HARDWARE CONFIGURATION OPTIONS

The hardware options described below offer a full range of choices designed to meet the specific needs of the customer. The primary considerations in selecting the appropriate hardware configuration for your needs are:

1. Type of computer, laptop or desktop
2. Protocol requirements, bit oriented, byte oriented, or both

ASE2000-PCM

Designed for laptop computers, the ASE2000-PCM utilizes a Type II PCMCIA card (supplied) with two RS-232 communication channels and supports both bit and byte oriented protocols. 

ASE2000-BCOM

Designed for desktop computers, the ASE2000-BCOM utilizes a ISA Bus I/O board (supplied) with two RS-232 communication channels and supports both bit and byte oriented protocols.  There are two models available:

NOTE: Both the ASE2000 PCM & BCOM version come in two models.  They are:

ASE2000-PCM-RS- Recommended Standard.  Uses the RS232 connection standards.

ASE2000-PCM-M - Modem option.  Same as the RS model, but a Dual channel BELL 202T modem is also supplied with the test set.

ASE2000-COM

Designed for both laptop and desktop computers, the ASE2000-COM utilizes standard PC COM ports and is suitable for users that require support for byte oriented protocols only. For applications requiring bit oriented protocol support, or bit and byte oriented protocol support, either the ASE2000-PCM or ASE2000-BCOM is required.

There are four points to note with the ASE2000-COM option:

• Only byte protocols are supported. PC COM ports support a maximum of 8 data bits and will not accommodate bit oriented protocols.
• The Bell-202 modem is not available with the COM model since the modem derives its power through reserved conductors in supplied cables. The COM model will operate with an external modem.
• Test Set Monitor Mode operation requires two communication channels, as provided by the ASE I/O cards. One channel is used to monitor master station transmissions and the other monitors RTU transmissions. If the PC has two COM ports available, Monitor Mode can be used, however, most laptop computers come equipped with only one external COM port.
• Modem timing properties (pre-transmission mark, post-transmission mark, and receiver squelch times) require ASE hardware and are not supported on the COM model.

In addition, when the COM version is used with Windows 95 or 98, the ASE2000 will only operate in constant carrier mode. This is due to a known problem in the Microsoft Windows 95 and 98 standard COM port I/O driver. This is not a problem with Windows NT. It is not known when or if Microsoft will correct this problem. For users that require switched carrier operation, it is recommended that you purchase a version of the test set (PCM or BCOM) that uses ASE I/O hardware and I/O drivers or run the Test Set under Windows NT. If you would like more information on this problem, please feel free to contact us at SUBNET Solutions Inc.

Bell 202T Compatible Dual Channel Modem

The optional dual channel modem provides two Bell 202T compatible channels and can be used in conjunction with any of the above ASE I/O board options. With the ASE2000-PCM and ASE2000-BCOM, the modem is powered through the supplied cable.

Packaged System or Kit Form

ASE offers the test set in kit form or as a packaged system. The test set kit consists of the appropriate I/O board, cables, adapters, software, and user's guide. The packaged system consists of the test set kit integrated into a PC of the user's choice.