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DFI 1650
User Manual
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User Manual
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Cooper DFI 1650 User Manual

DFI 1650
COMMUNICATIONS GUIDE
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Scope............................................................................................................................................1
1.1.2 Conventions ..................................................................................................................................1
1.3.1 Features........................................................................................................................................1
1.3.2 Chassis Models.............................................................................................................................1
1.3.3 Channel Types.............................................................................................................................. 2
1.4.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 2
1.4.2 Benefits .........................................................................................................................................2
1.4.3 Information Stored ........................................................................................................................ 2
Chapter 2 Getting Started Quickly ................................................................................................................3
2.6.1 Example 1 .....................................................................................................................................4
2.6.2 Example 2 .....................................................................................................................................4
Chapter 3 Command Format ........................................................................................................................4
3.4.1 System Commands.......................................................................................................................5
3.4.2 Channel Commands ..................................................................................................................... 5
3.6.1 Format........................................................................................................................................... 5
3.6.2 Command Codes..........................................................................................................................6
3.6.3 Attention Character.......................................................................................................................6
Chapter 4 RS-232 Installation Notes ............................................................................................................6
Chapter 5 RS422/RS-485 Installation Notes ................................................................................................ 8
5.6.1 Determine Address ..................................................................................................................... 10
5.6.2 Change Address ......................................................................................................................... 10
Chapter 6 Application Programs ................................................................................................................. 10
6.2.1 Start the Program........................................................................................................................10
6.2.2 Create a New Connection........................................................................................................... 10
6.2.3 Establish Communications .........................................................................................................12
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6.4 QBasic I QuickBasic ..........................................................................................................................12
6.5.1 MSCOMM Active X Control ........................................................................................................12
6.5.2 Third party Active X controls and DLLs ......................................................................................13
6.6.1 Win32 API ...................................................................................................................................13
6.6.2 Third-party Libraries.................................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 7 System Commands....................................................................................................................14
Chapter 8 Strain-Gage Input Channel Commands.....................................................................................23
Chapter 9 AC-AC LVDT Input Channel Commands...................................................................................30
Chapter 10 High-Level Input Channel Commands ..................................................................................... 36
Chapter 11 Relay Output Channel Commands ..........................................................................................43
Chapter 12 DAC Output Channel Commands............................................................................................46
Chapter 13 Split-Display Virtual Channel Commands ................................................................................ 48
Chapter 14 Mathematics Virtual Channel Commands................................................................................ 50
Warranty and Repair Policy ........................................................................................................................52
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Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 About This Manual
1.1.1 Scope
This manual contains information about the wiring and protocol used for serial communications SC series instruments. This series includes the models DFI 1650, DFI 1650PT, and DFI 1650-3004.
Nearly all of the DFI’s features available via its front panel switches, indicators, display and rear panel connectors are also available through its serial communications interface. This guide is primarily intended for those DFI users already familiar with RS-232 and RS-422/RS- 485 serial communications interfaces and who wish to use the DFI remotely using them. If you are not familiar with serial communications terms such as "baud rate" and "ASCII character", you may wish to review the subject before using this guide.
The information and programs contained in this manual are believed to be correct, however no warranty is expressed or implied including fitness for a particular purpose. The capabilities of the instrument are continuously being improved upon, and the information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
1.1.2 Conventions
This manual uses the following conventions to present information:
[TEXT IN BRACKETS] The label of a front panel button.
DISPLAY
->
DATA
↵
1.2 Related Documents
Instruction Manual
The Serial Communications Guide explains the setup, features and operation of 3rd generation DFI instruments.
1.3 What is the DFI Series?
The DFI Series of Signal Conditioners/Indicators are versatile, multi-channel devices designed to operate with many different types of sensors. Several different 9 chassis types, Input channels, and Output channels are available to allow the configuration of a DFI instrument to meet a variety of measurement and control needs. The operation of a DFI instrument is based on digital technology to provide improved accuracy, superior ease of setup, and a wealth of features.
