M-Audio Biport 2x4s [17/48] About the serial cables

About the Serial Cables

The BiPort 2x4s ships with two cables for connecting the BiPort to a host

computer. One cable connects the BiPort to a standard PC serial port

connector (male 9-pin DB-type); the other connects the BiPort to either a

Macintosh modem or printer port. Both cables are standard configura-

tion cables that can be found in most computer supply stores. If your

PC has a 25-pin DB connector serial port instead of a 9-pin version, you

can purchase an adapter that will accommodate the 25-pin connector at

your local computer store.

Diagnostics Software

After the BiPort 2x4s is connected to the host computer, you can ensure

reliable connection between the BiPort and the host computer by run-

ning the included diagnostic software.

PC Diagnostics Application

The included PC diskette contains the BI24DIAG.EXE diagnostic pro-

gram. It is intended for testing the BiPort-to-PC connection.

Note: The PC diagnostic program may be run from either

the “true” DOS prompt, or from a DOS box in Windows. It

will not operate on a Mac computer.

To run the program, insert the MIDIMAN diskette into your computer’s

disk drive. Verify you are accessing the proper disk drive by typing

either “A: <Enter>” or “B: <Enter>” at the DOS prompt. This should

give you either the A:\> prompt, or B:\>, depending on which drive let-

ter represents your 3.5” floppy drive. Once you see this prompt, type

“BI24DIAG” and press the <Enter> key.

Once in the diagnostic program, you can press your computer’s <Enter>

key to toggle through the COM Port setting until it matches your setup.

As you select your COM port, the program will automatically setup the

standard I/O address and IRQ for that COM port. This will work for

nearly all systems. Occasionally custom-configured computers will

require tweaking of the Address and/or IRQ settings. To change these,

use the <up> and <down> cursor keys to select the Address and/or IRQ

Number, then <Enter> to change that parameter’s setting.