4
A few words about Modes…
It is worth reviewing the different modes that are referred to in this manual - these can become confusing if taken into
the wrong context!
Operational Modes
Refers to the communication protocol between the host and the instrument
These can range from Mode 0 (the simplest) to Mode 4 (the most complex). This mode
essentially determines how much error checking is applied to the data during transmission.
See the Protocol section (Page 9) for a detailed explanation
Row and Pixel Modes
Refers to the way text and graphics are positioned on the screen
The simplest and quickest mode is Row Mode – think of it as being able to position objects
on a page with ruled lines. In this mode the screen is split up into eight horizontal rows each
eight pixels high. Text is then aligned with these rows
Pixel Mode allows objects to be placed anywhere – but the drawback is that it takes a bit
longer for the display to be updated
See the <RM> Row Mode and <PM> Pixel Mode commands for further information
Write Modes
Refers to the way text and graphics are written on the screen
Mode 0 is normal : objects appear as a black image on a clear background
Mode 3 is inverse : objects appear as a clear image on a black background
Modes 1 and 2 are more complex and are used for special effects
See the Write Mode section and also the <WM> command
Background Modes
Refers to the image that appears when the screen is flashed
A text or graphic object can be flashed against a clear background, a black background or an
inverse of that image
See the <BM> Background Mode, <FL> Flashing and <EF> Enable Flashing commands
Key Modes
Refers to the format of the key-press data that is returned to the host.
Mode 0 is the simplest, where data is returned as a single byte describing the last key pressed.
Mode 1 also returns a single byte, but this time individual key status is returned as the six
least significant bits of this byte.
Mode 2 returns 6 individual bytes showing the status of each key as an ASCII 0 or 1
See the Response format section (Page 10)
The “Command Reference” section (Page 24) shows which modes are applicable to each command.