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CHAPTER 3: Getting Started
3.9 Is Anyone Out There?
Before connecting any IEEE bus devices to the 488 Controller, try this simple operational check. The 488
Controller must be configured for either System Controller or Peripheral mode operation. This test will
not work in either of the Pass-Thru modes.
Running BASIC on the host, or any programming language which supports the serial ports, type the
following (or its equivalent).
OPEN "COM1:9600, N, 8, 2, cd, ds" AS 1
[Return]
PRINT #1,"HELLO"
[Return]
LINE INPUT #1,A$
[Return]
PRINT A$
[Return]
The 488 Controller will respond with (and the host will display):
488 Controller Revision
N.N
Copyright (C) 1988
where
N.N
is the release and revision number of the firmware.
If you obtain the response above, then your 488 Controller is fine and ready to connect your host to the
powerful IEEE-488 General Purpose Interface Bus. If you did not receive the message above, check that the
interface cable is properly connected and fits. If the 488 Controller is not installed correctly, call Black Box
Technical Support.
