Operating The 1260-82 In Message-Based Mode; Channel Descriptors For The 1260-82 Module - Racal Instruments 1260-82 User Manual

Operating The
1260-82 In
Message-Based
Mode
Channel
Descriptors For
The 1260-82
Module
Module Operation 3-2
Since the 1260-01T command module does not monitor the
register-based mode of operation, it is advisable to select either
the message-based or the register-based mode of operation, and
continue to use the same mode throughout the application
program.
In general, the message-based mode of operation is easier to use
with utility programs, such as National Instruments VIC program.
The message-based mode allows the user to send ASCII text
commands to the 1260-01T and to read replies from the 1260-
01T. In addition, there are a few features, such as a SCAN list
and *OPC commands, which are available only with the message-
based mode of operation.
The register-based mode of operation provides a faster update of
optical switches. This mode provides for switch operations in less
than 4.5 microseconds (not counting software overhead inherent
in I/O libraries such as VISA) and optical switch switching time.
Since the optical switch switching time is slow, the Message
Based operation is preferable.
Consult the 1260-01T User's Manual for a comparison of the
message-based and register-based modes of operation.
The standard 1260-01T commands are used to operate the 1260-
82 module. These commands are described in the 1260-01T
User's Manual.
Each 1260-01T command uses a channel descriptor to select the
channel(s) of interest. The syntax for a channel descriptor is the
same for all 1260 series modules. In general, the following
channel descriptor syntax is used to select a channel:
(@<module address> (<channel range>)
1260-82 User Manual