1.3.1 Features
The main features of the DFI Series are:
• Four alarm limits (optional sixteen), with versatile setup (not available on Model DFI 1550).
• Automatic setup, calibration, and scaling of strain-gage sensors through the use of Signature
Calibration TM
• Field selectable, digital, low-pass filtering ("damping") on each Input channel
• Up to ±50,000 part resolution
• Field selectable five-, six- or seven-digit (9,999,999 maximum) display
• RS-232 communications standard (RS-485 optional)
• Local or remote setup using the RS-232 or RS-422/RS-485 port
• Push-button on/off tare feature
• No knobs or adjustments
1.3.2 Chassis Models
Several models (i.e. chassis types) are available:
Text that appears on the display, such as error messages or menu items. Indicates that what follows is an item from a sub-menu, such as SYSTEM
MENU -> DIAGNOSTICS. Commands sent to or replies from the instrument
The carriage-return character, ASCII code decimal 13
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• DFI 1550: 1 to 4 physical channels, 3/8 DIN case, no limits or peak detector
• DFI 1650: 1 to 4 physical channels, 3/8 DIN case
• DFI 1650PT: 1 to 4 physical channels, portable case
• DFI 1650-3004: 1 to 14 physical channels, 19" rack mount case, 1 to 3 quad-Iine displays
1.3.3 Channel Types
Channels can be one of three types: Input, Output, or Virtual Input Channels Input channels are hardware circuit boards with a unique channel number. Currently,
they are available for the following types of sensors:
• Strain-gage sensors, such as unamplified pressure transducers and load cells
• Sensors with voltage outputs
• Sensors with current outputs
• AC-AC LVDTs (Linear Variable Displacement Transducers)
• DC-DC LVDTs
Output Channels Output channels are hardware circuit boards with a unique channel number. They include:
• Relay Output channels, which can add additional limits to the standard four (N/A on DFI 1550).
• DAC Output channels, which provide additional voltage or current outputs.
Virtual Channels Virtual channels are software-based devices that occupy a channel number, but not a physical slot, in an instrument.
• Split Display Virtual channels allow the displaying of any two channel's track, peak or valley values at the same time.
• Mathematics Virtual channels run small programs written in an interpretive language called SensoCode. This provides great flexibility which allows the DFI Series to do many jobs which otherwise requires a personal computer or PLC.
1.4 What is Calibration?
1.4.1 Overview
A small integrated circuit is located either inside the transducer, in an in-Iine package between the instrument and the transducer, or in the connector of a cable. All data necessary to set up the transducer with the instrument are stored (even linearity data), and setup is automatic when a new transducer is connected to the instrument.
The Strain Gage Input channel of the DFI Series is designed to operate with Signature Calibration. It will automatically set itself up with transducers that contain the memory device, but can also be set up using a front-panel interactive procedure. The Signature Calibration module can also be programmed from the instrument's front panel.
Calibration is only available with un-amplified strain-gage transducers.
1.4.2 Benefits
The benefits are:
• The transducer's Calibration Record is always located where it is needed most - with the transducer.
• The instrument is always set up correctly with the transducer.
• Interchanging of transducers and instruments is a quick process.
• A User Calibration Data area that can be altered by customers to fit their requirements.
• A Factory Calibration Sheet Data area, unalterable by the customer, can be copied back into the
User Calibration Data.
1.4.3 Information Stored
The following information is stored inside transducers equipped with Calibration:
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• Full-scale mV/V: The full-scale millivolt-per-volt (mV/V) rating of the transducer when its full load is applied; also called "calibration factor".
• Shunt-Cal mV/V: The millivolt-per-volt output of the transducer when the shunt calibration resistor is placed across its -SIGNAL and -EXCITATION leads.
• Shunt Resistance: The resistance value, in Ohms, that was used to obtain the shunt-cal mV/V value above.
• Full-Scale Value: The full-scale value of the transducer, in engineering units.
• Engineering Units: The engineering units that the transducer is calibrated in (i.e. pounds, grams,
Pascals, inches of water, etc.)
• Serial Number: The serial number of the transducer.
