ST150 and ST350 Communication Setup

If you experience problems with serial linking either the ST150 Nuclear Lab Station or the ST350 Radiation Counter, here are a few suggestions that may offer a solution.

1. To operate properly, the computer COM ports must be set to the correct address. Boot the computer and enter the BIOS SETUP mode. Select INTERGATED PERIPHERALS and set the ports as follows:

COM1=3F8, IRQ=4

COM2=2F8, IRQ=3

Do not select the AUTO mode.

2. Reboot the computer and check the port configuration. Select My Computer-Control Panel-System-Device Manager-Ports-Properties. Make sure the COM ports are present and showing the above configuration. Uncheck the “Use automatic settings” box. This is also a good time to check the master interrupt assignment list for conflicts from Device Manager-Computer.

3. If all appears correct, close all open windows, switch on the power to the ST150/ST350 and run the software. If the software asks for a COM port and the system contains a serial mouse on COM1, select COM2. If a PS-2 style mouse is installed and the ST150/ST350 is connected to COM1, select COM1. The serial communication should now link correctly.

4. If the serial link still does not function, try again this time selecting the other COM port. It will be necessary to re-power the computer and ST150/ST350 before trying this other port.

5. If the serial link continues to fail and a serial mouse is installed, try switching the mouse to COM2 and the counter to COM1. If this change is made it will be necessary to re-power both the computer and counter.

6. If you are using a 9 to 26-pin adapter on the serial port, check to see that all 9-pins are connected. We have found that some of these adapters such as the ones supplied with a serial mouse do not have all the pins connected. The adapter available from Radio Shack works correctly. Another solution is to put the mouse on the adapter and connect it to the COM port with the 26-pin connector and the counter to the 9-pin port.

7. If all fails, give us a call at (865) 482-9937 9-5, Eastern time.