GTCO Surface-Lit AccuTab User Manual
Parts Checklist
What You Need to Use AccuTab
Care and Handling
Installing AccuTab
Mounting a Large AccuTab Tablet
Connecting to Your Computer
Connecting the Transducer
Attaching the Power Supply
Applying Power to the AccuTab
Connecting and Using the Surface-Lit Option
Replacing Light Bulbs on the Surface-Lit AccuTab
Configuring Your Computer
Mounting Transducer Holders
Using the AccuSet Menu
Configuring for Specific Application Programs
Introduction to the Custom Configuration Menu
Using the Custom Configuration Menu
Communication Options
Output Format Options
Mode Options
Controlling the Alarm
Controlling the Alarm Using Remote Commands
Resetting AccuTab
Controlling the Illuminated Cursor lamps
Transducer Lights
AccuTab Tones
Troubleshooting Guide
Procedure A: Begin Troubleshooting
Procedure B: Troubleshooting
Procedure C: Troubleshooting
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Table of Contents
Surface-Lit AccuTab 1
Surface-Lit AccuTab 2
Procedure D: Troubleshooting
Procedure E: Troubleshooting
Using GTCOTEST
Technical Information
AccuTab Specifications
Sources of Power
Advanced Operating Information
AccuTab Interfacing
Character Format and Baud Rate
Cabling
Flow Control
Remote Commands
GTCO AccuTab Commands
Functional Control Commands
Format Selection Commands
Alarm, Status Indicator and Cursor Illumination Commands
Diagnostic Commands
Programming Example
CalComp Emulation Commands
Summagraphics Emulation Commands
Command Mode Basics
A Hint for Programmers
Advanced Programming Information
Coordinate Formats
Binary Formats
GTCO/CalComp Binary Format
Summagraphics Binary Format
Cursor Button Codes in Binary Formats
ASCII Formats
Cursor Button Codes in ASCII Formats
Measurement Scales
Digitizing Modes
Point Mode
Line Mode
Continuous Mode
Line Incremental Mode
Continuous Incremental Mode
Remote Request Mode
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Controlling the Alarm Using Remote Commands
Programming Examples
General Product Information
Radio and Television Interference
Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Limited Warranty for AccuTab
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Parts Checklist
AccuTab Series or Surface-Lit AccuTab Series digitizing tablet
AccuTab controller
Power supply
Transducer (cursor)
Computer interface cable with 9-pin connector
9- to 25-pin adapter
TabletWorks CD
NOTE: AccuTab controller is the small enclosure attached to the back of the tablet that
contains the electronics that drive the digitizer.
What You Will Need to Use AccuTab
Computer with an RS-232C communication port
Graphic application software that accepts digitizer input
Care and Handling
To clean the tablet, GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies recommends using any
non-abrasive cleaner that is appropriate for cleaning kitchen counter tops.
To clean the cursor body, use a mild cleanser. Do not spray the cleanser directly on
the cursor, instead dampen a soft cloth with a mixture of water and the cleanser.
Clean cursor reticles with alcohol.
NOTE: Excessive cleaning can dissolve the filled black cross hair on a reticle.
Installing AccuTab
The following instructions provide information on how to put the AccuTab system together
and attaching it to the computer.
Mounting a Large AccuTab Tablet
The AccuTab can be placed on a table, desk or drafting table. Alternatively, you can mount
a tablet on a workstation stand available from a variety of manufacturers. Instructions will
be packed with the stand. GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies also provides Universal
Mounting Brackets, as an option, that allow the digitizer to be mounted to virtually any
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pedestal. Contact GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies at 1.866.746.3015 or email us at
gtco.support@gtcocalcomp.com for price and availability.
NOTE: Do not drill holes in any GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies tablet.
Connecting to Your Computer
GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies provides an RS-232C cable and a 9-pin to 25-pin
adapter with each AccuTab system. Connect the cable between the port designated by the
computer icon on rear panel of the Controller shown below. Use the 9- to 25-pin adapter if
the computer has a 25-pin RS-232C connector. AccuTab interfacing in the Advanced
Operating Information section contains more information on RS-232C interfacing.