• Excitation Voltage: The magnitude and type of signal used to excite the transducer.
• Linearization Points (optional): These can be used by an instrument using Shunt Calibration or
Millivolt-per-Volt Calibration to correct any non-linearity in the transducer and thus improve the accuracy of the system. An additional "multiple-point calibration" can be purchased with the transducer that allows linearity correction information to be placed into its Calibration module.
Chapter 2 Getting Started Quickly
2.1 Introduction
This chapter explains how to quickly establish communications with a DFI Series instrument equipped with the standard RS-232 interface. It assumes that you are very familiar with serial communications and have access to a terminal emulator program.
Most computers are equipped with either a standard 25-pin male or an IBM 9-pin male RS-232 serial connector.
Remember that all personal computer serial ports have male connectors! Parallel printer ports have female connectors.
RS-422 or RS-485 serial ports are NOT STANDARD EQUIPMENT on PC computers!
2.2 Locate Required Parts and Information
The following items are required quickly establish communications with a DFI Series instrument equipped with the standard RS-232 interface.
• DFI Series instrument
• A computer that is running a terminal emulator program that you are familiar with.
• 25-pin D-sub pass-through male/female cable, such Radio Shack pin 26-240.
• If your computer's serial port has a 9-pin D-sub male connector, an adapter to convert the
computer's male 9-pin RS-232 port to a standard male 25-pin port. Example: Radio Shack pin 26-
209.
• The Customer Information Sheet that shipped with your instrument. Examine it to confirm that the instrument is equipped with the standard RS-232 interface.
• Power cord for the instrument.
2.3 Connect the Instrument to the Computer's RS-232 Serial Port
Connect the 25-pin serial cable (female connector) or 25-pin serial cable plus 9-pin adapter (female connector) to the computer's RS-232 serial port (male connector). Determine if this port is called out as COM 1 or COM2.
Connect the 25-pin cable (male connector) to the instrument's System connector (female connector).
In nearly all situations, a gender changer device is not required! Do not connect the serial communications cable to your computer's female printer port.
2.4 Turn on the Instrument
Connect the power cord between the instrument power source and the instrument, and turn the OnlOff switch on the back of the instrument to the On position.
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The instrument enters its INITIALIZE mode that lasts a few seconds per channel. When the instrument enters its normal operating mode (RUN mode), you will see the following format on the front panel display:
1 c ШШШШШ. PSIG ◊
2.5 Configure a Terminal Emulator Program
Start your favorite terminal emulator program. Configure it to communicate with the serial port you have connected the instrument to (usually COM1 or COM2), at 9600 baud, no parity bits, 8 data bits and 1 stop bits ("9600,8,N, 1"). Disable any hardware or software handshaking or flow control such as (RTS/CTS handshaking, DSR/DTR handshaking or Xon/Xoff flow control.
2.6 Establish Communications
The following examples assume that the two-character address of the instrument is the factory default of "00" (ASCII code decimal 30, ASCII code decimal 30).
2.6.1 Example 1
All instruments will respond to the "RR: Read Revision" command. Type the following command into your terminal emulator software, followed by the Enter key:
#00RR↵
You should see a reply from the instrument similar to:
084-1500-01 2.07
2.6.2 Example 2
The "FI: Display Characters" command can be used to send a message to the instruments display. For example, type the following command into your terminal emulator program:
#00FIHELLO, WORLD↵
The instrument will acknowledge with "OK" and the characters "HELLO, WORLD!" III should be displayed on the instrument's front panel.
Chapter 3 Command Format
3.1 Introduction
All DFI instruments have a standard DB-25 type female connector that is used for both serial communications and other control functions. One of two communications hardware interfaces is available: RS-232 or RS-485. Instruments equipped with the RS-485 two-wire interface can also be used in an RS­422 four-wire type setup; thus this interface is sometimes called RS-422/RS-485. Regardless of the type of hardware interface used, the SC uses the same software command set, the general format of which is described in this chapter.
