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Installing Quatech PCMCIA Cards

Unlike ISA cards which are relatively large and can mount DIP switches, jumper blocks and other hardware selection means, the compact packaging of PCMCIA cards essentially dictates that selections be made by software techniques.

A Quatech card normally requires only two steps to install:

1. Setting the base address (and IRQ, if used) of the card using the Device Manager of Windows 3.1 or 95
2. Advising Snap-Master of those settings using the Quatech Configuration dialog of the A/D Configuration window. If your card does not use IRQ, ignore the instructions pertaining to IRQ.

First Time Installation

Physically insert the PCMCIA card in the appropriate slot, observing all instructions and precautions of the card and computer manufacturer. Although your card may be safe to insert while the computer is ON, it is prudent to insert the card with the computer OFF.

  • In Windows, go to Device Manager as follows: Start | Settings | Control Panel | System | Device Manager
  • In Device Manager, select Quatech Data Acquisition | (Your Card Name) | Resources. (These options will not be available if the card is not physically inserted.)

Set The Base Address and IRQ for the PCMCIA Card

  • Under Resource Type, highlight Input/Output Range.
  • Click on Change Setting.
  • Scroll through the Value menu of the Edit Input/Output Range dialog window for an appropriate open base address. An example setting value would be 0347, where 340 is the base address in hexadecimal. The availability of a base address will be indicated in the box labeled Conflict Information.
  • Make a note of the Base Address selected.
  • Click OK.
  • Under Resource Type, highlight Interrupt Request.
  • Click on Change Setting.
  • Scroll through the Value menu of the Edit Interrupt Request dialog window for an appropriate open IRQ. The availability of an IRQ will be indicated in the box labeled Conflict Information.
  • Make a note of the IRQ selected.
  • Click OK.

You may now return to the Windows desktop and open Snap-Master application.

Set the Base Address and IRQ in Snap-Master

If you have not installed the Quatech hardware driver into the Snap-Master directory, do so at this time.

  • Open a Snap-Master instrument window and drag a Quatech A/D icon into the window.
  • Open the A/D Settings dialog by double-clicking on the A/D icon (or single click | Reopen).
  • Single-click on the Configuration button at the lower right to open the A/D Configuration dialog.
  • Select your card name from the Model menu.
  • Click on the Quatech Config button.
  • Type in the Base Address number you previously selected for the card.
  • Select the IRQ number you previously assigned to the card. DMA Channel 1 and DMA Channel 2 will show “none”. This is normal for Quatech PCMCIA cards.
  • Save these settings using File | Save.
  • Return to the previous window using File | Exit.

The Base Address and IRQ values you selected should show in the A/D Configuration window. The absence of a value for the DMA Channel is normal for Quatech PCMCIA cards.

Your Base Address and IRQ values should now be set in the card and in Snap-Master. You may now proceed with the remainder of your setting up and use of the card within Snap-Master.

Notes

Errors in the Base Address/IRQ settings process will be indicated by the message “Configuration Error | Error configuring device. Error Code 3000. The device is not configured.” If this message occurs, Return to the Device Manager and confirm that no Base Address or IRQ conflicts have been missed. Change as necessary.

If your computer has been used with PCMCIA cards of another manufacturer, it may be necessary to modify your Config.sys file to eliminate certain previous entries. Careful remarking out of identified entries can help determine if such a conflict exists.

Refer to the Quatech Help information of the A/D Configuration window for additional information.

If your problem cannot be resolved, contact the seller from whom you purchased the card for assistance. HEM Data Technical Support personnel will provide assistance to Snap-Master users holding current Initial 4-Month or Extended Support Policies (ESP) policies.