Internal Serial PC Watchdog™ User`s Manual
Contents
1. 0x84 0x00 0x00 strTxBuff 3 0x34 nop command for i 0 0 4 compute checksum b strTxBuff i strTxBuff 4 0 5 3Response Format Important Note Any commands that are received OK except RESET will cause the Watchdog to reset the timeout counter The response data from the board is a four 4 byte packet that does not have a checksum The format is 0x57 0x84 rr 0x0d e The first two bytes are always the fixed hex values rr This is the response data byte e The last byte 15 ASCII Carriage Return 0 0 The responses can be one of the following 0x06 ACK Command received and processed OK but no response required 0x15 NAK1 Command had checksum error 0x16 NAK2 Invalid command 0x20 OxFF Responses from commands where required All responses will have 0x20 except the temp command 0x58 added so that they do not look like ASCII control codes 5 4Watchdog Commands Revision B Boards See Section 5 5 for new commands that were added for revision C and higher Internal Serial PC Watchdogs The following sections cover the commands that the Watchdog will accept and the return values if required This table gives a quick overview of the command numbers x21 x29 x30 C C x38 x51 x58 C C C 5 4 1 Reset PC Now 0x20 This Command will reset the PC within 1 2 seconds2. 13 5 4 5 BNABEEWXTCHDOG 0X20 eee re ee esa reden 13 34 6 FIRMWARE MAIOR REV 30 2 cce e d eese EE ast ana 13 5 4 7 FIRMWARE MINOR REV 0 31 14 55428 INO OPERATION 9 OXB4 en ex deca a sac bie tace eee e arcc der no de eate s 14 5 4 9 Ger RESET COUNT 0X38 ne oreste ics ox pein 14 CrrAR RESET CouNT amp LED TORII ear 14 SAL TI TURN ON aves 14 12 TURN OPE RIS 15 5 4 13 READ THE TEMPERATURE 0X5 8 1 1 t e ee pereo ederet ht E ERE E 15 5 4 14 DriAcNosrIC COMMANDS 0 15 5 5 WATCHDOG COMMANDS REVISION BOARDS ssssccccccsssssssssccccsssssssscesccsssssssscescssssssssscsssssscsssscssssssnsssessssesssseoess 16 5 5 1 Reap DIP SwitcH MSB OX40 cece cccccccssssscceeeeeesesnseeeeeceseesseeeeeecesesseecsseecsaeceeseceeseeeeseeceseeceaeeeeseeeeseeenaes 17 5 5 2 READ DIP LSB 0x47 a eerta adi poete ra eto e rate ee lay I eee esta ise ree EG eee Le 18 5 59 39 GET STATUS t m oae eene e Pha sols erret di o ters 18 5 5 4 RELAY 2 ON AT POWER 0x52 esses EEE AEEA A T EE ENOS 18 5 5 5 Rzrav FORF POWER 053 ett eee ere ete oe ene aise 19
3. 5 90 READ RELAYH2 STATUS 0X94 e eee e ooo ert eee tere den cem Pee 19 5 57 SET DELAY 7 SECONDS 0x60 Ie bet aber Ee eed acre eros 19 2 53 68 Set DELAY MINOTES OKOT net etre dene egeo ce edes 20 5 5 0 SAVE DELAY SECONDS 0Xx04 eret reete E ebd 20 2 5 TO SAVE DELAY MINUTES 0x69 Vue e eto ee ne tree Feier re d aee etta due 20 5 5 11 Ser TIMEOUT SECONDS 0X68 en arao a rear 20 5 9 12 SET TIMEOUT MINUTES 0X09 cepit 21 5 5 13 SAVE TIMEOUT SECONDS 0 6 E A ARS 21 5 5 14 SAVE TIMEOUT MINUTES 0x6D esses nn enne nre enren nennen rennen nnne ns 21 5 5 15 SAVE RESET RELAY PULSE WIDTH OX7O ccccesscccccecesesseeeeecesseseeeeeceseeeseeceaecsaeceeseeceseeceseeceseeeeaeeeeseeesaes 21 5 53 16 SAVE TEMPERATURE OFFSET OX74 etit e oda e ceca soles e e cL e e ERR EORR se 22 2 5 1 SAVE USER ID DATA 0x90 797 saec rer etre etie eren ede ree ek re EM de 22 535 18 READINV 0x AQ ar eer eet ro e to ee ES 23 5 9 19 TiMEOUT S OKA ii ene secat tcc ee tec eee ete iran enata eed s 23 5 5 20 READ NV Reser RELAY PULSE WIDTH 21 23 5 5 21 READ NV TEMPERATURE OFFSET 1 23 35 5 22 READ NV User
4. ID DATA 0xBO 7 e eet ore tet eren obe te pe Ra cbe Fro erre 24 6 LED OPERATION iiec seecze nete oe cese eode spo cepa ines eaae ce eeu sa steal be ete Vn pae ve eco Ue oae eR C Eve POT Ee 25 GD TOP BLUE eec 25 6 2 BOTTOM BI D bee E 25 7 GETTING PAST THE LOGIN ON WINO95 98 amp ME sccssccsssssssssssssssssssscssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssesssssoeses 26 8 WATCHDOG PROGRAMS iio eise e in beo nb o ena oa ea ea end ova E Sao ree Da sena 27 8 1 Warcupoc Trsr PRoGRAM WINDOWS 9x ME 2K amp 27 8 2 VisuaL Basic Test PROGRAM WINDOWS 9x ME 2K amp ee eee eee eee eee eee esee eee eee ette tette eene sete enn eee 27 9 APPENDIX A SPECIFICAT IQNS eeieiice nee ee ato sc Coen coco etse e eto ots oa oen Co eto e aor een aea 29 10 APPENDIX WARRANTY conosci ce occu soe e vo e eoa en o re Da eco aor e eer ra eaae se ae ta eee ro Cre eee Ewa bonas 30 11 APPENDIX C SERVICE AND TECH SUPPORT csssssssssssssscsssssssssssssecssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssseess 31 CarninG TECH SUPPORT M S 31 11 2 PRODUCT RETURNS e 31 ii iii 1 Introduction The Serial Watchdog is an inte
