7.C0MPUTER INTERFACING
7.1. INTRODUCTION
Using theRS232 port on the chamber theFormat 550 can be interfaced to PC compatible computers.
Primarily there are at present two methods available to the user. However, this area of application continues to develop rapidly. If this manual does not fully address your application please contact SANYO Gallenkamp PLC or your dealer.
7.1.1HOST SYSTEM
This is a software package that can be installed onto the hard disk of apersonal computer. It enables the connection of up to 8 Format 550 controllers. Each can be addressed individually to allow uploading and downloading of programs.
It can be ordered from SANYO Gallenkamp PLC or your dealer (part number E03554). In fact this package can network a mixture of Format 500 & Format 550 controllers. The following notes deal with only a single connection to a single Format 550.
7.1.2COMPUTER INTERACTIVE
In this situation software is written by the user to enable his chamber to be "slaved" to some other intelligent device. Typically this might be a system controller that is managing a test procedure being conducted on the test piece within the chamber. The system controller can make decisions and direct the operation of test device and/or chamber.
At a simple level this can take the form of the system controller requiring data about the chamber condition to add to a log already being acquired. A substantial protocol supports these interactions, & is described in section 8.2.
7.2. INSTALLING & USING A SINGLE CONNECTION HOST SYSTEM
HOST PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Hardware
IBM PC compatible computer with 386SX processor (or better)
VGA display adapter
-Hard disk with at least 2MB free
-3.5" 1.44MB floppy disk drive
-RS232 serial port (COM1)
-Parallel Printer Port (LPT1)
Operating system
-MSDOS 5.0 or higher
Additionally recommended Mains Filter Unit
RS232 null modem cable: to connect Host PC to Format 550 RS232 port
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