TAP to ASCII

This interface is a companion module for GetTAP and unlocks the ability to monitor additional serial/RS232 ports or modems, up to as many as you need. Messages received by this API are output to a directory as a text file that is then read in by the GetASCII API. This API requires the GetASCII API to function.

Step 1: Create a directory for the TAP to ASCII receiver

1) In Windows, create a new directory for the TAP to ASCII receiver. This can be any folder accessible to PageGate, whether on the local hard drive or by UNC path to a network resource. However, if PageGate will need to reference a network resource, the services relevant to these processes will need permission to access it. For more information, see the services section of the documentation. We recommend creating a directory called TAP2ASCIIX where X is the number of the interface running as a sub-directory of PageGate's database directory (By default, c:\PageGateData\TAP2ASCII1\).

2) Unzip the TAP to ASCII file you were sent upon purchasing the API in to the folder you created in step 1.

Step 2: Configure the TAP to ASCII receiver's settings

1) The first thing we'll need to do is modify the TAP2ASCII.ini file. Open the file in notepad.

To give you a little more information, the TAP2ASCII.ini file controls the behavior of the TAP to ASCII receiver.

2) Change RunStyle=Application to RunStyle=Service

3) Change SwitchStyle=False to SwitchStyle=True

4) Set DataFolder= to the directory you created in step 1. By default, DataFolder=C:\PageGateData\TAP2ASCII1\

5) Set ComPort= to the serial or modem port that should be monitored.

6) Set ComSettings= to the communication parameters required. Values must be passed as baud rate,parity,databits,stopbits

For example, this string would use 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit:

ComSettings=9600,n,8,1

and this string would use 1200 baud, even parity, 7 data bits and 1 stop bit:

ComSettings=1200,e,7,1

7) Set InitString= to the word 'direct' for RS232/serial connections. Example, InitString=direct

Set InitString= to the appropriate AT command string to initialize your modem in 'answer' mode. For most modems, you can use ATS0=1 to configure the modem to answer after 1 ring. Example, InitString=ATS0=1

8) Save the .ini file and close notepad.

Step 3: Run the TAP to ASCII receiver

1) Open a command prompt with elevated permission.

2) Change directory to the TAP to ASCII receiver's program directory. By default, c:\PageGateData\TAP2ASCII1\

3) Type the following and hit enter:

TAP2ASCII1 /install

4) Exit the command prompt.

5) Open the Services list in Windows.

6) Find and start the TAP 2 ASCII 1 service.

Step 4: Configure the GetASCII API to process the TAP to ASCII receiver's messages

Note: You must configure a basic polling directory before specifying these advanced polling settings.

1) Go to Interfaces - GetASCII - Settings - Advanced Polling - Files.

2) Click Add.

3) Specify the following:

Recipient: *

From: Leave blank or specify a value

File(s): *.t2a

Path: Specify the output path of the TAP to ASCII receiver. By default, c:\PageGateData\TAP2ASCII1\

File Type: Standard

4) Click Apply, then click Apply again.