Anritsu Spectrum Master MS2711D Owner's manual

Fast. Accurate, Repeatable, Portable Spectrum Analysis
Spectrum Master™
MS2711D
MS2712
MS2712
MS2712
SiteMaster
SpectrumMaster
CellMaster
MS2711DSpectrumMaster
S331DSiteMaster SiteMaster SpectrumMaster MT8212ACellMaster CellMaster

WARRANTY
The Anritsu product(s) listed on the title page is (are) warranted against defects in materi-
als and workmanship for one year from the date of shipment.
Anritsu’s obligation covers repairing or replacing products which prove to be defective
during the warranty period. Buyers shall prepay transportation charges for equipment re-
turned to Anritsu for warranty repairs. Obligation is limited to the original purchaser.
Anritsu is not liable for consequential damages.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty does not apply to Anritsu connectors that have failed due to nor-
mal wear. Also, the warranty does not apply to defects resulting from improper or inade-
quate maintenance by the Buyer, unauthorized modification or misuse, or operation
outside the environmental specifications of the product. No other warranty is expressed or
implied, and the remedies provided herein are the Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies.
TRADEMARK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Spectrum Master is a trademark of Anritsu Company.
NOTICE
Anritsu Company has prepared this manual for use by Anritsu Company personnel and
customers as a guide for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of Anritsu
Company equipment and computer programs. The drawings, specifications, and informa-
tion contained herein are the property of Anritsu Company, and any unauthorized use or
disclosure of these drawings, specifications, and information is prohibited; they shall not
be reproduced, copied, or used in whole or in part as the basis for manufacture or sale of
the equipment or software programs without the prior written consent of Anritsu Com-
pany.
UPDATES
Updates to this manual, if any, may be downloaded from the Anritsu internet site at:
www.us.anritsu.com.
October 2004 10580-00098
Copyright ã2004 Anritsu Co. Revision: C

Table of Contents
Programming Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............1
Control Byte Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................3
Control Byte Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................7
Setup System – Control Byte #1 (01h) ....................................7
Select Measurement Mode – Control Byte #3 (03h) .............................7
Read Time/Date – Control Byte #7 (07h)...................................7
Set Time/Date – Control Byte #8 (08h)....................................8
Set Reference Number – Control Byte #9 (09h) ...............................8
Serial Port Echo On/Off – Control Byte #10 (0Ah) .............................8
Watch-Dog Timer On/Off – Control Byte #12 (0Ch) ............................9
Store Sweep Trace – Control Byte #16 (10h).................................9
Recall Sweep Trace – Control Byte #17 (11h) ...............................10
Save System Setup – Control Byte #18 (12h) ................................14
Recall System Setup – Control Byte #19 (13h) ...............................14
Query System Status – Control Byte #20 (14h) ...............................15
Trigger Self-Test – Control Byte #21 (15h) .................................19
Read Fail Counter – Control Byte #22 (16h) ................................19
Clear Fail Counters - Control Byte #23 (17h) ................................20
Query Trace Names – Control Byte #24 (18h) ...............................20
Delete Sweep Trace – Control Byte #25 (19h) ...............................20
Upload SPA Sweep Trace – Control Byte #26 (1Ah) ............................20
Query Sweep Memory – Control Byte #27 (1Bh)..............................24
Query System Status – Control Byte #29 (1Dh) ..............................24
Select Printer Type – Control Byte #30 (1Eh)................................31
Recall Sweep Trace – Control Byte #33 (21h) ...............................32
Set A/B Trace – Control Byte #34 (22h) ..................................39
Set Spectrum Analyzer A/B Trace – Control Byte #35 (23h) .......................39
Upload Sweep Trace – Control Byte #36 (24h) ..............................40
Get Options – Control Byte #37 (25h) ...................................45
Query Power Level – Control Byte #39 (27h) (Option 29 only) ......................45
Set Power Meter Units – Control Byte #40 (28h) (Option 29 only) ....................46
Power Meter Relative Mode On/Off – Control Byte #41 (29h) (Option 29 only) .............46
Power Meter Offset Mode On/Off – Control Byte #42 (2Ah) (Option 29 only) ..............46
Power Meter Zero Mode On/Off – Control Byte #43 (2Bh) (Option 29 only) ...............46
Power Meter RMS Averaging On/Off – Control Byte #44 (2Ch) (Option 29 only) ............47
Power Meter Center Freq and Span Setup – Control Byte #45 (2Dh) (Option 29 only) ..........47
Trigger Sweep – Control Byte #48 (30h) ..................................47
Spectrum Master PM i

