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Service Training January 2004

Technical Presentation
Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET)
PC To Machine/Engine Connections
Communication Adapter II
Engine Electronic 207-6845 Universal 196-0055 Serial Cable (25 ft) *
Control Module (ECM) Data Link Cable (2 ft) or 225-5985 Parallel Cable (25 ft) **
160-0133 (discontinued) 160-0141 Serial Cable (25 ft) *** STW/E
160-0142 Serial Cable, short (10 ft) T

To PC Serial USB or
Service Tool
Parallel Port
Connector Communication
(Comm Port)
Adapter II
171-4400 (Group) 237-7547
Supports ATA CDL & CAN data links USB/Serial Port Adapter
* Included with Comm Adapter Group
** For use only on newer PC's without serial ports
*** For all PC's except IBM Think Pads and Compaq Computers

Engine Electronic
Communication Adapter I
Control Module (ECM)
7X1425
139-4166 STW/E
Data Link Cable (18 ft) Serial Cable (4 ft) T

PC Serial or USB Port


Service Tool (Comm Port)
Connector
Communication
Adapter I
7X1700 (Group)
Supports ATA & CDL data links
(discontinued but still in use)

Caterpillar Electronic Technician


STW® Version 2003B

Module Two: Basic Cat ET Operations


2-1-2
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2-1-3 Module Two
01/04 Table of Contents

Module Two: Basic Cat ET Operations


Table of Contents

Module Preparation

Prerequisites - Basic Cat ET Operations .................................................................... 2 - 1 - 5


Preparation Checklist .................................................................................................. 2 - 1 - 7
Objectives - Basic Cat ET Operations ........................................................................ 2 - 1 - 9

Lesson One: Getting Connected with Cat ET

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2 - 1 - 9
Presentation Objectives ............................................................................................ 2 - 1 - 10
Equipment Required for Cat ET Operations ............................................................ 2 - 1 - 11
Communication Adapters ......................................................................................... 2 - 1 - 15

Lesson Two: Communication Diagnostics with Cat ET

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2 - 2 - 1
Presentation Objective ................................................................................................ 2 - 2 - 2
Troubleshooting Communication Failures ................................................................. 2 - 2 - 3
Information and Help ................................................................................................ 2 - 2 - 13
Lessons One and Two Lab Exercises and Student Handout ..................................... 2 - 2 - 17

Lesson Three: Using Cat ET Screens

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2 - 3 - 1
ECM Selector Screen ................................................................................................. 2 - 3 - 3
Pull Down Menus, Tool Bar and Function Keys ....................................................... 2 - 3 - 4
Data Link Connecting and Disconnecting ............................................................... 2 - 3 - 10
Diagnostic Screens ................................................................................................... 2 - 3 - 11
Status Screens ........................................................................................................... 2 - 3 - 17
Parameter History Change ........................................................................................ 2 - 3 - 24
Configuration Screens .............................................................................................. 2 - 3 - 26
Lesson Three Lab Exercises ..................................................................................... 2 - 3 - 30
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2-1-4 Module Two
01/04 Table of Contents

Lesson Four: Printing and Managing Files

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2 - 4 - 1
Creating Files .............................................................................................................. 2 - 4 - 2
Opening Files ............................................................................................................. 2 - 4 - 3
Import/Export Files ..................................................................................................... 2 - 4 - 5
Bookmarks .................................................................................................................. 2 - 4 - 7
Feedback...................................................................................................................... 2 - 4 - 9

Lesson Five: Factory Password System

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2 - 5 - 1
Factory Password Sources .......................................................................................... 2 - 5 - 3
Customer Passwords .................................................................................................. 2 - 5 - 4
Factory Passwords .......................................................................................................2 - 5 - 8
Factory Passwords Online......................................................................................... 2 - 5 - 17
Lesson Five Lab Exercises ....................................................................................... 2 - 5 - 21