5. OxFF seconds Note that a value of zero will actually be one second Response 0x20 command processed OK 0x21 Watchdog was already armed command ignored 5 5 8Set Delay Minutes 0x61 This works just like the prior command 0x60 except it allows delays to be in minutes Note that a value of zero will actually be one minute Response 0x20 command processed OK 0x21 Watchdog was already armed command ignored 5 5 9Save Delay Seconds 0x64 This command saves the new value in non volatile memory for future use If the value data vv is 0x00 which is a delay of zero then the non volatile value will be cleared and the board will revert back to the 2 5 minute delay at the next re boot cycle Response None required will be an 0x06 5 5 10Save Delay Minutes 0x65 This works just like the prior command 0x60 except it allows delays to be in minutes Response None required will be an 0x06 5 5 11Set Timeout Seconds 0x68 When the board starts it will use the DIP switches to get the timeout value or it may get this value from the non volatile memory This command enables the user to shorten or lengthen the current timeout value The value passed in the value byte vv should in the range of 0x01 to OxFF or timeouts in the range 0x01 to OxFF seconds Note that a value of zero will cause the board to revert to the value in non volatile memory first if it is present or the D
6. Values will range from 0x20 to Ox3F 6 LED Operation The two LEDs on the Watchdog are used for system status 6 1Top LED During the 2 5 minutes that the Watchdog waits after power up or after it resets the PC it will flash this LED at a 1 second rate 1 second on 1 second off Once the Watchdog has armed itself it will flash the LED at 350mS rate In the last 3 seconds before the Watchdog resets the PC it will flash this LED rapidly at a 100mS rate 6 2Bottom LED After the first time the Watchdog resets the PC it will light this LED as a visible indicator that at least one reset maybe more has occurred This LED can be turned off by cycling power on the Watchdog pushing the PC reset button or via Command Mode This LED will also flash once per second for 100mS to indicate that activity has been detected in Command or Monitor Mode and for each ring pulse from the MODEM in Ring Mode This flash will be the inverse of the LED state at the time 7 Getting past the Login on Win95 98 amp ME When Windows boots it will stop with a login screen that prompts for a user name and password It will hang at this point indefinitely until the data is entered or you click the Cancel button If the Watchdog has rebooted your PC then it would hang at this point Microsoft has solved this problem with a set of utilities called Powertoys that can be downloaded from their site at http www microsoft com One of the utilities in the package
7. port and test the Watchdog by sending a revision command to display the firmware version It also has a second screen that allows you to display and modify the non volatile memory contents You can also select RUN which will minimize the program and make it toggle DTR to keep the Watchdog from resetting the PC The Watchdog must be in monitor mode You can put this program into a startup group with two command line switches that must be present The switches for this program are p Where 1 4 for COMI 4 default is COMI m start minimized EX Ser WDog p2 m 9 Appendix A Specifications Power Requirements 5 VDC 200mA Max Environmental 20 65 C Operating 20 70 C Storage 5 95 Relative Humidity Non Condensing MTBF 500 000 Hours TEMP T1526 Note You may find that the board will continue to work just fine beyond the specified temperature limits especially at lower temperatures These temperature limits are those specified by the manufacturers of the integrated circuits Relay 2 SPST 1 form a 48V 0 5A max This relay has contacts that are available on the 1 8 Stereo jack above the two LEDs The tip of the plug is one relay contact and the ring second terminal on the plug is the other relay contact The major or last conductor sleeve of the plug is ground and is connected to the PC bracket 10 Appendix B Warranty Berkshire Products Inc warrants to the original con
8. C e EHE Rer eR ot Reel Te ERE aa aided ae 7 4 2 POWER ON DELAY POD 98W3 eneeeeaccs Foe na Gi Pea enge pra eed sea Ee aeo ege 7 4 3 OVER TEMP OS MEET 7 4 4 Timeout Count RING Count SW6 SW7 amp SW8B cccccccscssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssccssccsssssscsssssssessssees 8 5 COMMAND MODE OPERATION vcsscsssssssecssecessossecsassstexessesssssssscssdossocsdeisscbansssennsssssendssdessesdsscvacsessecedesesese 9 542 COME Port SETTINGS ERE M 9 5 2 COMMAND FORMATS ssecscccescsetecsnscesecvatectescsssasetecseccostevecessecdsesesacecoecssstnacsouacstecsedessesesecsutessscocssbessasesdedsecatactateacssaess 9 5 3 Ho TONER 11 5 4 WATCHDOG COMMANDS REVISION BOARDS eee eee eere ee eee eee tna ases ee etta asse sette etas asse eaae etas e tease teas stesse etas 12 2 4 T Reser PC NOW deterrere bee rte ete Me eee en one ab 12 5 42 Resgr PC an 10 SECONDS 0x21 hrr eene titt eet nette reta oot en erede a 12 5 4 3 OVERRIDE POWER ON DELAY 0 24 13 SAA Demie WaArcHDbOG s 0x25 icai Sai cosets eco e orae era nae ie rds naa riae ta taedet