Connecting the Transducer
Three standard transducers are available for the AccuTab:
4-button cursor
16-button cursor
16-button illuminated cursor
Attach the transducer to the transducer jack on the rear panel of the controller pictured on
the previous page.
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Attaching the Power Supply
Determine which power supply you have and follow the corresponding instructions. The
AccuTab controller is designed to allow a variety of power supplies to be used. Connect
only one power supply to the controller. Contact GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies
for information on supplies other than those listed below that can be used with AccuTab.
The DP-PS12 power supply is supplied for use in North America and other locations with
120 volt line voltage. Attach the 9-pin power supply cable to the jack designated by the
desktop power supply icon on the rear panel of the controller pictured above.
The DP-UPS power supply can be used with input voltages of 90-260 volts AC and 50-60Hz.
Connect the appropriate power cord to the IEC connector on the power supply and attach
the output power cable to the 9-pin jack designated by the desktop power supply icon on
the rear panel of the controller pictured above.
Applying Power to AccuTab
With the wall mount power supplies, the AccuTab powered on as soon as the unit is
plugged into the outlet and the power switch on the Controller is turned ON. If you have a
desktop supply, turn on the power supply switch. The AccuTab performs a self-test and
responds with a series of tones when powered up.
When you apply power, you should instantly hear four short “Success!” tones and
simultaneously see the cursor lights on the transducer flash four times. This response
indicates that the AccuTab is functioning properly.
If you hear any tones before the “Success!” tones or if you do not hear the four “Success!”
tones or if the lights on the transducer do not flash four times, there is a problem.
Carefully review the installation step-by-step and correct any errors. If there is still a
problem, go the Troubleshooting section of the manual.
Connecting and Using the Surface-Lit Option
To connect and operate the lighting option:
Attach the power cord with the connector on the front of the ballast box (fan
enclosure) located along the back of the tablet and then plug the power cord into a
wall outlet.
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The on/off power and dimmer control switches for the lighting are on the control
module found along the right side of the tablet. Set the power switch to the ON
position.
The light level is adjustable to three levels: LO, MED and HI. Select the level that is
most appropriate for your task, taking into consideration the material you are
lighting through and user comfort.
NOTE: A relatively stable AC power source is required for the illumination system to
function at maximum performance. If the light intensity of the Surface-Lit AccuTab flickers
periodically, it’s most likely due to a heavy electrical load being placed on the circuit, such
as a compressor or fan motor. This problem can be eliminated by using a separate circuit,
line conditioning equipment or a UPS power supply.
Replacing Light Bulbs on the Surface-Lit AccuTab
The expectancy life of a light bulb is approximately 2,000 hours of continuous use (a bulb
will illuminate at about 50% intensity after that time). Contact the GTCO CalComp by
Turning Technologies Technical Support Team to find out more about how to receive
replacement bulbs.
To install a replacement light
bulb(s):
1. Position the tablet parallel to
the floor with the top side
up. Unplug the power cord
from the ballast box.
2. Identify which upper corner blocks
you will need to remove:
To replace bulb 1, remove A
and B.
To replace bulb 2, remove B
and C.
To replace bulb 3, remove C
and D.
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3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the
appropriate upper corner blocks by
discharging the two screws indicated. (To
prevent the upper corner block from falling
and possibly being damaged, keep one
hand on it while removing the two screws.)
4. Using a flat-blade screwdriver as shown, gently pry the bulb up at one end and then
remove it completely. Use of excessive force could shatter the bulb.
If the heat sink stays attached to the bulb, remove any adhesive that it leaves
behind in the unpainted area on the lower extrusion (see figure in Step 5).
If the heat sink remains attached to the lower extrusion, remove it using a
pair of pliers and then discharge any adhesive that it leaves behind in the
unpainted area on the lower extrusion (see figure in Step 5).
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Dispose of the bulb and heat sink.
5. Clean the unpainted area on the lower extrusion thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol.
Dry the area completely and remove adhesive liner A from the new heat sink
supplied. Place the heat sink on the lower extrusion exactly as shown and press
down on it firmly. (The heat sink must be placed within the clean unpainted area on
the lower extrusion.) Remove adhesive liner B from the heat sink.
