Fraser - here in 2020 this is coming to you over two years later but hopefully this will help you and others. When searching for information on Datatran AutoFox on the web, this EEVblog post comes up as one of the first ones. Additionally, you still see these units available on eBay, so it is likely that others will head over here for some info.
I worked from 1987 to 1997 for a minicomputer VAR and was in charge of the field service department; our customers had many different types of serial and parallel printers as well as serial input terminals (think VT-100/220 compatible). Many of the printers were high-speed line printers that had extended line length capability up to 200 characters. We needed some test gear to exercise them and fairly early on when the AF-110 became available on the market I purchased one for the shop. I don't remember exactly what the difference was between the AF-110 and your AF-120 but it was fairly minor; probably more buffer RAM inside; it might also have been that the 120 was packed with a few more accessories. Both units have the same basic functionality. Perhaps you or someone else can post the menu structure or differences that exist from their AF-120 and menu structure I have documented below for the AF-110 here.
I liked the unit a lot and used it a ton; I had configured my own special barber pole test that used a 200 character line length into the buffer to fully test our line printers. Note that I purchased ours fairly on when they first were introduced; the later versions had more capabilities than the early versions which I don't believe included barber pole in that mode. I never got one of my own at the time and always wanted one, but I just recently acquired one on eBay. Alas, that did not come with a manual either and 25 years later the memory fades, but no worries; one nice thing about the AutoFox product was its extensive help menu. The interface is really very intuitive and even if you don't have a reference sheet, it is very easy to figure out.
I've included here a write-up that I did for my own unit which has a date code of 1995 (and spiffed it up some for this blog), so it is for a later version than the one I had at my shop. Datatran added new features to the product over time; if you have an earlier version yours may vary slightly from the menu descriptions below, and some of the display text prompts may be different.
Datatran AF-110 AutoFox Serial/Parallel Data Generator / Tester / Analyzer
This is a very comprehensive and nicely engineered compact hand-held test instrument that came out on the market in the 1990's.
It was designed to generate, store, or analyze data streams to or from Serial RS-232 or Parallel (Centronics standard)
interfaces. It has the capability of generating bit/data patterns pre-stored in the device (Quick Brown Fox or barber pole), or
your own custom configuration. The Serial and Parallel interfaces are completely configurable where appropriate for the data byte
size, data pattern, ASCII or Hex/Octal character set, speed, flow control, line size, line termination characters, device sense
signals, and block line or file mode with end of file character configurable. Data can be sent in single-step, continuous mode,
or continuous-till-error-detected mode. Serial data speed can be sent in preset or in "autobaud" mode; Parallel data can be sent a
line at a time or continuously.
The unit has a DC barrel jack connector on the top left for attachment to an AC adapter, and a slide-type power switch on the top
right. The LCD display consists of two lines of 16 segments each. A 9-pin Serial connector is on the left side, and a 25-pin
female connector for Parallel devices is on the right side. Note that a special converter must be used on this connector to allow
it to be attached to industry-standard Centronics interfaces; the choice of a 25-pin connector being used here was to make the
unit as compact as possible. A four-button user interface panel is on the bottom; Exit/Stop, Enter/Start, and two Change Scroll
buttons, allowing left or right scrolling.
One of the main features that makes this unit so powerful is its storage and programming capability. It contains a buffer memory
space which is user configurable; this space can be held as one Main space, or split into multiple sub-buffers each with their own
user-defined alpha-character name for identification; this allows the user to load their own customized test patterns into the unit
if the built-in Fox or Barber pole test patterns are not sufficient, or to capture external data in one or more independent memory
spaces. Data patterns within the built-in ROM memory or the user buffers can then be sent out the serial or parallel ports to test
devices. The unit can also receive data from the serial port; this can be stored and then subsequently sent out the unit for
downloading to another device or for testing. Thus this unit can be used as a data capture device in the field for small amounts of
serial data (within the limits of the total buffer space and/or the specific sub-buffer you may be interacting with) or for customized
bit pattern tests. Available buffer memory varies depending on how the device is configured but in general there is slightly over
20,000 bytes of space available for data storage or customized test patterns.
