Commands - page 1 of 1

Interface Command Descriptions

The following lists the interface commands, including mnemonic, type, description, syntax, and examples.

ALRM

Command name:

Alarm status

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 returns the current alarm status for the selected channel. The alarm status

is a coded integer type as defined below:

Bit #

Definition

Bit #

Definition

Low deviation alarm

Low process alarm

High deviation alarm

High process alarm

Not used

Syntax:

ALRMn?

Where n is any process variable channel (1 to 8).

Data type:

Coded integer

Example:

ALRM2?

8800 response:

1 (Channel 2 low deviation alarm)

AUXE

Command name:

Auxiliaries event status

Command type:

Variable; edit from hold

Description:

The query command allows you read the on and off states of the auxiliary groups (1

or 2). Auxiliary Group1 refers to Auxiliaries 1-8 and Auxiliary Group2 refers to

Auxiliaries 9-16. The operation command allows you to change the auxiliary states

for run manual mode operations and/or edit from hold operations.

Syntax:

AUXEn? or AUXEn,ddd

Where n is an auxiliary group (1 or 2), and where ddd is a three-digit coded integer

defined as follows:

1 = AUX 1

16 = AUX 5

2 = AUX 2

32 = AUX 6

4 = AUX 3

64 = AUX 7

8 = AUX 4

128 = AUX 8

The code provides a value between 0 and 255 that adds the values of all the enabled

auxiliaries in the selected group. For example, a value of 097 indicates that AUX 7,

AUX 6, and AUX 1 are on or turns these auxiliaries on.

Data type:

See Syntax

Query example:

AUXE1?

8800 response:

148.

(This value indicates that AUX 8, AUX 5, and AUX 3 of auxiliary group 1

are on.)

Operation example:

AUXE1,59

8800 response:

0 (If the 8800 is in run manual mode, AUX 6, AUX 5, AUX 4, AUX 2, and AUX 1 of

auxiliary group 1 are enabled. If they are enabled, the 8800 turns off AUX 8, AUX 7,

and AUX 3 of auxiliary group 1.)

CCHR

Command name:

Send process variable units character

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 returns the ASCII units for the character. Common unit codes are C

(Celsius),

F (Fahrenheit), % (percent relative humidity), and T (torr).

Syntax:

CCHRn?

Where n is any process variable channel (1 to 8) or monitor channel (9-32). NOTE: 9

= monitor channel 1, 10 = monitor channel 2, etc.

Data type:

ASCII units character

Query example:

CCHR1?

8800 response:

C (Channel 1 is programmed in degrees Celsius.)

CCNF

Command name:

Send process channel configuration information

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 sends a single coded integer describing the channel type.

0 = Channel not used

1 = Percent relative humidity channel using a wet bulb/dry bulb thermocouple pair

2 = Temperature channel using a thermocouple

3 = Linear channel using a programmable range (for example altitude)

4 = Linear 0% to 100% relative humidity channel using a solid-state sensor

5 = Product temperature control channel

Syntax:

CCNFn?

Where n is any process variable channel (1 to 8) or any monitor channel (13 – 36)

NOTE: 13 = monitor channel 1, 14 = monitor channel 2, etc.

Data type:

Coded integer

Query example:

CCNF2?

8800 response:

4 (Linear % relative humidity)

CHST

Command name:

Channel on and configured status

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 sends a two-byte coded integer describing the channel on and

configuration status.

Byte 1 = channel on status: Bits 0 through 7 indicate the on status of channels 1

through 8 respectively. The 8800 sets the bit for each channel that is on.

Byte 2 = channel configured status: Bits 8 through 15 indicate the configured

status of channels 1 through 8 respectively. The 8800 sets the bit for each channel

that is configured.

Syntax:

CHST?

Data type:

Coded integer

Query example:

CHST?

8800 response:

769 (Binary value 00000011 00000001. This indicates that channels 1 and 2 are

configured and that channel 1 is on.)

CNAM

Command name:

Get name of channel

Command type:

System status

Description:

This command allows you read the assigned name of any process variable or

monitor channel.

Syntax:

CNAMn?

Where n = channel number (1-12 are process variable channels, 13-36 are monitor

channels NOTE: 13 = monitor channel 1, 14 = monitor channel 2, etc.)

Data type:

ASCII units character

Query example:

CNAM13?

8800 response:

PROD MON

CONF

Command name:

Send configured options

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 sends three coded-integer bytes. These are binary-weighted bytes that

indicate all the system options selected at the factory for the 8800. The bytes are

defined below:

Byte 1 (Bits 0 through 7)

Byte 2 (Bits 8 through 15)

1 = Product temperature control

1 = Transducers installed

2 = Humidity system

Bits 9 through 15 are not used

4 = Low humidity system

Byte 3 (Bits 16 through 23)

8 = Altitude

1 = Chamber control

16 = Purge

2 = SPD SE chamber control

32 = Cascade refrigeration system

4 = System Monitor functions

64 = Power Save mode

8 = Go to stop mode on System Monitor

trips

Bit 7 (128) is not used

Bits 20 through 23 are not used

Syntax:

CONF?

