CONTREX M-Traverse - Manual (Page 113)

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COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE DESIGN
The M–Traverse Serial Communications Interface uses a polling technique to establish
a link with the host computer. All of the Control Parameters and Monitor Variables that
are accessible through the M–Traverse's front panel keypad are also accessible
through the Serial Communications Interface. The host computer sends a sixteen
character record to the M–Traverse to establish the link and the M–Traverse responds
with either a conformation or an error message. Once the M–Traverse responds, the
host computer can send additional transmissions.
All of the M-Traverse's messages use the USA Standard Code for Information
Interchange (ASCII). The host computer sends three types of messages;
Parameter Send - To change CPs.
Control Command Send - To control operating functions.
Data Inquiry - To monitor CPs and MVs.
These three message types, their character level descriptions in binary and ASCII, as
well as the M–Traverse's response, are outlined in the sections that follow.