Sweep Data Echo On/Off - Control Byte #49 (31h).............................48
Check Battery Status – Control Byte #50 (32h) ...............................48
Set SPA Minimum Sweep Time - Control Byte #53 (35h) .........................49
Set Trigger Position - Control Byte #54 (36h) ...............................49
Set Video Trigger Level - Control Byte #55 (37h) .............................49
Automatically Save Runtime Setup – Control Byte #64 (40h) .......................50
Download Saved Setup – Control Byte #65 (41h) .............................50
Upload Setup – Control Byte #66 (42h) ...................................60
Query Saved Setups – Control Byte #68 (44h) ...............................70
Enter Remote Mode – Control Byte #69 (45h) ...............................71
Enter Remote Mode Immediately – Control Byte #70 (46h) ........................71
Write Protect Setup – Control Byte #71 (47h) ...............................72
Clear Setup Memory Location – Control Byte #72 (48h) ..........................72
Write Antenna – Control Byte #82 (52h) ..................................73
Recall Antenna – Control Byte #83 (53h) .................................73
Set Field Strength Measurement – Control Byte #84 (54h) .........................74
Set Channel Power – Control Byte #85 (55h) ................................74
Read Channel Power – Control Byte #86 (56h) ...............................75
Set Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR) – Control Byte #87 (57h) ...................75
Read Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR) – Control Byte #88 (58h)..................76
Read Signal Standard Name – Control Byte #89 (59h) ...........................76
Measure OCC BW % of Power – Control Byte #96 (60h) .........................76
Measure OCC BW dB Down – Control Byte #97 (61h) ..........................77
Set Bias Tee Function - Control Byte #98 (62h) (Option 10 only) .....................77
Set Spectrum Analyzer Start/Stop Frequency – Control Byte #99 (63h) ..................78
Set Spectrum Analyzer Center Freq./Span – Control Byte #100 (64h) ...................78
Set Spectrum Analyzer Scale – Control Byte #101 (65h) ..........................78
Set Spectrum Analyzer Marker – Control Byte #102 (66h) .........................79
Set Spectrum Analyzer Single Limit – Control Byte #103 (67h) ......................79
Set Spectrum Analyzer Peak Hold – Control Byte #105 (69h) .......................80
Set Spectrum Analyzer Resolution Bandwidth – Control Byte #106 (6Ah) ................80
Set Spectrum Analyzer Video Bandwidth – Control Byte #107 (6Bh) ...................80
Set Spectrum Analyzer Sweep Mode – Control Byte #108 (6Ch) .....................81
Set Spectrum Analyzer Marker to Peak – Control Byte #109 (6Dh) ....................81
Set Spectrum Analyzer Marker to Center – Control Byte #110 (6Eh) ...................81
Set Spectrum Analyzer Attenuation – Control Byte #111 (6Fh) ......................81
Set Spectrum Analyzer Multiple Limit – Control Byte #113 (71h) ....................82
Set Return Spectrum Analyzer Sweep Time – Control Byte #114 (72h) ..................83
Set Reference Level Offset – Control Byte #115 (73h) ...........................83
Set Spectrum Analyzer Impedance - Control Byte #116 (74h) .......................84
ii Spectrum Master PM

Read Marker Value – Control Byte #117 (75h) ...............................84
Set Sweep Averaging – Control Byte #118 (76h) ..............................85
Normalize Spectrum Analyzer - Control Byte #130 (82h) .........................85
Set Spectrum Analyzer Normalization Status - Control Byte #131 (83h) .................85
Set / Reset Spectrum Analyzer External Reference – Control Byte #133 (85h) ..............85
Check Spectrum Analyzer External Reference – Control Byte #134 (86h).................86
Set Spectrum Analyzer Preamp State (On/Off/Auto) – Control Byte #136 (88h) .............86
Set Spectrum Analyzer Units – Control Byte #140 (8Ch) .........................86
Set Spectrum Analyzer Resolution Bandwidth – Control Byte #141 (8Dh) ................87
Set Spectrum Analyzer Video Bandwidth – Control Byte #142 (8Eh) ...................87
Set Spectrum Analyzer Attenuation – Control Byte #143 (8Fh) ......................88
Set AM/FM Demodulation – Control Byte #145 (91h) ...........................88
Set Baud Rate – Control Byte #197 (C5h) .................................89
Set Language – Control Byte #198 (C6h) ..................................89
Query Time – Control Byte #208 (D0h) ..................................89
Read ASCII Serial Number – Control Byte #225 (E1h) ..........................90
Exit Remote Mode – Control Byte #255 (FFh) ...............................90
Select Spectrum Analyzer/Power Meter Signal Standard - Control Word (A103h) ............90
Select Spectrum Analyzer/Power Meter Channel - Control Word (A104h) ................90
Read External Module Name – Control Word (A201h) (Option 6 only) ..................91
Read External Module Serial Number – Control Word (A202h) (Option 6 only) .............91
Read External Module Frequency Range – Control Word (A203h) (Option 6 only) ............91
Read Module Fail Counter – Control Word (A204h) (Option 6 only) ...................92
Clear Module Fail Counter – Control Word (A205h) (Option 6 only) ...................92
Perform Transmission Mode Calibration – Control Word (A301h) (Option 21 only) ...........92
Turn OFF Transmission Mode Calibration – Control Word (A302h) (Option 21 only) ..........93
Remote Self Test – Control Word (AA15h).................................93
Trigger Sweep – Control Word (AA30h) ..................................95
Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....................96
Examples in C ................................................96
Example in Visual Basic ..........................................105
Parameter Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......107
Spectrum Analyzer Signal Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...........108
Spectrum Master PM iii

Programming Overview
NOTE: This programming manual is written exclusively for the Anritsu Spectrum Master MS2711D. For
information on firmware upgrades, contact your local Anritsu Service Center. Commands listed in this
manual are not all backward-compatible with earlier Anritsu models.
General Description
The Spectrum Master must first be set into “remote” mode for communication with a computer. Remote mode differs from
normal repetitive sweep and single-sweep modes. During remote mode, the Spectrum Master suspends normal operations and
attends to the serial port. The front panel display indicates when the Spectrum Master is in remote mode.
Once in remote mode, a series of control bytes and associated data are sent to the Spectrum Master to perform various func-
tions and activities. The serial port supports virtually all features accessible from the keypad with the exception of the
printer. The printer requires connection to the same 9-pin connector on the Spectrum Master rear panel used for remote com-
munication.
To complete the communication session, send the control byte to exit remote mode and the Spectrum Master will resume nor-
mal operations. You may also exit the remote mode by pressing the ESCAPE/CLEAR key on the Spectrum Master front
panel.
Interface Cable Installation
The Spectrum Master is a DTE-type serial device. Communication between the Spectrum Master and a PC is accomplished
over a null modem serial cable provided with the Spectrum Master (Anritsu part number 800-441). Connect the cable to the
Serial Interface connector on the Spectrum Master test connector panel and to the appropriate COM port connector on the
PC.
Serial Communication Parameters
The Spectrum Master begins communication at 9600 bps when first powered on. It uses no parity bits, 8 data bits, and 1 stop
bit (N-8-1). No hardware handshaking is used. The Set Baud Rate Control Byte #197 (C5h) serial command can be used to
change the baud rate to 19,200, 38,400, 56,000 or 115,200. An invalid setting returns the rate to 9600.
Communications Error Checking
Since there is no hardware handshaking, byte level error handling must be done by the controlling program. Use the expected
number of response bytes (listed in the control byte description section of this manual) when waiting for feedback from the
Spectrum Master. For data streams going to the Spectrum Master, the “watch dog timer” protects against interrupted trans-
missions by aborting a control byte sequence if the inter-byte time limit is exceeded.
Parameter Validation
The Spectrum Master validates input parameters for each control byte sequence. If the input parameters are out of range or
invalid, the Spectrum Master notifies the computer by sending Parameter Error Byte #224 (E0h). The Spectrum Master dis-
cards the received data and waits for the next control byte.
Entering Remote Mode
Send the Enter Remote Mode Byte #69 (45h) to the Spectrum Master to enter remote mode at the end of the current sweep.
Send the Enter Remote Mode Immediately byte #70 (46h) to enter remote mode in the middle of a sweep.
The Spectrum Master serial port buffer is one byte wide. No internal buffer exists, so waiting for the response from the unit is
essential. If the Spectrum Master is not in remote mode, sending a second byte overwrites the original byte commanding it to
enter remote mode. If control byte #69 is sent, the Spectrum Master will enter remote mode at the end of the current sweep. If
control byte #70 is sent, the unit will enter remote mode as soon as it receives the byte. This means that data stored for the
Spectrum Master PM 1

