FASTRAK MANUAL
Rev. G
28
JUNE 2012
outlet. Then connect the power cable from the power supply to the DIN power connector on the
rear panel of the FASTRAK. Connect the power cord to the power supply brick and plug it into
the AC wall outlet. Configure the dip switch settings on the I/O select switch. Plug in transmitter,
receivers and RS-232 cable and turn the power switch to the ON position. On power up, the
power indicator will blink for several seconds to indicate the system’s performance of an
initialization and self test routine. During this time, system operation is not possible. At the
completion of this routine, the power indicator will change from a “blink” state to “steady-on”
which indicates that the system is now operational.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Do not connect or disconnect the power cable to the FASTRAK while it
is powered on or while the power supply brick is energized. Internal component damage could
result.
Initial Power Up Procedure
•
Verify FASTRAK power switch is off
•
Verify power supply brick is not energized (plugged into the wall outlet)
•
Connect power cable from the brick to the power connector on rear panel of FASTRAK
•
Plug power supply brick into AC wall outlet
•
Configure switch settings on I/O select switch
•
Plug in transmitter, receivers, and RS-232 cable
•
Turn on FASTRAK power switch
8.3 Configuration Changes
Although receivers can be connected or disconnected while the unit is powered on, it is not
normal operating practice. However, if it is necessary to do this, it is important to either cycle the
system power or send the ‘^Y’ reset command. This allows the device characterization data for
the receiver to be read and applied to future measurements. Normal system accuracy cannot be
achieved unless the receiver characterization data has been read properly.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Do not connect or disconnect the transmitter while the FASTRAK
system is powered on.
8.4 Using the USB Interface
When the FASTRAK is powered on, it is enabled for RS-232 communication. As soon as the
USB cable is plugged in, the FASTRAK will shift to USB operation (see
).
It takes the FASTRAK approximately 3-4 seconds to shift to USB mode. Since the FASTRAK
can not
communicate over the RS-232 port and the USB port simultaneously, the user needs to
choose which interface will be used and cease communication over the other port. Once the
FASTRAK is in the USB mode, simply disconnecting the USB cable will not put the FASTRAK
back in RS-232 mode. In order to switch the FASTRAK back to RS-232 mode, the user must
disconnect the USB cable and then cycle the power on the FASTRAK (turn it off, then turn it
back on again). Note that at anytime during RS-232 operation, the USB cable can be plugged
into the FASTRAK and it will switch to USB mode, without having to cycle the power.
However, it is best to disable continuous output mode and close any programs communicating
with the FASTRAK via RS-232 first, in order to avoid error messages or program lock-ups while
switching to the USB mode.