Serial Interface - Bartington MS2 Operation Manual

BARTINGTON INSTRUMENTS
The magnetic susceptibility of common rocks is shown in Appendix 1.

5.6. Serial Interface

An RS-232 compatible serial interface, which permits data logging in the field and data
processing in the laboratory, is included within this unit. The instrument produces a serial output
of each meter reading, whether triggered by a signal on the serial interface or by a manual push
button operation. A zeroing operation produces no serial output.
Via the four-way connector on the rear panel of the instrument, the RS-232 serial interface
allows data communication between the MS2 meter and a computer with custom designed
software. For reasons of economy of battery drain, the interface is restricted to operate over a
maximum cable length of 50 metres.
An RS-232 connecting cable is provided with the MS2 for connection to a computer via a 9-way
D-type connector. No hardware handshaking is provided.
The 'Z' and 'M' functions can be controlled externally by sending the ASCII character Z (Zero)
or M (Measure) to the MS2 from the computer. To zero the instrument once, therefore, it is
necessary to send Z followed by carriage return. Sending M followed by carriage return will
cause a single measurement to be made. To return the instrument to the IDLE mode, any other
character can be sent.
Data is only transmitted from the MS2 following the instruction to measure. The delay between
the instruction being received and the data being transmitted will be equal to the measuring
period, which depends on the sensor type (see relevant specification in the product brochure)
and the range selected. The time taken to reset the meter to zero is the same as that required
to take a measurement. Software should allow sufficient time for a response before issuing the
next command.
The RS-232 interface operates in one of three modes as set by the screwdriver-operated rotary
switch on the rear panel. The options are:
A. Standard operation 1200 baud with a 7 bit word (for use with Multisus software).
B. X/T system operation 1200 baud with an 8 bit word (for use with GeoLab software).
C. Operation at 9600 baud with an 8 bit word.
See Data Transmission for further information.
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