ASCII Programming
18 ASCII Programming
This section explains the system's ASCII communication protocols. A protocol is the set of commands
that defines all possible communications with the sensor. The commands are described along with
their associated ASCII command characters and related message format information. Use them when
writing custom programs for your applications or when communicating with your sensor using a
terminal program.
18.1 Transfer Modes
There are two possible transfer modes for the digital interface:
Poll Mode:
By user-interface control, a parameter will be set or requested.
Burst Mode:
A pre-defined data string ("burst string") will be transferred as fast as possible, as
long as the burst mode is activated. The data will be transferred in one direction only,
from the unit to the user interface.
V=P
"P" starts the Poll mode (allows to request or to set parameters)
V=B
"B" starts the Burst mode (data will be transferred as fast as possible; necessary: data
string definition – "Burst string")
?X$
gives the burst string parameters while in poll mode
Single Head System:
$=UTIE
"$" sets the parameter combination ("burst string")
"U" unit (°C or °F)
"T" temperature value
"I" internal temperature of the sensing head
"E" emissivity
Multiple Head System:
$=U1T1I1E2T2I2E "$" sets the parameter combination ("burst string")
"U" unit (°C or °F)
"1T" temperature value for sensing head 1
"1I" internal temperature for sensing head 1
"1E" emissivity for sensing head 1
"2T" temperature value for sensing head 2
"2I" internal temperature for sensing head 2
"2E" emissivity for sensing head 2
Return from burst mode to poll mode:
If poll mode should activate while burst mode is still active, send a character and within the following
few seconds the command V=P.
18.2 Command Structure
Requesting a parameter (Poll Mode)
?E<CR>
"?" is the command for "Request"
"E" is the parameter requested
<CR> (carriage return, 0Dh) is closing the request.
Remark: It is possible to close with <CR> <LF>, 0Dh, 0Ah, but not necessary.
116
Rev. G Nov/2015
MI3
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Questions and answers
I am currently installing 4 modules, each with 2 of the Raytek MI3 units. 7 of the units arrived with the normal display (Bottom Unit in photo), but 1 has only a full white block in the display. Is this indicative of a failed unit, or would this require external adjustments. These units always work when received, so I am unfamiliar with the required troubleshooting.