current sweep may be incomplete. Once a response string is received from the Spectrum Master, the unit is ready to accept
additional control bytes.
Exiting Remote Mode
To exit remote mode, send the Exit Remote Control byte #255 (FFh) to the Spectrum Master. The Spectrum Master sends a
response byte of 255 (FFh) then exits remote mode. Remote mode can also be exited by pressing the ESCAPE/CLEAR
front panel key.
Remote Mode Changes to Spectrum Master Operating Parameters
System parameters changed during remote mode remain changed for normal operation after the unit exits remote mode.
However, the changes are not automatically written to the non-volatile EEPROM. Turning off the Spectrum Master power
erases the changed settings.
To retain the changes, the setup must be saved to one of the setup memory locations. Use either the run-time setup location 0,
(which holds the power-on defaults) or one of the nine other setup locations. Control byte #64 (40h) sets the auto-save flag
which commands the Spectrum Master to automatically save the changes to the run-time setup location upon exiting remote
mode. See the Spectrum Master User’s Guide or information in this manual on control byte #18 (12h) for further details.
Write Cycle Limitation of EEPROM
The EEPROM, used to store calibrations, setups and traces has a guaranteed lifetime of at least 100,000 write cycles and an
unlimited number of read cycles. The write cycle limitation is for a specific location. For example, setup #1 can be stored
100,000 times and setup #2 can be stored 100,000 times, etc. Because of this, the Spectrum Master does not automatically
store the changed system parameters to the EEPROM. Be aware of the EEPROM write cycle limitation when programming
the Spectrum Master and keep the number of write cycles to a minimum.
Documentation Conventions
Throughout this manual, the following conventions will be observed:
Numeric Representation
Hexadecimal numbers are represented with the suffix h. For example, the decimal number 255 is represented in hexadecimal
as FFh.
Binary numbers are represented with the suffix b. For example, the decimal number 2 is represented in binary as 10b.
Decimal numbers are represented with the prefix #when referring to a control byte (command byte) and without a prefix or
suffix in all other cases.
Bit Positions
When enumerating bits in a byte, bit 0 will always be the least significant bit (LSB).
Mode References
The term “SPA” in reference to a command denotes Spectrum Analyzer mode. All other modes are referenced individually.
2 Spectrum Master PM

Control Byte Summary
Control
Byte # Name Description Watchdog
Timer
1 (01h) Setup System Sets system status flags and switches Yes
3 (03h) Select Measurement Mode Sets current Spectrum Master measurement mode Yes
7 (07h) Read Time/Date Reads the current time and date from the real time clock —-
8 (08h) Set Time/Date Sets time and date of the Spectrum Master Yes
9 (09h) Set Reference Number Sets reference number (trace name) for a sweep trace Yes
10 (0Ah) Serial Port Echo On/Off Allows synchronization of the Spectrum Master and request from computer for
sweep trace Yes
12 (0Ch) Watch-dog Timer On/Off Enables or disables the watch-dog timer —-
16 (10h) Store Sweep Trace Saves current trace data to EEPROM —-
17 (11h) Recall Sweep Trace Spectrum Master sends the sweep data associated with a trace (obsolete) Yes
18 (12h) Save System Setup Saves system setup parameters to EEPROM Yes
19 (13h) Recall System Setup Recalls system setup parameters from EEPROM Yes
20 (14h) Query System Status Gets the current system settings (obsolete) —-
21 (15h) Trigger Self-Test Triggers a self test —-
22 (16h) Read Fail Counters Returns the values of the lock-fail counters —-
23 (17h) Clear Fail Counters Resets the Lock Fail counters —-
24 (18h) Query Trace Names Returns list of all saved traces —-
25 (19h) Delete Sweep Trace Deletes single or all stored sweep traces Yes
26 (1Ah) Upload SPA Sweep Trace Uploads a spectrum analyzer sweep trace to Spectrum Master (obsolete) Yes
27 (1Bh) Query Sweep Memory Queries Spectrum Master for percentage of memory that is available for trace
storage —-
29 (1Dh) Query System Status Queries the Spectrum Master for current system settings Yes
30 (1Eh) Select Printer Type Selects printer type Yes
33 (21h) Recall Sweep Trace Queries the Spectrum Master for sweep trace data Yes
34 (22h) Set A/B Trace Defines traces "A" and "B" Yes
35 (23h) Set SPA A/B Trace Defines traces “A” and “B” for SPA mode Yes
36 (24h) Upload Sweep Trace Uploads a sweep trace to the Spectrum Master Yes
37 (25h) Get Options Returns an ASCII string listing installed options —-
39 (27h) Query Power Level Returns power level at RF In in Power Meter mode —-
40 (28h) Set Power Meter Units Sets Power Meter displaying unit Yes
41 (29h) Set Power Meter Relative
Mode Enables or disables Power Meter Relative Mode Yes
42 (2Ah) Set Power Meter Offset
Mode Enables or disables Power Meter offset Yes
43 (2Bh) Set Power Meter Zero
Mode Enables or disables Power Meter zeroing mode Yes
44 (2Ch) Power Meter RMS
Averaging On/Off Sets Power Meter RMS Averaging. Yes
Spectrum Master PM 3