Data type:

Three bytes of coded integers

Query example:

CONF?

8800 response:

327987 (Binary value 00000101,00000001,00110011. This indicates that the

controller is configured for product temperature control, humidity, purge, and cascade

refrigeration, refrigeration transducers are installed, the controller is configured for

chamber control, and the System Monitor is enabled.)

DEVN

Command name:

Deviation

Command type:

Variable; edit from hold

Description:

The query command asks the 8800 for the current deviation reading from a selected

channel. The 8800 sends the value in the channel’s selected units. The operation

command loads a deviation setting into the 8800 for the current manual mode

operation, or sends a temporary deviation value during an edit from hold operation.

Syntax:

DEVNn? or DEVNn,data

Where n is any control channel (1 to 4).

Data type:

Decimal

Query example:

DEVN1?

8800 response:

2.3

Operation example:

DEVN2,5

8800 response:

0 (If the 8800 is in manual mode, it loads a deviation value of 5 units into channel 2.)

DIRP

Command name:

Program Directory

Command type:

Programming Command

Description:

This command queries a specific directory on the 8800 for a list of program files and

directories. This command will return the name of the program or directory followed

by a number. If the name refers to a program file the number will be the number of

intervals in the program. If the name refers to a directory the number will be -2.

Continue calling this command to get a list of all directories and programs on the

8800. When you have iterated through all the items in the current directory this

command will return "No More Files" for the name and -1 for the number.

Syntax:

DIRPpathname?

Where:

pathname is the name of a path on the 8800 or “\” for the root path of the 8800.

Query example:

DIRP\?

8800 response:

humidity test, 5

program called humidity test with 5 intervals.

Query example:

DIRP\?

8800 response:

Pre-programmed Tests, -2

directory called Pre-programmed Tests.

Query example:

DIRP\Pre-programmed Tests?

8800 response:

8800-SE humidity, 6

program called 8800-SE humidity with 6

intervals.

Query example:

DIRP\Pre-programmed Tests?

8800 response:

No More Files, -1

you have iterated through all the items in the

directory Pre-programmed Tests.

DREF

Command name:

Reference Data Type

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 sends an integer representing the channel’s reference channel data type.

Data Type Codes:

0 – Unused

1 – Temperature

2 – RH WB/DB

3 – RH Linear

4 – RH Temperature Compensated

5 – Linear

6 – Altitude Kft

7 – Vibration

8 – Scaled Linear

9 – Altitude Linear (torr)

For example, assume channel 2 is a RH Temperature Compensated channel

referencing channel1, which is a temperature channel. Sending DREF2? will return a

1 (Temperature) the data type of channel 2’s reference channel.

Syntax:

DREFn?

Where n is a channel number (1 to 28).

1 – 8: Process Variable Channels

9 – 12: Unused

13 – 36: Monitor Channels (1-24).

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

DREF2?

8800 response:

DTYP

Command name:

Data Type

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 sends an integer representing the channel’s data type.

Data Type Codes:

0 – Unused

1 – Temperature

2 – RH WB/DB

3 – RH Linear

4 – RH Temperature Compensated

5 – Linear

6 – Altitude Kft

7 – Vibration

8 – Scaled Linear

9 – Altitude Linear (torr)

10 – Temperature Average

11 – Humidity Ratio

12 – Dew Point

13 – Transducer

14 – Temperature Minimum

15 – Temperature Maximum

Syntax:

DTYPn?

Where n is a channel number (1 to 28).

1 – 8: Process Variable Channels

9 – 12: Unused

13 – 36: Monitor Channels (1-24).

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

DTYP1?

8800 response:

FVAL

Command name:

Final value

Command type:

Program status; edit from hold

Description:

This query command asks the 8800 for the current interval’s final value for channel n

(1 to 4). The 8800 sends a decimal value for the selected channel. The edit from hold

operation command temporarily changes the current interval’s final value.

Syntax:

FVALn?

Where n is any control channel (1 to 4).

Data type:

Decimal

Query example:

FVAL2?

8800 response:

25.0

Operation example:

FVAL1,-33

8800 response:

0 (The 8800 loads -33 as the final value for channel 1.)

HOLD

Command name:

Hold program or manual mode operation

Command type:

Control

Description:

Places a running program or test in hold mode.

Syntax:

HOLD

Data type:

No data

Query example:

HOLD

8800 response:

0 (Places the programmer/controller in hold mode.)

IDEN

Command name:

Send device identification

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 sends an ASCII character string to the host computer.

Syntax:

IDEN?

Data type:

ASCII character string

Query example:

IDEN?

8800 response:

8800 CHAMBER CONTROLLER

IERR

Command name:

Send last error code

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 sends the code of the last error that occurred. For more information see

“Error Code Listing” later in this section.

Syntax:

IERR?

Data type:

Coded integer

Query example:

IERR?

8800 response:

3 (This indicates that the 8800 output buffer is full.)