9. D Data Read NV Delay POD Yes Read NV Temperature Offset Yes The following sections cover the new commands that the Watchdog will accept and the return values if required 5 5 1 Read DIP Switch MSB 0x40 This Command will return the settings of the upper nibble of DIP Switch settings with 0x20 added The values will range from 0x20 to Ox2F A switch that is on will read as a one 1 Response Values will range from 0x20 to Ox2F 5 5 2Read DIP Switch LSB 0x41 This Command will return the settings of the lower nibble of DIP Switch settings with 0x20 added The values will range from 0x20 to 0x2F A switch that is on will read as a one 1 Response Values will range from 0x20 to Ox2F 5 5 3Get Status 0x44 This command returns two 2 bits of data in DO and D1 of the response There is also an offset of 0x20 added to the response The bits are defined as follows 00 1 means that the non volatile memory was OK at power up D1 1 means that temperature monitor IC was OK at power up Response Values will range from 0x20 to 0x23 5 5 4Relay 2 ON at Power On 0x52 This Command allows you to set the mode of Relay 2 each time the board powers up This relay s contacts are available on the 1 8 Stereo jack above the two LEDs If you send this command the board will store this in non volatile memory and turn on the relay each time power is applied to th
10. DEM should ignore the Watchdog commands since DTR is inactive and the Watchdog commands do not start with the AT sequence 5 1COM Port Settings The Watchdog requires that the COM port on the PC be set to 1200 Baud 8 Data Bits No Parity Bit and 2 Stop Bits The requirement for 2 stop bits is important because the processor uses the idle time between characters to process input data and take care of other processing tasks 5 2Command Formats The Watchdog looks for a five 5 byte command packet that includes a checksum This is done to help insure that MODEM data is not accidentally interpreted as commands The format is 0x01 0x57 0x84 cc ss e The first three bytes are always the fixed hex values e cc This is the actual command byte described later ss This is a simple checksum It is calculated by adding the prior 4 bytes and subtracting the value from 0x00 When the Watchdog receives the data and sums all 5 bytes including checksum it should get the byte unsigned char result 0x00 Example 0x01 0x57 0x84 0x34 OxF0 NOP command Example checksum computation using command 0x34 0x01 0x57 0x58 0x58 0x84 0xDC OxDC 0x34 0 10 gt 0x10 Checksum is only a byte or unsigned char at this point the number required to add to 0x10 is OxFO for the checksum byte 0X10 OxFO 0 00 gt 0x00 Example C code ag unsigned char strTxBuff 5 0x01
11. IP switch setting Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 5 12Set Timeout Minutes 0x69 This works just like the prior command 0x68 except it allows timeouts to be in minutes Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 5 13Save Timeout Seconds 0x6C This command saves the new value in non volatile memory for future use If the value data vv is 0x00 which is a delay of zero 0x00 then the non volatile value will be cleared and the board will revert back to the timeout setting on the DIP switches The new non volatile time will be used the next time the board is tickled Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 5 14Save Timeout Minutes 0x6D This works just like the prior command 0x6C except it allows delays to be in minutes Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 5 15Save Reset Relay Pulse Width 0x70 The default mode for the Watchdog is to pulse a reset relay which simulates pushing the reset button for 3 seconds This value works for most computers however some machines may require longer or shorter values This command allows you to tailor the pulse time by selecting a delay in 50mS tics This value is stored in the non volatile memory The value passed in the value byte vv should in the range of 0x01 to OxFF or pulses in the range 50mS to 12 75 seconds A value of zero 0x00 allows you to return to the default 3 second pulse The new time
