Manual

1-16 Introduction
1.9.3 Clock
The Host updates the GEM TIME structure periodically using the Date and Time
Send message (S2F31 ). FmNT will update its system clock to reflect the data
presented by the Host. Current values of the system time are used extensively in
event logging and will be required to synchronize with comparable events logged by
the Host.
1.9.4 Loss of Communications Link: Spooling
Communications may be temporarily lost with the Host from time to time. GEM
message responses and requests are automatically spooled to disk when this happens.
When communications are restored the messages on the SPOOL file are
automatically sent to the Host.
The CONFIGSPOOL variable in the gemconf.gcd file enables or disables spooling
capability during program initialization. Spooling is enabled for FmNT. The Host
may query the SPOOLSTSATE and CONTROLSTATE variables with the Selected
Equipment Status Request message (S1F3) in order to establish the success of
REMOTE operations. In addition, the Host will receive spooling update messages
from FmNT.
The default spool state can be set through the GEM property page dialog.
1.9.5 Communications Error Messages
Occasionally messages are garbled between FmNT and the Host. Garbled message
device Ids and streams result in FmNT replying to the Host with S9F1 and S9F3
messages. Further distortion of the message results in the device ignoring the
message which causes the Host to resend the message. See sections 4.93 and 4.94 for
details of the message exchange.
1.9.6 Normal Communications
1.9.6.1 Alarm Notification
Alarms are reports of events which may result in production or equipment damage or
events which may cause a safety hazard to workers. When an alarm state occurs,
FmNT initiates an alarm notification (message S5F1) to the Host. The Process State
machine transfers into the Alarm-Paused state and the machine stops dispensing and
retracts the dispenser apparatus from the board.