4. REMOTE OPERATION
Page 131
© 1998-2008 DH Instruments, a Fluke Company
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4.1
OVERVIEW
Most of the PG7000 Terminal’s front panel functions can also be executed by commands from
a remote computer. The host computer can communicate with PG7000 using the COM1 RS232 port
or the IEEE-488 port located on the PG7000 Platform rear panel. The command syntax is the same for
either port except when using the IEEE STD. 488.2 Common commands.
4.2
INTERFACING
Sending a command to PG7000 places it in remote mode. The function keys on the front panel are
locked-out, except for the
[SYSTEM]
and
[AMBIENT]
keys which still respond to allow the user to
change the data displayed. Pressing the
[ESC]
key returns PG7000 to local mode unless the “REMOTE”
command was sent which locks out keypad operation until the “LOCAL” command is sent.
Most remote commands return a reply within 500 ms. The following commands may query external
devices connected to PG7000’s COM2 and/or COM3 ports and can take up to 5 seconds to reply:
“MASS=” (possible communications with an external AMH mass handler)
“PGEN=” (requires communications with an external pressure controller)
“SETUP=” (possible communications with external barometer or vacuum gage)
You
must
wait for this reply before issuing another command to PG7000. This ensures that PG7000 has
completed the command. An exception is the use of any of the IEEE STD. 488.2 Common Commands
(see Section 4.3.4.1) via the IEEE-488 interface (common commands all start with an asterisk, “*”). The
common commands only generate a reply if using the COM1 port or if the query form of the common
command is used (command followed by a “?”).
4.2.1
RS232 INTERFACE
To establish RS232 communications a standard pin-to-pin DB-9F to DB-9M RS232 cable
must be used to connect the host COM port to PG7000 COM1. The interface settings of both
ports must be the same.
PG7000 supports an independent RS232 self-test to verify that the PG7000 RS232 ports
are operating correctly and the interface cable being used is valid. Use this self-test to
troubleshoot if you are having difficulty establishing communications with any PG7000 COM1 (see
Section 3.11.5.3).