12. Internal Serial PC Watchdog User s Manual Berkshire Products Inc Phone 770 271 0088 http www berkprod com Rev 2 09 Copyright 1999 2009 PC Watchdog is a registered trademark of Berkshire Products Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTIOQN 2 12221 ce eoe ru caetera root Ca esed cea sen co cad ea rade ei cw aeo e aca rasa ss sa Deae eaa ceo e a Tasa ri a aa Uca aaa 1 2 OPERATION sisssisssssscscssssssosnncscscssosssesasstsusdscssvensedsdndseseesscsisevbnscssesssssseacsesensdesbonsassssdnssessdedessseestecesdesseesseteavees 2 3 INSTALLATION OF SUPPLIED COMPONENT s scsssssssossssssesssssscssssssssssssssessssssesssssssssssssssssasecsees 3 BASIC INSTALLATIONS 3 3 2 SECONDARY RESET BT uU ORE 3 3 2 1 SECONDARY RESET OPTION DIAGRAM 4 3 2 2 SECONDARY RESET 2 itii rers erede deve epe lo eet Re eet dp Eee E E e EE a 5 4 DIF SWITCH SETETINGS incee eos eere aoo eno E ana aano Ro ee vena eoo Eae cesa pn o Fra o oae 6 4A MODE SwrrcHES SWI SW2 amp SW 6 4 1 4 Morok rete tte ce tete OR te e Mec v He v er dees death cesta dett ess 6 4 1 2 COMMAND SW32 e dte eel enata eet rb pasa eer pa doa da rhe daa 6 4 153 RINGIMODE 5 8 W3 ciini nma ente d v eode D
13. Rev x 35 5 4 8No Operation 0x34 This Command is only used to reset the timeout counter and verify communications Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 4 9Get Reset Count 0x38 This Command returns the number of times the Watchdog has reset the PC The counter stops at 128 0x80 Response A value from 0x20 0 Subtract 0x20 to get the value in hex 5 4 10Clear Reset Count amp LED 0x39 This Command clears the reset counter back to zero and turns off the bottom LED Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 4 11Turn On Relay 2 0x50 This command turns on the second relay whose contacts are available on the 1 8 Stereo jack above the two LEDs Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 4 12Turn Off Relay 2 0x51 This command turns off the second relay Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 4 13Read the Temperature 0x58 This command returns the temperature in degrees Celsius It can return values from 32 to 127 C To accommodate this range the result returned also has additional 0x20 added to value Note After subtracting the total offset you will have a signed byte value Response A value from 0x20 Oxbf Subtract 0x40 to get the signed value in hex Ex 0x53 0x40 0x13 19 C Ex 0x35 0x40 0xf5 11 C 5 4 14Diagnostic Commands 0xC0 0xCF Commands in this range are reserved for diagnostic production tests T
14. after the response has been sent Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 4 2Reset PC in 10 Seconds 0x21 This Command will reset the PC within 10 12 seconds after the response has been sent Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 4 3Override Power On Delay 0x24 This Command will make the Watchdog terminate the 2 5 minute power on delay and arm itself after a power up or PC reset If the Power on Delay Dip switch is set switch number 4 then you will still need to send at least one command such as No Operation 0x34 in order to arm the board Do not send this command more than one time Response 0x20 command processed OK 0x21 Watchdog was already armed command ignored 5 4 4Disable Watchdog 0x28 This Command will disable the Watchdog USE IT CAREFULLY Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 4 5Enable Watchdog 0x29 This Command will enable the Watchdog and is used to terminate a Disable Watchdog command Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 4 6Firmware Major Rev 0x30 This Command returns the major revision of the firmware Response A value from 0x20 0x29 Subtract 0x20 to get the value in hex Ex 0x22 0x20 2 gt Rev 2 xx 5 4 7Firmware Minor Rev 0x31 This Command returns the minor revision of the firmware Response A value from 0x20 0x83 Subtract 0x20 to get the value in hex Ex 0x43 0x20 0x23 35 gt
15. e PC Use command 0x50 section 5 4 11 if you want to turn on the relay immediately Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 5 5Relay 2 OFF at Power On 0x53 This Command allows you to set the mode of Relay 2 each time the board powers up If you send this command the board will store this in non volatile memory and leave the relay off each time power is applied to the PC Use command 0x51 section 5 4 12 if you want to turn off the relay immediately Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 5 6Read Relay 2 Status 0x54 This command returns two 2 bits of data in DO and D1 of the response There is also an offset of 0x20 added to the response The bits are defined as follows DO 1 means that Relay 2 is currently ON D1 1 means that Relay 2 is set for ON at power up Response Values will range from 0x20 to 0x23 5 5 7Set Delay Seconds 0x60 When the board powers up or after it resets the PC it will normally wait 2 5 minutes Power On Delay POD before it arms itself It may wait a shorter or longer time if a value has been set in the non volatile memory using a Save command If the board is still in the power on delay mode when it receives this command then it will set the power on delay to the new value This enables the user to shorten or lengthen the current delay The value passed in the value byte vv allows a range of 0x01 to OxFF or delays in the range 0x01 to