NOTE:

The error code buffer holds the last eight errors. You can use the IERR? command

repeatedly to read the entire buffer in a first in – last out format. When the 8800

returns a error code of 0, the error buffer is empty.

INIT

Command name:

Initialize controller

Command type:

Control

Description:

This command initializes the 8800 programmer/controller.

Syntax:

INIT

Data type:

No data

NOTE:

Wait three seconds after sending this command before sending any other

commands.

INTN

Command name:

Interval number

Command type:

Program status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the current interval number. The 8800 sends an integer to

indicate the interval number.

Syntax:

INTN?

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

INTN?

8800 response:

10 (This indicates that the 8800 is on interval 10 of the currently selected program.)

INTV

Command name:

Program interval

Command type:

Programming

Description:

The query command asks for the interval string that initializes the program (INTV0) or

for one of the program intervals (INTVn). During load program by value operations,

send an INTV0? command, followed by an INTVn? command for every interval in

your program. Use the PROGn? command to determine how many intervals you

need to receive.

The operation command sends an interval string to initialize the program (INTV0) or

one of the program intervals (INTVn).

Interval 0 syntax:

INTV0? or INTV0,fv1,fv2,fv3,fv4,active channels

Where:

fv1 ... fv4 = decimal values for the channel 1 through channel 4 initial values. NOTE:

The final values of interval 0 are the initial values of interval 1.

active channels = two-digit coded integer that assigns the active channels the

following weight:

1 = Channel 1

2 = Channel 2

4 = Channel 3

8 = Channel 4

Interval n syntax:

INTVn? or INTVn,fv1,fv2,fv3,fv4,dv1,dv2,dv3,dv4,hh:mm:ss,pgrp,lp,ni,ax1,

ax2,display status,options

Where:

n = interval number

fv1 ... fv4 = decimal values for the channel 1 through channel 4 final values

dv1 ... dv4 = decimal values for the channel 1 through channel 4 deviations from set

point

hh:mm:ss = hours (0 to 99), minutes (0 to 99), and seconds (0 to 99). See the TLFT

command for the time field entry variations.

pgrp = parameter group (1 to 4)

lp = number of loops (0 to 9999)

ni = next interval (1 to 300)

ax1, ax2 = auxiliaries enabled in each AUX group. Auxiliary Group1 refers to

Auxiliaries 1-8 and Auxiliary Group2 refers to Auxiliaries 9-16. Each value is a three-

digit coded integer with the following values:

1 = AUX 1

16 = AUX 5

2 = AUX 2

32 = AUX 6

4 = AUX 3

64 = AUX 7

8 = AUX 4

128 = AUX 8

display status byte = not used

options = The options byte for the program (0 to 65535). This byte turns the options

on or off. You must turn on the option in order to use its programmed values. For

example, to use product temperature control (PTC), you must program the PTC

channel and turn the PTC option on. This byte assigns the following weighting values

to the options:

1 = Product temperature control

2 = Humidity system

4 = Low humidity system

8 = -10

C dew point

16 = Purge

32 = Cascade refrigeration (SE-Series chambers only)

64 = Power save mode (SE-Series only)

128 = Single-stage refrigeration (SE-Series only)

256 = Rapid Cycle Operation

NOTE: NEVER assign a PTC channel with a humidity channel.

Data type:

Coded integer

Query example 1:

INTV0?

8800 response:

0,30.0, 50.0, 0.0, 0.0,3 (Channel 1 is set to +30 units and channel 2 is set to +50 units;

channels 1 and 2 are active.)

Query example 2:

INTV22?

8800 response:

22,-52,-67,,,3,10,,,1:10:00,3,5,18,14,26,55,49

Interval 22 is programmed as follows:

Final values: Channel 1 = -52 units; channel 2 = -67 units

Deviations: Channel 1 = 3 units, channel 2 = 10 units

Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Parameter group: 3

Number of loops: 5

Next interval: 18

Auxiliaries enabled: AUX1-2, AUX1-3, AUX1-4, AUX2-2, AUX2-4, and AUX2-5

Display status enabled: Looping, auxiliaries, deviations, channel 1, channel 2

Options enabled: PTC, purge, cascade refrigeration. NOTE: The commas are left in

any unused parameter locations to maintain the proper parameter positions in the

string

Operate example 1:

INTV0,-10,20,,,3

8800 response:

The 8800 loads the program with a channel 1 initial value of -10 units, a channel 2

value of 20 units, and sets channels 1 and 2 as active.

Operate example 2:

INTV35,75,98,,,5,8,,,0:20:00,1,20,15,3,1,55,150

8800 response:

The 8800 loads the following values into interval 35:

Final values: Channel 1 = 75 units; channel 2 = 98 units

Deviations: Channel 1 = 5 units, channel 2 = 8 units

Time: 20 minutes

Parameter group: 1

Number of loops: 20

Next interval: 15

Auxiliaries enabled: AUX1-1, AUX1-2, AUX2-1

Display status enabled: Looping, auxiliaries, deviations, channel 1, channel 2

Options enabled: Humidity, low humidity, purge, single-stage refrigeration

ITIM

Command name:

Send interval time

Command type:

Program status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the programmed time for the current interval.