3.2 Baud Rate, Start Bits, Stop Bits and Parity
DFI Instruments always use 8 data bits, one start bit and one stop bit and no parity bits (often described as "N81 ") for serial communications. Baud rates of 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 or 38400 baud are available. As shipped from the factory, DFI Instruments are set to communicate at 9600 baud. The baud rate can be viewed from the front panel but can only be changed over the serial communications link. For details on changing the baud rate, see "W1 Write Baud Rate".
3.3 Differences between Instruments
The commands described in this guide may not be available on all versions of DFI series instruments. For example, since the model DFI 1550 does not have "limits" or "peak/valley" functions, commands
CF 126 4 Nov 2001
relating to this functionality will not work with it. If a command is not available on such an instrument, it will be mentioned in the description for that command.
Likewise, if your instrument is not equipped with an optional Relay/DAC channel, commands relating to relays and DAC outputs will not work on your instrument.
3.4 Two Types of Commands
3.4.1 System Commands
System commands are commands that apply to the entire instrument. For example, since the instrument has one serial communications port all commands that apply to serial communications are system commands.
3.4.2 Channel Commands
Channel commands are those that affect the operation of only one particular channel. For example, if the full-scale range of a Strain Gage Input channel is altered, it applies only to a single channel of the instrument and not the entire instrument.
3.5 Addressing
Every instrument on the communications loop must have a unique two-character address. As shipped from the factory, every DFI has an address of "00" (ASCII codes decimal 30, decimal 30). This address can only be viewed, not changed, from the front panel. An instrument's address can only be changed over the serial communications link. For details on addressing, see "Addressing".
3.6 Command Format
3.6.1 Format
An example command is shown below:
#0002WK0169.89↵
where: # is called the attention character, which alerts all instruments that a command is being
transmitted to them. This character is ASCII code decimal 35.
00 is the two-character address of the SC to be communicated with. Each character must
be a number or an uppercase letter.
02 is the two-numeric-ASCll-character channel number to which this command will apply.
When using system commands that affect the entire instrument, the channel number can be "00" (zero, zero) or it can be omitted altogether.
WO is the two-character command to be executed. A list of the valid system commands is
given at the beginning of "System Commands". Lists of the valid channel commands are given at the beginning of the remaining chapters.
01 is an optional two numeric character parameter number needed by some commands.
69.89 is the optional argument to be written to the instrument. ↵ represents the carriage return (ASCII code decimal 13), which indicates the end of the
command.
For example, the system command string “#00W12400”, followed by a carriage return, will cause the instrument addressed as "00" to process the "W1 " command with a data value of "2400". The W1 system command changes the baud rate 2400 baud.
An example of a channel command string is “#0301F1”, This command, followed by a carriage return, causes the instrument addressed as "03" to process the "F1" command on channel "01 ". The "F1" command activates the tare function, and thus this command string activates the tare function for channel
01.
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3.6.2 Command Codes
The first character of each two-character command code signifies if that command is a function command ("F"), a read operating parameter command ("R"), or a write operating parameter command ("W"). Read and write commands can be used instead of the front panel setup menus to configure the operation of the instrument. Function commands are used as an alternative to the front panel to gather data from the instrument or to cause it to perform an operation.
3.6.3 Attention Character
All characters received before the "#" (ASCII code decimal 35) attention character are ignored. Therefore, one or more instruments can share a single communications link with other "foreign instruments" (within the physical limits of the RS-232 8 or RS-422/RS-485 interface, of course) as long as the host or the "foreign instruments" do not use the "#" character.
When the "#" attention character is sent, the instrument enters its receive mode and will attempt to parse out the rest of the characters before the carriage return as a possible message. If another attention character is received in the middle of a message, the previous incomplete message is ignored. If the instrument receives a garbled character, or if the character received has an ASCII value larger than 127, then the entire message sent is ignored.
3.7 Response Format
An instrument will give a response over the serial communications link for every valid and invalid command given that uses its unique two-character address. There are four types of responses used:
• "OK", which is sent after an instrument has accepted the data presented with a write operating parameter ("W") command, or when a function ("F") command has been completed.