16. e pass through mode of the Watchdog then connect your original serial device to the Serial Output port on the Watchdog 3 2Secondary Reset Option If you purchased this option Part Number 1122 then you will have the following APCI O bracket with a 1 8 stereo jack and two headers on a small circuit board e A three conductor cable with 1 8 stereo plugs on each end e A two conductor reset cable The second relay contacts are on the 1 8 stereo jack on the bracket above the LEDs The two relay contacts are on the inner two contacts of the jack Tip amp Ring The sleeve of the jack is grounded through its connection to the bracket 3 2 1 Secondary Reset Option Diagram 1 There are many possibilities for connecting this option One simple method is shown in the following diagram SERVER 1 SERVER 2 CPU Reset Reg ts 0 M CPU Reset m m a Reset sw Here we have a master PC with a Watchdog If it locks up then its Watchdog card will reset it If the communications link to the second PC fails as a result of the second PC locking up then the first PC can reset the second via the external relay and a user program command 3 2 2Secondary Reset Option Diagram 2 This diagram shows an even more complex example SERVER 1 SERVER 2 CPU Reset CPU Reset Reset Suv Reset SW Serial Watehdoq COM Port Now both PCs have Watchdog cards to reset them if either one locks up They also talk to each other
17. h on or off once per second for a tenth of a second if a Watchdog timer reset event occurred in the prior second Note If you stop your application program or you reset the PC with CTL ALT DEL then be sure to disable the Watchdog by unplugging the reset cable or removing power Otherwise it may count down and reset your PC at an inopportune time 3 Installation of Supplied Components The standard Watchdog package contains the following items This manual on diskette as a PDF file The Watchdog timer on a standard PC I O bracket A disk drive Y style power cable to power the board A DB 9 to DB 9 serial cable 3 program diskette reset cable 3 1Basic Installation Perform these steps to install the Watchdog e Locate an unused I O slot in the PC Remove the blank bracket and install the Watchdog e Make sure the Dip switches are set properly before applying power to the Watchdog since it only checks the switches at power up and after each reset of the PC e Disconnect the PC reset cable from the motherboard Plug this cable onto the 4 3 header in the upper left corner of the Watchdog board e Plug the supplied reset cable onto J2 on the Watchdog board and plug the other end onto the original reset header on the motherboard Connect the DB 9S end of the serial cable to a COM port on the PC Connect the other end of the cable DB 9P to the Serial Input port on the Watchdog Optional Step If you are using th
18. hey may produce undesirable results 5 5Watchdog Commands Revision C Boards Internal Serial PC Watchdogs that have a PCB Revision of C or higher will accept new commands Revision C boards will have a firmware version of 2 00 or higher Some of these commands allow the user to save configuration data in an on board non volatile memory to override some of the switch settings The new Watchdog looks for six 6 byte command packets as well The format is 0x01 0x57 0x85 cc vv ss The first three bytes are always the fixed hex values note the 0x85 cc This is the actual command byte described later vv This is a command value such a new delay time ss This is a simple checksum It is calculated by adding the prior 5 bytes and subtracting the value from 0x00 When the Watchdog receives the data and sums all 6 bytes including checksum it should get the byte unsigned char result 0x00 Example 0x01 0x57 0x85 0x60 0x50 0x73 Set Delay Seconds This table gives a quick overview of the new command numbers This table has two new sections called 6 BYTE amp NV If the 6 BYTE value is YES then it is a 6 byte command packet If the NV value is YES then it is a command that writes or reads the non volatile memory Allow an additional 100mS for the board to respond to these commands No No Set Timeout Seconds Ys Save Timeout Seconds Yes Save Temperature Offset Yes Save User I
