Serial (RS-232) Controls and Operation
106 AX500 Motor Controller User’s Manual Version 1.9b. June 1, 2007
This information can be safely ignored and the controller will still be able to switch to
RS232 mode upon receiving 10 continuous Carriage Returns as described above.
The format of the data logging string and it content is described in Figure , “Analog and R/C
Modes Data Logging String Format,” on page 126
RS232 Mode if default
If the controller is configured in RS232 mode, it will automatically be in the RS232 mode
upon reset or power up.
In this case, the “OK” message is sent automatically, indicating that the controller is ready
to accept commands through its serial port.
Commands Acknowledge and Error Messages
The AX500 will output characters in various situations to report acknowledgements or error
conditions as listed below.
Character Echo
At the most fundamental level, the AX500 will echo back to the PC or Microcontroller every
valid character it has received. If no echo is received, one of the following is occurring:
• the controller is not in the RS232 mode
• the controller is Off
• the controller may be defective
Command Acknowledgement
The AX500 will acknowledge commands in one of two ways:
For commands that cause a reply, such as a speed or amps queries, the reply to the query
must be considered as the command acknowledgement.
For commands where no reply is expected, such as speed setting, the controller will issue
a “plus” character (+) after every command as an acknowledgment.
Command Error
If a command or query has been received with errors or is wrong, the control will issue a
“minus” character (-) to indicate the error.
If the controller issues the “-” character, it should be assumed that the command was lost
and that it should be repeated.