• "ERROR", which is sent when an instrument has been asked to perform an invalid command, or when invalid information is given with a write operating parameter ("W") command.
• "N/A", which is sent when you are requesting information from the instrument which is not applicable to its present configuration. For example, requesting limit setup information from a DFI 1550 will cause this message to be sent.
• a floating point number as the result of a read operating parameter ("R") or function ("F") command.
• other ASCII strings, such as serial numbers, dates, the front panel contents, etc.
To signal the end of a response the instrument will transmit a carriage-return (ASCII code decimal 13) if the Auto-Linefeed function is off, or a linefeed/carriage- return (ASCII codes decimal 10, decimal 13) when the Auto-Linefeed is on. The Auto-Linefeed status can be viewed from the front panel but can only be changed over the serial communications link using the "W2 Write Automatic Line-feed Set- ting" system command.
Chapter 4 RS-232 Installation Notes
4.1 Introduction
This chapter provides wiring examples and hardware information for RS-232 communications. "DTE" (Data Terminal Equipment) will be used to refer to the personal computer, programmable controller, terminal, data acquisition system, etc. to which the instrument is connected.
4.2 System Connector Pinout
The table below lists the pins on the System Connector used for RS-232 communication. Other pins on the System Connector may be used for other purposes.
Table 4-1: System Connector Pins used for RS-232
Pin Name Function Input/Output Reference Pin
2 RS-232 IN RS-232 Data In Input 7 3 RS-232 OUT RS-232 Data Out Output 7 4 CTS RS-232 Clear to Send (connected to pin
N/A N/A
5)
5 RTS RS-232 Request to Send (connected to N/A N/A
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pin 4) 6 DSR RS-232 Data Set Ready Output 7 7 GND RS-232/RS-485 reference Reference ­8 DCD RS-232 Data Carrier Detect (not
N/A N/A
connected)
20 DTR RS-232 Data Terminal Ready (not
N/A N/C
connected)
22 RI RS-232 Ring Indicator (not connected) N/A N/C
The RS-232 communications pins are electrically isolated from the rest of the instrument.
The RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces are exclusive; an instrument cannot have both.
4.3 Operation Notes
If the DTE wishes to send a command to the instrument, it should first wait for the DSR line (pin 6) to be high. Then, the DTE can send the command string (which starts with the '#' character and ends in a Carriage Return). See "Command Format" for further information.
If the address sent by the DTE matches the address of the instrument and the command string is valid, then the instrument pulls the DSR line low to indicate that it is busy processing the command string. After the instrument has finished processing the command string, it will pull the DSR line high (to indicate that new commands will be accepted) and will send the response.
4.4 Typical Wiring Diagrams
Most computers are equipped with either a standard 25-pin male or an IBM 9-pin male RS-232 serial connector.
Remember that all personal computer serial ports have male connectors! ~ Parallel printer ports have female connectors. In nearly all situations, a gender changer device is not required!
Model DFI Computer or Terminal DB 25 connector DB-25 connector DCE DTE
Figure 4-1: Wiring to 25-pin DTE
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Model DFI Computer or Terminal DB-25 connector DB-9 connector DCE DTE
Figure 4-2: Wiring to 9-pin DTE
Chapter 5 RS422/RS-485 Installation Notes
5.1 Introduction
This chapter provides wiring examples and hardware information for RS-422/RS-485 communications. "Bus master" will be used to refer to the personal computer, programmable controller, terminal, data acquisition system, etc. to which the instrument is connected.
5.2 Installation Overview
Every slave instrument on the communications bus must have a unique 2-character address. Before wiring multiple instruments into an RS-422/RS-485 communications bus, it is recommended that you read this document thoroughly and then follow the sequence given below to avoid problems during installation.
1. Determine if the bus master has an RS-422 interface or a RS-485 interface. Wire up one, and only one, slave instrument to the communications loop z according to the wiring diagrams in this chapter.
