PC Ext NTMMTA: Err Msg: "No Answer" Using NULLMODM Script

 Last reviewed: January 25, 1996
Article ID: Q143000
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Mail Multitasking MTA for Windows NT, version 3.5
  • Microsoft Mail for PC Networks, versions 3.0a, 3.2, 3.2a, and 3.5

SYMPTOMS

When you use a null modem cable and the NULLMODM script to connect postoffices using the Windows NT Mail Message Transfer Agent (MMTA) or the Mail Transfer Agent (EXTERNAL.EXE), the receiving postoffice may not see a call request from the serial port.

The sending postoffice may display an error on the screen and in the SESSION.LOG file similar to the following, if the LogSession or -L command line option is invoked: 

   Async1     12-07-94 17:47 >>> NO ANSWER <<<

CAUSE

The baud rate may not be set after the RESET or DISCONNECT procedures in the script file are executed.

RESOLUTION

To ensure that the serial port connected to the null modem cable is always set to the desired baud rate, edit the NULLMODM.MDM file in the GLB directory on your postoffice, and insert the baud command as shown below:

INITIALIZE: 

   title "Null Modem"
   baud 9600
   return 0
RESET: 
   baud 9600
   return 0
DISCONNECT: 
   dtr 0                  ; drop DTR signal for a few seconds
        clearrsp               ; clear the response buffer
        wait 4                 ; give other side time to recognize lost
                               ; carrier
        dtr 1                  ; raise it back again
   baud 9600
   return 0
Once the baud command is inserted and the file is saved to disk, you will need to run the Script Compiler program, SCRCOMP.EXE, to compile the script and create a .SCR file.

Notes:

  • If you need to adjust the baud rate, be sure that the baud rate is the same in all three sections (above) of the NULLMODM.MDM file. The NULLMODM script is not installed by default.
  • For instructions on how to install the NULLMODM script, refer to the README.TXT file on the Supplementary Modem Scripts disk.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 

   ARTICLE-ID: Q126650
   TITLE     : Using Null Modem Script at Higher Baud Rates Than 9600

   ARTICLE-ID: Q80261
   TITLE     : Contents of Modem Script File NULLMODM.MDM
For additional information about script files, refer to Appendix E "Script Files" in the Microsoft Mail for PC Networks "Administrator's Guide."

Additional reference words: 3.50 3.00a 3.20 3.20a nullmodem direct via
KBCategory: kbenv kbinterop
KBSubcategory: MailPCNTMMTA MailPCExt

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Last reviewed: January 25, 1996
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