Troubleshooting

1. Refresh the HyperTerminal port settings. Click on CALL from the menu bar then select Disconnect. Then enable HyperTerminal by clicking on CALL again and this time select Call (or Connect, version dependent).
2. Verify that a one to one pinned DB9 serial cable is used. The cable should have a DB9 male on end and a DB9 female on the other. Do not use a cable having gender changers to get the "correct" connector combination. These cables are typically null modem cables and are not pinned one to one as required and will have DB9 males on both ends of the cable.

   The RS-232 cable requires a minimum of 3 wires; RXD (pin 2), TXD (pin 3) and Ground (pin 5).

3. Verify the computer's serial port is operational. Unplug the cable connector attached to the master clock, time server or frequency reference. Short the RXD and TXD lines together on the cable end that plugs into the device, by using a small flat bladed screwdriver short pin 2 to pin 3 while typing characters on the keyboard. If the port is working you will see whatever you type.

   Note: This test will verify the operation of the computer serial port and the RS-232 cable. However a null modem cable will also pass this test. Refer to Step 2 above for additional information on cables.

4. The serial port on the GPS receiver could be locked up due to a port contention problem. To unlock the port send the "&" symbol (Shift 7). The port will then unlock and send a block of data.
5. Verify the HyperTerminal session is set for 9600 baud, 8 data and no parity. This appears as 9600 8-N-1 in the Status Bar found at the bottom of the screen. If the Status Bar is not visible click on View from the Menu bar and check the Status Bar option.

   If the settings are not correct change them by editing the Properties screen. First, Disconnect the HyperTerminal session by clicking on CALL in the Menu Bar and then select Disconnect. Then select FILE then Properties to bring up the Terminal Properties screen. Click on the Configure button and edit the terminal settings as required.

   To enable the HyperTerminal session with the updated selections click on CALL from the menu bar then select Call (or Connect, version dependent).

   If one of these 5 steps do not lead to a solution to a problem, then contact Spectracom tech support for more information.

   
   
   

   Back to: Using hyperterminal to verify operation of a master clock, time server or frequency reference