2. Determine the address used by this DFI instrument (factory default is "00") by using the front panel setup menus. This procedure is explained in (I) "Addressing". Use this address to establish communications with this instrument.
3. Change this instrument's address to another unique value, such as "01 ", using the "W4" command as explained in "Addressing".
4. Wire the next instrument to the communications loop and repeat steps 2-4 until the last unit is on­line.
5.3 System Connector Pinout
The table below lists the pins on the System Connector used for RS-422/RS-485 communication. Other pins on the System Connector may be used for other purposes.
Table 5-1: System Connector Pins used for RS-422/RS-485
Pin Name Function Input/Output Reference Pin
7 GND RS-422/RS-485 reference Reference ­12 (-) TX RS-485 Transmit - Output 7 13 (+) TX RS-485 Transmit + Output 7 24 (-) RX RS-485 Receive - Input 7 25 (+) RX RS-485 Receive + Input 7
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The RS-485 communications pins are electrically isolated from the rest of the instrument.
The RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces are exclusive; an instrument cannot have both.
5.4 RS-422 Wiring
RS-422 uses two pairs of wires to communicate between one bus master and up to 10 slave devices. It is a full-duplex system, i.e. the bus master can transmit and receive data from the slaves at the same time.
Model DFI Model DFI Controller DDB-25 connector DB-25 connector RS-422 Slave Slave Bus Master
Figure 5-1:RS-422 Wiring
5.5 RS-485 Wiring
An RS-485 balanced differential communications bus uses one pair of wires to allow up to 32 devices to send and receive data. A two-wire RS-485 system is a half-duplex system, which means that no device can transmit and receive data at the same time, and that only one device can "drive" or "talk" on the bus at a time. An SC Instrument is configured as a two-wire RS-485 device when "Transmit (+)" (pin 13) is connected to "Receive (+)" (pin 25), and "Transmit (-)" (pin 12) and "Receive (-)" (pin 24) are connected together.
Model DFI Model DFI Controller DB-25 connector DB-25 connector RS-485 Slave Slave Bus Master
Figure 5-2: RS-485 Wiring
5.6 Addressing
Every DFI instrument on the RS-422/RS-485 communications bus must have a unique 2-character address. Each instrument as shipped from the factory has its address set at "00" (i.e. ASCII code 30 decimal, 30 decimal).
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5.6.1 Determine Address
To determine what address the instrument is using from the front panel:
1) Enter the setup menus by pressing [UP] and [DOWN] together. The display will read “SETUP” and then “CHANNEL 01 MENU” (which is the top-most item on the setup menus).
2) Press and release [DOWN] until the display reads “SERIAL COM.MENU”. Press [ENTER] to enter the SERIAL COM. menu.
3) Press and release [DOWN] until the display reads “ADDRESS". Press [ENTER] and the display will show this DFI’s address, for example “ADDRESS 00”. The address cannot be changed from the front panel, only from the serial port.
4) Press [EXIT] to exit the menus and restart the instrument.
5.6.2 Change Address
To change the address of a DFI instrument:
1) Establish communication with the instrument, using its present address. For F example, if the DFI's present address is "00", the command string “#00F0” followed by a carriage return will cause the instrument to transmit the contents of the display. If the instrument's response appears garbled, this may be caused by improper wiring or bus termination, having two or more instruments on the bus with identical addresses, or having the bus master's baud rate not match that of the instrument. DFI instruments ship from the factory set at 9600 baud.
2) Use the "W4" command to change the DFI's address. For example, if you wish to change the address of a DFI from "00" to "01 ", send it the command string “00W401” followed by a carriage return.
Chapter 6 Application Programs
6.1 Introduction
This chapter provides several programming examples and hints for using serial communications with various applications and programming languages.
Cooper Instruments can also be a source of application information for your specific needs.
Many other programs and languages than the ones listed here allow communication between Cooper instruments and your computer. Cooper Instruments is not affiliated with any of these companies and cannot provide technical support for their products.
