Serial Communication; Making The Serial Connection - Basler L800k User Manual

Camera Interface
2.6 RS-644 Serial Communication
The L800 is equipped for RS-644 serial communication via the frame grabber as specified in the
k
Camera Link standard. The RS-644 serial connection in the Camera Link interface is used to issue
commands to the camera for changing modes and parameters. The serial link can also be used
to query the camera about its current setup.
The Basler Camera Configuration Tool Plus (CCT+) is a convenient, graphical interface that can
be used to change camera modes and parameters via the serial connection. You can download
the CCT+ software from the Basler web site at www.basler-vc.com. Section
basic information about the configuration tool. Detailed instructions for using the tool are included
in the on-line help file that is installed with the tool.
Basler has also developed a binary read/write command protocol that can be used to change
camera modes and parameters directly from your own application via the serial connection using
the API delivered with the frame grabber. See Section
command protocol.

2.6.1 Making the Serial Connection

Frame grabbers compliant with the Camera Link specification are equipped with a serial port
integrated into the Camera Link interface that can be used for RS-644 serial communication. The
characteristics of the serial port can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
If you are using the Basler Camera Configuration Tool Plus (CCT+) to configure the camera, the
tool will detect the characteristics of the serial port on the frame grabber and will determine the
appropriate settings so that the tool can open and use the port.
In order for the CCT+ to detect and use the port, the characteristics of the port must
comply with the Camera Link standard and the DLL called for in the standard must
be present.
When the camera is powered on or when a camera reset is performed, your PC may
receive one random character on the serial interface. We recommend clearing the
serial input buffers in your PC after a camera power on or reset.
If you are configuring the camera using binary commands from within your application software,
your software must be able to access the frame grabber serial port and to determine the
appropriate settings so that it can open and use the port. Please consult your frame grabber's
documentation to determine the port access method and the port characteristics.
2-22
Draft
4.3 for details on the binary read/write
4.1 provides some
BASLER L800
k