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MULTITASKER
400-0402-003
9
7.3 RS-232 CONNECTION
7.3.1 RS-232 COMMUNICATION
If a control system is used to control the cards in
the MultiTasker, connect the 9-pin D connector
of the MT101-114/115/117 to the control
system's RS-232 port. In order to connect the
MultiTasker (MT) to a computer or a terminal,
you must have the proper interface cable such
as the ALTINEX RC5201RS.
The cable must have the appropriate connector
on each end and the internal wiring must be
correct. Connectors typically have 9 pins (DB-9)
or 25 pins (DB-25).
Figure 1 shows the typical pinout and
connections for a DB-9 computer serial port and
Figure 2 shows the typical pinout and
connections required for a DB-25 computer
serial port.
Figure 1: DB-9 Serial Connection
Figure 2: DB-25 Serial Connection
7.4 RS-232 PROTOCOL
The RS-232 protocol for the MT101-114/115/117
uses a simple ASCII character format.
1. Brackets “[ ]” are part of the command
for the controller or plug-in card.
2. Brackets "{ }" are part of the command
for the panel display commands.
3. Use uppercase letters for all commands.
The MT101-114/115/117 have many advanced
remote control capabilities which are accessible
through standard RS-232 communication.
Control can be accomplished using a computer,
a control system, or any other device capable of
sending RS-232 commands. The factory
settings for the RS-232 port are as follows:
Baud Rate = 9600
Data Bits = 8
Stop Bits = 1
Parity = None
The enclosure and cards in a MultiTasker are
capable of performing various functions, as well
as providing feedback to the user or control
system. Commands instruct a card to perform
specific actions, request status information, and
some do both simultaneously.
A command that does not request specific
information will generate feedback of “[ ]”. The
open bracket immediately followed by a closed
bracket indicates the card or unit received a
valid command. If the command requested
information from the card or enclosure, the
feedback generated is the acknowledgement of
having received a valid command. Invalid
commands generate feedback that includes
“ERR” plus an error code.
Example: [ERR001]
Commands ending in “S” will be saved into
memory. Commands not ending in “S” will still
be executed, but will not be restored when the
system is reset or powered-off, then on.
MultiTasker Computer
9-Pin 'D' Connector DB-9
GND
TXD
RXD
TXD
RXD
GND
2
3
5 5
2
3
MultiTasker Computer
9-Pin 'D' Connector DB-25
GND
TXD
RXD
TXD
RXD
GND
2
3
5 7
3
2