Lasair II Particle Counter Operations Manual
Page 7-1
Chapter 7
Operation with a Computer or Control
Software
The previous chapters referenced using Lasair II particle counter in the “stand-
alone” or “direct” mode. In these modes, you are interfacing directly with the Lasair
II particle counter. All parameters are set by using the softkeys and all data is stored
in and read from the display screens or printed on the thermal printer.
This chapter discusses the methods for communicating with a particle counter
using a computer. It is organized as follows:
•
Overview of the different communication protocols.
•
Configuring (setting up) the Lasair II particle counter for communications.
•
Details of using the different communication methods.
Communications Overview
The Lasair II particle counter provides several methods for communicating with
external computers. They are outlined here, then examined in more detail in the
remainder of this chapter.
PMS TCP/IP Protocol
This interface provides the capability of attaching a Lasair II particle counter to
Facility Net via the Ethernet. The Lasair II particle counter can interact with Facility
Net as an on-line platform, or as a remote platform. Using the instrument as a
remote platform means taking samples with the instrument disconnected from
Facility Net, and then periodically loading the data into Facility Net. As an on-line
platform, the instrument remains in one location collecting and sending data
samples based on Facility Net requests. See Appendices B, C, and D for additional
details.
