VICI SVI - Manual (Page 11)

7
Communicating with the SVI using Vcom
Vcom is a simple serial port utility that can be used to send a sequence of
text strings at timed intervals. The times and associated text strings are
stored in method (.mth) files. It is also possible to send individual strings,
entered using the keyboard, and view any reply.
1. Selecting a serial port
Open a serial port by selecting Utility > Com.Port from the menu.
The next time the program is run, the selected serial port will be opened
automatically.
2. Creating a new file
If you are creating a new method file, select File > New from the menu.
Enter the times and the command strings into the edit box in the method
window as described in “Editing a file,” below.
3. Opening a file
If you wish to run an existing method file, open it my selecting File > Open
from the menu.
4. Editing a file
If the newly opened file needs to be edited, click the “Edit” checkbox to enter
the edit mode.
Entering a time
Times are entered in the hour:minute:second format, using any non-numeric
separator.
For example:
20 = 20 seconds into the method run
2.10 = 2 minutes and 10 seconds into the run
1;30.4 = 1 hour, 30 minutes, and 4 seconds
01:30:04 = 1 hour, 30 minutes, and 4 seconds
It is not necessary to enter the times in order. They will be put in order when
you exit the edit mode.
Entering a command
The command is entered after the corresponding time, separated from the
time by a space or tab. Commands are discussed in the next section.
For example:
20 V1A Instructs the SVI to move valve 1 to Position A at
20 seconds into the method run
2.10 V1B Instructs the SVI to move valve 1 to Position B at
2 minutes and 10 seconds into the method run
1;30.4 V68 Instructs the SVI to move valve 6 to Position 8 at
1 hour, 30 minutes, and 4 seconds into the method run