The BERT function (Bit Error Rate Test) function allows you to analyze a Serial device connected to it to determine whether it is
functioning properly. Receive bit and block errors, sync loss, and frame errors can all be detected and summarized.
Note that in the following description I refer to 9-pin serial connectors using their proper designation, i.e. DE-9S for a 9-pin
socket, or DE-9P for a 9-pin plug, rather than the common misconception where they are referred to as the DB-9 series. This
has always been a major gripe of mine; nobody seems to use the proper designation. This is so confusing that even Datatran
themselves refer incorrectly on the back of their own adapters to the 9-pin series as DB rather than properly calling them DE!
To explain this further, several industry-standard D-style connectors exist with differing widths to accommodate the number of
connector pins; these widths are differentiated with an alpha character following the D depending on the particular connector
being used. The DB designation is for 25 pin D-style connectors while the DE designation is for the narrower 9-pin connectors.
A built-in comprehensive help menu paired with a very intuitive user interface means that even without a manual you can use this
device to its full original potential even decades later without too much of a learning curve. Unfortunately, Datatran went out of
business decades ago; however this instrument is still very viable today for maintenance and support of legacy serial and parallel
devices including but not limited to serial and parallel printers, serial display terminals, serial data loggers etc. They pop up
on eBay every so often; prices vary from around $50 to $300 or more. To the best of my knowledge the unit was originally sold
with the following accessories:
1 vinyl two-pouch case with attached carrying strap
The user / operations manual
1 long (approximately 6') 25-pin ribbon cable with DB-25P plugs on each end
1 short (approximately 1') ribbon cable with a DE-9S female socket on each end
1 special adapter with a DB-25S female to male Centronics Parallel
1 Datatran AutoFox Serial Adapter with TX and RX LEDs, a DB-25P to DE-9S on "Printer" end, and a DB-25S to DE-9S
on the "PC/AT" end. On the rear side, the pinouts are shown for the AutoFox DE-9S socket, the IBM PC AT DE-9S
socket, the IBM PC/XT DB-25S socket, and the printer DB-25P plug.
1 "wall wart" AC power supply to convert 120VAC (US power) to 7.5 VDC, rated at 100 M
Most of the accessories can be replaced if they are missing; clearly if an item for sale has most/all of the above accessories
then the price can go higher. One might think that the most critical item is the user/operations manual. That's the one
original accessory that cannot easily be replaced (as of this date there does not appear to be one available anywhere on the
web - perhaps someone with an original can help out!); but because the built-in help functions mean that even without it you
can figure out how to use it, you really don't need the manual. Probably the most critical item is the adapter needed to connect
to Parallel devices. This along with all other accessories can be replaced by your own substitute items, but due to the specialized
nature of the conversion between the 25-pin DB style Parallel output connector to the 36-pin Centronics industry standard Parallel
connector the internal wiring is not obvious (I will provide a pin conversion chart soon). If you are in Europe, you should be
able to find an appropriate wall wart style to match your wall plug configuration and modify its output cord to fit the proper
barrel jack connector on the other end to attach to the tester. I don't know if Datatrtan ever came out with a 230 volt version;
it would certainly have provided them with a much broader market if they had.
You will probably find that a few additional accessories will need to be added to the basic kit. These include FF 9 and 25 pin
gender changers and possibly a longer 9-pin cable with appropriate ends to meet your needs. Additionally, the Datatran
DataTracker full RS-232 breakout box is often paired with the AutoFox to provide much more functionality. The DataTracker breaks
out all 25 pins on both sides of the connection, with separate LEDs for each pin indicating high/low signal status and a breakout
pin for each signal, along with isolation DIP switches for each pin. This unit normally came with some attachment cables and
some spring-loaded clip patch cables to allow a quick custom field configuration.
