
     --------------   README File  :  Universal Buffer   --------------
     -----------------   Revision Date  :  5/6/95   -------------------



Table of Contents
----------------------------------------
   1)   Installation / Usage
   2)   Operating Modes
	   2.1)   Standard Spooling
	   2.2)   Non-Volatile Spooling
	   2.3)   Data Logging
   3)   Future Software Updates


_______________________________________________________________________________

<1.0>   Installation / Usage

    Please refer to the installation manual for instructions on setting up
your new buffer.

    We strongly recommend that you use the scanning mode on the input and
output sides of the buffer.  If you connect only one input cable and one
output cable, the buffer will automatically sense which ports are being used.

    It is not necessary to install any software on your computer system, 
although you may copy the diskette to a PC if you wish.


    There are at present no known compatibility problems with hardware or
software.  A few things to bear in mind :

    1)  Since the buffer contains a hard drive, you should not move/bump/drop
	the buffer when it is turned on.  Moving it when it is turned off
	will not damage the drive unless it is dropped from a considerable
	height (2-3 feet).

    2)  The hard drive will take about 5 seconds to "spin-up" after power is
	applied to the buffer.  Do not send data to the buffer during this
	period as it mat be lost.  (you will see a BUSY signal on the LEDs
	until the drive is ready)

    3)  SERIAL ONLY:  If you experience problems using a serial connection,
	the most likely causes are that the baud rates or data formats are
	different OR that the cable/adapter is incorrect.  There is no industry
	standard for the RJ-12 cable/adapter so we recommend that you always buy the
	them from Technologic Systems.  Using a null-modem adapter will
	occassionally resolve cabling problems, but feel free to give us a
	call for assistance.



_______________________________________________________________________________

<2.0>   Operating Modes

    The Universal Buffer is capable of operating in three different modes,
described in more detail below.  Each of these modes is accessible by running
UB-SETUP and configuring the unit to your specific needs.  The unit will be
configured for Standard Spooling mode when you first receive it.  The unit can 
be re-configured at any time (changes are not permanent).


___________________________________

<2.1>   Standard Spooling Mode

    This is the most common usage mode.  Received data will be stored in the
buffer until the output device is capable of taking it.  This is commonly
used as a way to reduce the amount of time a PC takes to send print/plot
data.
    Data can come in the parallel or serial input ports and leave via the
parallel or serial output ports.


___________________________________

<2.2>   Non-Volatile Spooling Mode

    This is a variant of the Standard Spooling mode.  The only difference
being that when power is turned off, data still present in the buffer will
not be lost.  You can turn the unit back on and it will resume the print
process where it left off.  This mode is commonly used as insurance against
a power failure.
    When in this mode, the buffer will periodically save its status onto the
hard drive.  This parameter (Non-Volatility Timeout) may be changed to increase
or decrease the frequency of these saves.  Increasing the rate at which saves
are made will reduce the possibility of data loss should power fail.
    Since turning off power no loger clears the buffer, you may RESET the
buffer by holding in the pushbutton until the LEDs begin flickering red very
rapidly.  When you release the button, the unit will flush all remaining data
and reset itself.


___________________________________

<2.3>   Data Logging Mode

    This is a very specialized operating mode which has been developed to
make data collection easier.  It groups data into "records" which are
delineated by a common termination character (like LINE FEED).  The data
received will be stored on the hard-drive and will be non-volatile.  In
addition, a variety of special commands are supported to make data
retrieval/downloading easier.
    This mode is commonly used as a way to collect data from telephone
call systems (PBX) or from a remote peice of equipment.  Sine the buffer
is very large and non-volatile, it is an ideal way to collect and store
several weeks' worth of data generated at a remote site.
    Records can be of any length from 10 to 510 characters in length and any
ASCII character can be used as the termination character.  If a record fills
up before the termination character is recieved, the unit will insert a
termination character automatically. 

    A summary of the data retrieval commands follows:
	1)  XON     -  begin sending records
	2)  XON *   -  send one record then stop sending (XOFF)
	3)  REWIND  -  go backwards X records
	4)  F-FWD   -  go forward X records
	5)  REWIND  -  go backwards/forwards to MARKER position
	6)  XOFF    -  stop sending records
	7)  MARKER  -  move the MARKER to the current record position


_______________________________________________________________________________

<3.0>   Future Software Updates

    You may request updates of our software utilities by phoning us.  We will
mail a diskette and/or EPROM chip to you.  We will attempt to address comments
concerning these programs in future releases.  Please call for the current
status of utility programs.


_______________________________________________________________________________


END OF FILE
