XLINK 500/100 Operations & Maintenance Manual page # 155
16.
Command Line Interface
XLink uses a command line interface. You can use a terminal program instead of LinkComm to
talk to the station. All features are available over command line. In fact, LinkComm uses the
command line interface to talk to the station. When messages are sent to the station via SMS or
Iridium, they use the same format as regular command line communications.
16.1.
Why Use Command Line?
LinkComm provides an easy, user-friendly way to interact with the station. You should never
have
to use the station's command line interface. However, some people prefer command-line
interactions. Also, if you want to send an SMS or an Iridium message to check the station status,
you would need to find out what the command for checking status is.
LinkComm cannot send messages to the station. SMS messages may be sent to the station from
a cell phone, and Iridium messages may be sent via email.
16.2.
About the Command Line Interface
The command line interface provides a way to interact with the station. Any terminal program
can be used to connect to the station. You can connect via the RS-232 port, USB port, or attach
to the TCP/IP address of a station that has a Cell modem. You can send and receive messages to
and from the station via SMS or Iridium.
By default, the RS-232 interface operates at 115200 Baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit. The
system supports hardware handshaking; its use is recommended. Allow at least a half-second
between opening the communications port and starting communication.
To start command line mode, send carriage return or line feed (or both). If using a terminal
program, press ENTER. The station will respond with a prompt >
Once in command line mode, type HELP to get a list of supported commands. Also, try HELP
SETUP.
While it is not recommended, changing the baud rate can be done by typing BAUD RATE. The
default baud rate is 115200.
With the terminal program, if the emulation is set for VT100, pressing the up arrow brings back
the last typed command.
Messages can be sent to the station remotely. Messages are treated like command line input
with a few differences. Some commands cannot be executed via a message. Other commands
may have a differently formatted output (in order to reduce message size).
Units with a cell modem can receive SMS (text messages). Units with an Iridium modem can have
messages sent to via emails that get routed through the Iridium system. See
The last message received since boot up can be viewed via the front panel, under the diagnostics
menu.