There are 4 internal Ni-CD cells soldered to the PC board; since the device is now several decades old it is possible that these
may need to be replaced, and some corrosion or leakage may need to be removed / cleaned up. Internal batteries mean that the unit
is completely portable. The AC adapter will be mainly needed to recharge the batteries or when testing a device over several
hours or days.
At power-on, the unit displays:
Datatran
AutoFox AF-110
Press any key to access "Configure" section. Press "< (Change Scroll)" key to access "Tool Kit" section.
If any one of the buttons are depressed while turning on the power, the unit goes into "Configure" section on button release.
If "Exit" and "Enter" are both pressed and then power is turned on and then they are immediately released, the display shows the
"Configure" section.
If "Exit" and "Enter" are both pressed down while power is turned on and they are held down OR if both are depressed at once
from the main menu, the display shows:
"Button Help"
"General"
If "Exit" and ">" are both pressed and then power is turned on, the display shows:
System Clear
Settings? No
("<" or ">" select Yes or No, press Enter to take desired action)
It then displays:
System Clear
Buffers? No
("<" or ">" select Yes or No, press Enter to take desired action)
The display then shows the normal power-on message.
If "Exit" and "<" are both pressed down while power is turned on (can be held on or not) the display shows the Serial number,
Revision number and manufacturing date. Example:
SN: 110872 1A-1B
KJ 01-18-1995
All other button press combinations not defined above when powered on will cause the unit to display the power-on message.
"Button Help" menu:
General (below refers to the 4 keys; X = Exit/Stop, N = Enter / Start, U = upper >, D = lower <)
X Exit Cur Level
N Enter/Accept
U Change Opt/Val
D Change Opt/Val
Transfer Data
N Resume Output
N Pause Display
U Turn Flow On
D Turn Flow Off
Edit Data
N Change View
U Scroll Right
D Scroll Left
NU Search Right
ND Search Left
XU Change Char
XD Change Char
XNU Insert Space
XND Delete Char
Change/Create
NU Inc by 100
ND Dec by 100
View Start/Stop
N Change View
U Scroll Right
D Scroll Left
NU Search Right
ND Search Left
XU Goto Stop
XD Goto Start
XNU Set Stop
XND Set Start
Power On
XU Sytem Clear
XD Display Info (SN#, Version #, Checked by technician initials, Manufacturing Date)
UD Make Test Buf
Keep in mind that for the following menu patterns, the exact options and configuration settings may be different on your unit
depending on the firmware version. I have tried to accurately capture the configuration setting options from my own unit;
yours may vary. Any formatting or indenting issues (especially tabulation) here are facets of the web interface and are
beyond my control, but I can send my original document via email to anyone who wants it if this gets totally hashed. I am
using three dots in a row (...) below to indicate identical behavior for additional buffers if they exist. Finally, any spelling
errors or other issues are entirely my own and not those of the manufacturer. This is what I have on my unit:
Configure Menu
Serial Port (press Enter to cycle through below options, < / > to change sub options)
Baud Rate
50 / 75 / 110 / 150 / 300 / 600 / 1200 / 2400 / 4800 / 9600 / 19.2K / 38.4K
Parity
None / Even / Odd
Data Bits
7 / 8
Stop Bits
1 / 2
Flow
None / All / DTR/DSR / CTS/RTS / Xon/Xoff / User Defined
Parallel Port
Mode
Active / Passive
Acknowledge
On / Off
Busy
On / Off
Paper End
On / Off
Select
On / Off
Error
On / Off
Initialize
On / Off
Line Parameters
Line Size
080 (default, user configurable with < / > buttons)
Line Terminator
CR - LF / CR - Only / LF - Only / None / User Defined
End of File
None / Form Feed / Control Z / User Defined
Barber Pole
Begin Barber (user configurable, example follows):
20 032
US 1F 031
RS 1E 030
GS 1D 029
etc
End Barber (user configurable, example follows):
(space) 7E 126
} 7D 125
| 7C 124
{ 7B 123
etc
Character Set
ASCII / Hex/Octal
Customize
Power-up Message
Power-Up Line 1 (whatever user inputs)
Power-Up Line 2 (whatever user inputs)
Power-up Message Enable
No / Yes
QuikSet
Add Setting
Delete Setting
Contrast
High / Medium / Low / Lowest
Tool Kit
Fox Mode
<----------------Serial
Fox Pattern
Barber Pole
Run Continuous
Exit Start Fd Bd
Single Step
Exit Line Fd Bd
Quick Brown Fox
Run Continuous
Exit Start Fd Bd
Single Step
Exit Line Fd Bd
Main (buf) (if configured by user)
Run Continuous
Exit Start Fd Bd
Single Step
Exit Line Fd Bd
Test Buf (if configured by user)
Run Continuous
Exit Start Fd Bd
Single Step
Exit Line Fd Bd
...
