TechMemo

PRIORITY: DATE: TITLE: ECO REFERENCE: PRODUCT(S) AFFECTED: Normal September 16, 1999

#99-0004

Using ALPHA Messaging and AlphaNET plus software with Apple iMac, G3, and G4 computers None Alpha Messaging and AlphaNET plus for Windows software This document shows how to congure a Universal Serial Bus (USB)-enabled Apple iMac, G3, or G4 computer so that it operates like a standard PC in order to display messages on ALPHA signs using ALPHA Messaging or AlphaNET plus for Windows software.

SUMMARY:

Introduction
This document shows how to congure a Universal Serial Bus (USB)-enabled Apple iMac, G3, or G4 computer so that it operates like a standard PC in order to display messages on ALPHA signs using ALPHA Messaging or AlphaNET plus for Windows software. NOTE: While all iMac and G4 computers have USB ports, only one type of G3 computer has USB capabilities.
These two G3 models do NOT have USB capability. (This TechMemo cannot be used with either of these two models.) G3 Desktop (beige colored) G3 Mini Tower (beige colored)
This G3 model does have USB capability.
G3 (blue-and-white colored)
Copyright 1999 Adaptive Micro Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Adaptive Micro Systems, Inc. 7840 North 86th Street Milwaukee, WI 53224 USA 414-357-2020 (phone) 414-357-2029 (fax) www.ams-i.com techsupport@ams-i.com TechMemo #99-of 6

Required materials

1 NOTES:
1 Available through MacWareHouse (800-622-6222) for about $70. 2 Available through MacWareHouse (800-622-6222) for about $70. 3 Available through Adaptive Micro Systems. 1Belkin USB-to-Serial Adapter 2Connectix Virtual PC v2.1.2 or greater software (Insignia SoftWIndows software could also be used, but it

Description

was not tested.)
3ALPHA Messaging or AlphaNET plus for Windows

Directions

Set up the USB port
1. Install the USB-to-Serial Adapter as directed by the manufacturers instructions. NOTE: In these instructions, the USB-to-Serial Adapter will be shown connected to USB port 2. When used with Virtual PC software, the USB ports correspond to PC-type COM ports. So USB port 2 will be treated the same way as a PCs COM 2 port.

Location of USB ports

iMac G3/G4

2. 3. 4.

Connect your ALPHA sign(s) to the USB-to-Serial Adapter as shown in the section titled How to network ALPHA signs. Install the Virtual PC software as directed by the manufacturers instructions. Start the Virtual PC software. Select Preferences and set one of the COM ports to a Mac Serial Port:

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TechMemo #99-0004
How to install Alpha Messaging software
1. 2. Follow these directions if you are using Alpha Messaging software: While still running Virtual PC, install the ALPHA Messaging software. After the messaging software is installed, select the Conguration Utility:
Follow the prompts to select a COM port and display type:
If everything is set up correctly, the Congurations Utility should automatically detect the sign you have connected to your Macintosh. (In this case an ALPHA 4120R is shown as an example.)
Finally, run the ALPHA Messaging software and try sending a message:

Type a message.

Click on Send All and your message should appear on the sign(s) you have connected to your Macintosh.

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How to install AlphaNET plus for Windows software
1. While still running Virtual PC, install the AlphaNET plus for WIndows software. NOTE: During the installation process, youll be prompted to insert the AlphaNET plus for Windows software diskettes. Make sure to eject each diskette by (1) selecting Eject Floppy from the Virtual PC window, and then (2) pressing the eject button on your diskette drive. If you fail to follow this procedure, you may have to quit the installation process and start again.
When prompted for the next software diskette, always select Eject Floppy rst. Then press the eject button on your diskette drive.

After the software is installed, open the Site Manager application:

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To test the software, from the Site Manager window, select Edit > Device to set up a device:
Next, set up a test site by selecting File > New Site from the Site Manager window:

Check this box.

Open the Message Editor application and create a sample message to send:
First, click here to create a new message. Second, type a sample message.
Third, click here to send the message to the sign(s) connected to your computer.

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How to network ALPHA signs

Connecting a single sign

To the signs RS232 or TTL port To USB connector on computer
Macintosh iMac, G3, or G4 computer running Virtual PC and Alpha Messaging or AlphaNET plus for Windows software Item

A B C D

Part #
1088-8625 1088-8627 1088-9108
This sign can be an: ALPHA 200, 300, 4000, or 7000 series, ALPHAVISION, BIG DOT, BETA BRITE, Director, Solar, or Personal Priority Display. 25-foot 6-conductor RS232 data cable 50-foot 6-conductor RS232 data cable 9 pin sub-D/to 6 pos. RJ11 adapter Belkin USB-to-Serial Adapter
NOTE: The 4000 and 7000 Series and Director signs must have an internal jumper set to RS232.
Connecting multiple signs
B To signs RS485 port A To signs RS485 port C To signs RS485 port E D C D

A B C D E F G H

To USB connector on computer

To RS485 connector block

Set switch to Terminated. Description
This sign can be an: ALPHA 200, 300, 4000, or 7000 series, ALPHAVISION, BIG DOT, BETA BRITE, Director, Solar, or Personal Priority Display. End-of-Line (EOL) terminator (An EOL must be plugged into the RS232 or TTL plug on the last sign.) 8 foot, 4-conductor RS485 cable 1 foot, 4-conductor RS485 cable Modular Network Adapter RS485 cable Converter Box III 10 foot, 9 pin-to-9 pin, type A9 RS232 cable Belkin USB-to-Serial Adapter
1088-9107 1088-8624 1088-8636 1088-9103 1088-8000 1088-1111 1088-8634

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