Syntax:

ITIM?

Data type:

String

Query example:

ITIM?

8800 response:

0:10:30 (This indicates that the current interval is 10 minutes, 30 seconds long.)

IVAL

Command name:

Send initial value

Command type:

System status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the current interval’s initial value parameter for channel n (1 to

4). The 8800 sends a decimal value for the selected channel.

Syntax:

IVALn?

Where n is the channel number (1 to 4).

Data type:

Decimal

Query example:

IVAL3?

8800 response:

25.00

LANG

Command name:

Get language code

Command type:

System status

Description:

This command queries the 8800 for the current language mode.

Syntax:

LANG?

The 8800 will respond with 0 (English) or 1 (Spanish) or 2 (German).

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

LANG?

8800 response:

1 (This indicates that the 8800 is in the Spanish language mode.)

LGHT

Command name:

Send/load the light status

Command type:

System status

Description:

The query command asks the 8800 for the status of the light (on or off). The

operation command allows you to remotely turn the chamber light on or off.

Syntax:

LGHT? or LGHTn

Where n is 0 (light off) or 1 (light on).

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

LGHT?

8800 response:

1 (Indicates that the chamber light is on.)

Operation example:

LGHT0

8800 response:

Turns the chamber light off.

LLFT

Command name:

Send program loops left

Command type:

Program status; edit from hold

Description:

The query command asks the 8800 for the number of loops left to be executed for the

current loop. On nested looping, the value is for the inside loop. The 8800 sends an

integer to indicate the number of loops left. The edit from hold operation command

temporarily changes the current interval’s loop counter.

Syntax:

LLFT? or LLFTn

Where n is the number of loops.

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

LLFT?

8800 response:

Operation example:

LLFT15

8800 response:

Changes the loops left counter to 15.

LOCK

Command name:

Lock status

Command type:

System status

Description:

This is the only system status command that allows you to change the 8800’s status.

It allows you to read and change the access level of the 8800.

Syntax:

LOCK? or LOCKn

Where n indicates access level (0 to 5):

0 = Locked

3 = Programmer

1 = User level 1

4 = Lab manager

2 = User level 2

5 = Calibration

Data type:

Coded integer

Query example:

LOCK?

8800 response:

3 (This indicated that the 8800 is set to access level 3.)

Operation example:

LOCK0

8800 response:

This command locks out all user access to the 8800 functions at the keyboard.

MINT

Command name:

Send or load match interval

Command type:

System status

Description:

The match interval is used to trigger the interval match interrupt event for a service

request. The interval match interrupt event occurs at the beginning of the previously

loaded match interval. If the value loaded for the match interval is 0, the match

interval event will occur at the beginning of every interval.

Syntax:

MINT? or MINTdata

Data type:

Integer (range 0 to 300)

Query example:

MINT?

8800 response:

14 (A service request interrupt will occur at the start of interval 14 when running a

program.)

Operation example:

MINT3

8800 response:

The 8800 loads the match interval parameter with a value of 3.

MNTR

Command name:

Send monitor channel value

Command type:

Variable

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the current value of the selected monitor channel.

Syntax:

MNTRn?

Where n is the channel number (1 to 24). See Description.

Data type:

Decimal

Query example:

MNTR1?

8800 response:

-35.8

MODE

Command name:

Send the operating mode of the 8800.

Command type:

System status

Description:

The query command asks the 8800 for its current operating mode.

Syntax:

MODE?

The 8800 will respond to this query command with a coded integer byte:

Bit 0 = Program mode

Bit 4 = Manual mode

Bit 1 = Edit mode (controller in stop mode)

Bit 5 = Delayed start mode

Bit 2 = View program mode

Bit 6 = Unused

Bit 3 = Edit mode (controller in hold mode)

Bit 7 = Calibration mode

Data type:

Coded integer

Query example:

Mode?

8800 response:

0 (This indicates that the 8800 is in program mode.)

MRMP

Command name:

Manual ramp

Command type:

Variable

Description:

This is a manual mode command. The query command reads the manual ramp

setting for the selected channel in units per minute. The units are in the scale

selected at the 8800 (such as

F, torr, %RH, etc.).

Syntax:

MRMPn? or MRMPn,data

Where n is any control channel (1 to 4) and data is the manual ramp rate.

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

MRMP2?

8800 response:

30 (This indicates the manual ramp for channel 2 is 30 units per minute.)

Operation example:

MRMP1,12

8800 response:

This sets the manual ramp for channel 1 to 12 units per minute.

NUML

Command name:

Send number of loops

Command type:

Program status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the programmed number of loops assigned to the current loop.

For nested looping, the value is for the inside loop. The 8800 sends an integer

indicating the number of loops assigned to the current loop.

Syntax:

NUML?

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

NUML?

8800 response:

NXTI

Command name:

Next interval

Command type:

Program status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the next interval that will be executed. The 8800 sends an

integer indicating the next interval number.

