Configuring Serial Connection for Handpunch
Connecting and Configuring Your Handpunch Device via Serial Cable
If you have a Handpunch device without an Ethernet adapter, you'll need to connect it via a serial cable. You can either:
- Connect the serial cable directly to your computer’s serial port, or
- Use a serial-to-USB converter, with the USB end plugged into the computer and the serial cable connected to the Handpunch device.
Step 1: Configure RS232 Settings on the Handpunch Device
After connecting the device, follow these steps to configure its communication settings:
Access the Administrator Menu:
- Press (CLEAR) and (ENTER) on the device.
- If an admin is already enrolled, an asterisk (*) will appear. If no admin is enrolled, skip to Step 3.
Enter Admin ID:
- Enter the ID where the asterisk (*) appears and press (ENTER).
- The device will prompt you to place your hand for verification. If you're an admin or supervisor, it will verify and continue.
Enter the Password:
- The screen will prompt “ENTER PASSWORD”.
- Enter the number 2 and press (ENTER).
- Note: While entering the password, no characters will appear on the screen, but the system will still register the input.
Set Serial:
- When you see the “SET LANGUAGE” prompt, press NO to skip through the language settings and continue until you see "SET SERIAL".
Configure Serial Settings:
- When “SET SERIAL” is displayed, press (YES).
- Then, select "SET RS232" and press (YES) again.
Set Baud Rate:
- Choose the appropriate baud rate. Both the Handpunch and the connected device must have the same baud rate. A common setting is 9600, but other options include 1200, 2400, 4800, and 19200.
- After selecting the baud rate, press (YES) to return to the menu or press (CLEAR) to exit the settings.
Step 2: Verify the Serial Port on the Computer
Open Device Manager:
- Press the Windows key and type Device Manager, or press Windows + R, type
devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
Find the Active Serial Port:
- Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section.
- If you only have one serial device, it will appear as something like:
- “Communications Port (COM1)”
- “USB Serial Port (COM1)”
- “Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COM 1)”
- If you're unsure which port corresponds to the Handpunch device, unplug the serial cable, right-click in Device Manager, and select Scan for hardware changes. The port that disappears is the correct one. Plug the cable back in.
Verify Baud Rate in Port Settings:
- Right-click on the identified COM port and select Properties.
- Go to the Port Settings tab and ensure the Bits per second (baud rate) matches the setting you configured on the Handpunch device (e.g., 9600).
- Do not modify other settings.
Step 3: Configure the Device in Your Software
Client/Server Configuration
Open Device Configuration:
- Go to Devices > Configure Devices > Add or Edit (depending on whether the device is already added).
Select Communication Settings:
- Under Device Type, ensure the correct device is selected.
- Set Communication Type to Serial (COM).
- In the COM Port dropdown, select the correct COM port based on the one identified in Device Manager (e.g., COM3).
Synchronize with the Device:
- Click OK. If prompted to synchronize with the device, choose Yes. The software will sync and poll the device.
- Once synchronized, your device is connected and ready for use.
Web/Cloud Software (AMG Web Time)
Download AMG Web Device Manager:
- Download the AMG Web Device Manager from the AMGtime Knowledge Base.
Log into Your Web Account:
- Go to Devices > Configure Devices > Add or Edit (depending on whether the device is already added).
Select Communication Settings:
- In the Device Type dropdown, select the correct device.
- Set Communication Type to Serial (COM).
- Choose the correct COM port (e.g., COM3).
Connect Using AMG Web Device Manager:
- After adding the device, open the AMG Web Device Manager, log into your account, and verify that the device appears in the “From Devices” tab.
- Your device should now be connected and ready to poll.