Note

The cable must be a RS232 serial cable with a DB9 male connector on one end and a DB9 female connector on the other end. Do NOT use a null modem cable since these are wired differently. Note that certain older model computers have a 25-pin connector for a serial port that will require either an adapter or a different cable.

Note

Operation of an older model 8718 meter that has been upgraded to Version 3.0 firmware is different. The default condition upon meter turn-on for the RS232 port is off (to conserve power). The RS232 port must be turned on from the meter menu.

To establish communications between the meter and the

computer...

1.Use the supplied computer cable to connect between the RS232 connector on the meter and a COM port (COM 1 or COM 2) of your computer.

2.Start the User’s software. The Main Menu Screen shows the COM port and baud rate settings. Check that the COM port setting matches the location of the cable. Note the baud rate setting. The default setting is 9600 baud.

3.Change the baud rate and/or COM port if desired by selecting the ComPort pull down menu and selecting the desired rate and/or COM port.

The User’s Software indicates the communications status. Prior to establishing communications, the CTS (Clear To Send) indicator will be black and the words “Not On Line” will be shown below the indicator.

4.Turn the Model 8718B on.

5.Once the meter has finished booting up, press F4

(MENU) on the meter to access the First Menu Screen.

6.Press 6 (RS232) to select the communications port menu.

7.Check that the baud rate on the meter is set to the same as the User’s Software. The meter setting will be the same as the last time the meter was used.

8.Check that the CTS indicator on the computer screen has turned red and the status has changed to “On Line”.

Viewing or Changing Probe Calibration Data

The 8718B knows the basic parameters of all 8700 series probes i.e. frequency range, type of probe (electric or magnetic field), measurement range, and standard calibration frequencies. The term “installed” means that the meter has stored the calibration date and the correction factors for a specific probe. Narda installs probes that are shipped at the same time as the 8718B.

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Operating the Meter