Control
Byte # Name Description Watchdog Timer
45 (2Dh) Power Meter Center
Frequency and Span Sets the center frequency and span frequency for the Power Meter mode Yes
48 (30h) Trigger Sweep Starts the next sweep —-
49 (31h) Sweep Data Echo On/Off Sets the sweep data echo mode On/Off Yes
50 (32h) Check Battery Status Returns smart battery status —-
53 (35h) Set SPA Minimum Sweep
Time Sets the min sweep time for the SPA Yes
54 (36h) Set Trigger Position Sets the trigger position for the SPA when the span is 0 Yes
55 (37h) Set Video Trigger Level Sets the trigger level for the SPA in video trigger mode Yes
64 (40h) Auto Save Runtime Setup Automatically save the runtime setup when exiting remote mode Yes
65 (41h) Download Saved Setup Returns parameters associated with the saved setup Yes
66 (42h) Upload Setup Receives parameters defining a setup and saves them in the memory location
associated with the specified setup number. Yes
68 (44h) Query Saved Setups Returns a list of saved setups Yes
69 (45h) Enter Remote Mode Enters remote mode at the end of the sweep and returns model number and
firmware version —-
70 (46h) Enter Remote Mode
Immediately
Enters remote mode immediately and returns model number and firmware
version —-
71 (47h) Write Protect Setup Sets a stored setup memory location to read-only Yes
72 (48h) Clear Setup Memory
Location Clears a setup memory location to <EMPTY> Yes
82 (52h) Write Antenna Writes custom antenna data to the Spectrum Master via the serial port Yes
83 (53h) Recall Antenna Recalls custom antenna data from the Spectrum Master via the serial port Yes
84 (54h) Set Field Strength
Measurement Sets the field strength measurement state and the antenna index Yes
85 (55h) Set Channel Power Sets the Channel Power measurement state and the setup parameters Yes
86 (56h) Read Channel Power Reads the current channel power or the channel power of a stored trace Yes
87 (57h) Set ACPR Sets the ACPR measurement state and parameters Yes
88 (58h) Read ACPR Reads the current adjacent channel power or the adjacent channel power of a
stored trace Yes
89 (59h) Read Signal Standard
Name Returns the signal standard name in English Yes
96 (60h) Measure OCC BW % of
Power Measures OCC BW with % of Power method Yes
97 (61h) Measure OCC BW dB
Down Measures OCC BW with dB down method Yes
98 (62h) Set Bias Tee Function Set the Bias Tee function On/Off (Option 10 only) Yes
99 (63h) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Start/Stop Frequency Sets the Spectrum Analyzer Start and Stop frequencies Yes
100 (64h) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Center Freq./Span Sets the Spectrum Analyzer center frequency and frequency span Yes
101 (65h) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Scale Sets the Spectrum Analyzer reference level and scale value Yes
4 Spectrum Master PM

Control
Byte # Name Description Watchdog Timer
102 (66h) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Marker Sets position and on/off status of a Spectrum Analyzer marker Yes
103 (67h) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Single Limit Sets position and on/off status of Spectrum Analyzer single limit line Yes
105 (69h) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Peak Hold Enables or disables the Spectrum Analyzer Max and Min Hold features Yes
106 (6Ah) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Resolution Bandwidth Freq Sets the Spectrum Analyzer resolution BW frequency (obsolete) Yes
107 (6Bh) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Video Bandwidth Freq Sets the Spectrum Analyzer video BW frequency (obsolete) Yes
108 (6Ch) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Sweep Mode Sets the Spectrum Analyzer sweep mode Yes
109 (6Dh) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Marker to Peak Sets specified marker to peak value of the sweep Yes
110 (6Eh) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Marker to Center Sets the center frequency equal to the frequency of the specified marker Yes
111 (6Fh) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Attenuation
Sets the attenuation for the Spectrum Master Spectrum Analyzer mode
(obsolete) Yes
113 (71h) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Multiple Limit Sets the position and On/Off Status of a limit segment for the SPA mode Yes
114 (72h) Set Return Spectrum
Analyzer Sweep Time
If this is enabled, the duration of the current sweep (in milliseconds) will be
returned as 4 bytes via the serial port at the end of the sweep Yes
115 (73h) Set Reference Level Offset Sets the value of the reference level offset Yes
116 (74h) Set Spectrum Analyzer
Impedance Sets the impedance and loss (if necessary) for the RF In port Yes
117 (75h) Read Marker Value Returns the frequency location of the specified marker, and the value at that
location Yes
118 (76h) Set Sweep Averaging Sets the number of sweeps to average Yes
130 (82h) Normalize SPA Performs Normalization of SPA graph —-
131 (83h) Set Normalization Status Turns Normalization on or off Yes
133 (85h) Set/Reset SPA External
Reference Sets the external reference frequency for the spectrum analyzer Yes
134 (86h) Check External SPA
Reference Returns the state of the SPA external reference —-
136 (88h) Set SPA Preamp State Sets the state of the SPA preamp Yes
140 (8Ch) Set SPA Units Sets the scale type (logarithmic or linear) and the units Yes
141 (8Dh) Set SPA Resolution
Bandwidth Sets the resolution BW frequency for the Spectrum Analyzer Yes
142 (8Eh) Set SPA Video Bandwidth Sets the video BW frequency for the Spectrum Analyzer Yes
143 (8Fh) Set SPA Attenuation Sets the attenuation for the Spectrum Analyzer Yes
145 (91h) Set AM/FM Demod Sets the AM/FM/SSB Demodulation state Yes
197 (C5h) Set Baud Rate Sets the serial communication baud rate for this session Yes
198 (C6h) Set Language Sets the Spectrum Master display language Yes
208 (D0h) Query Time Queries the Spectrum Master for the current time in ASCII format —-
225 (E1h) Read ASCII Serial Number Returns the ASCII Serial Number as four bytes Yes
Spectrum Master PM 5