Lesson Six: Data Analysis and Storage

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2 - 6 - 1
Using The Data Log Recorder ................................................................................... 2 - 6 - 3
Using The Data Log Recorder Auto-Trigger ............................................................ 2 - 6 - 9
Using The Real Time Graphing Function ................................................................ 2 - 6 - 10
Data Analysis and Storage Lab Exercise ................................................................. 2 - 6 - 15
Using the Snapshot Recorder ................................................................................... 2 - 6 - 18
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2-1-5 Module Two
01/04 Prerequisites

Module Preparation
Prerequisites - Basic Cat ET Operations

PC Operations

In order to complete all the exercises described in this course, the student
must be able to demonstrate proficiency in basic computer operations
using Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP™, including the following tasks:

1. Start up and correctly shut down a PC.

2. Start, operate, save and exit software programs.

3. Operate the mouse or other pointing device using both buttons.

4. Using Windows Explorer: Create, delete and rename directories


(folders); move, delete and rename files; determine hard drive usage
and available capacity. Arrange windows using the tile function.

5. Using Windows Explorer, copy files from a diskette or CD drive to a


hard drive.

6. Connect and operate external devices such as a power supply or a


CD ROM drive using the Windows™ installation function "Install
Wizard".

7. Identify the current communications port in use. Configure a


communications port to enable external communications with the
PC.

8. Using the Copy Disk function, copy the entire contents on a diskette
to another diskette.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2-1-6 Module Two
01/04 Prerequisites

Module Preparation (continued)


Prerequisites - Basic Cat ET Operations

9. Install programs from a CD.

10. Navigate through and manipulate other Windows functions such as:
task bar, pop-up start menu, control panel and display functions.

11. Using data from the Cat ET Data Log Recorder, create a spreadsheet
program such as Excel or Lotus 123. Adjust the format to
accommodate the numbers, save and print the data.

12. Operate Windows Internet Explorer to access information.


Cat Electronic Technician Course 2-1-7 Module Two
01/04 Preparation Checklist

Module Preparation (continued)


Preparation Checklist - Basic Cat ET Operations

Laptop computer
Communication Adapter II 171-4400
Communication Adapter Cables
(see cable diagram on following page for part numbers)
Cat ET Getting Started Guide JEBD3003
Training Aid or ECM with power supply
01/04

Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET)


PC To Machine/Engine Connections
Communication Adapter II
Engine Electronic 207-6845 Universal 196-0055 Serial Cable (25 ft) *
Control Module (ECM) Data Link Cable (2 ft) or 225-5985 Parallel Cable (25 ft) **
Cat Electronic Technician Course

160-0133 (discontinued) 160-0141 Serial Cable (25 ft) *** STW/E


160-0142 Serial Cable, short (10 ft) T

To PC Serial USB or
Service Tool
Parallel Port
Connector Communication
(Comm Port)
Adapter II
171-4400 (Group) 237-7547
Supports ATA CDL & CAN data links USB/Serial Port Adapter
* Included with Comm Adapter Group
2-2-8

** For use only on newer PC's without serial ports


*** For all PC's except IBM Think Pads and Compaq Computers

Engine Electronic
Communication Adapter I
Control Module (ECM)
139-4166 7X1425
Data Link Cable (18 ft) Serial Cable (4 ft) STW/E
T

PC Serial or USB Port


Service Tool (Comm Port)
Connector
Communication
Adapter I
7X1700 (Group)
Supports ATA & CDL data links
(discontinued but still in use)
Course Handout
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2-1-9 Module Two
01/04 Objectives

Objectives - Basic Cat ET Operations

Given the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET) program and


relevant publications, perform the following functions using an engine or
simulator:

Lesson One: 1. Identify all components necessary to operate the Cat ET Service
Getting Started with Cat Tool.
ET

2. Connect the PC to a machine and start Cat ET.

3. Set all Cat ET system preferences.

Lesson Two: 4. Troubleshoot communication problems, identify cause and correct


Communication problems.
Diagnostics with Cat ET

5. Navigate through all menus and screens using the icons, function
keys, mouse, and keyboard.

Lesson Three: 6. Read all status screen parameters.