6.2 HyperTerminal
HyperTerminal is a terminal emulator program that has shipped with Microsoft Windows operating systems starting with Windows 95. Characters coming in over the port are sent to your screen, and whatever you type is transmitted out. Although HyperTerminal is generally not useful for data acquisition or control applications, it can be used to communications verification and experimentation.
6.2.1 Start the Program
If HyperTerminal is installed on your computer, it will be located under either "Start Menu -> Programs -> Accessories -> Communications -> HyperTerminal" or "Start Menu -> Programs -> Accessories -> HyperTerminal". If it is not installed, consult your system administrator.
6.2.2 Create a New Connection
If you see a dialog box, which asks: "You need to install a modem before you can make a connection. Would you like to do this now?" respond "No". Create a new connection setup as shown on the screenshot below. Select a descriptive name you will remember such as "Direct to COM2"
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Next, select the serial port you wish to connect with.
Finally, configure the serial port parameters as shown below.
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If HyperTerminal reports "Unable to open Com 2" (or whatever port you are using} some other application on your computer is currently using the port. It could be a printer, a mouse or another terminal emulation program.
6.2.3 Establish Communications
Type “#00RR” (you will not see these characters on the screen) then press enter to transmit this command to the instrument. If all goes well, the instrument should respond with a message in the form of “084-1500-01 2.07”.
6.3 WinWedge
WinWedge (a.k.a. SoftwareWedge for Windows) by TALTech is a Microsoft Windows applications that allows you to input data from a device connected to a serial port on your computer directly into any other Windows program. The data is transferred into another Windows program (such as Microsoft Excel, Corel Quattro Pro or Lotus 1-2-3) either as keystrokes or by using DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange). WinWedge is easy to use for novice users and also is available in a "professional" version for more demanding tasks. Information about WinWedge can be found at
http://www.winwedge.com
6.4 QBasic I QuickBasic
Microsoft includes a copy of QBasic (a version of QuickBasic with reduced functionality) with MS-DOS 5.0 and above, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 3.51 and Windows NT 4.0. Microsoft intended to release QBasic with Windows 2000, but forgot to place it onto the installation CD (Microsoft support article 0258265); they suggest copying QBasic manually from a Windows NT 4.0 computer.
Both QBasic and QuickBasic can only access ports COM1 and COM2.
Two sample programs for Microsoft QuickBasic can be located on Sensotec's web site at:
http://www.sensotec.com/scprograms/084-1031-00.zip
Note than QuickBasic's "LINE INPUT #" statement will not work when it receives a line-feed/carriage­return combination. Therefore, you must disable the instrument's Auto Line-Feed function as explained in "W2 Write Automatic Line-feed Setting".
6.5 Visual BASIC 5 or 6
6.5.1 MSCOMM Active X Control
Microsoft provides the MSComm ActiveX control along with Visual Basic; the file MSCOMM32.OCX is copied and registered onto your computer when Visual Basic is installed. Some developers have been able to use the MsComm control in VB without problems. Others, however, have encountered one or more of the following issues:
• If you deploy your application onto a computer that does not have Visual Basic installed, you will have to register the MSComm control manually on the other computer. Copy the file MSCOMM32.OCX into the Windows\System directory then using the Windows "Start -> Run" menu item type "REGSVR32 C:\Windows\System\MSCOMM32.OCX". This fix does not always work.
• Memory leaks when using the MsComm control. See Microsoft support document Q171472.
• When another application created with Visual Basic re-installs the MsComm control and the
Visual Basic Development Environment is installed onto the same machine afterwards, you may not be able to use the MsComm control in your VB programs. See Microsoft support document Q177799.
For these reasons, Cooper recommends the use of a third-party Active X control or DLL for serial communications with Visual Basic.
