20
SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS
The ES3S can transmit data to a
computer
or to a
printer
. The default output
device is selected using the menu sequence
⌐
S
ETUP
⌐
C
OMMUNICATIONS
⌐
D
EFAULT
O
UTPUT
, and data is transmitted using the
⌐
S
END
D
ATA
main menu option. Note
that the ES3S implements
no handshaking protocol
for serial communications.
This means that the ES3S cannot detect an unconnected serial port or a ‘not
ready’ state. It is the user’s responsibility to verify that a serial cable is connected
and that the external device (printer or computer) is powered up and ready for
communications before attempting to transmit data.
NOTE: While an Earscan 3 is attached to the PC using the supplied USB cable, it
is automatically configured for output to a PC at a baud rate of 115.2k, and no
setup changes are required.
Transmit Options
Table 5
lists optional settings associated with transmitting data.
Table 6. Data Transmit Options
Default Output
Output data destination (Printer),
Computer
Baud Rate
Serial port BAUD rate
(9600), 28.8k, 57.6k, 115.2k
Insert Linefeed
Insert linefeed after after
each line (for printer use)
No, (Yes)
SCREEN AND CLOCK OPTIONS
LCD brightness and contrast are user adjustable to allow optimizing the display for
differing viewing conditions (e.g., ambient lighting or viewing angle). The contrast
setting has no appreciable effect on battery life, but higher brightness settings
require more power and will decrease battery life. The amount of time that the
backlight remains on during periods of inactivity is also user settable, and should
be set to as low a value as is convenient to preserve battery life.
The ES3S includes a real-time clock with rechargeable lithium battery backup to
maintain time and date. Time can be set/displayed in either 12- or 24-hour format.
Date can be set/displayed in dd/mm/yyyy or mm/dd/yyyy format. The battery is
recharged when the ES3 is powered on. When fully charged it should maintain the
real-time clock for at least a year, even if the instrument is not used. In the unlikely
event that the clock battery should become discharged, the time and date would
need to be reset and the instrument left on long enough to recharge the backup
battery.