TDI-Dynaload Division
WCL488 Series Water Cooled Electronic Loads
Operation & Programming Manual
402828, Rev. B1
Page 49
Commands
The basis of the WCL488 syntax is the instrument control commands. Each command sends an
instruction to the Dynaload. A query command requests information from the Dynaload.
Each element of the load syntax commands consists of two or more letters or a combination of
letters and numbers. The simpler elements are mnemonic in nature while the longer elements
explain a complete action.
EXAMPLE:
CI 10 This places the load in it’ s Constant Current Mode set at 10 amps
LOAD ON This closes the load’ s input relay.
Queries
Commands followed by a question mark “ ?” are queries. When received by the Dynaload, the
appropriate information is stored for reading by the IEEE-488 bus controller. It is important to
note that the results of a query must be read back before sending another command to the
Dynaload. If this is not the case, the information requested is lost.
There are two categories of queries. One is a request for real time load values: voltage, current,
and power. The second is request for the present value of programmed parameters or status.
Many of the commands may be turned into queries by the addition of a question mark (?). The
Dynaload will respond with the requested information when the load is addressed to talk over the
IEEE-488 bus.
EXAMPLE:
CI? This requests the present value of the Constant Current program.
LOAD? This requests the state of the load’ s input relay.
