Hardware Support > IWS-1000/2000/3000

Hardware Support: Series 1000, 2000, and 3000 Terminals and Workstations

The documentation, software, and support information on this page applies only to the Series 1000, 2000, and 3000 Terminals and Workstations (IWS-1000/2000/3000). To find another product, please return to Hardware Support.


Downloads

Documentation
Datasheet: Series 1000, 2000, and 3000 Terminals and Workstations 0.5 MBPDF icon
User Manual: Terminal Operations, Firmware Rev 2.5 and earlier (DOC-IWS-01) 1.0 MBPDF icon
User Manual: OptiScreen for IWS-1000/3000 Series, Rev 2.3 Addendum (DOC-IWS-48) 0.1 MBPDF icon
User Manual: OptiBASIC for IWS-2000 Series, Rev 2.3 Addendum (DOC-IWS-49) 0.4 MBPDF icon
User Manual: Rev 2.5 Supplement for IWS-3005 only (DOC-IWS-312) 2.9 MBPDF icon
User Manual: Terminal Operations, Firmware Rev 3.1 thru 4.1 (DOC-IWS-115B) 2.2 MBPDF icon
User Manual: OptiBASIC for IWS-2000 Series, Rev 3.1 Addendum (DOC-IWS-153D) 0.6 MBPDF icon
User Manual: IWS-1103/1603, Firmware Rev 4.2 (DOC-IWS-272) 3.7 MBPDF icon
User Manual: IWS-1123/1623, Firmware Rev 4.2 (DOC-IWS-175E) 2.7 MBPDF icon
User Manual: IWS-2123/2623, Firmware Rev 4.2 (DOC-IWS-157E) 4.2 MBPDF icon
User Manual: IWS-2834, Firmware Rev 4.2 (DOC-IWS-316) 2.8 MBPDF icon
User Manual: IWS-3015/3025, Firmware Rev 4.2 (DOC-IWS-146E) 4.8 MBPDF icon
Illustration: IWS-1103, 1133, 1603, 1633, 1123, 1623 Terminal Workstation 0.8 MBZIP icon
Illustration: IWS-1834, 2834 Industrial Terminal 1.0 MBZIP icon
Illustration: IWS-2123, 2623 Computer Workstation 0.8 MBZIP icon
Illustration: IWS-3015, 3025 Industrial Computer Workstation 0.1 MBZIP icon
 
Drivers & Utilities
Upload/Download: IWSLink Utilities, for Firmware 2.5 and earlier 0.2 MBZIP icon
Upload/Download: OptiTalk 1.21, for Firmware Rev 3.1 thru 4.0 0.1 MBZIP icon
Upload/Download: OptiTalk 1.32, for Firmware Rev 4.1 thru 4.2 0.1 MBZIP icon
ReadMe: OptiTalk Instructions 0.1 MBDOC icon
ReadMe: Converting Program Files from Rev 2.3 to 4.2, for IWS-1000/3000 Series 0.1 MBDOC icon
ReadMe: Converting Program Files from Rev 2.3 to 4.2, for IWS-2000 Series 0.1 MBDOC icon
Utility: Converting Binary Files from Rev 3.1/4.0 to 4.2 0.1 MBZIP icon
Utility: OptiTalk for Windows (Dassist) 0.4 MBZIP icon
Utility: Non-BASIC version of IWSLink 0.1 MBZIP icon

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which utility software is used to upload / download programs with my Workstation?
  2. How do I replace the battery in my Workstation?
  3. Why am I having problems downloading to my Workstation?
  4. I have replaced my older Nematron Workstation with a newer version. Will my old programs work in my newer unit without modification?
  5. Why won’t my new Workstation communicate? My old one did.
  6. I have forgotten my password. How can I retrieve it?
  7. Can I print from my Workstation?
  8. Can an IWS-1000 Series be substituted for an IWS-2000 Series Workstation?
  9. What type of external keyboard can I use with my Workstation?
  10. How do I stop the program that is running on my Workstation?
  11. How can I find out the available memory in my Workstation?
  12. Why do I get an "insufficient space" message when I try to reload a program that used to fit?
  13. My screen is blank. What is wrong?
  14. My CRT is "dead", or severely phosphor-burned. Can I replace it?
  15. Can I get a new power supply for my Nematron?

Which utility software is used to upload / download programs with my Workstation?

It depends on the firmware revision of your Workstation.

