SRS Labs SR850 - Manual (Page 13)

GETTING STARTED
The sample measurements described in this section are designed to acquaint the first time user with the
SR850 DSP Lock-In Amplifier. Do not be concerned that your measurements do not exactly agree with these
exercises. The focus of these measurement exercises is to learn how to use the instrument.
It is highly recommended that the first time user step through some or all of these exercises before attempting
to perform an actual experiment.
The experimental procedures are detailed in two columns. The left column lists the actual steps in the experi-
ment. The right column is an explanation of each step.
Key Types There are two types of front panel keys which will be referred to in this
manual. Hardkeys are those keys with labels printed on them. Their func-
tion is determined by the label and does not change. Hardkeys are refer-
enced by brackets like this - [HARDKEY]. The softkeys are the six gray
keys along the right edge of the screen. Their function is labelled by a
menu box displayed on the screen next to the key. Softkey functions
change depending upon the situation. Softkeys will be referred to as the
<Soft Key> or simply the Soft Key.
Hardkeys The keypad consists of five groups of hardkeys. The ENTRY keys are
used to enter numeric parameters which have been highlighted by a soft-
key. The MENU keys select a menu of softkeys. Pressing a menu key
will change the menu boxes which are displayed next to the softkeys.
Each menu groups together similar parameters and functions. The
CONTROL keys start and stop actual data acquisition, select the cursor
and toggle the active display. These keys are not in a menu since they
are used frequently and while displaying any menu. The SYSTEM keys
output the screen to a printer and display help messages. These keys
can also be accessed from any menu. The AUTO keys perform auto
functions such as Auto Gain and Auto Phase.
Softkeys The SR850 has a menu driven user interface. The 6 softkeys to the right
of the video display have different functions depending upon the informa-
tion displayed in the menu boxes at the right of the video display. In gen-
eral, the softkeys have two uses. The first is to toggle a feature on and
off or to choose between settings. The second is to highlight a parameter
which is then changed using the knob or numeric keypad. In both cases,
the softkey selects the parameter which is displayed adjacent to it.
Knob The knob is used to adjust parameters which have been highlighted by a
softkey. Many numeric entry fields may be adjusted with the knob. In
addition, many parameters are adjusted only with the knob. These are
typically parameters with a limited set of values, such as sensitivity or
time constant. In these cases, the parameter is selected by a softkey.
The [CURSOR] key will set the knob function to scrolling the cursor
within the active chart display.
2-1
YOUR FIRST MEASUREMENTS