The instrument can be remotely controlled via its RS232 or GPIB interfaces. When using RS232
it can either be the only instrument connected to the controller or it can be part of an Addressable
RS232 Chain (ARC) which permits up to 32 instruments to be addressed from one RS232 port.
Some of the following sections are general and apply to all 3 modes (single instrument RS232,
ARC and GPIB); others are clearly only relevant to a particular interface or mode. It is only
necessary to read the general sections plus those specific to the intended remote control mode.
Remote command format and the remote commands themselves are detailed in the Remote
Commands chapter.
Address and Baud Rate Selection
For successful operation, each instrument connected to the GPIB or Addressable RS232 Chain
(ARC) must be assigned a unique address and, in the case of addressable RS232, all must be
set to the same Baud rate.
The instrument's remote address for operation on both the GPIB and RS232 interfaces is set on
the COMMS menu, accessed by pressing the COMMS key. With the ► selection cursor in the
ADDRESS field the address can be changed using the rotary control or ▲▼keys. On this
instrument addresses 0 to 30 inclusive are allowed; the factory default is address 1. The address
setting is ignored in single instrument RS232 operation.
With the ► selection cursor in the REMOTE field, the rotary control or ▲▼keys can be used to
select GPIB or RS232 with Baud rates of between 300 and 19200; the factory default selection is
RS232 at 9600 Baud.
Remote/Local Operation
At power-on the instrument will be in the local state with the REMOTE lamp off. In this state all
keyboard operations are possible. When the instrument is addressed to listen and a command is
received the remote state will be entered and the REMOTE lamp will be turned on. In this state
the keyboard is locked out and remote commands only will be processed. The instrument may be
returned to the local state by pressing the LOCAL key; however, the effect of this action will only
remain until the instrument is addressed again or receives another character from the interface,
when the remote state will once again be entered.
RS232 Interface
RS232 Interface Connector
The 9-way D-type serial interface connector is located on the instrument rear panel. The pin
connections are as shown below:
Pin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
12
Name
Description
-
No internal connection
TXD
Transmitted data from instrument
RXD
Received data to instrument
-
No internal connection
GND
Signal ground
-
No internal connection
RXD2
Secondary received data (addressable RS232 only)
TXD2
Secondary transmitted data (addressable RS232 only)
GND
Signal ground (addressable RS232 only)
Remote Operation