CAUTION

NOTE

Chapter 3 Features and Functions

Serial Interface Ports

Making Changes to the Serial Port Settings (If Needed)

If you change the serial port settings, your changes will be stored in the 58502A. Cycling power will not reset to factory defaults. Therefore, if you make a change, it is recommended that you record the settings and keep the record with the 58502A.

If you need to change the serial port settings, for example, to set up for a different computer, use the guidelines given in this section.

Serial port settings are changed by issuing commands.

It is recommended that you issue a single compound command which simultaneously sets all the serial port parameters. Then connect the other computer and begin using the instrument with the new settings.

If you choose to set parameters one at a time, you will make the procedure more difficult. That is, with each change, the instrument will be updated, but your computer will retain its original settings. At each step, you will have stopped serial communications and be forced to modify your PC settings to match the 58502A in order to continue. It is recommended that you make all changes in a single compound command, verify the changes, and record all parameters.

The command line below would set the RS-232C port pacing to XON, baud rate to 2400, and parity to EVEN.

SYST:COMM:SER:PACE XON; BAUD 2400; PARITY EVEN

Determining the Serial Port Settings

If you connect your PC, press Return, and do not get a scpi> prompt back from the 58502A, your 58502A’s serial communication settings may have been modified. You need to systematically step through the data communication settings on your PC until your PC matches the 58502A. The 58502A cannot communicate its settings until this process is complete.

Iterate until you are able to verify that settings on your PC match the 58502A.

When you are successful, you will have restored full RS-232 communications, enabling you to query the 58502A’s communication settings. Once you establish communications with the serial port, you can query the 58502A for settings of the port.

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User’s Guide