Parallel ------------->
Fox Pattern
Barber Pole
Run Continuous
Exit Start Fd Bd
Single Step
Exit Line Fd Bd
Quick Brown Fox
Run Continuous
Exit Start Fd Bd
Single Step
Exit Line Fd Bd
Main (buf) (if configured by user)
Run Continuous
Exit Start Fd Bd
Single Step
Exit Line Fd Bd
Test Buf (if configured by user)
Run Continuous
Exit Start Fd Bd
Single Step
Exit Line Fd Bd
...
Data Mode
Transfer Data
From <----------------Serial
To Parallel-------------->
Awaiting Data
To Main (if configured by user)
Awaiting Data
Note if buffer has data in it already, then:
Replace
Awaiting Data
Append
Buffer Full
Note if another buffer has been set up, then:
To Test Buf
Replace
Awaiting Data
Append
Buffer Full
...
From Parallel-------------->
To <----------------Serial
Awaiting Data
To Main (if configured by user)
Awaiting Data
Note if buffer has data in it already, then:
Replace
Awaiting Data
Append
Buffer Full
Note if another buffer has been set up, then:
To Test Buf
Replace
Awaiting Data
Append
Buffer Full
From Main (if configured by user)
Awaiting Data
Note if another buffer has been set up, then:
From Test buf
To <----------------Serial
Awaiting Data
To Parallel---------------->
Awaiting Data
To Main
To (multiple user-defined buffer names IF THEY ARE DEFINED)
From <----------------Serial
Awaiting Data
To Parallel---------------->
Awaiting Data
...
Edit Data
Main
<New>
(multiple user-defined buffer names IF THEY ARE DEFINED)
Search String
0D 0A XX XX (User configurable)
Monitor Data
From <----------------Serial
To Main
Awaiting Data
(To multiple user-defined buffer names IF THEY ARE DEFINED)
From Parallel-------------->
To Main
Awaiting Data
(To multiple user-defned buffer names IF THEY ARE DEFINED)
Hex Dump
<----------------Serial
Main
(multiple user-defined buffer names IF THEY ARE DEFINED)
Parallel---------------->
Main
(multiple user-defined buffer names IF THEY ARE DEFINED)
Buffer Mode (Available buffer space can be one single space called Main, or Main plus user-defined spaces. Total
space available is somewhere over 20,000 bytes (varies with configuration)
Change / Create
Main
<new> (multiple user-defined buffers)
Enter Name:
Space Left (decreases with additional user input)
Note - if a user-defined buffer already has been created and selected, its size can be configured here
by pressing the < or > buttons to decrease or increase the available memory in that buffer. The
default size is 100 bytes shown on the bottom line, with total available memory space left
displayed on the top line.
View Start/Stop
Main
Shows buffer data pattern. If no data exists in the buffer, then NU appears for each character
representing a null value.
(multiple user-defined buffers IF THEY ARE DEFINED)
Shows buffer data pattern as above.
