Specifications

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SECTION 4.0
PC SERIAL INTERFACE AND COMMANDS
4.1 PC (RS-232) SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS
The Pyxis system provides a serial communications feature as standard. Using simple ASCII
commands, both modules can be programmed with certain variables that are stored in the
microcontroller EEPROM. The RS-232 interface operates at 19.2 K baud with 8 data bits, one
stop bit and no parity.
Optec has developed a user interface program called Pyxis.exe that will interface with the
instrument and allow the operational variables to be set.
4.2 CONNECTING THE PYXIS TO THE PC
A cable with a 6-pin modular connector on one end and a 9-pin sub-D connector on the other is
used to connect a PC to either module. Figure 4-1 shows the pin-to-pin connection for the
interface cable. Optec’s implementation is in two parts: the #17695 Serial Port Converter
attaches directly to the DB9 serial port on the PC, and a flat 6-wire Reverse cable up to 50’ in
length connects the serial port converter to the Pyxis rotator. These items are identical to the
serial connections used with the TCF-S/TCF-S3 focuser and IFW filter wheel.
Figure 4-1. PC to Pyxis serial cable.