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6.5.2 Third party Active X controls and DLLs
Because of the above problems with the MsComm control, you may wish to use a third-party Active X control for serial communications. One such product is CommX from Greenleaf software. Their web site is located at:
http://www.greenleafsoftware.com
Several vendors offer DLL libraries for serial communications. MarshallSoft Computing offers 16-bit and 32-bit DLLs available as a shareware download. Their web site is:
http://www.marshallsoft.com
6.6 C and C++
6.6.1 Win32 API
One way of using serial communications with a C or C++ program is with the serial communications functions of the Win32 API developed by Microsoft. These functions include CreateFile (), ReadFile () and WriteFile (). Sample source code that demonstrates the use of these functions is available on Sensotec's web site at:
http://www.sensotec.com/scprograms/084-1198-00.zip
The sample program was compiled with the Borland C++ compiler. Although the program is a console mode program, the communications functions can also be used with a GUI program.
The advantage of using the Win32 API for communications is that access to it is free with your CIC++ compiler. The disadvantages are that these functions are complicated, not well documented, and do not always work in a consistent way across Win32 operating systems.
6.6.2 Third-party Libraries
Another way of using serial communications with a CIC++ program is by purchasing a third-party library such as CommLib from Greenleaf Software. The advantages of third-party libraries is their ease of use, quality documentation, quantity of example code, technical support and source-code compatibility across past, present and future operating systems.
Information about CommLib can be found at Greenleaf's web site at:
http://www.greenleafsoftware.com
6.7 LabVIEW
LabVIEW from National Instruments is a program development application, which uses a LabVIEW, uses a graphical programming language to create programs in block diagram form. A low-cost student version of LabVIEW is also available.
Information about LabVIEW can be found at National Instrument's web site at:
http://www.natinst.com
LabVIEW applications can use either the Serial Port VIs or VISA Vis for serial communications. A package (Sensotec pin 084-1173-00) containing samples illustrating the use of both is available on Sensotec's web site at
http://www.sensotec.com/scprograms/084-1173-00.zip
6.8 Trademarks
"Microsoft" and "Windows" are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. "WinWedge" and "SoftwareWedge" are trademarks of TAL Technologies. "Corel" and "Quattro" are registered trademarks of Corel Corporation. "Lotus" is a registered trademark of Lotus Development Corporation.
CF 126 13 Nov 2001
"CommLib" and "CommX" are trademarks of Greenleaf Software Inc. "National Instruments" and "LabVIEW" are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. "MARSHALLSOFT" is a registered trademark of MarshallSoft Computing, Inc.
Chapter 7 System Commands
7.1 Introduction
System commands affect the operation of the entire instrument.
7.2 Listings
Following are the Commands listed in this section.
F0 Transmit Front Panel Display F6 Transmit Limit Status F8 Clear Latched Limits FI Display Received Characters FL Transmit Multiple Readings FR Reset W1 Write Baud Rate W2 Write Automatic Line-feed Setting W4 Write Address RA/WA Read/Write Limit Set Point RB/WB Read/Write Limit Return Point RC/WC Read/Write Limit Operation WI Write Continuous Transmit Setting RL/WL Read/Write Multiple Readings Setup RP/WP Read/Write Dual-Line Display Operation RQ/WQ Read/Write Power Up Display Value RR Read Firmware Revision RS/WS Read/Write Channel to Display ZM Read Scan Time ZX Temporarily Suppress Continuous Transmissions ZY Read Configuration
7.3 Descriptions
F0 Transmit Front Panel Display
Purpose To transmit the contents of the front panel display Usage
Example
“#
aaF0↵”
# is the 'pound' or 'hash' character (ASCII decimal 35). aa is the two-character instrument address. ↵ is the 'carriage return' character (ASCII decimal 13).
#00F0↵
Reply “02HI 5670.5 LBS” (typical) Remarks This function is used to verify that communications with the instrument have been
established rather than reading data. Data is usually desired from a particular channel number regardless of which channel the display happens to be monitoring. The “S” and “T” display symbols are transmitted as “ “”and “” symbols are not transmitted.
HI” and “LO” respectively. The
F6 Transmit Limit Status
Purpose To transmit which of the limits have been activated Usage
CF 126 14 Nov 2001
“#
aaF6↵”
# is the 'pound' or 'hash' character (ASCII decimal 35). aa is the two-character instrument address. ↵ is the 'carriage return' character (ASCII decimal 13).
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