For firmware rev 2.5 and earlier, download the IWSLink Utilities. This package contains IWSLINK, IWSBAS, IWSFILE, IWSEDIT, and associated documentation describing their use. The utilities all require a PC with BASIC software. The versions in the iwsrel.2.xx directory all run on GWBASIC (which was included in MSDOS up to version 4.2) or BASICA. The versions in the QB_IWS directory run in QBASIC, which was included in MSDOS 5.0, Windows 3.1, and Windows 95.

IWSLink provides three ways to upload / download program files:

  1. Binary
    IWSLink (NewLink) makes a binary format backup of all files on the IWS to a single .IWS file on the PC. On the 1000-2000 models the utility requires the use of the auxiliary port, which has a non-standard cable pin-out. The 3005 has just one (primary) serial port. For more information, refer to Chapter 7 of DOC-IWS-01 (for IWS-1000/2000 Series) or Chapter 6 of DOC-IWS-312 (for IWS-3005 only).
  2. ASCII
    IWSBAS and IWSFILE make ASCII format backups of an OptiBASIC program (IWS-2000 only) and OptiScreen files, respectively. The IWSBAS utility will assign a .OPT extension on the PC. This utility runs from the BASIC menu and backs up one bank at a time, however most customers are using only one bank for their OptiBASIC program. The IWSFILE utility assigns .FIL extensions on the PC. This utility uses the OptiScreen editor menu and backs up one screen file at a time. The backups should be named after the Bank number or the file number that is used in the workstation. This utility requires the use of the primary port.
  3. ASCII online
    IWSEDIT runs from Online mode and makes .SCR extensions on the PC. Also, this utility can only back up one file at a time. Be careful not to confuse these backup extensions with the OptiTalk OptiScreen backups. The primary port is used here. IWSEDIT also allows online editing, appending and the creation of new screen files from the PC.

For firmware rev 3.1 through 4.0, download OptiTalk 1.21. For firmware rev 4.1 and 4.2, download OptiTalk 1.32. These are DOS executable files, which must be run in straight MSDOS, or Windows 95 restarted in DOS mode. They will run and download in a Windows 98 DOS window, but will not download consistently in a Windows 95 DOS window. For more information, you can download the OptiTalk readme.

OptiTalk allows the user to send/receive all files in a Binary format and all ASCII files in an ASCII format. Either serial port may be used and files may be sent singly or in a group. The extension for the OptiBASIC program ASCII is .BAS, and for ASCII OptiSCREEN files it is .SCR.

There is also a Windows 95™ version of OptiTalk called Dassist. This program is in Beta and never officially released. However there are customers using this software with success.

How do I replace the battery in my Workstation?

Order part number 740A0001. Disconnect the power from the Workstation. If you feel that your battery is drained and your program will be lost if you turn it off, remember that there are potentially fatal voltage levels inside the unit, and proceed with extreme caution. In most cases, on the rear of the Workstation, there is a small cover, 1-1/2" x 3", with two screws holding it in place. It may be a memory cartridge adaptor instead of a simple cover. Remove this cover/adaptor without disconnecting the battery that is mounted on the inside of it. If there is no small cover/adaptor, release (4) knurled screws on the rear and pull out the electronics drawer. If there are no knurled screws on the rear, you must remove the left side panel (viewed from the rear). Connect the new battery to the pins next to the old battery's connector, then disconnect and remove the old one. Mount the new battery in the two holding clips, and re-install the cover. Done with care, the programming can be preserved.

Why am I having problems downloading to my Workstation?

There are several factors involved, any of which could contribute:

The most common problem is the cable. It must be a standard null modem cable with the shield grounded at one end only, usually the Workstation end. Nematron part #CBL-C1 is a 25pin-to-25pin cable packaged with a 25-to-9pin converter. CBL-C2 is a 25pin to 9pin cable, which is more convenient in some cases. Contact the Customer Care department (customercare@nematron.com) for pricing and availability information.

If you are trying to use the same cable on a newer Nematron as you used successfully on an older model, and are having trouble, ensure that pins 5 and 20 on the Nematron end are jumpered. This jumper was not required on the older models (IWS-xx0x and -xx1x), but newer ones (IWS-xx2x and -xx3x) will not communicate without it.

Ensure that you are using the correct utility program and operating system for your firmware version (see above), and that you are specifying the correct file type. For instance, in OptiTalk, use ASCII for .BAS and .SCR files, and Binary for all other files.

If you receive an "Insufficient memory space" error, document your configuration, and then pull the battery with power off for a few minutes. This will clear out RAM space. Re-connect the battery, power on, re-enter your configuration setup and try again.

If all else fails, try performing the built-in communications port test, described in the User's Guide. You will need to make a jumper plug to perform this test.