Using Cat ET Screens

7. Reconfigure and save a status screen.

8. Read active faults, read and clear logged faults and events.

Lesson Four: 9. Create and retrieve system files.


Printing and Managing
Files

10. Retrieve a saved status screen file and print a copy.

Lesson Five 11. Obtain and use factory passwords to change fuel settings or erase
Using Factory events.
Passwords
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 10 Module Two
01/04 Objectives

Objectives - Basic Cat ET Operations (continued)

Lesson Five: 12. Operate the Data Log Recorder and save the data as a text file. Open
Using the Data Log a spreadsheet program, print and save the data in the correct fields.
Recorder

Lesson Six:
13. Identify and change System Parameters.
Using the System
Parameters
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 11 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-1

Lesson One: Getting Connected with Cat ET

Introduction
This lesson contains a presentation with information on Getting
Connected with Cat ET. The following functions are described in Lesson
One:
• Equipment required for Cat ET operations
• Starting Cat ET
• Setting Preferences

There are two types of Cat Electronic Technician software currently


available:
• Dealer Cat ET
• Customer Cat ET
No WinFlash (Flash File capabilities) or Factory
Passwords included
Note: Licensing is covered in the STW module of the Course.
Refer also to Caterpillar Electronic Technician Getting Started Guide
(JEBD3003) as a reference for setting up Cat ET for the first time.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 12 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-2

Presentation Objectives
Given the necessary tooling and the handout, perform the following tasks:

1. Identify all the necessary components for communication between


PC and the application
2. Connect all the necessary components from the computer to the
ECM
3. Set Cat ET system preferences
4. Operate the Communication Adapter
5. Flash the Communication Adapter with the correct file for the
operating system
6. Enable the PC Comm Port

A lab worksheet for Lessons One and Two is included at the end of
Lesson Two.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 13
01/04

Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET)


PC To Machine/Engine Connections
Communication Adapter II
Engine Electronic 207-6845 Universal 196-0055 Serial Cable (25 ft) *
Control Module (ECM) Data Link Cable (2 ft) or 225-5985 Parallel Cable (25 ft) **
160-0133 (discontinued) 160-0141 Serial Cable (25 ft) *** STW/E
160-0142 Serial Cable, short (10 ft) T

To PC Serial USB or
Service Tool
Parallel Port
Connector Communication
(Comm Port)
Adapter II
171-4400 (Group) 237-7547
Supports ATA CDL & CAN data links USB/Serial Port Adapter
* Included with Comm Adapter Group
** For use only on newer PC's without serial ports
*** For all PC's except IBM Think Pads and Compaq Computers

Engine Electronic
Communication Adapter I
Control Module (ECM)
7X1425
139-4166 STW/E
Data Link Cable (18 ft) Serial Cable (4 ft) T

PC Serial or USB Port


Service Tool (Comm Port)
Connector
Communication
Adapter I
7X1700 (Group)
Supports ATA & CDL data links
(discontinued but still in use)

1-3

Equipment Required for Cat ET Operations

• Communication There are two types of Communication Adapter in use as follows:


adapters and cables
The 7X-1700 CA I Communication Adapter (discontinued but still in use)
• Current and
non-current The 171-4400 CA II Communication Adapter (current equipment)
Communication
adapters The various cables are described on the graphic above. These are correct
for Cat machines and industrial engines. On highway truck engines and
gas engines will need an adapter to connect the data link cable to the truck
Service Tool Connector. These adapters are not shown on this diagram.

This graphic is included full size with the Student Handout at the end of
Lesson Two.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 14 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-4

These basic components are required to communicate with a machine or


engine.

• Cat ET PC
communication
component list Laptop or a desktop computer
Communication Adapter
Communication Adapter 1 or Communication Adapter II
Cables
USB adapter
Truck and Gas engine adapters
Software
STW with Cat ET
Cat ET Standalone

Instructor Note: Although these lessons focus primarily on the current


Communication Adapter II, there is also information on the previous
Communication Adapter I.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 15 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-5

These adapters are required to communicate with the Service Tool


Connector for on highway trucks or gas engines.

