WindMaster and WindMaster Pro
1561-PS-0001.
Issue 11 February 2017
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39
Polled Mode Notes General
The unit must be set for a polled Mode (M3 or M4).
When in the Polled mode, an output is only generated when the host system sends a Poll signal to the WindMaster
consisting of the WindMaster Unit Identifier – that is, the relevant letter A – Z.
The default setting is ‘Q’.
It is recommended that letters A to F, K, M, N, and P are not used since they can appear in a WindMaster data string
and might result in erroneous poll responses.
The commands available in Polled Mode are:
Description
Command
WindMaster Response
WindMaster Unit Identifier
A ….. Z
Wind speed output generated
Enable Polled mode
?
(none)
Disable Polled mode
!
(none)
Request WindMaster Unit
Identifier
&
A ….. Z (as configured)
Enter Configuration mode
*<N>
CONFIGURATION MODE
Default Poll Mode
Syncpoll 0
Ultrasonic firings take place in the background at the output
rate. Data Output is asynchronous to the poll command.
Single Ultrasonic Firing Poll
mode
Syncpoll 1
A single ultrasonic firing result is output. It is
triggered/synchronised to the poll command.
* Where <N> is the Unit Identifier.
It is suggested that in polled mode the following sequence is used for every poll for information.
?
Ensures that the Sensor is enabled to cover the event that a power down has occurred.
A-Z
Appropriate unit designator sent to retrieve a line of data.
!
Sent to disable poll mode and reduce possibility of erroneous poll generation.
If the unit is powered down after use or upon switch on then allow 5 seconds from switch on before sending poll
commands.
When in polled mode the unit will respond to a poll data command within 30mS of receiving the command.
Maximum poll rate for all modes is 20Hz.
Syncpoll 0 Mode Notes (Default)
Default Syncpoll 0 is set up as follows: -
Open Wind Software.
Type * or *<N> (if already in a polled mode) to enter CONFIGURATION MODE.
Type Syncpoll 0 and press Enter (note there is a space between Syncpoll and 0).
Type Q and press Enter to go to SyncPoll 0 measurement mode.
To check the current syncpoll setting when in configuration mode type Syncpoll and press return. The unit will respond
with 1 or 0.
Ultrasonic firings take place in the background.
Receipt of a poll command will trigger an asynchronous Wind measurement output resultant from the previous
measurements.
The maximum Poll command rate is 20Hz for a single unit connected point to point.
RS485 Networking Examples.
Use of a PC with integrated RS485 PCI Card
In tests four WM/WMP were connected to a PC PCI card and using a single RS485 2-wire port. 1Hz and 5Hz data was
collected from each sensor and the sensors were set at 57600 baud. Tests were also carried out at 10Hz where a small
amount of data loss was observed, leading to 99% of data being collected.
Use of a Data Logger
Tests have shown that at least five WindMasters or WindMaster Pros can work with a datalogger using a single RS485
2-wire port allowing 1Hz data collection from each sensor. The Wind sensors were set to 38400 baud, contact Gill
Instruments for further details if required.
NB: some converters can cause data loss. Where possible, connect directly to an RS485 port.
