We want you to be very satisfied with your new ViewComm software. We really do.

HARDWARE + SOFTWARE = VCS
It is important that you understand the hardware and software environment which enables VCS Async to work and that we be clear on license issues.

LICENSE - LET's GET THAT OUT OF THE WAY
Please read the license now. This page also contains information about VCS ProtocolWorks, how it relates to your VCS Async or Ethernet product, and how to install it.

NEW MODELS: CONSOLIDATION
Greenleaf ViewComm Async version 2.5x and 3.3 came in a variety of models including Viewer, Viewer Pro, Async, Async Plus, Async Pro, Async Plus Pro, and Viewer HS, Viewer HS Pro, Async HS Plus, Async HS Pro, and Async HS Plus Pro.

That's all changed now. There's just Greenleaf ViewComm Async II. It is the functional equivalent of ViewComm Async HS Plus Pro. In other words, all the add-ons are now standard.

ViewComm Ethernet and ViewComm Ethernet Pro are also consolidated--there's just ViewComm Ethernet II. It includes ProtocolWorks as do all Async models.

Of course, if you already own ViewComm 3.3 and just want to add High Speed, ProtocolWorks, or Viewer (spy) capability, you can still get them. Just click here to contact sales.

PRICING CHANGES
Since there's now, in version 6.6.x, just one async model and one Ethernet model, please note that we have adopted a pricing structure with update options that allow you to upgrade or purchase at prices which, relative to the old version 3.3 paradigm, save you gobs of money. While ViewComm Async HS Plus Pro sold for almost $2,000 without hardware, the equivalent functionality now costs just USD $699.00. If you are upgrading, you can take advantage of a two-tier system that has just one upgrade price from your ViewComm (DOS) or ViewComm for Windows -- USD $349, and one price to upgrade from any model ViewComm Async 2.5x or 3.3 to ViewComm II (USD $349.00) You can upgrade from ViewComm 2.5x or 3.3 Ethernet or Ethernet Pro to ViewComm Ethernet II for just USD $349.00. No more add-ons, separate and different serial numbers.

AVAILABILITY OF DOWNLEVEL SOFTWARE
Some of you may prefer to stick with the same version you have now. To accommodate this, weare offering, for a limited time (until December 31, 2006) ViewComm 3.3 Async or Ethernet (all models). You won't find these models in our catalog, but if you really want additional copies of version 3.3 software, or want to add High Speed, ProtocolWorks, or the spy option, contact Sales@GreenleafSoft.com

However, from June 1, 2006 on, we're not offering either ViewComm DOS or ViewComm for Windows or ViewComm Async 2.5x models. Requests for add-ons for version 2.5x will be filled by version 3.3 software.

Of course, requests for hardware add-ons, that is converting any version from software only to a bundle, will be filled by shipping the currently available hardware. Your existing software should contain the asynchronous driver support for Quatech cards as listed here can be purchased at any time.

CONVERTERS
Serial cards such as the Quatech DSP-100 have DB-9M connectors for RS-232, while your industrial applications need RS-422 or RS-485 2 or 4 wire screw terminals to connect between nodes. On the other hand, Quatech RS-422/485 cards like the DSP-200/300 also have DB-9M connectors; for most applications you'll need to convert from the DB-9 to 2 or 3 screw terminals plus ground.

We've selected a couple of converters that we believe will fill your needs.

• The ATEN IC485AI provides opto-isolated bidirectional conversion between RS-232 and RS-422 or RS-485 with switch selections for baud rate, DTE/DCE, and more.
• Contact Sales for other recommended devices such as RS-422/485 DB-9 to screw terminals passive unit.

BUNDLES
We continue to offer and highly recommend nine bundles consisting of Greenleaf ViewComm Async II and your choice of a Quatech serial card. Check out the list of cards selected for bundles of ViewComm Async II.

DRIVERS
Basically, VCS Async must replace the Microsoft Windows serial driver. This is done in order that we can obtain line and modem status along with each character in or out and a timestamp. Also, the driver reduces the depth of the UART FIFO buffer to 1. The reason for this is to cause a hardware interrupt for every event: Rx character, Tx character, Line status, or Modem status. this makes it possible for VCS to provide an extremely accurate (64-bit) timestamp for each event. Additionally, it ensures proper sequencing of Tx vs. Rx data (the machine can process only one at a time, not both).

HARDWARE: WHY BUYING ONE OF OUR BUNDLES MAKES GOOD SENSE
Not all serial port hardware (including some Dell computers) implement the industry standard 16550 UART interface; it Is very important that you read the list of compatible hardware and browse the TechNotes section of this site for items pertaining to your planned serial hardware.

HARDWARE: STANDARD SERIAL PORTS AND OTHER COMPATIBLE HARDWARE
Generally, your machine will have one or two serial ports built into the motherboard. Almost without exception, these are 16550 type UARTs. Performance is limited to 115.2 Kbps. Therefore if you need higher speed capability of ViewComm Async II, you will need to acquire a card that works up to 921.6 Kbps. if you did not or do not purchase a bundle from Greenleaf Software including your VCS Async or Async HS type software plus a serial card by Quatech of your choosing, you can still purchase the card from us.

We remind you that over 85% of all tech support calls are the result of attempting to use hardware that is incompatible.
NOTE: The set of serial drivers for the Quatech cards is included with your software regardless--but do not install them unless you actually have one of the Quatech cards.

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
If you have a Dell desktop or laptop made between January and about September, 2000, please read now the TechNote about Dell machines. Some users have success with Dell machines, others do not.