5
FC-21 Flow Computer
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 lists
all the instrument setup parameters and usage
for the current instrument configuration. In
addition, the Audit trail information is presented
along with 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.
Operation of Serial Port with Modems
(optional)
The FC-21 RS-232 channel supports a number of
operating modes. One of these modes is intended
to support operation with a modem in remote
metering applications. FC-21’s role is that of DTE
effecting file transfers under common file transfer
protocols.
An external modem is intentionally being used with
the FC-21. This permits use with the variety of
modem standards worldwide while avoiding the
specialized approvals required for equipment that
is deemed to fall under the category of
telecommunication equipment.
In the modem mode, the FC-21 is assumed to be
operating in a remote metering role. The FC-21 will
support key items in the Hayes Compatible “AT”
Command Set. In this role, the FC-21 will have the
following special abilities:
0. Monitor the modem status as a task of the system
1. Instruct the modem to answer an incoming call
ATA
2. Respond to the calling modem at a compatible
baud rate and protocol
3. Perform error checking in conjunction with the
modem
4. Monitor the status of the carrier
5. Terminate the telephone connection in event the
connection is lost.
In addition, the FC-21 will be capable of initiating a
call to a designed telephone number in the event of
a metering malfunction.