Control
Byte # Name Description Watchdog Timer
255 (FFh) Exit Remote Mode Ends serial communications —-
A103h Select SPA/Power Meter
Signal Standard Selects a Signal Standard Yes
A104h Select SPA/Power Meter
Channel Selects a channel within the range of the currently selected signal standard Yes
A201h Read External Module
Name
Returns the name of the attached external block converter module (Option 6
only) —-
A202h Read External Module
Serial Number
Returns the serial number of the attached external block converter module
(Option 6 only) —-
A203h Read External Module
Frequency Range
Returns the frequency range of the attached external block converter module
(Option 6 only) —-
A204h Read Module Fail Counter Returns the value of the module lock fail counter (Option 6 only) —-
A205h Clear Module Fail Counter Sets the module lock fail counter to 0 (Option 6 only) —-
A301h Perform Transmission
Mode Calibration Perform Transmission Mode Calibration (Option 21 only) —-
A302h Turn OFF Transmission
Mode Calibration Turn OFF Transmission Mode Calibration (Option 21 only) —-
AA15h Remote Self Test Trigger the equivalent of a “key press” selftest —-
AA30h Trigger Sweep Causes the Spectrum Master to perform a sweep if it is in single sweep mode —-
NOTES: Power Meter commands are available with Option 29 only. External frequency converter mod-
ule commands are availble with Option 6 only. Transmission Mode commands are available with Option
21 only.
6 Spectrum Master PM

Control Byte Descriptions
Setup System – Control Byte #1 (01h)
Description: Sets system status flags and switches. The current value of the flags can be obtained by executing command
#29, Query System Setup, and parsing the values from the appropriate bytes. The Spectrum Master acts on the entire byte, so
the state of each of the bits must be defined every time the command is issued. See control byte #29 (1Dh) response bytes
275 and 276 for the current Spectrum Master configuration.
Bytes to Follow: 1 byte
1) Status Byte 1
bit 0: RBW Coupling (to span) (1b = auto 0b = manual)
bit 1: VBW Coupling (to RBW) (1b = auto 0b = manual)
bit 2: LCD Back Light On/Off (1b = On, 0b = Off)
bit 3-4 = Logarithmic Amplitude units (00b = dBm 01b = dBV 10b = dBmV 11b = dBuV)
bits 5-6 = Detection algorithm (00b = positive peak 01b = RMS averaging 10b = negative peak
11b = sample detection)
bit 7 = Attenuation Coupling (to ref level) (1b = auto 0b = manual)
Spectrum Master Returns:1 byte
1) 255 (FFh) Operation Complete Byte
238 (EEh) Time-out Error
Select Measurement Mode – Control Byte #3 (03h)
Description: Sets the measurement mode of the Spectrum Master. The response byte will not be sent until the mode change is
complete.
See control byte #29 (1Dh) response byte 3 for the current Spectrum Master measurement mode.
Bytes to Follow: 1 byte
1) Measurement Mode
30h: Spectrum Analyzer Mode
21h: Transmission Mode (Option 21 only)
40h: Power Meter Mode (Option 29 only)
Spectrum Master Returns: 1 byte
1) 255 (FFh) Operation Complete Byte
224 (E0h) Parameter Error : Invalid measurement mode
238 (EEh) Time-out Error
Read Time/Date – Control Byte #7 (07h)
Description: Reads the current time and date from the real time clock.
This Time/Date is stamped into all stored sweeps (for users' reference). The real time clock time and date can be set using
control byte #8.
Bytes to Follow: 0 bytes
Spectrum Master Returns: 7 bytes
1) Hour
2) Minute
3) Month
4) Day
Spectrum Master PM 7

5) Year (higher byte)
6) Year (lower byte)
7) Daylight Saving (01h=On, 00h=Off)
Set Time/Date – Control Byte #8 (08h)
Description: Sets the current time and date.
This Time/Date is stamped into all stored sweeps (for users’ reference).
The Spectrum Master stores bytes as ASCII text. Recommended time form is “hh:mm:ss” (hour:minute:sec). Recommended
date format is “mm/dd/yyyy” (month/day/year).
The current time setting can be found by using control byte #33 to recall trace 0 and examining response bytes 31-38.
The current date setting can be found by using control byte #33 to recall trace 0 and examining response bytes 21-30.
Bytes to Follow: 7 bytes
1) Hour
2) Minute
3) Month
4) Day
5) Year (higher byte)
6) Year (lower byte)
7) Daylight Saving (01h=On, 00h=Off)
Spectrum Master Returns: 1 byte
1) 255 (FFh) Operation Complete Byte
238 (EEh) Time-out Error
Set Reference Number – Control Byte #9 (09h)
Description: Stores a Reference Number with the sweep trace.
The reference number is also known as the trace name. It is any combination of 16 letters, numbers and the characters “-“,
“,”, “.” and “+”. This command stores a trace name with the sweep trace.
The current reference number is found by recalling trace 0 and examining response bytes 39 to 54.
Bytes to Follow: 16 bytes (ASCII text string)
Spectrum Master Returns: 1 byte
1) 255 (FFh) Operation Complete Byte
238 (EEh) Time-out Error
Serial Port Echo On/Off – Control Byte #10 (0Ah)
Description: Sets the serial port echo mode On/Off.
Serial Port Echo Mode uses the single sweep mode (see control byte #108 (6Ch)). At the end of each sweep cycle, the
Spectrum Master sends a Sweep Complete Byte #192 (C0h) to the serial port.
This mode activates once the Spectrum Master exits from the remote mode. Serial Port Echo status can’t be saved to or
recalled from saved setups. Cycling power resets the Serial port echo status to Off.
The Serial Port Echo Mode allows run-time handshaking between the Spectrum Master and computer by doing the following:
8 Spectrum Master PM

