X1541TST.ZIP            X1541 Test, version 0.10                  1999-01-12

(C) Copyright 1999 Wolfgang Moser, published under the GNU public license


1. Introduction

This is X1541TST, a program written for testing the LPT ports of IBM
compatible PCs regarding their compatibility with the X1541 cable. It needs
the assistance of a simple loopback plug that has to be connected to the LPT
port of interest.

This document is not intended as a tutorial about the technical background
of the different transfer cables and the different types of LPT ports,
please read the file SC.TXT that comes with the Star Commander if you're
interested in these topics.

2. Hardware

...
<SNIPPED>
...

The paper clip method

First, be warned that this method is not advised by us and that you do this
on your own risk. We will not be responsible for any damage that might
happen to your equipment. But, of course, this method was tested and never
caused any damage to our equipment.

Now take a paper clip from your desk and bend it open until it looks like a
tall, narrow U shaped piece of wire. The two ends will be plugged into pins
1 and 14 of the LPT port. If you look at the port in a way as shown in the
diagram above, these will be the rightmost holes of both the upper and lower
row of holes. When the program asks you to insert the loopback plug, insert
the paperclip into the holes described above. That's it, nothing more is
needed to make the program work. Don't forget to remove the paper clip when
you're done with testing.

LPT port pins                  paper clip (bent open)

      1                            -------------\
                                                 |
      14                           -------------/