19. ip point where the Watchdog can reset the PC is 56 C 133 F If the Watchdog resets the PC it will remain in reset until the temperature drops back below 50 C 122 F A software command allows you to increase these trip points by adding a fixed offset up to 31 C 4 4Timeout Count Ring Count SW6 SW7 amp SW8 These switches set the delay time until the Watchdog resets the PC As long as the Watchdog is getting activity in Command or Monitor Mode then it will reset the timeout counter with these values These switches also set the ring counts in Ring Mode for ring no answer detection The settings and times are Switches 6 8 Delay Time Ring Count OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF ON OFF 30 Seconds N O OFF ON ON OFF OFF ON OFF OFF 10 Minutes 9 ON OFF ON 30 Minutes 9 ON ON OFF i Hour gt ON ON ON 2 Hour 9 5 Command Mode Operation The Watchdog is designed to monitor the Transmit Data TxD line from the PC and respond to commands from the PC when the Command Mode is enabled The Watchdog is wire ORed into the receive data line from an external device such as a MODEM to allow it to send back responses In a lot of cases the PC may be able to communicate with a MODEM by activating Data Terminal Ready DTR and using standard AT commands The PC should be able to communicate with the Watchdog by dropping DTR and sending commands to the Watchdog The MO
20. is called TWEAKUI that installs in the Control Panel under My Computer When you run the utility there will be a tab called Network that allows you to specify an auto login and provide the computer name and password 8 Watchdog Programs There are some programs on the enclosed diskette for testing and configuring the Watchdog board Some of these programs use switches to determine which user port to check to get status or perform commands All the source and other support files are supplied for each program which should make it easier to modify them for user s special requirements Check the diskette for other programs that have been added since this manual was written 8 1Watchdog Test Program Windows 9x ME 2K amp NT This program is used to test and configure the Serial Watchdog This program is a console application written in 32 bit code The name of this program is W32ConApp exe and it is in the W32ConApp directory on the diskette When this program runs it will prompt the user for a command to send the Watchdog and then display the response You must have the Command Mode DIP switch turned on for this option to work The switch for this program 15 p Where 1 4 for COMI 4 default is COMI EX C gt w32conapp p2 8 2Visual Basic Test Program Windows 9x ME 2K amp NT This program files are in the VB32 directory on the diskette When this program runs it will allow you to choose the serial
21. lowed in Command Mode before it arms itself This allows the PC to complete its reset and initialization sequence There is a Dip switch option to allow the Watchdog to extend this time for PCs that need additional re boot time Once the Watchdog is ready to arm itself it will check the Dip switches and enable up to three independent operating modes These modes can ALL be active at once They are e Command Mode Receive commands from PC on serial port and send responses Monitor Mode Monitor RS 232 control lines from the PC serial port for activity Ring Mode Count ring signals from MODEM to detect ring no answer conditions Additional Dip switches are used to set the timeout period and ring count If no activity is detected in Command or Monitor Mode by the time the Watchdog timer expires the PC Watchdog will start its reset sequence on the PC If the Ring Mode is enabled and an excessive number of rings are detected from a MODEM then the Watchdog will also reset the PC The two LEDs on the Watchdog are used for status indication The top LED provides the arming status of the Watchdog by varying the rate at which the LED flashes When the Watchdog resets the PC it will turn on the bottom LED and leave it on which provides an indication that at least one Watchdog reset has occurred possibly more In Command Mode the PC can turn this LED off and also get a count of the number of resets that have occurred The bottom LED will also flas
22. ne or more of the following measures Reorient the receiving antenna Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver Move the computer away from the receiver Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help 12 2CE The Internal Serial PC Watchdog has successfully passed all appropriate tests that are necessary for its certification under EMC directive 89 336 EEC