Protect Buffer (buffer to protect is selectable by pressing the < or > buttons)
Main
P (selectable by pressing the Enter/Start button.
(multiple user-defined buffers IF THEY ARE DEFINED)
P (selectable by pressing the Enter/Start button.
Clear Data
Main
Shows P if Protected, must unprotect first to clear Main
Clear All / Clear from ST-SP / Save ST-SP
(multiple user-defined buffers IF THEY ARE DEFINED)
Shows P if Protected, must unprotect first to clear named buffer
Clear All / Clear from ST-SP / Save ST-SP
...
Delete Buffer (buffer to select is chosen by pressing the < or > buttons)
(name of buffer IF DEFINED)
Shows P for named buffer if Protected, must unprotect first
(buffer memory can define Main or a combination of Main plus user-defined buffers)
Delete?
No / Yes
...
Edit Data (if user-defined buffers containing data EXISTS):
Main
(New) if Main buffer exists but is empty
Additionally named buffer (if user DEFINED)
...
Autobaud
Automatic
Ready to Recv.
Single Char
Send me an "A"
Printer Baud
Automatic (may need to power-off if it hangs here)
Cycles through baud rate. parity, number of bits, number of start/stop bits on first line
Exit Start
Single Test (allows you to configure baud rate, parity, number of bits, number of start/stop bits with U/D)
Shows baud rate, parity, number of bits, number of start/stop bits on first line
Exit Test
Yes / No
Speed Test
Thruput Speed
<----------------Serial
Thruput:
0 CPS (for unattached device, varies when attached).
Parallel-------------->
Thruput:
0 CPS (for unattached device, varies when attached).
Printer Speed
<----------------Serial
Printer Pattern
Barber Pole
Exit / Start
(shows DSR / CTS status on first line)
Quick Brown Fox
Exit / Start
(shows DSR / CTS status on first line)
Main (whatever user has in the buffer)
(will show DSR / CTS status on first line IF EXISTS)
(optional user-defined buffers IF CONFIGURED)
(will show DSR / CTS status on first line IF EXISTS)
...
Parallel-------------->
Printer Pattern
Barber Pole
Exit / Start
(Shows NOT SELECTED on first line if no printer)
Quick Brown Fox
Exit / Start
(Shows NOT SELECTED on first line if no printer)
Main (whatever user has in the buffer)
(Shows NOT SELECTED on first line if no printer)
(optional user-defined buffers IF CONFIGURED)
(Shows NOT SELECTED on first line if no printer)
...
BERT (Bit Error Rate Test)
Setup
BERT Pattern
63 / 511 / 2047 / Alt. 01 / Mark / Space / Quick Brown Fox / Main / (user defined IF AVAILABLE)
BERT Block Size (Line 1)
2 / 4 / 8 / 16/ 32 / 64 / 128 / 256 / 512 / 1024 / 2048 / 4096 / 8192 / 16384 / 32768
Test Length / 8 / 16/ 32 / 64 / 128 / 256 / 512 / 1024 / 2048 / 4096 / 8192 / 16384 / 32768 /
Test Continuous / Test Till Error
(gets longer, shown in Minutes and Seconds, with above increasing block sizes)
Run Test
Exit Error (displayed if no device attached)
Reporting
Display
Total Bits Sent: (first line)
second line = number
Total Blks Sent: (first line)
second line = number
Injected Errors: (first line)
second line = number
Recv Bit Errors: (first line)
second line = number
Total Bits Recv: (first line)
second line = number
Bit Error Rate: (first line)
second line = number %
Recv Blk Errors: (first line)
second line = number
Total Blks Recv: (first line)
second line = number
Blk Error Rate: (first line)
second line = number %
Sync Loss Count: (first line)
second line = number
Total Run Time: (first line)
second line = HH:MM:SS
Par./Frame Errors: (first line)
second line = number
<----------------Serial
(doesn't display anything if Serial not connected, otherwise same options available as above)
Parallel-------------->
(says Not Selected if no device is attached)
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