Syntax:

NXTI?

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

NXTI?

8800 response:

OPTN

Command name:

Controller options

Command type:

Variable

Description:

The query command reads the options register of the 8800. If the 8800 is in manual

mode, the operation command temporarily changes the 8800 options register to the

new set of options. NOTE: If the selected options are not available on your chamber,

the 8800 will return an error code.

Syntax:

OPTN? or OPTN[,]ddd

Where ddd is a three-digit coded integer where each option has the following weight:

1 = Product temperature control

2 = Humidity system

4 = Low humidity system

8 = -10

C dew point

16 = Purge

32 = Cascade refrigeration (SE-Series chambers only)

64 = Power save mode (SE-Series only)

128 = Single-stage refrigeration (SE-Series only)

512 = Altitude

The code provides a value between 0 and 262143 that is the sum of the values of all

the enabled options. For example, a 49 indicates that the cascade refrigeration

system, purge, and product temperature control options are enabled.

Data type:

Coded integer; see Syntax

Query example:

OPTN?

8800 response:

130 (This indicates that the single-stage refrigeration and humidity options are

enabled.)

Operation example:

OPTN50

8800 response:

0 (This command sets the 8800 manual mode options to enable humidity, purge, and

cascade refrigeration.)

PALH

Command name:

Send process alarm high limit

Command type:

Variable

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the current process alarm high limit of the selected channel. The

channel selections for the PALH command are divided as follows:

Channel

Description

1 through 4

External process variable channels 1 through 4

5 through 8

Internal process variable channels 5 through 8

Syntax:

PALLn?

Where n is the channel number (1 to 8). See Description.

Data type:

Decimal

Query example:

PALH1?

8800 response:

191.0

PALL

Command name:

Send process alarm low limit

Command type:

Variable

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the current process alarm low limit of the selected channel. The

channel selections for the PALL command are divided as follows:

Channel

Description

1 through 4

External process variable channels 1 through 4

5 through 8

Internal process variable channels 5 through 8

Syntax:

PALLn?

Where n is the channel number (1 to 8). See Description.

Data type:

Decimal

Query example:

PALL1?

8800 response:

-87.0

PARM

CAUTION: This command is included for advanced users. Changing parameter group settings can

adversely affect chamber control.

Command name:

Parameter values command

Command type:

Variable

Description:

The query command causes the 8800 to send the values of the tuning parameters for

the selected channel in the selected parameter group. The operation command

sends new parameter values for a selected channel of a selected parameter group.

The 8800 loads the parameter values into the parameter group registers in any

mode.

Query syntax:

PARMc, g?

Where c = control channel number (1-4) and g = parameter group number (1-4).

Non-PTC operation:

PARMc, g, hpb, cpb, hit, cit, htl, ctl

Where:

c = control channel number (1-4)

g = parameter group number (1-4)

hpb/cpb = heat and cool proportion bands (0.0 – 9999.0)

hit/cit = heat and cool integral time (0 to 1000 seconds)

htl = heat throttle limit (0.0 to 100.0)

ctl = cool throttle limit (-100.0 to 0.0)

PTC operation:

PARMc, g, hgn, cgn, hit, cit, hof, cof

Where:

c = Control channel number (1-4)

g = Parameter group number (1-4)

hgn/cgn = Heat and cool gain settings for PTC operations (0.0 – 9999.0)

hit/cit = Heat and cool integral time (0 to 1000 seconds)

hof = Heat offset (0.0 to 100.0)

cof = Cool offset (-100.0 to 0.0)

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

PARM2,3?

8800 response:

35.0,35.0,200,200,100.0,-100.0 (These values are the parameter settings for channel

2 in parameter group 3.)

Operation example:

To set the channel 1 parameter group 1 cool proportional band to 35.7, send:

PARM1,1,,35.7.

With channel 4 in PTC mode, send the following command to set the channel 4 group

1 heat gain to 0.8, cool integral time to 128 seconds, and cool offset to 12.0:

PARM4,1,0.8,,,128,,12.

PMEM (Legacy Support)

Command name:

Send available program memory

Command type:

System status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the available amount of program memory. This command is for

legacy support only. The 8800 has a virtually unlimited amount of program storage.

The 8800 will always send 300.

Syntax:

PMEM?

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

PMEM?

8800 response:

300

PNAM

Command name:

Send program name

Command type:

Program status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the name of the currently loaded program. The 8800 responds

with the program’s assigned name (a string up to 15 characters long).

Syntax:

PNAM?

Data type:

String

Query example:

PNAM?

8800 response:

STRESS SCREEN40

PRGN (Legacy Support)

Command name:

Current program number

Command type:

System status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the number of the currently loaded program; 0 indicates none.

Syntax:

PRGN?

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

PRGN?

8800 response:

7 (This indicates that the current program is loaded into program slot 7.)

PRMG

Command name:

Parameter group

Command type:

Variable; edit from hold

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the number of the parameter group that it is currently using. If

the 8800 is in manual mode, the operation command selects the parameters group (1

to 4) that the 8800 will use to control the channels. Edit from hold operations

temporarily change the parameter group for the program.

