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Q: How do I connect my PD-1000/1100 MiniNotebook PC with a Desktop PC using Windows Direct Cable Connection?

A: Direct Cable Connection (DCC) is a Windows utility that makes file sharing easy. You need to have a special cable to connect the computers together by their parallel or serial ports. It is highly recommended to use parallel port mode as it will transfer data much faster that serial mode.

There are 3 important points to note:

  • 1. The DCC utility must be installed on both computers. These computers are setup as "Host" and "Guest".
  • 2. The configuration is the same for both except on the Host computer you will need to make files shareable.
  • 3. It is easier to configure the Host computer first. The Host computer is normally the desktop pc, but this will depend on your personal preference and how you will use the computers.
Step 1: Start the Program
First you must open the Direct Cable Connection Utility located in: Start, Programs, Accessories, Communications.


If this utility in not on your menu, it may not have been installed yet. If you need to install this program, please reference the Installation step following this tutorial.
Step 2: Select the Mode
On the first menu within the Direct Cable Connection (DCC), you will be prompted to chose between Host or Guest computer. Host is usually the computer you want to transfer data to. (the desktop pc). If you configure as Host, you will be prompted to select "File Sharing" (see Step 4). Click Next to continue.




Step 3: Select the Port
You will now be prompted to choose the port. Choose the default, Parallel cable on LPT1.



Connect the cable to the parallel port on the back of the PD-1100. Note, you must plug the port module or docking station to the PD-1100 to have a parallel port available.



Connect the other end of the cable to the 25 pin (female) parallel port on the back of your Desktop PC. Click Next.


Click Finish at the last prompt. Windows will now configure the connection automatically.


You may see a password verification prompt, depending on how your system has been configured. DCC may also ask you for the Host computer name, this can be found if you go to "Start, Settings, Control Panel then click on the "Network" icon.


Then click on the "Indentification" tab on the top. Here you can find or change the computer name.


Once connect is established you should be able to see all of the files that are available to you on the Host computer.

Step 4: Making Files Shareable
(For Host Mode only). To make files shareable, either select the "File Sharing" button on the first prompt of Host configuration (not shown)or go to Start, Settings, Control Panel then click on the "Network" icon. The following window will appear.




If you change your options in the menu above, the system will ask you to re-boot (re-start) your computer for the new changes to take effect. Reboot.

After setting your networking options to be shareable, you will need to select which drives, directories and/or files you want to make shareable. To do this, go into the Window Exploring (file manager) and either right click on the C:\ drive icon or click on "File, Properties" from the drop down a menu, then choose the "Sharing" tab .


Within the Sharing Menu, choose Full, then click Apply at the bottom of the Windows. In a couple of seconds, you will notice the icon change to now include a small hand underneath the drive. This indicates that the drive is now shareable and you have read/write access to all files on the C:\ drive of the Host. (If you want access to some other drive, just make the appropriate change).

Installation
If this utility in not on your menu, it may not have been installed yet. To install the DCC program, go to: Start, Settings, Control Panel then click on the "Add/Remove Programs" icon.

Once the Add/Remove Programs Properties menu opens, click on the "Windows Setup" tab on the top of the menu. You should see the following menu. Next click on the "Communications" box, then click on Details.

Within the Details menu, click on the "Direct Cable Connection Icon" then click "OK". Windows will then install the application. There is a Win98 directory on the main hard disk (C:\ drive) of your computer. If this directory has been deleted, it will look for the new files from a CD-ROM.




Parallel Pin Out
When the PD-1000/1100 is in the port module or docking station, you can use a modified LapLink 5 type cable. The modification is on pins 24 and 25. You have to connect them to Pin 23 on both ends. This is due to our design feature for autodetecting a floppy/parallel port. The Pin out is as follows:

Male DB-25 > Male DB-25
1 to 1
2 to 15
3 to 13
4 to 12
5 to 10
6 to 11
7 Both Not used
8 Both Not used
9 Both Not used
10 to 5
11 to 6
12 to 4
13 to 3
14 to 14
15 to 2
16 to 16
17 to 17
18 to 18
19 to 19
20 to 20
21 to 21
22 to 22
23 to 23
24 to 23
25 to 23



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