Truck Engine Data Link Adapters


• Truck engine data link 7X-1403 Cab Data Link Navistar 1993 – 1996
adapters
7X-1686 Cab Data Link All OEMs
except GM & Navistar 1993 – 1998

7X-1714 Cab Data Link GM ALDL 1995 – current

157-4829 Cab Data Link 9 pin J1939 1993 – current

Gas Engine Data Link Adapters

• Gas engine data link 7X-1414 Control Panel Adapter, 10 Pin 3500 All S.I.
adapters Engines with EIS

7X-1415 Control Panel Adapter, 4 Pin 3600 S.I.

S.I. = Spark Ignited

E.I.S. = Electronic Ignition System


Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 16 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-6

• Three connection There are currently three ways to connect the Communication Adapter to
choices: the PC using any of the following ports:
- Serial port
Serial port
- Parallel port Parallel port (CA II) only

- USB port USB port


Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 17 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-7

• USB port New PCs may have neither a serial nor a parallel port. If this is the case,
it will be necessary to use the USB port.

• USB/serial adapter The USB port requires a USB to serial adapter for the serial cable as there
is no dedicated USB cable. This adapter requires the use of a driver to
function. The software is supplied as shown above.

Adapters can be purchased over the counter at electronic stores.


However, experience has shown that these adapters may not function with
the Cat ET software or the Communication Adapter.

The recommended tool is a 237-7547 USB/Serial Adapter for the serial


cable.

When the cable is first connected to the PC, a new hardware dialog box
will appear with a request for a software driver to be installed.

If the adapter is used in conjunction with the Comm Adapter I, it will be


necessary to set the baud rate to 9,600 using ET preferences; or there will
be a communication failure.

NOTE: The USB/Serial Adapter can only be used with the serial cable.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 18 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-8

Communication Adapters

• Two Communication Communication Adapter allows communication between the PC and the
adapters in use application ECM. There are two Caterpillar Communication Adapters in
use at this time.

• Communication The Communication Adapter I (Group no. 7X-1700), although


Adapter I discontinued is still in use.
discontinued
• Comm Adapter I This tool requires these four items to function (listed on the visual). The
requires 4 items for software is contained within the detachable SPM (Service Program
use Module).
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 19 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-9

• Communication This picture shows the location of the SPM (lower arrow) and the fuses
Adapter 1 SPM and (upper arrow) with the cover removed.
fuse locations
The cover can be removed with a Phillips screwdriver to reveal the
internal parts. The parts which may need to be accessed are the fuse and
the SPM.
Some preparation is necessary when using the Communication Adapter I
for the first time. The unit requires an SPM (Media No. NEXG4523) to
be installed, which is shown on the next page.

• Communication Removal and replacement of these items are covered in the Tool
Adapter operating Operating Manual, "Using the 7X-1700 Communication Adapter Group"
manual review (SEHS9264). The 7X-1700 Communication Adapter I has been replaced
with the 171-4400 Communication Adapter II Group.

• No CAN data link NOTE: It should be understood that the Communication Adapter I works
functionality with CA I with the ATA and CDL data links only. If it is necessary to communicate
via the CAN data link, then the Communication Adapter II must be used.
(CAN = Controller Area Network, high speed data link)
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 20 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-10

• CA 1 SPM removed This view shows the SPM removed from the adapter.

Some earlier SPMs were sufficient for normal Cat ET operations but
could not perform Flash Programming. The current SPM software must
be installed if all functions are to be performed.

• Checking the SPM The SPM version number can be checked by observing the
version number Communication Adapter screen at start up. Version 1.2 is shown as
"V1.2." Also by opening the unit, the information can be found on the
SPM (as shown above). SPM Version 1.2, 4/94, is in use. The
Communication Adapter I operating manual explains these functions.

