Omega VR200 User Manual

User’s Guide

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PREFACE

This instruction manual describes the optional RS-422-A communication function for
the VR200 view recorder. For details concerning the operations of the recorder, refer to
the instruction manual for the VR200.

Trademarks

• “IBM” is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

• “MS-DOS” and “Windows” are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

1

CONTENTS

PREFACE

Chapter 1 INSTALLING THE RS-422-A INTERFACE

1.1 Interface Specifications ................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.2 Interface Terminal ........................................................................................................................ 1-2

1.2.1 Terminal Assignment...................................................................................................... 1-2

1.2.2 Cable Termination ..........................................................................................................1-2

1.3 Communication Wiring ................................................................................................................1-3

1.4 Data Configuration ....................................................................................................................... 1-4

1.4.1 Start-stop (Asynchronous) Communication ................................................................... 1-4

1.4.2 Text ................................................................................................................................. 1-4

1.4.3 Input Buffer..................................................................................................................... 1-5

1.4.4 Buffer Overflow.............................................................................................................. 1-5

1.5 Setting up the RS-422-A Communication Interface.....................................................................1-6

Chapter 2 RECEIVING FUNCTIONS

2.1 General Rules for Commands.......................................................................................................2-1

2.2 Program Set Commands ...............................................................................................................2-2

2.2.1 List of Program Set Commands ......................................................................................2-2

2.2.2 Setting the Range and Scale............................................................................................ 2-2

2.2.3 Setting Alarms ................................................................................................................ 2-4

2.2.4 Setting the Unit ............................................................................................................... 2-5

2.2.5 Setting the Waveform Span Rate (TIME/DIV) ..............................................................2-5

2.2.6 Setting the Clock............................................................................................................. 2-5

2.2.7 Copying the Channel Settings......................................................................................... 2-5

2.2.8 Setting the Discrete (ZONE) Display .............................................................................2-6

2.2.9 Setting the Partial Expanded Display ............................................................................. 2-6

2.2.10 Setting the Scale Value Indication On/Off (DISP_SCALE, only for VR200

with style number 1 or lower) .........................................................................................2-6

2.2.11 Setting the Tag.................................................................................................................. 2-6

2.2.12 Setting the Trip Level .......................................................................................................2-7

2.2.13 Setting the Floppy Disk Format Type (FD, only for VR202/VR204)..............................2-7

2.2.14 Setting the Data File Name (FILE)...................................................................................2-7

2.2.15 Setting the LCD Brightness and LCD Saver (LCD) ........................................................2-8

2.2.16 Setting the Summer/ Winter Time (DST).........................................................................2-8

2.2.17 Message setting (MESSAGE, only for the VR 200 with style number 2 or higher) ......2-8

2.2.18 Setting of the Number of Divisions of the Bar Graph Scale

(BAR_SCALE_DIV, for the VR 200 with style number 2 or higher) .......................... 2-8

2.2.19 ON/OFF Setting of the Waveform Span Rate Display, ON/OFF Setting of the Message

Menu (SPECIAL, for the VR 200 with style number 2 or higher) ................................ 2-8

2.2.20 Waveform Display and Scale Display Setting

(DISP_WAVE, for the VR 200 with style number 2 or higher)..................................... 2-9

2.3 Program Control Commands ...................................................................................................... 2-10

2.3.1 List of Program Control Commands............................................................................. 2-10

2.3.2 Standard Screen Call..................................................................................................... 2-10

2.3.3 Alarm Acknowledge ..................................................................................................... 2-10

2.3.4 Initializing the Data Memory ........................................................................................ 2-10

2.3.5 Writing a Time-axis Mark and Raising an Event Trigger ............................................ 2-10

2.3.6 Designating the Sequence of Byte Output (for Binary Output).................................... 2-10

2.3.7 Selecting the Output Data ............................................................................................. 2-11

2.3.8 Selecting the Output Format for Measured Data .......................................................... 2-11

2.3.9 Selecting Channels for Request for Setting Parameters,

Unit/Decimal Point Information ...................................................................................2-11

2.3.10 Loading the SET Configuration File.............................................................................2-11

2.3.11 Saving the SET Configuration File............................................................................... 2-11

2.3.12 Message Writing (for the VR 200 with style number 2 or higher) ...............................2-12

2.3.13 Display Switching (for the VR 200 with style number 2 or higher)............................. 2-12

2

2.4 Escape Sequence.........................................................................................................................2-13

