
Lake Shore Model 340 Temperature Controller User’s Manual
Instrument Programming
8-1
CHAPTER 8
INSTRUMENT PROGRAMMING
8.0 GENERAL
The Model 340 has a powerful processor, user interface, and special programming features. Internal
programming is not intended to replace computer interface operation, and in most cases the two complement
each other. Programming features include entering a temperature response curve, saving and restoring
instrument parameters, and internal programming that allows the instrument to run temperature profiles.
This chapter covers front panel curve entry in Paragraph 8.1, SoftCal™ in Paragraph 8.2), internal
programming in Paragraph 8.3, and data card operations in Paragraph 8.4.
8.1 CURVE ENTRY FROM THE FRONT PANEL
Enter a temperature response curve into the Model 340 in several ways: Field install a CalCurve with a Data
Card or order it factory-installed; enter a user-generated curve from the front panel; create a SoftCal curve
with the SoftCal feature (Paragraph 8.2); or load a curve with a computer interface (refer to Chapter 9).
8.1.1 Curve Numbers and Storage
The Model 340 has 20 standard curve locations; numbered 1 thru 20. At present, only curve locations 1 thru
10 are occupied by curves; the others are reserved for future updates. If a standard curve location is in use,
the curve can be viewed using the edit operation. Standard curves can not be changed by the user, and
reserved locations are not available for user curves.
The Model 340 has 40 user curve locations numbered 21 thru 60. Each location can hold from 2 to 200 data
pairs (breakpoints) including a value in sensor units and a corresponding value in Kelvin. Using fewer than
200 breakpoints will not increase the number of available curve locations. SoftCal generated curves are
stored in user curve locations.
No specific curve endpoints are required. The instrument will show an error message on the display if the
sensor input is outside the range of the breakpoints.
Each curve has a set of parameters that are used for identification and to allow the instrument to use the
curve effectively. The parameters must be set correctly before a curve can be used for temperature
conversion or temperature control.
Please note that if instrument power is lost when new curves are being stored or erased (Save Screen has
been pressed), all user curves may be lost.
8.1.2 Front Panel Curve Entry Operations
There are three operations associated with front panel curve entry: Edit curve, Copy curve copy, Erase curve;
as detailed below.
Edit curve
Edit allows the user to see any curve and enter or edit a curve at any user
curve location. Standard curves cannot be changed (Paragraph 8.1.3).
Copy curve
Copy allows the user to copy a curve from any location to any user curve
location. Curves cannot be copied into standard curve locations
(Paragraph 8.1.4).
Erase curve
Erase allows the user to delete a curve from any user curve location.
Standard curves cannot be erased (Paragraph 8.1.5).
To begin a curve operation, press the
Curve Entry
key and the above selections appear. Press the
Next
Setting
key until the desired operation is highlighted and press the
Enter
key. A curve screen appears with
the curve number highlighted. Change to the desired curve number with the
s
or
t
key, then press the
Enter
key to begin the desired curve operation.