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6. Install the new bulb with its aperture facing toward the center of the tablet (see
figure in Step 4). (The aperture is the 1/4” wide clear window that runs the length of
the bulb.) Press down on each end of the bulb until it snaps into place and until the
bulb makes contact with the adhesive on the heat sink.
7. Replace the upper extrusion. Make sure that the ends of the upper extrusion align
with the ends of the lower extrusion.
8. Discharge the upper corner blocks. Do not over tighten the screws.
Configuring Your Computer
Apply power to the computer. Configure the graphic application software to operate with
AccuTab. Many application programs provide configuration information for specific
digitizers. If the GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies AccuTab digitizer is not listed, you
can use the configuration for GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies Digi-Pad Type 5 or
Type 5A (T5/T5A), CalComp 9100/9500 or Summagraphics Microgrid III.
If necessary, install the appropriate digitizer driver(s) from the Digitizer Driver CD supplied
(AutoCAD, Windows and mouse drivers are included). Insert the diskette into drive A or B.
From the DOS prompt, type a:\install or b:\install and then follow the onscreen
instructions.
NOTE: Install only the drivers that are necessary for the AccuTab to work with your
application software.
Mounting Transducer Holders
Each transducer comes with a holder. Remove the protective paper, exposing the adhesive
layer on the bottom of the holder. Place the holder in a convenient location on the tablet,
outside the marked active area.
Using the AccuSet Menu
Use the AccuSet Menu to:
Configure AccuTab for specific application programs
Use the Custom Configuration Menu
Control the alarm
Reset the AccuTab
Control the Illuminated Cursor lamps
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Configuring for Specific Application Programs
You can use the AccuSet Menu to quickly change the AccuTab’s operating characteristics to
match those required by different application programs running on the computer.
To configure AccuTab for use with specific application programs:
1. In Table 1, find the application program you’ll be using with AccuTab. Please note
the corresponding AccuSet Code.
If your application program is not listed in Table 1, find the configuration
settings that apply to your application program in Table 2 and use that
AccuSet Code.
If an appropriate AccuSet Code is not listed in Table 2, then use the Custom
Configuration Menu to set up the AccuTab.
2. Select the block on the AccuSet Menu. This lets the AccuTab know you are
about to set a new configuration. You will hear one short beep.
NOTE: The proximity light will turn on only when the transducer is over a AccuSet
Menu block that is a valid selection (for example, the proximity light will not turn on
over a digital block until the block has been selected).
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3. On the AccuSet Menu, select the two digits of the AccuSet Code for your application
program. You will hear one short beep after the first digit. Then, following the
second digit, you will hear the four short “Success!” tones informing you that the
AccuTab has reset itself to the new configuration. The proximity light on the
transducer will also flash four times.
To cancel a menu selection before it is complete, digitize a point in the tablet’s main
active area. Three long beeps will indicate that the AccuSet selection process has
been aborted. The proximity light on the transducer will also flash three times.
4. Run the corresponding application program on your computer.
NOTE: Hardware flow control is not supported by the AccuTab Controller. If you
have an application that requires this option, contact GTCO CalComp by Turning
Technologies for alternatives.
Flow Control
Flow control is the process of regulating the traffic or flow of data between two RS-232C
devices. Flow control prevents the transmission and subsequent loss of data if the receiver
is not ready to accept it. Examples of devices that use flow control are: a printer to signal
buffer full; a modem to indicate carrier detect; and a time-shared computer that services
multiple users on a time-available basis.
There are two kinds of flow control:
Software flow control is often implemented over communication links where only a
3-wire cable is used (Transmit Data, Receive Data, Ground) or over telephone lines.
The sending device (such as the AccuTab) will immediately stop sending data when
it receives an ASCII XOFF character (CTRL-S, hex 13). Transmission will resume when
it receives an ASCII XON character (CTRL-Q, hex 11). Character flow control will work
with the straight through cable and the null modem cable.
Hardware flow control is not commonly used with digitizers and is therefore not
supported by the AccuTab Controller.
Flow control may not be needed when a terminal or digitizer is directly connected to a
single-user computer. Most digitizing application software does not use flow control of
either kind.