Syntax:

PRMG? or PRMG[,]d

Where d is the parameters group number (1 to 4).

Data type:

Integer; see Syntax

Query example:

PRMG?

8800 response:

2 (This indicates that the 8800 is currently using parameters group 2.)

Operation example:

PRMG3

8800 response:

0 (In manual mode, the 8800 will use parameters group 3.

PROG

Command name:

Program by value command

Command type:

Programming

Description:

This command sets up the 8800 or host computer to load an entire program into the

8800’s program memory. The query command receives the data string from the

8800, while the operation command sends the data string to the 8800. For additional

information, see “Using the Interface Command Set” later in this section.

The query command sets up which program will be retrieved, and responds with the

name of the program and the number of intervals in the program.

The operation command sets up the name and the number of intervals in the

program.

Syntax:

PROGname? or PROG, name, number of intervals

Where:

name = program name

number of intervals = integer (1 to 300)

Data type:

See Syntax

Query example:

PROGtemp_test?

8800 response:

temp_test,6 (This indicates that the program “temp_test” exists is 6 intervals long.)

Operation example:

PROG,HI HUMIDITY,25

8800 response:

0 (The 8800 will load a 25-interval program and name the program HI HUMIDITY.)

PTIM

Command name:

Send Program time

Command type:

Program status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the total estimated time for the current program.

Syntax:

PTIM?

Data type:

String

Query example:

PTIM?

8800 response:

48:30:10 (This indicates that the current program is 48 hours, 30 minutes, 10

seconds long.)

PTLF

Command name:

Send Program Time Remaining

Command type:

Program status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the estimated time left in the current program.

Syntax:

PTLF?

Data type:

String

Query example:

PTLF?

8800 response:

12:54:30 (This indicates that there is 12 hours, 54 minutes, and 30 seconds left in

the current program)

PVAR

Command name:

Send process variable

Command type:

Variable

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the current value of the selected channel. The channel

selections for the PVAR command are divided as follows:

Channel

Description

1 through 4

External process variable channels 1 through 4

5 through 8

Internal process variable channels 5 through 8

9 through 12

Undefined

13 through 28

Monitor channels 1 through 16 (for legacy support)

29 through 32

Undefined

33 through 36

System Monitor temperature channels for refrigeration system 1

(high stage suction, high stage discharge, low stage suction, and

low stage discharge)

37 through 48

System Monitor temperature channels for refrigeration systems

2, 3, and 4

101 through 124

Monitor channels 1 through 24

Syntax:

PVARn?

Where n is the channel number (1 to 48 or 101 to 124). See Description.

Data type:

Decimal

Query example:

PVAR1?

8800 response:

-42.3

REFG

Command name:

Send refrigeration system pressures

Command type:

System status

Description:

When used, “n” is the refrigeration system number (1, 2, 3, or 4). When “n” is not

used, the 8800 defaults to system 1. The 8800 returns four pressures and four

temperatures in integer format, and a binary-coded decimal refrigeration mode word.

The pressures are in psi and the temperatures are in Celsius. The string breaks down

as follows:

Four pressures for high stage suction, high stage discharge, low stage suction, and low stage

discharge.

Four temperatures for high stage suction, high stage discharge, low stage suction, low stage

discharge.

One coded integer that indicates the refrigeration mode. Each mode has its own weighting value:

1 = Humidity cooling mode

8 = Pump-down mode

2 = Temperature cooling mode

16 = High-stage compressor trip

4 = Cascade mode

32 = Low-stage compressor trip

For example, a 6 indicates the 8800 is in cascade and temperature cooling

modes.

Syntax:

REFG(n)?

Data type:

String (NOTE: The first four variables in the string are integers, the next four variable

are one decimal place real numbers, and the final variable is an integer.)

Query example:

REFG?

8800 response:

25,220,25,249,-23.2,87.5,-23.6,113.4,6. (This string gives the refrigeration system’s

pressures and temperatures, and indicates that it is in cascade and temperature

cooling modes.)

RESM

Command name:

Resume program or manual mode operation

Command type:

Control

Description:

Returns a program or test from hold mode to its run mode.

Syntax:

RESM

Data type:

No data

Query example:

RESM

8800 response:

This command returns the processor to run mode.

RLTM

Command name:

Read or load real time clock

Command type:

System status

Description:

The query command tells the 8800 to return the date and time reading from its real

time clock. The operation command loads new values into the real time clock, and

resets seconds to 00.

Syntax:

RLTM? or RLTMmn,dd,hh,mm

Where mn is month, dd is day, hh is hour, and mm is minute.

Data type:

String

Query example:

RLTM?

8800 response:

3/11 14:32:45 (This indicates that the date is March 11 and the time is 2:32 p.m.)

Operation example:

RLTM3,11,14,32

8800 response:

This command loads the date and time of March 11, 2:32 p.m. into the 8800.

RUNM

Command name:

Run manual mode

Command type:

Control

Description:

Places a stopped 8800 in run manual mode.

