4. REMOTE OPERATION

4.REMOTE OPERATION

4.1OVERVIEW

Most of the RPM4 front panel functions can also be executed by commands from a remote computer. The host computer can communicate to the RPM4 using the RPM4’s COM1 RS232 port or it’s IEEE-488 port.

Before writing test code using RPM4 remote commands, familiarize yourself with its operating principles by reading Section 3 of this manual.

4.2INTERFACING

Sending a program message to the RPM4 places it into remote mode. The remote indicator to the right of the display window lights when the RPM4 is in remote mode. It also flickers when a program message is received. The menus usually accessed from the front panel are locked out while in remote. The [ESC] key returns the RPM4 to local operation unless the <REMOTE> program message, which locks out all keypad operation, was sent to the unit.

4.2.1 RS232 INTERFACE

4.2.1.1COM1

The RPM4 COM1 RS232 interface is located on the back of the unit. It is a 9-pin male DB-9F connector configured as a DCE device. Data is transmitted out of the unit using pin 2, and is received on pin 3. This allows a normal pin-to-pin DB-9M to DB-9F RS232 cable to be used to connect to a DTE host.

Handshaking is not required or supported. The COM1 receive buffer is 80 bytes deep. If you overflow the buffer by sending too much data, the data will be lost. Because of this, you must send a single program message at a time and you must wait for the RPM4 to reply from the previous command before issuing another command.

Table 14. COM1 Pin Designations and Connections

RPM4 COM1 DB-9F PIN DESIGNATIONS

 

PIN #

FUNCTION

DESCRIPTION

 

 

2

TxD

This pin transmits serial data from the RPM4 to the host.

 

 

3

RxD

This pin accepts serial data from the host computer.

 

 

5

Grn

This pin is the common return for the TxD and RxD signals.

 

IBM PC/XT DB-9F

IBM PC/XT DB-9M TO RPM4 DB9F

CONNECTIONS

 

CONNECTION

DB-25M

DB-9F

DB-9M

 

DB-9F

2

3

3

 

3

3

2

2

 

2

7

5

5

 

5

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© 2004-2007 DH Instruments, a Fluke Company

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Fluke RPM4 manual Remote Operation, Overview, Interfacing, 1 RS232 Interface, 1.1 COM1