Logging External Events; How Does It Work; How To Install - PLUSOPTIX PowerRef 3 Instruction Manual

8. Logging external events

An optional feature is the logging of external events. This feature can be used to mark up to
256 (0x0 to 0xFF) measurement related events in the log file.

8.1 How does it work?

To activate that feature a USB Key with a support script and an USB Serial Converter from
FTDI is needed. The USB Key Support script is provided by Plusoptix, and the USB Serial
Converter is available from http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBTTLSerial.htm or
a Distributor like Digikey.
Further on a sender of the serial commands is needed. These could be a Computer with a
serial port or an USB Serial Converter, a micro controller or something similar. The serial
port of the sender has to be set to a speed of 115200Baud 8N1. If you use another computer
to send some commands in you will need a "null modem" Cable.
The command is sXX where s is the start message and XX is the byte of the event.
For example: s01 writes a "1" in the trigger column of the log file. It will stay until a new
command is send over the serial port. A new measurement resets the Trigger Colum to "0".

8.2 How to install?

Switch off the PowerRef3 and remove the provided USB Stick with the measurement
routines.
Plug in the FTDI USB Serial Converter and start the PowerRef 3.
After booting a small Window "Initializing System" will appear.
Now plug in the USB key with the provided support script.
After a little while the Measurement Software starts.
Plug in the USB key with the measurement routines and start a measurement.
Now you can send your events to the PowerRef 3.
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