23. return 4 bits of the value starting with the MSB These four bits will have an offset added to them that will start at 0x20 and increase by 0x10 for each read to keep in sync If another command is sent before you complete the 4 reads then the next time you send this command it will start over Ex Time saved was 7 minutes 420 seconds 0x01A4 saved Read 1 0x20 2 0x31 3 0x4A 4 0x54 Response Values will range from 0x20 to Ox5F 5 5 19Read NV Timeout 0xA1 This command works just like command 0 described in the prior section except it returns the watchdog timeout value Response Values will range from 0x20 to 5 5 5 20Read NV Reset Relay Pulse Width 0xA2 When you save a reset relay pulse width in the non volatile memory the time is stored as 8 bit value This command works just like command 0xA0 described in the prior section except it returns only 2 nibbles 4 bits each of data Response Values will range from 0x20 to Ox3F 5 5 21 Read NV Temperature Offset 0xA3 This command works just like command 0xA2 described in the prior section except it returns the temperature offset value Response Values will range from 0x20 to Ox3F 5 5 22Read NV User ID Data 0xBO0 B7 This command works just like command 0xA2 described in the prior section except it returns the user ID data bytes Commands OxBO to 0xB7 return the user ID bytes in locations 0 to 7 respectively Response
24. returning a product Many times the problem can be corrected over the phone If the tech support representative determines that your product must be returned they will assign you a RMA Package the product in a secure container and return it to us freight prepaid We will not accept COD freight charges Indicate the RMA on the package or shipping label If the repairs are done under warranty the unit will be returned UPS ground and we will pay the freight charges If you prefer Federal Express please provide your Federal Express account number If your unit is out of warranty repairs and shipping will be charged COD or other method established in advance 12 Appendix D Agency Approvals The PC Watchdog meets the following agency approvals 12 1FCC Class A This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly that is in strict adherence with the manufacturer s instructions may cause interference to radio and television reception It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a commercial installation If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by o
25. rnal device that is used to monitor a PC in order to ensure maximum system availability It has the following features e Acts as a pass through serial port with standard PC DB 9 connectors e Monitors the PC serial port for control line activity on TxD DTR and RTS from the PC Monitors the Ring Indicator RI from a MODEM on the serial port for excessive rings without an answer Can be used right from the box without any support programs e Hasan on board temp sensor to detect fan failures or other over temp conditions e Also has a Command Mode that allows a user program to exert additional control over the Watchdog Two externally visible LEDs show status of Watchdog e Watchdog has a second relay available on an external plug to control other devices such as resetting another PC Programmable power on delay to allow the PC to complete its initialization sequence Non Volatile memory to store operating parameters e Eight bytes of non volatile memory reserved for user data to implement simple software protection 2 Operation This device is designed to monitor PCs used in critical applications such as File Servers Voice Mail Systems ISP systems industrial applications etc The idea is to make sure the PC is always available and running especially for systems that are not continuously monitored When power is applied to the Watchdog or after a reset of the PC the Watchdog will wait 2 5 minutes shorter times al
26. sumer or other end user purchaser that this product 15 free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one 1 year from the date of purchase During the warranty period and upon proof of purchase the product will be repaired or replaced with the same or functionally equivalent model at our option without charge for either parts or labor This warranty does not apply to defects due directly or indirectly to misuse abuse negligence accident repairs or alterations made by the customer or another party UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BERKSHIRE PRODUCTS Inc BE LIABLE IN ANY WAY TO ANY PURCHASER FOR DAMAGES LOST REVENUE LOST WAGES OR ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT Berkshire Products Inc reserves the right to make modifications in this product without prior notification 11 Appendix C Service and Tech Support We are available to help you with your questions and problems that you may have with our product Our technical support is available Monday through Friday except holidays 8 30 AM to 5 00 PM Eastern Time 770 271 0088 Email support berkprod com 11 1Calling Tech Support To help our tech support personnel with your problem please try to have the following information ready e Type of PC e Type of operating system and version e Clear description of the problem 11 2Product Returns Please call our tech support personnel before