I have replaced my older Nematron Workstation with a newer version. Will my old programs work in my newer unit without modification?

There is a conversion procedure for upgrading from Logic II based Terminals to Logic III models. The conversion may also be extended to use with OptiBASIC workstations although this is not recommended. Reference the documents "1000_3000upgrade.doc" and "OptiBASIC Upgrade.doc", available at Nematron's FTP site ftp.nematron.com, in the "Mid" directory. The OptiSCREEN file conversion utility is a DOS program that extracts the ASCII screen files from a binary backup of an IWS-3005(T) or an IWS-1X1X with 2.4 or 2.3 firmware. This conversion utility is very handy for Terminal units with more than 20-30 screens. The IWSFILE utility can only backup one screen at a time. IWSLINK is a single file binary transfer. The OptiSCREEN file conversion can extract all the screens from the binary backup and convert to .SCR files. OptiTalk may then be used to download all screens to an IWS-3015(T) or IWS-1X2X. This conversion utility program is available for a nominal charge as Nematron part #COS-UPG-CONV.

Why won’t my new Workstation communicate? My old one did.

If you are trying to use the same cable on a newer Nematron as you used successfully on an older model, and are having trouble, ensure that pins 5 and 20 on the Nematron end are jumpered. This jumper was not required on the older models (IWS-xx0x and -xx1x), but newer ones (IWS-xx2x and -xx3x), will not communicate without it.

I have forgotten my password. How can I retrieve it?

Password security in the Tools menu was introduced with 4.1 firmware. If the word you remember does not work, and the default password, "USER_PWD", does not work, contact Hardware Tech Support for further assistance.

Can I print from my Workstation?

With IWS-2xxx and IWS-3025, the PRINT command in OptiBASIC allows you to print to any port. All IWS-1xxx, -2xxx, and 3xxx models with firmware revision 3.1 and higher allow for printing in (3) ways: the "Print Scrn" key on an external keyboard can be enabled/disabled or emulated on an internal keypad; an escape sequence can be sent to the workstation; and the PRINT SCREEN statement in OptiSCREEN can be utilized. All of these standard models have serial ports only (the IWS-1xxx/2xxx series have the additional serial/parallel port option to add parallel port capabilities). The parallel port on the IWS-3xxx is a TTL I/O port, not a printer port. Refer to the User's Guide for your particular model for details.

Can an IWS-1000 Series be substituted for an IWS-2000 Series Workstation?

Yes, in some cases. If the Logic series' are the same (the third numeral in the part number), it can be done with the addition of the correct firmware chips, and modified jumper settings. Contact Hardware Technical Support for details on your particular model(s). A 2000-series can always substitute for a 1000-series, if the Logic level and firmware level are the same or similar.

What type of external keyboard can I use with my Workstation?

It depends on the model of Workstation:

The 1x1x and 2x1x (i.e. IWS-1513, -2011, etc.) and IWS-3005 can only use an XT- (sometimes called a PC-) style keyboard. The keyboard must be plugged in before the power is applied. Some modern keyboards have one or two switches on the bottom to select mode. If it is a single switch, it selects between XT (PC) and AT modes. If there are two switches, both in the "on" position selects XT, and both "off" selects AT mode.

The 1x2x and 2x2x (i.e. IWS-2023, -1523) series have a DIP switch bank on the bottom or side of the workstation. DIP switch 4 in the "off" position selects for an AT keyboard, and the "on" position selects an XT style. Either keyboard may be plugged in or unplugged while the power remains on.

The 1x3x and 2x3x (i.e. IWS-2834), IWS-3015 and IWS-3025 series have a DIP switch bank on the bottom (or side, IWS-1133) of the workstation. DIP switch 4 in the "off" position selects for an AT keyboard, and the "on" position selects an XT style. The XT keyboard must be plugged in before energizing, but the AT keyboard may be plugged in and unplugged while power remains on.

Note: With 4.2-4.0 and newer firmware, pressing the "Enter" keypad during the start-up self-test will cause the Workstation to ignore its normal operating condition and display the Main Menu.

How do I stop the program that is running on my Workstation?

Attach an external keyboard to the "Serial Keyboard" connector on the back of the Workstation (see above). For a 1000-series, or an IWS-3005 or -3015, press "Ctrl" and "1" to stop a screen display and enter menu mode. With a 2000-series or an IWS-3025, press "Ctrl" and "C" to stop a BASIC program, and then "Ctrl" and "1" to enter the menu structure. Note: The "1" key above the "Q" must be used. The numeric keypad "1" will not work for this purpose.

