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- IMPORTANT! Once the Comm Adapter II Firmware has been upgraded to version 2.2,
it will not work properly with the service tool with any previous version of Comm
Adapter II software drivers.
- DEFINITIONS
Firmware: the programming installed in the Comm Adapter II device using the
Comm Adapter II Toolkit Flashing process.
Table of Contents:
1.0 Introduction
2.0 What's New
3.0 Comm Adapter II Requirements
4.0 Supported Operating Systems
5.0 Installation Procedure
6.0 Uninstall Procedure
7.0 How to Configure the service tool to use the Comm Adapter II
8.0 How to Update the Comm Adapter II Firmware to 3.1
9.0 Caterpillar Communication Adapter II User's Manual on CD
10.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
11.0 Troubleshooting 142 and 453 Errors
12.0 Troubleshooting 443 Errors
13.0 Technical Support
1.0 Introduction
The Comm Adapter II supports SAE J1708 (ATA), CAT data link, and SAE J1939 data
link protocols. Connection to the personal computer is via the RS-232 serial
communication port or parallel port on the personal computer.
The Comm Adapter II requires software that is installed on the personal computer.
The Comm Adapter II will not function until the software is properly installed on
the PC that will use the Comm Adapter II.
Version 3.1
In order to use the Caterpillar Communication Adapter II, the following PC hardware
and cables are required:
NOTE: The minimum PC configuration should not be used as a standard when buying
new personal computers to use with the Caterpillar Communication Adapter II.
Existing equipment that meets these minimum requirements will run the Communication
Adapter II.
Minimum PC Requirements
Recommended PC Configuration
The following data link cables can be used with the Caterpillar Communication
Adapter II:
NOTE: The 7X1412 ATA or 7X1570 CDL Cable Assembly may also be used. However,
these are no longer available for purchase from Caterpillar.
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows VISTA
- Note: To get the latest Comm Adapter II drivers we recommended selecting the Comm
Adapter II during the latest service tool installation.
- Click the "Start" button in the lower-left hand corner of the screen. From the
pop-up menu, select "Run".
z:\setup.exe
If the CD is in CD-ROM drive other than "z:", substitute the appropriate drive
letter.
- Click "OK".
- Remember to change the Communication Device settings in the service tool before
trying to use the Communication Adapter II. The procedure to do so is outlined in
section 7.0.
1. Go to the "Start" menu, select "Settings", and then select "Control Panel"
2. Double-click on "Add/Remove Programs"
3. Select "Communication Adapter II" from the list of installed programs
4. Click the Add/Remove... button
7.0 How to Configure the service tool to use the Communication Adapter II
To change the service tool settings to the Communication Adapter II, complete the
following steps:
- Start the service tool
- Click the "Stop Connect" button when it appears
- Select the "Utilities" menu
- Choose "Preferences..."
- Select the "Communications" tab
- Change the Communication Interface Device to Caterpillar Comm Adapter II (Dual
Data Link/Serial IP)
- "COM1" should be the selected port. If parallel support is needed, set the
Communication Interface Device to Caterpillar Comm Adapter II (RP1210) and set the
port to LPT1. NOTE: This setting will not support dual data link.
NOTE: Only use the serial port to upgrade the Comm Adapter II, do not use the
Parallel port.
- Make sure the Comm Adapter II is connected to the PC and powered light is on.
- Go to the Start menu. Choose All Programs -> Caterpillar Comm Adapters -> Comm
Adapter Toolkit.
- The Toolkit application will start up and display the Summary screen.
- Choose the Application Firmware Flash icon (middle icon). Click the Select File
button. The Select Firmware Flash File dialog box displays.
- Three files should be listed on the left:
ca2vi2.apf � application firmware
cav3i0.0 apf � application firmware
ca2v3i1.0.apf � SIP application firmware
- Highlight the ca2v3i1.0.apf file and click the OK button.
- Click the Begin Flash button to start the download.
- A dialog box showing the download progress will appear. The download should take
less than 1 minute.
- The protocol lights on the front of the Comm Adapter II will all flash while
flashing the firmware.
- When the download is complete, a dialog box will appear allowing a return to the
Summary screen, a return to the Flash screen, or an Exit from the service tool.
- Click the Exit button.
For further details on the Toolkit application and the Application Firmware Flash
process, please refer to the Communication Adapter II User's Manual.
This section includes answers to questions most often asked when getting started
with the Communication Adapter II.
Try lowering the baud rate setting for the Comm Adapter II. To lower the baud rate
setting, go to the "Utilities" menu in the service tool and then choose the
"Preferences..." menu item. Click on the "Advanced..." button. Select a lower
baud rate from the selections listed on the screen, and then click the "OK" button.
Now connect to the ECM using the new setting.
If problems persist, please contact the Help Desk. See the Technical Support
section below.
10.2 What is the "Comm Adapter II Toolkit" application for?
Currently, the Toolkit allows the Comm Adapter II to retrieve information about the
version of hardware and firmware inside. The Toolkit also allows the firmware
inside to be updated by flashing over the serial communication port from a PC.
10.3 The Comm Adapter II is RP1210A compliant. What does this mean?
10.4 Can I use the Comm Adapter II with my existing data link cables?
The Comm Adapter II will work with the following Caterpillar data link cables:
When the Comm Adapter II is powered, it performs a self-test to ensure the hardware
and firmware is in good operating condition. The lights on the front of the Comm
Adapter II will flash in sequence, starting with the Power light and ending with
the J1939/DeviceNet light, and finally the Power light will remain on. This
indicates that the Comm Adapter II has passed the self-test and is ready to use.
Any errors encountered while using the service tool or other applications will be
reported within the application. In the case of the service tool, if an error is
encountered, a message box will appear on the PC with the error number and a brief
description of the error.
When a given data link is active, the light on the front of the Comm Adapter II
will flash. The rate of the flash gives a rough idea of the level of activity on
the data link.
10.7 Are there any fuses inside the Comm Adapter II?
No. There are no user serviceable parts inside the Comm Adapter II. Do not open
it.
10.8 Is calibration required?
No. Just like the 7X1701 Communication Adapter, the Comm Adapter II gets its power
through the data link cable.
The following is what to expect when running different combinations of Comm Adapter
II software, firmware, and operating systems.
NOTE: The below information is what we have found in our current testing of the
version 1.9 or greater software. We do not guarantee these results.
For assistance, please contact the Help Desk as listed below. When calling, be
prepared to:
Note: When calling outside of these hours, leave a voice message and a Help Desk
member will respond the next business day.