Syntax:

RUNM

Data type:

No data

Query example:

RUNM

8800 response:

Places a stopped 8800 in run manual mode.

RUNP

Command name:

Run program mode

Command type:

Control

Description:

Places a stopped 8800 in run program mode, and specifies the program and starting

interval.

Syntax:

RUNPp,i[,S]

Where:

p = program name

i = interval number

S = single-step mode places the program in hold program mode at the end of each

interval. Send the RESM command to continue executing the program.

Data type:

See Syntax

Operation example:

RUNPtemp_prog,5,S

8800 response:

Runs program temp_prog.prg, starting at interval 5, in single-step mode.

SCOD

Command name:

Send stop code

Command type:

System status

Description:

The stop code identifies the cause of the most recent transition to the stop state. The

stop codes are defined as follows:

Cold boot power up. The 8800 memory has been initialized.

Currently running. Not in stop.

Stop key pressed.

End of test.

External input. An input defined as stop has been activated.

Computer interface. The 8800 received the stop command.

Open input. A thermocouple or analog input is open.

Process alarm. A process alarm setting has been exceeded.

System Monitor trip.

Power fail recovery. The selected power fail recover mode was stop.

Therm-Alarm trip.

Syntax:

SCOD?

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

SCOD?

8800 response:

3 (Indicates that the currently loaded test has ended.)

SETP

Command name:

Set point

Command type:

Variable

Description:

The query command asks the 8800 for the current set point reading from channel “n”.

The 8800 sends the set point value in the channel’s selected units. In manual mode,

the operation command loads a new set point into the 8800 for the current operation.

Syntax:

SETPn? or SETPn,data

Where n is any process variable channel (1 to 8) and data is the set point.

Data type:

Decimal

Query example:

SETP1?

8800 response:

-33.0

Operation example:

SETP2,95

8800 response:

If the 8800 is in manual mode, a set point of 95 units is loaded into channel 2.

SRQB

Command name:

Service request status

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 returns the same data that a GPIB serial poll would return. The events,

which set the associated bits in the response data, must be enabled in the SRQ

mask and are loaded using the SRQM command. The bits are defined as follows:

Bit #

Definition

Bit #

Definition

Change in state

End of program

Change in alarm status

Error

End of interval

Reserved by GPIB (RSV)

Match interval

Power on reset

Syntax:

SRQB?

Data type:

Coded integer

Query example:

SRQB?

8800 response:

65 (Binary value 1000001, which indicates RSV + state change.)

SRQM

Command name:

Send or load the service request event mask byte

Command type:

System status

Description:

This byte enables the various events for requesting service via the GPIB SRQ line.

The coded integer data represents the enabled events using the definitions given

under SRQB.

Syntax:

SRQM? or SRQMdata

Data type:

Coded integer (0 to 255)

Query example:

SQRM?

8800 response:

4 (The end of interval service request bit has been enabled.)

Operation example:

SRQM1

8800 response:

0 (The 8800 loads the SRQ mask with the value 1, enabling the state change SRQ

event.)

STAT

Command name:

Send status word

Command type:

System status

Description:

The 8800 returns one byte of coded-decimal data to indicate the status of the 8800.

The byte is defined below:

1 = Run program

16 = Run manual

2 = Hold program

32 = Hold manual

4 = Suspend program

64 = Undefined

8 = Undefined

128 = Undefined

Syntax:

STAT?

Data type:

Coded decimal

Query example:

STAT?

8800 response:

16 (This indicates that the 8800 is in run manual mode.)

STOP

Command name:

Stop controller

Command type:

Control

Description:

Places the 8800 in stop mode.

Syntax:

STOP

Data type:

No data

Query example:

STOP

8800 response:

The 8800 goes into stop mode.

TALM

Command name:

Send or load the Therm Alarm Settings

Command type:

Setup

Description:

The query command allows you to retrieve the Therm Alarm settings.

The 8800 sends the following in response to a TALM? command:

temp, low, high, maxex, mute, warn, delay, reset, state, flags

where:

temp

= Therm Alarm Temperature

low

= Therm Alarm Low Limit

high

= Therm Alarm High Limit

maxex

= Therm Alarm Maximum Excursion

mute

= Therm Alarm Mute Time

warn

= Therm Alarm Warning Band

delay

= Therm Alarm Nuisance Alarm Delay Time

reset

= Therm Alarm Reset Status: Auto (0) or Manual (1)

state

= Therm Alarm Operating State (internal use only)

flags

= Therm Alarm Warning/Trip Flags (internal use only)

The Operation command allows you to set the Therm Alarm settings.

The Operation command syntax is as follows:

TALMlow, high, mute, warn, delay, reset.

where:

low

= Therm Alarm Low Limit (see chamber documentation for valid ranges)

high

= Therm Alarm High Limit (see chamber documentation for valid ranges)

mute

= Therm Alarm Mute Time (0-99 minutes)

warn

= Therm Alarm Warning Band (0-15 degrees C)

delay

= Therm Alarm Nuisance Delay Time (0-30 seconds)

reset

= Therm Alarm Reset Status (0 = Auto Reset, 1 = Manual Reset)

CAUTION: The use of this command to alter the high and low alarm limits may

affect the Therm Alarm's capability to protect the chamber and/or your uut.