Table 1: AccuSet Menu Codes for Selected Application Programs
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Table 2: Configuration Details for AccuSet Menu Codes
NOTE: Max = 100 coordinates/second lpi = lines per inch lpmm = lines per millimeter
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Surface-Lit AccuTab 15
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Introduction to the Custom Configuration Menu
The AccuTab with its Controller uses the Custom Configuration Menu to control baud rate,
data format and other operating characteristics.
Using the Custom Configuration Menu
If your application does not have an AccuSet Menu Code or if a different configuration is
required, then use the Custom Configuration Menu to format AccuTab. The Custom
Configuration Menu replaces the 24 switches associated with the older Type 5A Controller.
Configurations you set up can be stored in any of ten user-definable AccuSet locations
(codes 90 through 99) for recall at a later time. This allows the AccuTab to be easily
switched between applications.
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To configure AccuTab with the Custom Configuration Menu:
1. Place the Custom Configuration Menu card (included with the system) in the active
area of the tablet. The entire menu must be in the active area. (Hold the menu in
place to keep it from moving during the configuration process.)
2. Select the menu block at the right end of the AccuSet Menu. The proximity light
on the transducer will flash slowly, indicating that the Custom Configuration Menu
mode is now ready to receive Alignment Point 1.
3. You must notify the Controller where the Custom Configuration Menu card is
located on the tablet. Select Alignment Point 1 (small blue square) in the lower left
corner of the card. The proximity light on the transducer will flash rapidly, indicating
that the system is waiting to receive Alignment Point 2.
4. Choose Alignment Point 2 (small blue square) in the lower right corner of the card.
The LED will only light up if passed over an active menu block on the Custom
Configuration Menu (or is moved off the menu card into the active area of the
tablet).
If the invalid alignment points are selected or if the Custom Configuration Menu is not
entirely in the active area, the menu mode will be aborted. This is indicated by three long
beeps from the alarm and three long flashes from the proximity light on the transducer.
5. Configure the AccuTab by selecting the function blocks that correspond to the
settings you want.
6. Review the configuration to ensure that the proper settings have been selected.
Pass the transducer down each group of options; the proximity light will turn on
when the transducer is over the active choice.
7. After making the selections, two options are presented: 1) save as a temporary
configuration or 2) save the configuration in a user-definable location for later recall.
To Save the Configuration Temporarily: Select on the AccuSet Menu.
You will hear four “Success!” tones and see four proximity light flashes when
you successfully save a configuration. The configuration is saved in a
temporary location, where it will be retained even if the unit is powered off
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or reset. However, if another AccuSet code is entered, this temporary
configuration is lost and cannot be recalled without configuring the AccuTab
again.
To Save the Configuration in a User-Definable Location: Choose and
then a two digit value ranging from 90 to 99 on the AccuSet Menu. You will
hear four “Success!” tones and see four proximity light flashes when you
successfully save a configuration. Saved configurations allow you to switch
between applications quickly. Locations 90-99 retain configurations even if
the AccuTab is turned off or reset.
8. The configuration set up is now complete. Remove the Custom Configuration Menu
and store it in a safe place for future reference.
Configuration parameters for the AccuTab are divided into three separate
categories:
Communication Options
Output Format Options
Mode Options
Communication Options
Baud: The rate, in bits/second, at which characters are transmitted across the RS-
232C serial interface. Choices are: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 or 38400.
Data Bits: Data bits represent the actual data being sent from one device to
another. Both devices must be set for the same number of data bits. Choices are:
Seven (7) or Eight (8).
Stop Bits: Each character has one or two stop bits, which tell the receiving device
that a character is complete. The number of stop bits usually does not matter.
Setting for two stop bits instead of one may overcome a mismatch in parity or data
bits. Choices are: One (1) or Two (2).
Parity: One bit can be allocated for parity (parity is a simple error-detecting
scheme). Both devices (sending and receiving) must be set for the same parity –
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either odd parity or even parity – or they must be set for no parity. Choices are:
None (N), Even (E) or Odd (O).
Output Format Options
GTCO: Selects GTCO-compatible formats. See Advanced Programing Information for
greater detail on GTCO format structure. Choices are: Binary or ASCII.