27. tch is on the Watchdog will count pulses on the Ring Indicator RI pin 9 of the cable from the MODEM If the number of rings exceed a preset number set by switches 6 8 then the Watchdog will reset the PC If the number of rings is lower followed by an idle time of about 15 seconds then the Watchdog will reset the ring counter based on the settings of switches 6 8 Ifthis is the only switch of three that is on then the Watchdog will not use the timeout mode at all It will only function as a ring no answer Watchdog 4 2Power On Delay POD SW4 After a power up or a PC reset the Watchdog normally waits 2 5 minutes to allow the PC to re boot This time can be shortened in Command Mode Sometimes the PC will require more than 2 5 minutes to complete the re boot which can be accommodated by turning on this switch In Monitor or Command Mode the Watchdog will delay starting the timeout counter until it sees the first activity in either of these modes In the Ring mode it will wait until the DTR line to MODEM goes active When DTR goes active the bottom LED will flash once Note If the PC does not complete the re boot process correctly then this option can disable the Watchdog as well as leave the PC frozen 4 3Over temp Reset SW5 If this switch is on then the Watchdog will reset and hold the reset on a PC during an over temp condition The first trip point is 46 C 115 F at which point the buzzer will start to sound The second tr
28. through the serial ports and a null MODEM cable Now either PC can reset the other if it only partially locks ups 4 Dip Switch Settings All the switches are read at power up and after each time that the Watchdog resets the PC A switch that is DOWN is OFF and a switch that is UP is ON The following sections cover the switch options 4 1Mode Switches SW1 SW2 amp SW3 These three switches set the operating mode of the Watchdog If all three of these switches are off then the Watchdog powers up in factory diagnostics mode and will not operate properly It is OK for Ring mode and one more of these switches to be on at one time The Watchdog will support Ring mode and one other mode together 4 1 1Monitor Mode SW1 When this mode is active the Watchdog will monitor the three output control lines on the serial COM port of the PC The lines are e Transmit Data TxD on Pin 3 of the DB 9 e Data Terminal Ready DTR on Pin 4 of the DB 9 Request To Send RTS on Pin 7 of the DB 9 Any activity on any of these lines will cause the Watchdog to reset its timeout count 4 1 2Command Mode SW2 If this switch is on the Watchdog enters command mode This requires that the PC send commands to the Watchdog as serial data to make it reset the timeout counter See the Command Mode section for further information This mode will require the user to write support software into their application program 4 1 3Ring Mode SW3 Ifthis swi
29. will be activated at the next re boot of the PC Be careful using low times 1 or 2 tics since these may be too short to generate valid resets on the PC Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 5 16Save Temperature Offset 0x74 This command permits an increase in the temperature trip points on the watchdog board The command allows you to set the offsets up to 31 Ox1f If the offset is used then it will be active every time the PC powers up The offset here is in degrees C and can range from 0x00 to Ox1F Values higher will be corrected modulo 32 A value of zero causes the board to go back to using the fixed trip values Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 5 17Save User ID Data 0x90 97 Eight 8 bytes of the non volatile memory have been reserved for the user to store their own ID data Commands 0x90 to 0x97 store the user ID bytes in locations 0 to 7 respectively These bytes could have many uses with one of them being a software security mechanism A user could make their software refuse to run unless there was a watchdog board in the system with the correct code in the memory Response None required will be an ACK 0x06 5 5 18 NV Delay POD 0xA0 When you save a Power On Delay POD in the non volatile memory the time is actually stored and used internally as a 16 bit value In order to read back the value you will need to issue this command 4 times Each read will
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