SX-01635-000, Rev. 5
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SC-5500 Programming
Labsphere provides several software packages that execute control over the SC-5500 instrument.
If your application is very specialized, you may need to write your own software. This chapter
provides some programming examples that may be helpful.
The SC-5500 instrument can be controlled through an IEEE-488 interface or using RS-232C for-
mat over a serial port. In either case, communications must be in text format. If you choose the
IEEE-488 interface, you will need an IEEE board and cable. If you decide to use the 9-pin serial
connector on the SC-5500, you need an RS-232C cable with the null modem.
SC-5500 Programming Commands
Commands given to the SC-5500 must be sent in capital letters and each command has to be fol-
lowed with an X. For instance, to activate the AUTORANGE function via the terminal program,
the following command must be sent, A0X. The “A0” is the actual command to instruct the SC-
5500 to switch to the automatic ranging mode. The X tells the SC-5500 to execute the command.
Complete strings of commands may be sent all at once as long as the final command is the X. A
string of commands, up to 100 characters long, may be entered, followed by a single X. These
commands will all be executed at once. For example, to instruct the SC-5500 to switch to 4-1/2
digit mode, toggle to AUTO RANGE, and also to use the voltage readout, the following string
can be sent:
H1A0C0X.
Note:
If an incorrect command is sent to the SC-5500 Integrating Sphere System Control
from the computer, the LCD display on the instrument will read
INVALID MESSAGE
for
approximately five seconds before it clears itself.
Automatic Ranging
A
n
AØX
Sets the SC-5500 in the auto ranging mode.
A1X
Turns off the auto ranging mode.
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