1) Enter remote mode. Set Serial Port Echo Mode On. Exit remote mode.
2) The Spectrum Master sweeps once and then sends the Sweep Complete Byte.
3) After you receive it. Enter remote mode. Recall sweep 0 (last sweep trace in RAM).
4) Exit remote mode. Send Sweep Triggering Byte #48 (30h) and wait for the next sweep cycle.
5) Repeat steps 2-4
Bytes to Follow: 1 byte
1) Serial Port Echo Status
00h = Off
01h=On
Spectrum Master Returns: 1 byte
1) 255 (FFh) Operation Complete Byte
224 (E0h) Parameter Error : Invalid serial port echo status
238 (EEh) Time-out Error
Watch-Dog Timer On/Off – Control Byte #12 (0Ch)
Description: Enables or disables the Watch-dog timer. Default is Disabled.
The Spectrum Master incorporates a watch-dog timer for higher reliability in serial communication. In selected control bytes
(see Control Byte Summary), the Spectrum Master checks for the time interval between each byte received from the
computer. If the time interval exceeds the set time limit (0.5 sec), the Spectrum Master notifies the computer by sending
Time-out Byte #238 (EEh). The Spectrum Master discards the data it just received and then waits for the next control byte
sequence.
Bytes to Follow: 1 byte
1) Watch-dog timer On/Off
00h = Off
01h=On
Spectrum Master Returns: 1 byte
1) 255 (FFh) Operation Complete Byte
224 (E0h) Parameter Error : Invalid watch-dog timer status
Store Sweep Trace – Control Byte #16 (10h)
Description: Saves current trace to the next available memory location. Trace name can be set using control byte #9, “Set
Reference Number” before executing this command.
Bytes to Follow: 0 bytes
Spectrum Master Returns: 5 bytes
1-4) Time/Date Stamp (In long integer format)
5) Operation result:
255 (FFh) Operation Complete Byte
224 (E0h) Out of memory (Memory full)
238 (EEh) Time-out Error
Spectrum Master PM 9

Recall Sweep Trace – Control Byte #17 (11h)
NOTE: This command exists for backward compatibility with MS2711B models. To access the new fea-
tures, use Control Byte #33 (21h). This command cannot be used with a frequency converter module
(Option 6 required) attached.
Description: Queries the Spectrum Master for sweep trace data.
Note: Before you can recall a sweep stored in non-volatile memory (trace numbers 1-200) you must build a trace table in the
Spectrum Master’s RAM. Use Control Byte #24 to build the trace table. Since the trace table exists in RAM, Control Byte
#24 must be executed every time the Spectrum Master’s power is cycled.
Bytes to Follow: 1 byte
0 = Last sweep trace before entering remote mode (sweep trace in RAM)
1- 200 = Specific saved sweep number (stored sweeps in Flash memory)
Spectrum Master Returns: 1950 bytes
1-2) # of following bytes (1948 for a valid sweep)
3-4) Model ID (16h for the MS2711D)
5-11) Model Number (7 bytes in ASCII)
12-15) Software Version (4 bytes in ASCII)
16) Measurement Mode1
17-20) Time/Date (long integer format)
21-30) Date in String Format (mm/dd/yyyy)
31-38) Time in String Format (hh:mm:ss)
39-54) Reference Number/Trace Name (16 bytes in ASCII)
55-56) # data points (400)
57) Start Frequency (in Hz) (highest byte)
58) Start Frequency (in Hz)
59) Start Frequency (in Hz)
60) Start Frequency (in Hz) (lowest byte)
61) Stop Frequency (in Hz) (highest byte)
62) Stop Frequency (in Hz)
63) Stop Frequency (in Hz)
64) Stop Frequency (in Hz) (lowest byte)
65) Center Frequency (in Hz) (highest byte)
66) Center Frequency (in Hz)
67) Center Frequency (in Hz)
68) Center Frequency (in Hz) (lowest byte)
69) Frequency Span (in Hz) (highest byte)
70) Frequency Span (in Hz)
71) Frequency Span (in Hz)
72) Frequency Span (in Hz) (lowest byte)
73) Minimum Frequency Step Size (in Hz) (highest byte)
74) Minimum Frequency Step Size (in Hz)
75) Minimum Frequency Step Size (in Hz)
76) Minimum Frequency Step Size (in Hz) (lowest byte)
77) Ref Level2(highest byte)
78) Ref Level
79) Ref Level
10 Spectrum Master PM
1 See Control Byte #3 for available measurement modes.
2 “value” sent as (value in dBm * 1,000) + 270,000