CalComp: Selects CalComp-compatible formats. See Advanced Programming
Information for greater detail on CalComp format structure. Choices are: Binary,
ASCII 1, ASCII 2, ASCII 3 or ASCII 4.
Summa: Selects Summagraphics-compatible formats. See Advanced Programming
Information for greater detail on Summagraphic format structure. Choices are:
Binary or ASCII.
ASCII formats can be modified by including or excluding a button code, decimal point,
carriage return or line feed, depending on whether GTCO, CalComp or Summa formats
have been selected.
Button: Defines whether the Pushbutton (Pb) value is included in the ASCII output
report. This option is available only with GTCO formats. Choices are: Include or
Exclude.
Space: Defines whether the Space (Sp) character (hex 20) is included in the ASCII
output report as a delimiter between the X and Y coordinate values. This option is
available only in GTCO formats. Choices are: Include or Exclude.
Decimal: Defines whether the period character (hex 2E) is included in the ASCII
output report between the units and tenths digits. This option is available only in
Summagraphics formats. Choices are: Include or Exclude.
Return: Defines whether the Carriage Return (CR) character (hex 0D) is included in
the ASCII output report as a terminator. This option is available in GTCO and
Summagraphics formats. Choices are: Include or Exclude.
Line Feed: Defines whether the Line Feed (LF) character (hex 0A) is included in the
ASCII output report as a terminator. This option is available in GTCO, CalComp and
Summagraphics formats. Choices are: Include or Exclude.
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AccuSet Menu:
Select the menu block
GTCO Commands:
Send command AD.
AccuSet Menu:
Select the menu block
GTCO Commands:
Send command AE.
Mode Options
Mode: Defines how output reports are sent from the digitizer. Choices are: Point,
Line, Continuous, Line Incremental or Continuous Incremental.
Rate: Determines how fast output reports will be transmitted from the digitizer.
Choices are: 12, 50 or 100 reports per second.
Resolution: The smallest reported value returned by the digitizer. Choices are:
1000 lpi, 2000 lpi, 4000 lpi, 40 lpmm, 100 lpmm or 150 lpmm.
Controlling the Alarm
There are two ways to toggle the alarm on or off:
Select the block on the AccuSet Menu.
Use the below remote commands.
Controlling the Alarm Using Remote Commands
An alarm (audio tone) is provided so AccuTab can inform you of certain conditions. The
alarm can be enabled or disabled by the AccuSet Menu or commands.
To hear only critical tones, turn the alarm off:
To hear all tones, turn the alarm on:
When you move the cursor over the block on the AccuSet Menu, the Proximity
indicator (red) will light if the alarm is currently enabled.
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Resetting AccuTab
There are four ways to reset AccuTab:
Enter AccuSet code 00 on the AccuSet Menu.
Press the reset button on the rear panel of the Controller.
Turn power off and on.
Send remote commands described in the Advanced Operating Information section.
When one of these events occurs, AccuTab will revert to the configuration that was last
defined. Any remote commands that were active before the result will be lost.
Controlling the Illuminated Cursor Lamps
To toggle the Illuminated Cursor’s lamps on or off:
Select the block on the AccuSet Menu.
Lamps will automatically turn off if the cursor remains motionless for about 15
minutes. To turn the lamps on again, just move the cursor.
Transducer Lights
Different transducers have a variety of indicator lights on them. This section describes
what the indicators notify about the operation of the AccuTab.
Proximity Indicator (red): Standard on all transducers and is on when the transducer
is within the tablet’s active area. Conversely, it is off when the transducer is outside
the active area. Under most conditions, the AccuTab will not generate coordinate
formats when the transducer is outside the active area.
This indicator is also used to communicate status information to you when you’re using
the Custom Configuration Menu or AccuSet Menu.
Point/Line Indicator (green): Available on the 16-button cursor only and tells you
which digitizing mode is in use. If Point Mode is active, the light is off. If Line Mode
or Continuous Mode is active, the light is on.
Status Indicator (yellow): Available on the 16-button cursor only (not available on
the Illuminated Cursor). This indicator is controlled by remote commands.
Application programs can turn the status indicator on and off by sending the
appropriate commands.
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