Parallel Port Setup & Troubleshooting

FLI cameras achieve their rapid download times through full utilization of the ECP parallel port. An ECP port, correctly functioning at the hardware, BIOS, and Windows level, is required for the camera to be recognized and for any communication to take place. Most computer manufacturers have correctly implemented the ECP port, and reliable communication will be achieved by simply setting it to the ECP mode and selecting various options. A few manufacturers, notably Compaq, have non-standard ports and will not reliably communicate with FLI products, regardless of the settings used.

Because both hardware and operating systems change and evolve, exact wording and paths to certain settings may be slightly different for your computer.

Low Level ECP Setup

The ECP mode must be selected in the BIOS menu for the machine. Access varies, but it is usually F2, DEL, or a key indicated on the boot-up screen, hit early in the boot-up process. Some machines require a special utility program to change these settings. Access the BIOS menu and locate the port setting area. It is often in a sub-menu called "integrated peripherals". Cycle through all the choices, which may include SPP, EPP, ECP, ECP+EPP, PS/2, and various others. Select ECP.

You may have the option of selecting an address. Select 378h. You may have the option of selecting a DMA channel. Select NONE or an open channel. You may have the option of selecting an interrupt. Select 7. Exit, making sure to save your changes, then allow the machine to restart.

High Level ECP Setup

Once Windows has started, right-click on My Computer, select Properties, then Device Manager. Double-click on Ports and note if an ECP Printer Port is present. Double click on the ECP port. Various tabs will be presented. Check to see that the addressing, interrupts, and DMA are in agreement with the settings given above. Important- for Windows 2000 there will be a choice of several interrupt strategies. Choose Always Use Interrupts.

Test the camera and software for correct operation.

Troubleshooting

If the software returns "Camera Offline" or a similar message, the following checks will often resolve the problem. Please try these carefully and in the order presented before calling FLI. We will be happy to assist if these steps fail to resolve the problem, but we will refer you back to these items if they have not already been checked.

1.       Check that the machine does not appear on the list of computers with known ECP problems that appears on the FLI web site. You may still get it to work by trying the methods below, but FLI has expended considerable time with the machines on the list, and cannot support them. If you do discover a group of settings that work, please let us know so we can inform other users.

2.       Insure that the data cable is solidly plugged into both the camera and the PIM. The MaxCam PIM has a red LED on the end of the case- it should be on. If not, see below.

3.       Insure that the PIM is fully seated in the LPT1 parallel port connector. Some machines have more than one port- verify that the port is correct and functioning by testing it with a printer. Newer printers, particularly HP, support ECP mode.

4.       Insure that the camera is getting power. Check that the indicator light on the power supply is on. Using a DVM, verify that the power supply is producing 12 VDC for MaxCam or 24 VDC for the IMG series. The center contact is positive. Note that "hot-plugging" the DC power connector into the camera will eventually damage the connector and should be avoided- always unplug the power supply from the wall before connecting or disconnecting the DC connector.

5.       Run the FLI ECP diagnostic utility (available on the FLI web site). This is a DOS mode utility that will identify the actual mode of the port. If the port is not in ECP mode, recheck the BIOS settings and Windows Device Manager settings.

6.       Check that you have the latest versions of software and dlls. Current versions of all software packages are available on the FLI web site. Note that third party packages may require the FLI dll as well.

7.       Search the machine for duplicate dlls and delete them. The FLI dlls are only required in the program directory that contains the executable file.

8.       Windows (most versions) had problems with ECP support when first released. Check the Microsoft web site for patches and updates pertaining to ECP support. Note that Windows 2000 requires Service Pack 1 or higher, to correct problems with ECP support.