2.4.1 Execution of Trigger ..................................................................................................... 2-13

2.4.2 Status Output................................................................................................................. 2-13

2.4.3 Open Command ............................................................................................................2-14

2.4.4 Close Command ............................................................................................................ 2-14

Chapter 3 TRANSMITTING FUNCTIONS

3.1 Introduction to Output Data Formats............................................................................................3-1

3.1.1 TS0 ..................................................................................................................................3-1

3.1.2 TS1 and TS2 ................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Output Data Formats ....................................................................................................................3-2

3.2.1 Output Format of Measured Values in ASCII Mode ...................................................... 3-2

3.2.2 Output Format of Measured Values in Binary Mode ..................................................... 3-3

3.2.3 Output Format of Parameter Settings ............................................................................. 3-4

3.2.4 Output Format of Unit and Decimal Point Information..................................................3-5

Chapter 4 TIME CHART

Chapter 5 INITIAL STATUS

Chapter 6 ERRORS DURING RS-422-A OUTPUT

6.1 Preventing Errors.......................................................................................................................... 6-1

6.2 How to Request Error Message Output........................................................................................ 6-2

6.3 Timing of Resetting the Error Status............................................................................................6-3

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7

Chapter 7 PROGRAM EXAMPLES

7.1 Program to Read Parameter Settings from VR200, Display Them

on Screen and Write Them to Disk .............................................................................................. 7-1

7.2 Program to Read Parameter Setting from Disk, Display Them

on Screen, and Set up VR200 .......................................................................................................7-2

7.3 Program to Read Unit and Decimal Point Information from R200,

Display It on Screen, and Write It to Disk ................................................................................... 7-3

7.4 Program to Output Measured Data (in ASCII Code) from VR200 and

Write to Disk ................................................................................................................................ 7-4

7.5 Program to Output Measured Data (in Binary Code) from VR200 and

Write to Disk ................................................................................................................................ 7-5

APPENDIX

Appendix 1 ASCII Code Table ..................................................................................................... App-1

Appendix 2 File Naming Rules ..................................................................................................... App-2

INDEX

APPENDIX

INDEX

3

1.1 Interface Specifications

Chapter 1 INST ALLING THE RS-422-A

INTERFACE

The option /C3 provides the VR200 view recorder with the EIA (Electronic Industries
Association) RS-422-A communication interface to allow a host computer to do the
following:

• read measured values,

• read parameters, and

• set parameters.
However, this interface does not allow the host computer to operate the power switch of
the VR100VR200 nor control the parameters which can only be set in the SETUP mode
on the VR100VR200.

1.1 Interface Specifications

Communication System: 4-wire, half-duplex, multi-drop connection

Transmission speed: 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 bits/s
Start bit: 1 bit
Stop bit: 1 or 2 bits
Parity: Even, odd, or none
Word length: 7 or 8 bits
Electrical signal characteristics: EIA standard electrical characteristics for the

Communication distance: Up to 500 meters (between an isolated line converter

1 INSTALLING THE RS-422-A INTERFACE

1:n (1 = host computer and n = VR200 view recorders,
n = 1 to 16)
Start-stop (asynchronous) system

interchange signals and associated circuitry.
Functional isolation.

or an isolated-output computer and a VR200 recorder)

1 - 1

1.2 Interface Terminal

Shield potential

RS-422-A terminals

Terminal screws: ISO M4, 6 mm long

Use crimp-on lugs (for 4 mm screws) with
insulation sleeves for the leadwire ends.

1.2.1 Terminal Assignment

MEMORY

Option terminal Indication of RS-422-A terminals

Figure 1.1 Terminal Assignment

1.2.2 Cable Termination

SD A SD B SG G (signal ground)

RD A RD B FG G (frame ground)

Connect RD to TD of the host computer.
Connect SD to RD of the host computer.

1 - 2

Figure 1.2 Cable Termination

To prevent an electric shock, ensure that the main power supply is turned off.

1.3 Communication Wiring

If the host PC is equipped with an RS-422-A interface, the VR200 can be connected
directly. If the host PC is equipped with only an RS-232-C interface, the VR200 can be
connected using a converter (SHARP model Z-101HE or equivalent).