80) Ref Level (lowest byte)
81) Scale per div3(highest byte)
82) Scale per div
83) Scale per div
84) Scale per div (lowest byte)
85) Frequency Marker 14(higher byte)
86) Frequency Marker 1 (lower byte)
87) Frequency Marker 2 (higher byte)
88) Frequency Marker 2 (lower byte)
89) Frequency Marker 3 (higher byte)
90) Frequency Marker 3 (lower byte)
91) Frequency Marker 4 (higher byte)
92) Frequency Marker 4 (lower byte)
93) Frequency Marker 5 (higher byte)
94) Frequency Marker 5 (lower byte)
95) Frequency Marker 6 (higher byte)
96) Frequency Marker 6 (lower byte)
97) Single Limit5(highest byte)
98) Single Limit
99) Single Limit
100) Single Limit (lowest byte)
101) Multiple Upper Limit 1 Start X (Frequency in Hz) (highest byte)
102) Multiple Upper Limit 1 Start X (Frequency in Hz)
103) Multiple Upper Limit 1 Start X (Frequency in Hz)
104) Multiple Upper Limit 1 Start X (Frequency in Hz) (lowest byte)
105) Multiple Upper Limit 1 Start Y (Power Level6) (highest byte)
106) Multiple Upper Limit 1 Start Y (Power Level)
107) Multiple Upper Limit 1 Start Y (Power Level)
108) Multiple Upper Limit 1 Start Y (Power Level) (lowest byte)
109) Multiple Upper Limit 1 End X (Frequency in Hz) (highest byte)
110) Multiple Upper Limit 1 End X (Frequency in Hz)
111) Multiple Upper Limit 1 End X (Frequency in Hz)
112) Multiple Upper Limit 1 End X (Frequency in Hz) (lowest byte)
113) Multiple Upper Limit 1 End Y (Power Level7) (highest byte)
114) Multiple Upper Limit 1 End Y (Power Level)
115) Multiple Upper Limit 1 End Y (Power Level)
116) Multiple Upper Limit 1 End Y (Power Level) (lowest byte)
117-260) Multiple Upper Limits 2-5, Multiple Lower Limits 1-5 (see bytes 101-116 for format)
261) RBW Setting (Frequency in Hz) (highest byte)
262) RBW Setting (Frequency in Hz)
263) RBW Setting (Frequency in Hz)
264) RBW Setting (Frequency in Hz) (lowest byte)
265) VBW Setting (Frequency in Hz) (highest byte)
266) VBW Setting (Frequency in Hz)
Spectrum Master PM 11
3 “value” sent as (value * 1,000)
4 Display/Data Point
To convert from “point” to frequency:
((span / (#data points-1)) * point) + start frequency
where span is stored in bytes 69-72 and #data points is stored in bytes 55-56
5 “value” sent as (value in dBm * 1,000) + 270,000
6 “value” sent as (value in dBm * 1,000) + 270,000
7 “value” sent as (value in dBm * 1,000) + 270,000

267) VBW Setting (Frequency in Hz)
268) VBW Setting (Frequency in Hz) (lowest byte)
269) OCC BW Method (00h = % of power, 01h = dB down)
270) OCC BW % Value (0-99) (highest byte)
271) OCC BW % Value (0-99)
272) OCC BW % Value (0-99)
273) OCC BW % Value (0-99) (lowest byte)
274) OCC BW dBc (0–120) (highest byte)
275) OCC BW dBc (0–120)
276) OCC BW dBc (0–120)
277) OCC BW dBc (0–120) (lowest byte)
278) Attentuation8(highest byte)
279) Attentuation
280) Attentuation
281) Attentuation (lowest byte)
282-297) Antenna Name (16 bytes in ASCII)
298) Reference Level Offset9(highest byte)
299) Reference Level Offset
300) Reference Level Offset
301) Reference Level Offset (lowest byte)
302) Impedance10
303) Impedance Loss11 (highest byte)
304) Impedance Loss
305) Impedance Loss
306) Impedance Loss (lowest byte)
307) N/A
308) N/A
309) N/A
310) N/A
311) N/A
312) N/A
313) N/A
314) N/A
315) Status Byte 1: (0b = Off, 1b = On)
(LSB) bit 0 : Marker 1 On/Off
bit 1 : Marker 2 On/Off
bit 2 : Marker 3 On/Off
bit 3 : Marker 4 On/Off
bit 4 : Marker 5 On/Off
bit 5 : Marker 6 On/Off
bits 6-7 : Not Used
316) Status Byte 2: (0b = Off, 1b = On)
(LSB) bit 0 : Marker 2 Delta On/Off
bit 1 : Marker 3 Delta On/Off
bit 2 : Marker 4 Delta On/Off
bits 3-7: Not Used
317) Status Byte 3: (0b = Off, 1b = On)
(LSB) bit 0 : Antenna Factor Correction On/Off
12 Spectrum Master PM
8 “value” sent as (value * 1,000)
9 “value” sent as (value in dBm * 1,000) + 270,000
10 Impedance adapters:
00h=50W
0Ah=75W, adapter 12N50-75B
0Ch=75W, other adapter offset
11 “value” sent as (value * 1,000)

bits 1-2 : Detection alg (00b = pos. peak 10b = neg. peak 11b = RMS averaging)
bits 3-4 : Logarithmic Amplitude Units (00b = dBm 01b = dBV 10b = dBmV 11b = dBuV)
bit 5 : Channel Power On/Off
bit 6 : Adjacent Channel Power On/Off
bit 7 : Occupied Bandwidth On/Off
318) Status Byte 4: (0b = Off/LOWER limit, 1b = On/UPPER limit)
(LSB) bit 0 : Limit Type (0b = Single, 1b = Multiple)
bit 1 : Not Used
bit 2 : Single Limit On/Off
bit 3 : Single Limit Level UPPER/ LOWER
bit 4 : Multiple Limit Upper Segment 1 Status On/Off
bit 5 : Multiple Limit Upper Segment 1 Limit Level UPPER / LOWER
bit 6 : Multiple Limit Upper Segment 2 Status On/Off
bit 7 : Multiple Limit Upper Segment 2 Limit Level UPPER / LOWER
319) Status Byte 5: (0b = Off/LOWER limit, 1b = On/UPPER limit)
(LSB) bit 0 : Multiple Limit Upper Segment 3 Status On/Off
bit 1 : Multiple Limit Upper Segment 3 Limit Level UPPER / LOWER
bit 2 : Multiple Limit Upper Segment 4 Status On/Off
bit 3 : Multiple Limit Upper Segment 4 Limit Level UPPER / LOWER
bit 4 : Multiple Limit Upper Segment 5 Status On/Off
bit 5 : Multiple Limit Upper Segment 5 Limit Level UPPER / LOWER
bit 6 : Multiple Limit Lower Segment 1 Status On/Off
bit 7 : Multiple Limit Lower Segment 1 Limit Level UPPER / LOWER
320) Status Byte 6: (0b = Off/LOWER limit, 1b = On/UPPER limit)
(LSB) bit 0 : Multiple Limit Lower Segment 2 Status On/Off
bit 1 : Multiple Limit Lower Segment 2 Limit Level UPPER / LOWER
bit 2 : Multiple Limit Lower Segment 3 Status On/Off
bit 3 : Multiple Limit Lower Segment 3 Limit Level UPPER / LOWER
bit 4 : Multiple Limit Lower Segment 4 Status On/Off
bit 5 : Multiple Limit Lower Segment 4 Limit Level UPPER / LOWER
bit 6 : Multiple Limit Lower Segment 5 Status On/Off
bit 7 : Multiple Limit Lower Segment 5 Limit Level UPPER / LOWER
321) Status Byte 7
(LSB) bits 0-6 : Number of Sweeps to Average (1-25, 1 implies averaging Off)
bit 7 : Reserved
322) Status Byte 8: (0b = Off, 1b = On
(LSB) bit 0 : Preamp On/Off
bit 1 : Normalization On/Off
bit 2 : Bias Tee On/Off
bit 3 : Scale Type (0b = Log, 1b = Linear)
bit 4 : Linear Units (0b = Watts, 1b = Volts)
bits 5-7 : Date Format (000b = MMDDYYYY, 001b = DDMMYYYY, 010b = YYYYMMDD)
323) N/A
324) N/A
325-350) Not Used
351-1950) Sweep Data (400 points * 4 bytes/point = 1600 bytes)
4 bytes for each data point
1. dBm2(highest byte)
2. dBm
3. dBm
4. dBm (lowest byte)
Spectrum Master Returns (For invalid sweeps/empty stored sweep locations):11 bytes
1-2) Number of following bytes (9 bytes for invalid sweep recall)
3-4) Model # (unsigned integer, 16h for Spectrum Master MS2711D)
5-11) Extended Model # (7 bytes in ASCII)
Spectrum Master Returns (Invalid sweep location): 1 byte
1) 224 (E0) Parameter Error: Invalid sweep location
Spectrum Master PM 13