Use with caution!

Syntax:

TALM? or TALMlow, high, maxex, mute, warn, delay, reset

Data type:

Decimal

Query example:

TALM?

8800 response:

27, -87, 191, 210, 2, 10, 10, 0, 0, 0

Operation example:

TALM, -50, 150, 0, 5, 20, 3, 1

8800 response:

0 (The 8800 Loads the Therm Alarm with the specified settings.)

THAT

Command name:

Therm Alarm Temperature

Command type:

Variable

Description:

The query command asks the 8800 for the current Therm Alarm “n” temperature

reading. The 8800 sends the temperature value as an integer.

Syntax:

THATn

Where n is a Therm Alarm number (1 to 4).

Data type:

Integer

Query example:

THAT1?

8800 response:

THTL

Command name:

Throttle

Command type:

Variable

Description:

The query command asks the 8800 for the current channel “n” throttle reading. The

8800 sends the throttle value as a percentage.

Syntax:

THTLn

Where n is any process variable channel (1 to 8).

Data type:

Integer (-100 to +100)

Query example:

THTL1?

8800 response:

-56

NOTE:

Do not use the THTL command as an operation command. Using the THTL as an

operation command overwrites 8800 internal control functions.

TLFT

Command name:

Time left

Command type:

Program status; edit from hold

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the time left in the current interval. The edit from hold operation

command temporarily changes the current interval’s time left counter.

Syntax:

TLFT? or TLFThh:mm:ss

Where hh is hours, mm is minutes, and ss is seconds.

Data type:

String

Query example:

TLFT?

8800 response:

1:17:57 (This indicates there is 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 57 seconds left in the current

interval.)

Operation example:

TLFT::85

8800 response:

This command sets the time left in the current interval to 1 minute and 25 seconds.

TMPS

Command name:

Temperature scale

Command type:

Variable

Description:

Allows you to read or change the temperature scale used on the 8800 display.

NOTE: This command does not affect the 8800 interface commands.

Syntax:

TMPS?

Data type:

Coded integer (0 = Celsius, 1 = Fahrenheit)

Query example:

TMPS?

8800 response:

Operation example:

TMPS1

8800 response:

The 8800 sets the temperature scale to Fahrenheit.

VRSN

Command name:

Send software version

Command type:

System status

Description:

Queries the 8800 for the version number of the display software.

Syntax:

VRSN?

Data type:

String

The 8800 returns a string in the “Vx.yy dd/mm/yyyy” format to identify its software

version.

Query example:

VRSN?

8800 response:

V1.18 04/02/2005

Vibration Specific I/O commands

ACCL

Command name: Send accelerometer monitor

channel data.

Command type: Program status command

Description: Queries the AST System for the current grms value of the selected accelerometer monitor

channel. The AST System returns the current grms value of the selected accelerometer monitor

channel.

Syntax: ACCLn?

Where n is an accelerometer monitor channel (01-16).

Data type: Decimal

Query command example: ACCL03? (all values of ‘n’ must be 2 digits)

8800 response: 17.5.(more realistic value - also includes decimal point)

This is the current grms

value of accelerometer monitor channel 3.

FFTD

Command name: Send real time g²/Hz PSD data.

Command type: Program status command

Description: Queries the 8800 for the real time g2/hz PSD data. The 8800 returns one reading per ‘line

of resolution’ per channel. Readings are separated by commas, if more than one channel is

enabled for PSD plotting, channels are separated by tabs.

NOTE:

This is the same data (without headers) that is saved to the disk when the Log to Disk

button is pressed on the Vibration Response graph of the main panel of the AST

software.

Syntax: FFTD?

Data type: Comma and/or Tab separated decimal

Query command example: FFTD? (This example assumes 2 accel channels enabled for PSD analysis)

8800 response:

0.042056,0.210476,0.000000,0.000000,0.042056,0.210476,0.000000,0.000000,0.042347,0.208973,

0.042056,0.210476,0.000000,0.000000,0.042056,0.210476,0.000000,0.000000,0.042347,0.208973

<tab>

0.042056,0.210476,0.000000,0.000000,0.042056,0.210476,0.000000,0.000000,0.042347,0.208973,

0.042056,0.210476,0.000000,0.000000,0.042056,0.210476,0.000000,0.000000,0.042347,0.208973

The 8800 returns a string that contains 200 values: 2 channels x 100 lines with a 'tab' character

inserted between the channels. (I moved this comment outside of the notes because it is specific

to the command example above)

NOTES:

The AST system should not be queried more frequently than every two seconds because a new PSD

is only generated about every two seconds.

In order to reproduce a PSD plot using this data, you need to know the maximum bandwidth. The

maximum bandwidth setting is found in the Parameter Setup screen of the AST software.