. This can be done by selecting "Add/Remove Programs" in windows control panel and clicking on the "Remove" button next to the current Tester installation. * Please regularly check the Tester web site (http://www.simulation-systems.co.uk/wintester) for software updates and additional downloadable content. Upgrades may include - Acceptance Test Updates - Diagnostic Files - Manual & FAQ Files - Script Files - HOWTO Files * Distribution of the software is not restricted and both the file and CD versions are free to distribute. -------------------------- CHANGES SINCE VERSION 2.0 -------------------------- * Appearance: - Stats/Status/Event/Script Form - Aspect/Message/Variable Message Form * Stats Form: - Include CRC errors for EMS stats and VMS_MM stats - Include ability to switch the view of stats at different addresses and the running total - Include copy to clipboard function * Status Form: - Include ability to switch between message list and sign info when a specific sign is defined at the address - Include ability to switch the view of status at different addresses - The message list is displayed where no sign is configured at the address * Event Form: Include two more optional columns: - Additional Info, which could be used to provide a hyperlink to a website or .txt file when an errors occurs - Progress, which would be used to display the progress of the event or subevent in percentage * Script Form: - Include script editor so that an opened script or a new script can be modified in the script form directly - Include the display of dynamic statistics and dynamic variables tab pages * Script Language/File Enhancements: - Include logging of statistics for individual address and the sum of the specified type of stats - Include retry statistics for communication stats - Include system time for displayed message when required - Include extra runtime debugging for events and sub events - *tsr is added as another script extension * EMI Sign: Set All Aspect sequence now include setting Red lanterns if it is supported by the sign * EMS Sign: - Include the ability to display pre-defined messages ranging from 0xC0 to 0xEF - Special characters and tests can be selected from a drop-down list * VMS Sign: Include the CRC information for VMS_MM * Basic Control Mode improvements: - Include the ability to automatically send a Status Request after a Set command or a Test Result Request after a Test command. - Event generation in Basic Control mode has been disabled. * FIFO Buffer Control: The FIFO Buffer can be controlled within the program. -------------- INSTALLATION -------------- Tester will automatically install from the SSL NMCS2 products CD. To install Tester insert the SSL NMCS2 Products 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). Adobe Acrobat Reader also needs to be installed to use Tester on-line help. This product is also available on the NMCS2 products CD. To install Tester from a file downloaded from the Internet, run the self-extracting executable file and follow the on-screen instructions. NOTE: Tester 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 98, or later versions of Windows (NT/2000/XP recommended). - 50MB free disk space. - CD-ROM drive - At least 1 standard RS232 COM port - 1024x768 resolution * Recommended Specification: - Pentium 1500Mhz or equivalent - 256 MB RAM - Windows NT/2000/XP (best under Windows XP) - 1280x1024 resolution * Windows XP is the recommended operating system. * Please note that it is recommended that Tester be run on no less then a 400Mhz PC. Lower specification PC's 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. --------------------- FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS --------------------- * Logger fault highlighting * Group Commissioning Mode * Auto Configuration (Device address and type) * MS3 and MS4 support * Knowledge-Base diagnoses * Event Viewer enhancements Currently the event viewer is not used in Basic Control mode. * Burn-In test mode -------------- KNOWN ISSUES -------------- * v.26 link may still experience occasional parity problems during heavy communication loads. * Low specification PC's may experience difficulty during monitor mode under heavy communication loads. If you experience performance related issues try the following solutions: - Upgrade to Windows NT/2000/XP - Reduce the communication load (if it does not invalidate the operation) - Do not display the Status Viewer - Reduce the number of displayed logs through log filtering * Occasionally, upon closing or updating a script, the following message is displayed: - "Access violation at address 7C918FEA” in module ‘ntdll.dll’. Write of address 00000010" - Click "OK" to close the window and continue execution - This issue will be looked into in future developments * When Stop Bit doesn't match between PCs, no Framing Errors are shown * When there is a mistake in the csv file - Error message is always "Tester CSV file not found or failed to load." - No specific error is displayed -------------------- SUPPORT & FEEDBACK -------------------- Tester 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/wintester E-mail: wintester.support@simulation-systems.co.uk