Shown below are two wiring examples, which are the same except for the case
shielding. If there will be a connection between different panels, wiring method b
should be used.

1.3 Communication Wiring

1 INSTALLING THE RS-422-A INTERFACE

Personal
computer

a

Personal
computer

b

Converter
Z-101HE
(SHARP)

R*

R*

Converter
Z-101HE
(SHARP)

R*

R*

* R in the figure denotes the terminal resistance.
R: 100W, 1/2 W or greater (adjust according to the impedance. The converter shown above is

the inverter type. The + and - polarity depends on the type of converter.)

Figure 1.3 Communication Wiring

In case a, use two pairs of 24 AWG (minimum) twisted shielded cables or the
equivalent. In case b, use three pairs of 24 AWG (minimum) twisted shielded cables or
the equivalent. The extra pair is used for SG in case b. (Characteristic impedance: 100
Ω, capacitance: 50 pF/m)
Keep the terminated unshielded section to a minimum and clear of the VR200 recorder
ground line.

To prevent an electric shock, ensure that the main power supply is turned off.

1.4 Data Configuration

The signal is determined by the potentials of RS-422-A terminals A and B, as follows:

1 - 3

If A < B, then signal = 1
If A > B, then signal = 0

1.4.1 Start-stop (Asynchronous) Communication

The built-in RS-422-A interface communicates based on the start-stop (asynchronous)
system. The start-stop system first adds the start bit to the head and then in turn adds
the data bits (7 or 8 bits), parity bit, and stop bit(s) to every transmission of each
character (see Figure 1.4). Define the address of the RS-422-A interface built in the
VR200 recorder, baud rate, data length, parity bit, and stop bit(s) in the SETUP mode
on the VR200 recorder.
The start bit is automatically added and thus need not be set.

Idle status of
the line

1

0

Start bit

Figure 1.4 Configuration of Each Character in Start-stop System

One character

Data bits

(7 or 8 bits)

Parity bit: odd,
even or none

Line released due to
the idle status (broken
line) or continued by
the start bit of the next
data (solid line).

Stop bit

1

1 or 2

1.4.2 Text

Each communication data usually contains more than one character, to which a
terminator character is appended. This is referred to as a text. See also Figure 1.5.

One character

Terminator

ABCDECRLF

One text

Figure 1.5 Structure of Text

The built-in RS-422-A interface identifies each text by regarding the reception of a
terminator as the end of the text. See also Figure 1.6.

Identifies text 1.

A B CCRLF D E F GCRLF

Text 1 Text 2

Figure 1.6 Example of Two Texts Where Terminator Is CR/LF

Identifies text 2.

1 - 4

1.4 Data Configuration

Note

The VR200 identifies an LF as the end of a text when receiving data (and sends a CR and LF as the terminator when sending
data). As shown in the example in Figure 1.6, when a CR and LF are used as the terminator, the CR is ignored. Take care when
communicating with a PC, since some PCs may not send the LF character depending on the mode when the PRINT command,
etc. is invoked.

1.4.3 Input Buffer

The input buffer of the VR200 recorder is a rotary buffer. The rotary buffer outputs a
text on a first-in, first-out basis while storing the data in turn. The user must be aware
of this when programming, and take care to prevent the buffer from overflowing. One
merit of the rotary buffer is that it can flexibly cope with more than one text being sent
contiguously because of the low loss in case of variable text length.

Start 1

End 1

T

e

x

t

1

Figure 1.7 Rotary Buffer

Start 2

T

End 2

e

x

t

2

Start 3

T

e

x

t

3

End 3

1 INSTALLING THE RS-422-A INTERFACE

1.4.4 Buffer Overflow

As described already, the input buffer is necessary for data communication. The
capacity, however, is limited (256 bytes for a 4-channel model). Thus, in the receiver,
the buffer capacity may not be sufficient if a lot of data is sent in a short time, causing
some data to be dropped and adversely affecting the data communications (buffer
overflow).
To prevent buffer overflow, confirm the status of the VR200 using the ESC S command
immediately after a command has been sent (from the PC).

Note

A PC may not be able to send the ESC S command after having sent the LF or FM command.

After receiving the ESC S command, the VR200 outputs its status to the PC. This is
done in the following sequence. The VR200 first stores the ESC S command in the
input buffer, then this command is read from the buffer. Consequently, the VR200
outputs its status to the PC. If the PC does not send the next command until it receives
the VR200 status, the next command will be always received without fail, since there
must be a space in the input buffer of the VR200.

