***
***      TEST Documentation
***
***      Version 2.0
***      January 18, 1999
***
***  MarshallSoft Computing, Inc.
***  POB 4543 Huntsville AL 35815
***
***  Phone: 256-881-4630
***  email: ports@marshallsoft.com
***    web: http://www.marshallsoft.com
***    ftp: ftp://ftp.marshallsoft.com/marshallsoft

The latest version of TEST can always be found in the PORTSxx.ZIP archive on
our web site at

     ftp://ftp.marshallsoft.com/marshallsoft/other

Look for PORTSxx.ZIP where "xx" is the version number.

*** Introduction

TEST is a freeware DOS utility for testing the functionality of a serial port.
Its purpose is not to diagnose faults but rather to confirm that the base
address and IRQ of a given serial port.

Run the PORTS program before running TEST. Read PORTS.TXT documentation for
details.

The TEST program writes everything typed on the keyboard to the serial port,
and everything incoming from the serial port to the display screen.

*** Setup

Suppose that you have just installed a new RS232/422/485 serial card. You have
physically set the COM port address and IRQ on the card and installed it in
your computer. You boot to DOS so you can access the port hardware directly.
You are ready to test your installation.

The first step is to connect a loopback adapter to your port so the TEST
program will echo everything typed on the keyboard.

For RS232 ports, a modem can function as a loopback adapter since it will
(normally) echo back all commands sent to it. However, a simple loopback
adapter for RS232/422/485 ports can be easily made from a female-to-female
adaper (gender changer) and a paper clip. Refer to LOOPBACK.TXT for details
on construction.

Alternatively, TEST can be run on two computers connected togther by a null
modem cable. Null modem cables (or null modem adaptors) can be purchased at
most computer shops or Radio Shack.

*** Usage

After connecting the serial port under test to a modem (turn it on!) or to a
loopback adapter (see LOOPBACK.TXT), you are ready to run the TEST program.

Usage is "TEST port baud" or "TEST address irq baud".

Example 1: Test COM1 at 19200.

  TEST 1 19200

Example 2: Test the UART at 3f8 (hex) and IRQ 4 at 9600 baud.

  TEST 3f8 4 9600

After starting TEST, everything you type will be echoed back.

*** Come Visit Us

If you are in the market for a DOS or Windows (3.1/95/98/NT) serial port
library, then come take a look at us at http://www.marshallsoft.com. We have
developed libraries for C/C++, Pascal, Visual Basic, PowerBASIC, Delphi,
Fortran, COBOL, and MATLAB.

