COMTEST (32-bit) (HCF_TOOL-025, FCG TP20025) version 1.0 and 2.1 runs in MS DOS and must be launched from within DOS.  COMTEST operates properly on DOS or the DOS mode of Windows 95/98.  COMTEST does not provide correct timing information in NT/2000.  Modern Windows PCs can boot to a USB drive that is formatted as a FreeDOS OS. 

A Bootable USB drive can be created by the user by referring to Build a bootable USB stick for COMTEST.


NOTE: The HART Test System (KIT-192, FCG TK20192) v3.2+ includes COMTEST locally installed on the system, this is the preferred method of operating COMTEST.


Accessing COMTEST on USB Boot for a Windows PC

PC must have an available COM port (RS232)!


1. Insert the USB drive into a PC. Start power.


2. Click “DELETE” or "ESC" key (or the appropriate key sequence for your PC) immediately when the system turns on to access the BIOS settings.


3. Change the boot sequence to put the USB Drive as the 1st priority. If multiple USB options are present, choose USB HDD.


For example: “Boot” -> “Boot Device Priority” -> 1st Boot Device -> Choose the USB drive.


4. Click “F10” (or appropriate key sequence) to save and exit.


5. The system will reboot and will boot from your USB drive.

 


Accessing COMTEST on a HART TEST SYSTEM

In a terminal type "comtest" (w/o the quotes).



Operating the COMTEST Application

COMTEST requires three user inputs to run:

  • A Command number (Command 3 or Command 9 are typically used.)
  • The number of messages (The number of repeated messages must be from 1 to 9999 messages.)
  • The number of retries (The number of retries must be between 1 – 5.  Selecting zero retries will cause the test to abort.)