1 - 5

1.5 Setting up the RS-422-A Communication Interface

SETUP PROCEDURE:

1 Unpack the VR200 recorder.

2 While pressing the [
3 Use the [▲]/[▼] keys to select the display ‘SETUP=OPT,’ then press the [
4 Use the [▲]/[▼] keys to select the display ‘OPT=COMM,’ then press the [
5 Use the [▲]/[▼] keys to select the address of the RS-422-A interface of the recorder

from 01 to 16, then press the [
selected.

6 Use the [▲]/[▼] keys to select the baud rate from ‘1200,’ ‘2400,’ ‘4800,’ and

‘9600’ bps, then press the [

7 Use the [▲]/[▼] keys to select the data length between ‘7’ and ‘8’ bits, then press

the [

] key. The default is 8 bits.

8 Use the [▲]/[▼] keys to select the parity specification from ‘ODD,’ ‘EVEN,’ and

‘NONE,’ then press the [

9 Use the [▲]/[▼] keys to select the stop bit specification between ‘1’ and ‘2’ bits,

then press the [

10 The display ‘*COMM SET*’ appears, which shows that the communication setup is

completed.
To proceed to another setting in the SETUP mode if necessary, press the ESC key.

Before leaving the SETUP mode, you must store the new setting in the internal
memory. Press the ESC key to return to the ‘SETUP=OPT’ display, then select the
‘SETUP=END’ display using the [▲]/[▼] keys, then press the [
Finally,

• to store and make the new settings take effect, select the

‘END&INIT.DATA=STORE’ display using the [▲]/[▼] keys, then press the [
key; or

• to discard the new settings, select the ‘END&INIT.DATA=ABORT’ display using

the [▲]/[▼] keys, then press the [

The mode is then released from SETUP to operation in several seconds.

] key, turn on the power to enter the SETUP mode.

] key.

] key.

] key. The default is ‘01.’ Note that ‘00’ cannot be

] key. The default is 9600 bps.

] key. The default is ‘EVEN.’

] key. The default is 1 bit.

] key.

] key.

]

1 - 6

2.1 General Rules for Commands

Chapter 2 RECEIVING FUNCTIONS

This chapter describes the program set commands and program control commands.
Remember first to open a device by invoking the ESC O command before the set or
control commands can be sent.

2.1 General Rules for Commands

A command is represented by ASCII codes and consists of an identifier, parameters,
delimiters and a terminator.

Example: SR01, VOLT, 20 mV, 0, 10000 terminator

Identifier

• Defined by two alphabetical, capital letters.

Parameters

• Parameters must be separated by a delimiter (comma).

• Numeric data are displayed as integers (e.g., +20, -240).

• When parameters are numeric, the effective setting ranges depend on these

parameters.

• Spaces preceding and following a parameter and spaces within a parameter are

ignored. Spaces within a parameter specified by ASCII characters (engineering units,
tags, and messages) are valid.

• Parameters which do not need to be changed do not need to be specified. (E.g., the

command “SR01,, 20mV” leaves the mode unchanged.)

• A string of delimiters at the end of the command/parameter string may be omitted

(see the example below).

Example: The last four commas of

SR01, VOLT,,,,

can be omitted.

• The lengths of the following parameters are fixed. If the length differs, a syntax error

occurs.

- Date and time: YY/MM/DD (8 characters)
HH:MM:SS (8 characters)

- Channel: CC (2 characters). For example, channel 1 must be entered as
“01.”

2 RECEIVING FUNCTIONS

Parameters
Identifier

Terminator

A command must end with either of the following terminators:

CR + LF

or,

LF

For the open (ESC O) and close (ESC C) commands, only CR+LF can be used.

2 - 1

2.2 Program Set Commands

2.2.1 List of Program Set Commands

Command Type

Set

Command Function

Note

For restrictions concerning settings, refer to the instruction manual for the VR200.

2.2.2 Setting the Range and Scale

(See Section 4.1 of the instruction manual for the VR200.)

SKIP

Skips scanning the specified channel, i.e., prevents that channel from being measured,
recorded and displayed.

