The FCHECK32 program will test the RS232 link between a Windows-based computer and a FONIX instrument with the RS232 option installed. It is compatible with Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. FCHECK32 requires the use of FRYERS32.DLL which must be located in the Windows directory.

To run the FCHECK32 program, use the file manager or Windows Explorer and click on the FCHECK32 program icon.

When the program runs, you will see three boxes on the screen. The box on the top left side of of the screen provides information about the Fryers driver. The information includes the Version number of the driver, the Date when the driver was created, the Port number it is using, and the speed at which it is operating. Additionally, there are four status registers displayed. Normally you don't need to worry about this, but technical support may ask for the information should you call Frye Electronics for help with a problem.

On the right side of the screen is a box which displays testing status messages. Again, normally you don't need to worry about these messages, but technical support may ask for the information should you call Frye Electronics for help with a problem, especially any error messages that might appear in the box.

On the bottom of the screen is the Help box. This is the box that is important to you. Should a problem be found with the RS232 interface, a message will appear in the Help box telling you what the problem is and what you need to do to correct the problem.

To test COM1, press "1". To test COM2, press "2". To test COM3, press "3". To test COM4, press "4". FCHECK assumes that the standard interrupts will be used for the COM ports (only important for 16 bit programs). Some COM ports may use non- standard interrupts to allow more than the normal two ports in the system. If you know the interrupt number, you can test the non-standard port by pressing "I" followed by the IRQ number (use "A"-"F" for IRQ10-IRQ15). The 32 bit Windows programs use the standard Windows API to access the serial ports, so they have no control over the hardware, It is up to the operating system to insure that the hardware for the serial port is working correctly.

To exit the FCHECK program, press "Q" or the ESCape key.

The tests in the FCHECK program were written to provide a check of the computer and its RS232 port and to provide information about what problems may be encountered. There are some areas that the program cannot check to find out what is wrong. These areas involve external cabling and/or incorrectly installed or missing RS232 software in the FONIX instrument. The program will tell you if the setup is working, but it cannot always tell you what is wrong if it is not working. You may require a trained support technician to assist in correcting the problem if you find something wrong with the RS232 setup. For more information on trouble-shooting the RS232 link, see your instrument operator’s manual.

If the FCHECK program tells you that the RS232 link is working, then you can be assured that the setup is fully operational.

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