ACROMAG APPLICATION ENGINEERING PRODUCT NOTE:
SmartPack Configuration Software (MetraVision 3.03) Parallel Port Key Not Found, Demo Mode Only Available



Product: Acromag SmartPack Configuration Software model 50SW-CFS-M03-1.44MB (MetraVision 3.03) 

Problem: Software parallel port key is not found when configuration software is started. When the product can not find a key, it starts in demo mode that only allows two nodes to be installed.

Solution: Change the AUTOEXEC.BAT file on the machine as follows:

1. When using Windows 95 press Start | Programs | MS-DOS Prompt.
2. At the DOS prompt type "edit c:\autoexec.bat" and press enter.
3. Move the cursor to the bottom of the file and add the following line: SET SSI_ACT=50,50,100
4. Select File | Save.
5. Select File | Exit.
6. Type "exit" at the prompt and press enter.
7. Reboot the computer.

Reason: Some computers have weak parallel port transmission lines or have extremely fast access speeds. This prevents the program from reading the port. By adding the above set statement to the autoexec file the program will take more time reading the key identification. These are time settings in mS that set the values as follows: SET SSI_ACT = Power Up, Read, Write. Some suggested values are 20, 20, 30 or 50, 50, 100. The write specification should always be larger than the other two.

Symptoms: Key not found when application is started. Application only works in the Lite or 2 node install mode. This can be observed in the application by selecting Help | About MV…

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