Format: SRp1,mode

p1: Channel number (CC)
mode: SKIP

Example:SR01,SKIP

SR
SA
SN

SW

SD
SY
SZ
SP
SK
ST
SL
SF
SG
SC

SM

SH
SX

MD

Sets the input range and display scale.
Sets the alarms.
Sets the engineering unit.
Sets the waveform span rate.
Sets the date and time.
Copies the channel settings.
Sets the discrete (zone) display.
Sets the partial expanded display.
Sets whether to display the scale values.
Sets the tag number.
Sets the trip level.
Sets the floppy disk format.
Sets the data file names.
Sets the LCD brightness and saver function.
Sets the messages.
Sets the number of division of the bar graph scale.
Sets wether to display the span rate and message menu.
Sets the waveform display and scale display.

VOLT, TC, RTD, and DELT

Format: SRp1,mode, p2, p3, p4

2 - 2

p1: Channel number (CC)
mode: VOLT, TC, RTD, or DELT (difference computation between the

specified channel and the reference channel)

p2: Specification of the range

For mode VOLT: 20mV, 60mV, 200mV, 2V, 6V, or 20V
For mode TC: R, S, B, K, E, J, T, N, W, L, or U
For mode RTD: JPT or PT (or, optionally CU1, CU2, CU3, CU4,
CU5, CU6, or CU25)
For mode DELT: the reference channel number. Note that the
reference channel number must be lower than the channel number
specified in p1.

p3: Enter the low limit value of the display span within 5 digits

excluding the decimal point and the + or - sign.

p4: Enter the high limit value of the display span within 5 digits

excluding the decimal point and the + or - sign.

2.2 Program Set Commands

Input range table

Input type Range Input Measurement range Unit

20 mV 20 mV -20.00 to 20.00 mV mV
60 mV 60 mV -60.00 to 60.00 mV mV

DC Voltage

Input type Range

T C

R T D

* Allowed when the /N1 option (Cu10, Cu25) is equipped.

200 mV 200 mV -200.0 to 200.0 mV mV

2 V 2 V -2.000 to 2.000 V V
6 V 6 V -6.000 to 6.000 V V

20 V 20 V -20.00 to 20.00 V V

Measurement range

˚C

R 0.0 to 1760.0 ˚C
S 0.0 to 1760.0˚C
B 0.0 to 1820.0˚C
K -200.0 to 1370.0˚C
E -200.0 to 800.0˚C

J -200.0 to 1100.0˚C
T -200.0 to 400.0˚C
L -200.0 to 900.0˚C
U -200.0 to 400.0˚C
N 0.0 to 1300.0˚C

W 0.0 to 2315.0˚C

JPT -200.0 to 550.0˚C

PT -200.0 to 600.0˚C

CU1 to CU6* -200.0 to 300.0˚C

CU25* -200.0 to 300.0˚C

Measurement range

32 to 3200°F
32 to 3200°F
32 to 3308°F

–328.0 to 2498.0°F
–328.0 to 1472.0°F
–328.0 to 2012.0°F

–328.0 to 752.0°F

–328.0 to 1652.0°F

–328.0 to 752.0°F

32 to 2372°F

–328.0 to 752.0°F
–328.0 to 1112.0°F
–328.0 to 1022.0°F
–328.0 to 1112.0°F
–328.0 to 1022.0°F

2 RECEIVING FUNCTIONS

˚F

DI (Digital Input)

SCL (Scaling)

Format: SRp1, mode, p2

p1: Channel number (CC)
mode: DI (digital input)
p2: Select the signal type from LEVL (level) or CONT (contact).

Example:SR01, DI, CONT

Format: SRp1, mode, p2, p3, p4, p5, p6, p7, p8

p1: Channel number (CC)
mode: SCL
p2: Input type. VOLT, TC or RTD
p3: Range
p4: Low limit value of the display span (LOWER SPAN). Enter 5

digits, excluding the decimal point and the + or – sign.

p5: High limit value of the display span (UPPER SPAN). Enter 5

digits, excluding the decimal point and the + or – sign.

p6: Lower scale limit (SCL LOWER). Enter 6 digits, excluding the

decimal point and the + or – sign.

p7: Upper scale limit (SCL UPPER). Enter 6 digits, excluding the

decimal point and the + or – sign.

p8: Decimal point position of scaling value (0 to 4, which stands for

the number of digits after the decimal point)

2 - 3