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Henter-Joyce Technical Support Notice # 15 (TSN-15 )
Subject: External Synthesizers & Com Port Troubleshooting
Henter-Joyce Product: JAWS For Windows 3.2
Category: Windows 95/98
January 26, 1999

External Synthesizers and Comm Port Troubleshooting

One of the most difficult areas of troubleshooting speech can be the external synthesizers. The difficulty arises when determining the source of the problem.

Synthesizer Troubleshooting

Make sure that the synthesizer is plugged into a wall outlet via AC adapter and that the serial cable is connected. Turn on the synthesizer, and wait for at least 15 seconds. It will report the make and model of the synthesizer and in some cases the ROM version. If this is all functional, we must then proceed to work from the PC end of the system.

At the Comm Port

First, as mentioned in the previous section, make sure that your synthesizer is connected to a serial port on your computer.

From the Windows 95/98 Desktop, you will need to restart your computer in MS-DOS Mode.

To restart the computer in MS-DOS Mode in either Windows 95 or Windows 98:

1. Press CTRL+ESCAPE to open the Start Menu
2. Locate Shut Down with the ARROW key and press ENTER.
3. Locate Restart the Computer in MS-DOS Mode with the ARROW key and press ENTER.

If you prefer to use the hot keys for this, do the following:

1. Press CTRL+ESCAPE to open the Start Menu.
2. Press U for Shut Down
3. Press M for Restart the Computer in MS-DOS Mode.
4. Press ENTER when the hard drive stops.
5. In either case, you will be at a C:\WINDOWS\PROMPT. Type the following command to set the handshaking for your ports:

Mode com1 96,n,8,1

Mode com2 96,n,8,1

Your next commands should cause your synthesizer to talk.

Echo hello. >> com1

Echo hello2. >> com2

If you heard "Hello", you are using com1. If you heard "hello2", you are using com2.

If you heard nothing, make sure that your synthesizer is properly connected and try the above mode and echo commands again, but instead of com1 and com2, write com3 and com4.

If you still hear nothing, you need to check with your local hardware technician for CMS errors, and to be sure that your Comm port is indeed enabled in the Bioths.

The Comm Port in Windows

If your synthesizer talked in DOS, note which Comm port it is on and we will make sure that it talks in Windows.

1. Type EXIT from the DOS prompt
2. Press ENTER to restart Windows.

Once at the Windows 95 or 98 desktop:

1. Press CTRL+ESCAPE for the Start Menu.
2. Press R for run.
3. Type COMMAND.
4. Press ENTER.
5. Type CD\ and press ENTER.

Now, with the information you gathered from the previous instructions, you know which Comm port your synthesizer is connected to.

Follow the steps in the previous section for mode and echo for your port to get a response from your synthesizer. For example, if you know from the information in the previous section that your synthesizer is connected to com1, type: MODE COM1 96,n,8,1 echo hello. >> COM1. Of course, if you are using COM2, substitute COM2 for COM1.

If you get a response, you know the port is working in Windows. If it is operational, reinstall Jaws to the appropriate synthesizer and specify the port you now know is the correct Comm port. If not, see troubleshooting ports from within Windows. To close the MS-DOS window:

1. Type EXIT
2. Press ENTER

Check the port in Windows Device Manager

If the port did not respond and the synthesizer did not talk, it is now imperative to check the port in Windows Device Manager.

1. Press CTRL+ESCAPE to open the Start Menu.
2. Press S for Settings
3. Type C for Control Panel.
4. Press the letter S until system is highlighted and press ENTER.
5. Press CTRL+TAB to switch to the Device Manager tab.
6. Press TAB until only the tree view with My Computer at the top is highlighted.
7. Press P for Ports, Comm and LPT and press the RIGHT ARROW.
8. DOWN ARROW until the port you are using is highlighted.
9. Press TAB to the Properties button and press the SPACE BAR. In the static text on the screen, you should see information on your Comm port.

If you are using Jaws for Windows with a software synthesizer, and your hardware synthesizer is not functioning at this time, route Jaws to PC by pressing INSERT+NUMPAD MINUS and using your ARROW keys to read the screen.

If you locate an error, you will probably read something like this: Code 28 device not present or drivers are not properly installed. If this happens:

1. Press ESCAPE
2. Press SHIFT+TAB to return to the tree.
3. Highlight the port and press DELETE.
4. Press ENTER to confirm the removal of the device in Device Manager.
5. TAB to the OK button and press ENTER.
6. Restart your Computer and your port should be enabled. If it is not operational, please consult your hardware technician for assistance.