Answers to your X-900 Queries

 

    1. Why can't I see the main menu in the Talker window?

There are several reasons for this to happen. Firstly, ensure that the connections between your X-900 and the personal computer or terminal are secure and that the X-900 is switched on.

If you are using TALKER then the X900 needs to be connected to COM port 1. If you are using TERMINAL then you need to ensure that it is set to whichever COM port you have the X-900 connected to.

Next, check that the COM port settings are correct. Most X-900's are set to operate at 19200bps, Even Parity, 8 Data,1 Stop bit.

Now check to ensure the X-900 is switched on. If you started the communications program after switching on the X-900 try pressing RTN.

    3. Occasionally, my X-900 defaults to compiler mode at switch-on, or reports that the test spec has been corrupted.

If this problem occurs, it is necessary to reload the product software, followed by the test spec file.

It's easy to confuse the two procedures, so the complete process is described below:

To reload the product software, proceed as follows:
bulletStart your test set-up as normal, ensuring that the Terminal software program is being used.
bulletWhen prompted, press any key (except the ESC key) to enter compiler mode.
bulletType WIPE followed by a carriage return.
bulletType ALT L followed by a carriage return.
bulletType Y at the prompt from the Talker program asking "Continue with downline load (Y/N)?".
bulletWhen this process is complete, The X-900 will display the main menu.

Next, you will need to reload the test spec needed for use:
bulletSelect option 4 (System Set-up Menu).
bulletEnter your password.

NOTE:If the test spec has been corrupted, only the factory default password will be recognised.
bulletSelect option 1 (Transfer Test Spec Menu).
bulletSelect option 1 (Load Test Spec).
bulletChoose the required test spec followed by a carriage return.

In the unlikely event that your test spec has been corrupted, it will be necessary to download the file from the host PC.

NOTE! For various reasons, it is unadvisable to leave test specs resident only in the memory of your X-900.

We strongly advise you to save all the test specs you create on your computer's hard disk.

     4. I program Auto-Test sequences into my X-900. Is there a list of words I can use to help me?

Appendix B of the X-900 user manual contains a list of FORTH words for use when programming your X-900. However, you can obtain the latest list by clicking here. Please note that the list is not exhaustive. In the event of problems, please contact our development department for assistance.

    8. I just downloaded a test spec to my X-900 and it then dumps me back at the DOS prompt - what's wrong?

Please make sure that you do not have a directory named TEMP in your main working directory.

If you do find a directory named TEMP, you can resolve this problem simply by renaming the directory to say, BIN.

    9. I'm using the autotestsequence.
        (a) Can the X-900 ask me for a serial number at the start of every run rather than me having to go back to the main screen every time and enter it there?
        (b) How can I get the UUT serial number to appear on the PC printout and in the log file?

On the X-900 main screen, set option 12 "Printer" to "TESTS", this will then cause a prompt to appear at the start of the autotest sequence asking for a serial number, the number entered being printed at the end of the run.
But, if there is no printer connected to the X-900 it will lock up. So plug in a 9-way D-type female connector in to the PRINTER RS232 port on the X-900 rear panel with pins 7 and 8 connected together (RTS/CTS) which will fool the X-900 that there is a printer connected.

    10. I'm getting test spec corruption - what's going wrong?

Test Spec corruption is caused in a number of ways. Now, the fact that Test Spec corruption has occurred is sometimes masked by software such as XTest or other automated software.

Obviously, if a Test Spec has become corrupted, your X-900 will cease to function correctly but please make the following check before calling the support department or returning your system for repair.

Dig out your copy of Talker or EPL Terminal, (although any terminal emulation software will do) and run the program before switching on the X-900.

Switch on the X-900 and observe the start up sequence to determine whether the main menu is displayed.

If there has been corruption of the Test Spec, the system will display the following message:


         TEST SPEC CORRUPTED

         PLEASE RE-INITIALISE



         Strike any key to continue

In most instances this corruption can be overcome simply by reloading your Test Spec (*.bin) file.

If this does not correct the problem, please e-mail us or call the Support department without delay.

    11. I'm using the V3.90 software - how can I make my X-900 create a continuous dialtone?

Here's how you get continuous dialtone from X-900's running V4.00 software.

Get to the "SET DIALTONE" option.

NOTE: If you need help with finding this option, now is the time to find your user manual or to download a fresh copy from this page.

Then, set the X-900 SET DIALTONE MENU to look like this:


         SET DIALTONE MENU

         -----------------



         1 = Dialtone............................ | CUSTOM

         2 = Custom dialtone frequency 1 ........ |      425

         3 = Custom dialtone frequency 2 ........ |        0

         4 = Custom dialtone amplitude .......... |       11

         5 = Custom dialtone 1st burst (*10ms) .. |     1000

         6 = Custom dialtone 1st gap   (*10ms) .. |        1

         7 = Custom dialtone 2nd burst (*10ms) .. |        0

         8 = Custom dialtone 2nd gap   (*10ms) .. |       10

The example shown above is for a 425Hz dialtone at -11dBm

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