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FC-21 Flow Computer
9. RS-232 Serial Port
9.1 RS-232 Port Description:
The FC-21 has a general purpose RS-232 Port which may be used for any one of the following
purposes:
Transaction Printing
Data Logging
Remote Metering by Modem (optional)
Computer Communication Link
Configuration by Computer
Print System Setup
Print Calibration/Malfunction History
9.2 Instrument Setup by PC’s over Serial Port
A Diskette program is provided with the FC-21 that enables the user to rapidly configure the FC-21
using a Personal Computer. Included on the diskette are common instrument applications which may
be used as a starting point for your application. This permits the user to have an excellent starting point
and helps speed the user through the instrument setup.
9.3 Operation of Serial Communication Port with Printers
FC-21’s RS-232 channel supports a number of operating modes. One of these modes is intended to
support operation with a printer in metering applications requiring transaction printing, data logging
and/or printing of calibration and maintenance reports.
For transaction printing, the user defines the items to be included in the printed document. The user
can also select what initiates the transaction print generated as part of the setup of the instrument. The
transaction document may be initiated via a front panel key depression, a remote contact closure, or
upon completion of a batch.
In data logging, the user defines the items to be included in each data log as a print list. The user can
also select when or how often he wishes a data log to be made. This is done during the setup of the
instrument as either a time of day or as a time interval between logging.
The system setup and maintenance report list all the instrument setup parameters and usage for the
current instrument configuration. In addition, the Audit trail information is presented as well as a status
report listing any observed malfunctions which have not been corrected.
The user initiates the printing of this report at a designated point in the menu by pressing the print key
on the front panel.
The user may specify a “next calibration date” for periodic maintenance. The unit will automatically
remind the user that calibration is scheduled during instrument power up and in some printed documents
after that date.
9.4 FC-21 RS-232 Port Pinout
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1 Handshake Line
2 Transmit
3 Receive
4 Do Not Use
5 Ground
6 Do Not Use
7 Do Not Use
8 Do Not Use
9 Do Not Use
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
RS-232
RS-485