Specifications

4. REMOTE OPERATION

4. REMOTE

OPERATION

4.1 OVERVIEW

Most of the MFC-CB’s front panel functions can also be executed by commands from a

remote computer. The host computer communicates with the MFC-CB using the MFC-CB COM1

RS232 port or the IEEE-488 port. The command syntax is the same for either port except when

using the IEEE STD. 488.2 Common Commands.

4.2 INTERFACING

Sending a command to the MFC-CB places it into remote mode. The remote indicator at the lower

right hand corner of the MFC-CB display lights when the MFC-CB is in remote mode. It also flickers

when data transfers are occurring. The menus usually accessed from the front panel are locked-out

while in remote, with the exception of the [POWER] key. This function will still respond and allow

the user to display the set value unaltered by K or adjustment values and the valve test point while

the MFC-CB is in remote mode. Pressing the [ESCAPE] key returns the MFC-CB to local operation

unless the “REMOTE” command was sent to the unit. The “REMOTE” command locks out keypad

operation until the “LOCAL” command is sent or power is cycled.

Most remote commands return a reply within 500 ms. You must wait for this reply before issuing

another command to the MFC-CB. This ensures that the MFC-CB has completed the command.

IEEE STD. 488.2 Common Commands (commands starting with an asterisk, see Section 4.3.5.1)

are

an exception. IEEE-488.2 Common Commands only generate a reply if using the COM1 port or

if the query form of the common command is used (command followed by a “?”). The following

commands take more than 500 ms to reply:

CIN, VIN, VSENSE, VVALTEST Up to 1 second to allow a new measurement.