• Communication The Communication Adapter 1 tool although discontinued, is still widely


Adapter I versus in use. As long as there is no absolute requirement for the CAN data link,
communication this tool can still be used in most applications.
Adapter II
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 21 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-11

• Communication This tool will accomplish most tasks, however when loading a flash file to
Adapter I can perform a recently built engine ECM, the time taken to complete the process can
most tasks
be five times longer than with the new Communication Adapter II. The
• No CAN data link reason for this is that the Communication Adapter I does not service the
functionality CAN (J1939 Controller Area Network) data link and defaults to the one
of the Data links available either the CDL (Cat Data Link) or the ATA
(American Trucking Association) data links. Recent flash files may be
close to two megabytes in capacity.

For most other tasks, this tool will function perfectly well and is
somewhat less sophisticated.

• Flash files on new Flash programming will be considerably slower with this tool compared
engines are large with the Communication Adapter II, particularly on newer engines with
large flash files.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 22 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET)


PC To Machine/Engine Connections

Communication Adapter I
Engine Electronic
Control Module (ECM)
139-4166 7X1425
STW/E
Data Link Cable (18 ft) Serial Cable (4 ft) T

PC Serial or USB Port


Service Tool (Comm Port)
Connector
Communication
Adapter I 237-7547
7X1700 (Group) USB/Serial Port Adapter
Supports ATA & CDL data links
(discontinued but still in use)

1-12

Communication This view shows the cables in use for the Communication Adapter I
Adapter I cables (CA I).

There are two types of data link cable used to connect the PC to the CA I
as follows:

Serial cable

Serial cable with USB Adapter Cable

It may be necessary to open the Device Manager screen and check to see
which port is in use when the USB / Serial Adapter Cable software is
loaded and the cable connected. See the Preferences section of the
presentation for more information on this topic.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 23 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-13

• Communication This tool requires these four items to function. The software is contained
Adapter II requires 4 within the tool and can be re-flashed, unlike the Communication Adapter
items to function:
I which uses an SPM for software.
- PC driver
The PC driver is loaded automatically with the Cat ET software during
- Flash file
the installation.
- Power
- Cables The flash file (firmware) is also loaded into the PC with STW or Cat ET.
The flash file may need to be updated when the PC operating system is
updated, originally installed on the PC, or used with another PC which
has a different operating system.

The cables and the box are included with the Group with a copy of the
software.

The Communication Adapter II is available independently (without the


box or cables).
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 24 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-14

• Communication Three data links are serviced by the Communication Adapter II:
Adapter II Features:
CAN J1939 Controller Area Network
• Three data links
supported with CA II CDL Cat Data Link
ATA J1587 American Trucking Association

• Flash programming is NOTE: With recent engines i.e. ACERT, flash programming can be up to
faster with CAN data five times faster when using the CA II with the CAN data link.
link
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 25 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-15

• Preparing To prepare the Communication Adapter II for use, the tasks listed above
Communication must be completed (at least once).
Adapter II
The Flash File is loaded into the PC when Cat ET is installed. This file
can then be flashed into the Comm Adapter.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 26 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET)

PC To Machine/Engine Connections

Communication Adapter II

Engine Electronic 207-6845 Universal 196-0055 Serial Cable (25 ft) *


Control Module (ECM) Data Link Cable (2 ft) or 225-5985 Parallel Cable (25 ft) **
160-0133 (discontinued) 160-0141 Serial Cable (25 ft) *** STW/E
160-0142 Serial Cable, short (10 ft) T

To PC Serial USB or
Service Tool
Parallel Port
Connector Communication
(Comm Port)
Adapter II
171-4400 (Group) 237-7547
Supports ATA CDL & CAN data links USB/Serial Port Adapter

* Included with Comm Adapter Group


** For use only on newer PC's without serial ports
*** For all PC's except IBM Think Pads and Compaq Computers

1-16

• Three types of This view shows the various cable connections for the Communication
computer cable in use Adapter II.
for CA II
There are currently three basic types of cable arrangements used to
connect the PC to the Communication Adapter II as follows:

Serial cable - Used when PC has a serial port

USB / Serial Cable Adapter - Used with serial cable on USB port

Parallel Cable - Used if no serial port available


• USB port
identification It may be necessary to open the Device Manager screen and check to see
which port is in use when the USB / Serial Adapter cable software is
loaded and the cable connected. See the Preferences section of the
presentation for more information on this topic. Also the Cat ET Getting
Started manual has more information on port connections.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 27 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-17

• Set preferences The Cat ET system preferences function is also an item on the Cat
Communication Adapter Toolkit program which may be performed
without connection to an ECM. Cat ET system preferences can be reset at
any time using the following drop down menu routine:

Utilities / Preferences

• Data link open when Using the Utilities menu, select Preferences.
setting preferences
The data link should be open at this point. (Press F8 to open/close data
link)
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 28 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-18

• Interface device Notice the five tabs at the top of the Preferences box. (The preferences
selection may be set before the program is licensed.) There are five preferences
which can be set:
Communications
Directories (Flash, trim and report file locations)
Regional (current language, and measurement systems)
Confirmation (may be left in default setting)
Show Dialogs (may be left in default setting)
From the Communications tab, select Communication Interface Device
using the drop down menu. In this case, the Communication Adapter II is
the tool of choice and is selected by clicking on the small arrow and
highlighting the choice.

In most cases it will be a choice of two tools:

Communication Adapter 7X1701 (CA I) or Communication Adapter II


(CA II)

There are other proprietary devices available for selection.


Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 29 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-19

• CA I comm port Select the appropriate comm port in use, i.e. Comm port 2 in this case.
selection
As shown above the LPT1 (parallel) port does not appear with the CA 1
selection. This port is not supported by the CA I.
Select OK.
If no serial port is available, there are two choices: The USB adapter with
the serial cable, or the CA II can be used with the parallel cable.

NOTE: Selecting the communication port within Cat ET, does not
configure the computer to enable that communication port. This task will
only enable the communication port currently in use to be recognized by
Cat ET.
The computer communication port must be enabled as a separate
function. This task is normally performed using the Windows program.
If the computer communication port is not enabled, the Cat ET program
will not communicate with the ECM or the machine.
Use of the USB adapter means that the computer will allocate a different
comm port such as comm port 4.
Instructor Note: It is recommended that students operating in the field
be conversant with enabling the computer comm port. An inadvertent
disabling of this function will cause a failure to communicate with the
system. Without prior knowledge, it may not be possible enable the
comm port and restart communication.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 30 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-20

• CA II comm port In this case, the LPT2 comm port is selected.


selections
- Parallel port As shown above the LPT1 (parallel) port does appear with the CA II
selection selection. The CA II may be used in this case.

Click OK.

Cable Type Preferences Setting

Serial Cable Comm 1 – Com 4

USB / Serial Adapter Cable Comm 1 – Com 4 *

Parallel Cable LPT1 – LPT 2

* It may be necessary to open the Device Manager screen and check to


see which port is in use when the USB / Serial Adapter Cable software is
loaded and the cable connected.

NOTE : All menu selections in this presentation are highlighted in bold


as shown above.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 31 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-21

• Baud rate selection Normally the default baud rate will be sufficient for most computers.

If an old computer is in use, it may be necessary to select a slower baud


rate. An (old) computer may hesitate or lock up indicating that a slower
baud rate is necessary.

However if the USB / Serial Adapter is used with the Communication


Adapter I, it will be necessary to change the baud rate to 9,600.

NOTE: Preferences can also be accessed through the Communication


Adapter Tool Kit program screen. This feature can be convenient when
troubleshooting a no communication problem.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 32 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-22

• Loading the flash file To prepare the CA II, it may be necessary to load a Flash File. For
example, if the adapter has been used with a computer with an old version
of Cat ET, the Flash File may be incompatible with the current PC
operating system.