How can I find out the available memory in my Workstation?

With most versions of firmware, typing the "Esc" key, then the following sequence (without the quotation marks): "[>dw" in Local mode will result in a number of screens, one of which will tell the remaining available memory space (not used by files). Pressing the "Enter" key will cycle through the information screens. The number of screens displayed, and the content of the screens, will vary with the firmware level. After all of the screens are shown, the Nematron will return to Local mode. Also, if you have a 2000-series or an IWS-3025, refer to the FREE command in the BASIC Programming manual.

Why do I get an "insufficient space" message when I try to reload a program that used to fit?

Probably one or more corrupt files are wasting space, and the upload process is being prevented from overwriting them. To recover, make sure you have a good backup, document your configuration, and clear RAM entirely by powering down, removing the battery, and shorting together the pins to which the battery connects for a few seconds. Then reassemble, reconfigure, and reload. If you are using an external memory cartridge and experiencing this problem, the battery in the cartridge can be removed for a few seconds to clear it. In some models the memory must first be initialized before loading. This may be accomplished by using the escape sequence {ESC} [ > 255 u (may need to change banks and reissue the command) or use Ctrl-C to initialize screens from the OptiSCREEN editor.

My screen is blank. What is wrong?

There are several things that could be causing this. If your unit is configured for no cursor or time and date display, the communications may have been interrupted. Check the cable connections, and the state of the other device, to which the Nematron is connected. If it appears to be operating normally, the Nematron's fuse, power supply, logic board, or CRT could be bad, or not connected. Check to see if the brightness control is turned all the way down. Then, check the fuse. If power, communications, and brightness setting are good, check that all internal connections are tight. Remember that potentially fatal voltages exist in this unit. Then, check for filament glow at the rear of the CRT. If there is no glow, check the power supply voltages.

There may be more than one of each voltage wire present, but the color code will be followed. All voltages are referenced to the black, common wire(s). The red wire(s) should be +5VDC, plus or minus 0.02V. The blue wire(s) should be +12VDC, plus or minus 2.0V. The white wire(s) should be -12VDC, plus or minus 2.0V. In extremely old units, the white wire may be substituted by an orange or yellow wire. If the reading is low on any of these voltages, try reading them while disconnected from the rest of the unit. You must connect a resistor between the red and black (+5VDC and common) wires to allow the supply to regulate. This resistor must be between 5 and 10 ohms, and at least a 5 watt power rating. If the voltage stays low, the power supply must be replaced. If the voltage changes significantly, then there is a short circuit elsewhere in the unit. If your model is an IWS-3005 or 3005T, there are no color coded power supply wires. Contact Hardware Support for details.

If the power supply and connections are good, but there is no glow in the filament, the CRT and its controller board must be replaced. (Keep in mind that in the color units, the CRT controller board is powered by 120VAC, not the power supply). If there is a filament glow, but no picture, it may be either a main logic board problem, or a CRT controller board problem. Beyond this point, troubleshooting must be performed by a qualified television or computer service technician.

My CRT is "dead", or severely phosphor-burned. Can I replace it?

Yes, with reservations. We have replacement CRT's for most of the 1000-, 2000- and 3000-series Nematrons, but some are not field-serviceable. Over the years, various CRT's have come into and gone out of availability, and connections and sizes have varied. You should write down the model number and serial number of your Nematron, and, if possible, the brand name of your old CRT. Then contact Hardware Technical Support for advice on this project. Nematron does not offer a warranty for CRT's sold as replacement parts. Units repaired and tested in our service department are covered by a ninety (90) day warranty. We buy the replacement CRT's and their accompanying controller boards from the manufacturers as complete units. Therefore, we can not sell individual components such as coils, flyback transformers, etc. Also, due to the non-disclosure agreements we have signed with these manufacturers, we can not sell or otherwise distribute the schematic diagrams for them.

Can I get a new power supply for my Nematron?

It depends on the model number and date of manufacturer. If it is a model IWS-3005 or 3005T, the power supply is built into the logic board. There are no replacements for this logic board. However, it can sometimes be repaired at our facility. Contact (734) 214-2055 or san.repair@nematron.com for details. If it is not an IWS-3005 or 3005T, the replacement power supply is Nematron #750A0035C. If your existing power supply has a seven-position connector with no wire in position 4 (middle), then you will also need a new cable assembly and mounting plate adaptor. Contact Hardware Technical Support for details. Due to the technology involved, and uncertainties in user expertise, Nematron recommends sending malfunctioning units to the authorized service center, and does not offer the standard 90-day repair warranty to parts sold for repair by others.