Save System Setup – Control Byte #18 (12h)
Description: Saves current system setup parameters to a specific setup store location.
The Spectrum Master saves all parameters described in Query System Status - control byte #29 (1Dh), (except Serial Port
Echo Status) to the specified store location. Store location 0 is the run-time setup of the Spectrum Master. It holds the
power-on defaults of the Spectrum Master.
Bytes to Follow: 1 byte
1) Location to save system setup parameters:
0 – 10 for Spectrum Analyzer and Transmission Measurement (Option 21) Modes
0 – 5 for Power Meter Mode (Option 29 only)
Spectrum Master Returns: 1 byte
1) 255 (FFh) Operation Complete Byte
224 (E0h) Parameter Error : Invalid store location
238 (EEh) Time-out Error
Recall System Setup – Control Byte #19 (13h)
Description: Recalls system setup parameters from a specific store location. Storage locations depend on the measurement
mode of the current setup.
The Spectrum Master recalls all parameters described in Query System Status - control byte #29 (1Dh), (except Serial Port
Echo Status) from the specified store location. The recalled setup does not automatically become the power-on runtime setup
when exiting remote.
You may want to save the recalled setup as the run-time setup by saving it to setup location 0 (which holds the power-on
runtime setup). See control byte #18 (12h) for details.
Bytes to Follow: 1 byte
1) Location from which to recall system setup parameters:
0 = Run time setup for all measurement modes
1 - 10 = Saved setups for Spectrum Analyzer and Transmission Measurement (Option 21) Modes
1 - 5 = Saved setups for Power Meter mode (Option 29 only)
254 = Default setup, current mode
255 = Default setup, all modes
Spectrum Master Returns: 1 byte
1) 255 (FFh) Operation Complete Byte
224 (E0h) Parameter Error : Invalid store location or no saved setup
227 (E3h) Frequency Mismatch Error
238 (EEh) Time-out Error
14 Spectrum Master PM

Query System Status – Control Byte #20 (14h)
NOTE: This command exists for backward compatibility with the MS2711B. To access the new features
use Control Byte #29 (1Dh). This command cannot be used with a frequency converter module (Option
6 required) attached.
Description: Queries the Spectrum Master for current system settings.
The current state of the Spectrum Master represents the state after the last successful remote control operation. For example,
change the start frequency to another valid frequency while in remote mode, then execute control byte #29. The new start
frequency will be returned in bytes 4-7, even though no sweep has been performed with that frequency.
Bytes to Follow: 0 bytes
Spectrum Master Returns:310 bytes
1) Measurement Mode12
2-3) Number of Data Points (400)
4) Start Frequency (in Hz) (highest byte)
5) Start Frequency (in Hz)
6) Start Frequency (in Hz)
7) Start Frequency (in Hz) (lowest byte)
8) Stop Frequency (in Hz) (highest byte)
9) Stop Frequency (in Hz)
10) Stop Frequency (in Hz)
11) Stop Frequency (in Hz) (lowest byte)
12) Center Frequency (in Hz) (highest byte)
13) Center Frequency (in Hz)
14) Center Frequency (in Hz)
15) Center Frequency (in Hz) (lowest byte)
16) Frequency Span (in Hz) (highest byte)
17) Frequency Span (in Hz)
18) Frequency Span (in Hz)
19) Frequency Span (in Hz) (lowest byte)
20) Minimum Frequency Step Size (in Hz) (highest byte)
21) Minimum Frequency Step Size (in Hz)
22) Minimum Frequency Step Size (in Hz)
23) Minimum Frequency Step Size (in Hz) (lowest byte)
24) Ref Level13 (highest byte)
25) Ref Level
26) Ref Level
27) Ref Level (lowest byte)
28) Scale per div14 (highest byte)
29) Scale per div
30) Scale per div
31) Scale per div (lowest byte)
32) Marker 115 (higher byte)
33) Marker 1 (lower byte)
Spectrum Master PM 15
12 See Control Byte #3 for available measurement modes.
13 “value” sent as (value in dBm *1,000) + 270,000
14 “value” sent as (value *1,000)
15 Display/Data Point. To convert from “point” to frequency: (span / (#data points-1)) *point + start frequency
where span is stored in bytes 16-19 and #data points is stored in bytes 2-3.