During start up, the lights should flash in sequence one time

• No flash file indicated NOTE: If, while connecting the Comm Adapter, all the lights are on as
by: shown above, this indicates that there is no Flash File present. It must be
- All 4 lights on re-flashed (next page).
- No Cat ET
communication Also anytime a 443 error code is displayed, it is necessary to re-flash the
- 443 error code application firmware into the Communication Adapter.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 33 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-23

• Comm Adapter II Using the Utilities menu, select the Comm Adapter II Toolkit.
Toolkit
The Data Link must be open (powered, but not communicating with the
ECM) to access the Comm Adapter II Toolkit. Select F8 or use the icon
(arrow).

NOTE: The Comm Adapter II Toolkit can also be accessed through the
computer Start menu. It is not necessary to have Cat ET opened when
using the Comm Adapter II Toolkit.
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 34 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

Communication Adapter II Toolkit


Drop Down Menus

File Information Utilities Help

Summary Application
Exit About CA2
Firmware
Toolkit
Flash

Preferences Help Topics

1-24

• Comm Adapter II The Comm Adapter II Toolkit menu is arranged as shown above, there are
Toolkit drop down four drop down menus.
menus
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 35 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-25

• Comm Adapter II There are three icons which are used to perform the functions shown
Toolkit icons above.

The Summary screen can be accessed either with the icon or using the
following drop down menu sequence:

Information / Summary

The Application Firmware Flash screen can also be accessed using the
following drop down menu sequence:

Utilities / Application Firmware Flash

To exit the program, either click on the icon or use the following drop
down menu sequence:

File / Exit
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 36 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-26

• Indications of Note the box "Application Firmware Version" (arrow) which says "Not
deficient flash file: Present”. This means that there is no flash file loaded in the Comm
- All lights on Adapter.

- No Cat ET If all lights are on simultaneously, this also indicates that there is no
communication flash file.
- Toolkit indicates Now using the drop down menu, select the following:
"Not Present"
Utilities / Application Firmware Flash.
- 443 error code
Note that the Cat ET system preferences can be accessed through the
• Preferences also Comm Adapter drop down menu shown above. The removes the
accessed through necessity of returning through ET to check the selection.
Toolkit
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 37 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-27

• Go to flash file Click Select File to bring up the folder containing the Flash File.
selection
Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 1 - 38 Module Two
01/04 Lesson One

1-28

• Flash file selection Select the Flash File. Note that the file name contains the file description
and the version number.

For example ca2v2i2.apf: this file name can be interpreted as


Communication Adapter II, file version 2.2.

Note also the Folder name "Flash".

Additionally the File Information box below explains the file details, for
example the version number.

Highlight ca2v2i2.apf (or as appropriate) as seen above (arrow).

Click OK.

Instructor Note: Information on Communication Adapter II file


selection and file compatibility is covered in a Student Handout at the end
of Lesson Two. This information can be discussed at the end of this
Lesson and prior to the lab.
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• Begin flash Confirm that all is correct on the screen above.

Now select Begin Flash (arrow).


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• Flash in progress Flash is in progress. If for any reason, the flash is interrupted, a screen
will appear signifying that the process is incomplete. This effect will be
the same as having no flash file installed; in other words, no
communication.
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• Flash process The flash process is completed and there are buttons with three choices.
completed
Toolkit - return to Comm Adapter Toolkit
• Choices
Flash - return to the Comm Adapter flash screen
Exit - exit the program and return to Cat ET
Normally, click Exit and return to Cat ET to check the communication
functions, and to continue the communication with the application.
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• Enabling a comm port If the Comm Port is disabled, which can be for a variety of reasons; no
communication will be possible through that port. Communication may
still be possible through the other two ports, if so equipped.

Instructor Note: Discuss the procedure laid out in the Student Handout
"PC Comm Port Enabling Procedure" (following Lesson Two). The
procedure can be demonstrated using the classroom computer.
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• Questions Topics for questions:

Types of Cat ET software available


Component identification
Setting Preferences
Communication Adapter operations
Comm Adapter I and II
Comm Adapter II Flash process
Enabling the PC Comm port
Review handouts
Software Compatibility
Comm Port Enabling

NOTE: The Lab Exercise and Student Handout follows after


Lesson Two.
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NOTES

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