HP 82479A User manual

() HEWLETT
PACKARD
HP 82479A
Data Acquisition Pac
Owner's Manual
For the HP-71

[2 iciaro
HP 82479A
Data Acquisition Pac
Owner’s Manual
For the HP-71
November 1985
82479-90003
Printed in U.S.A. ©Hewlett-Packard Company 1985

NOTE
Hewlett-Packard Company makes no express or implied warranty with
regard to the keystroke procedures and program material offered or their
merchantability or their fitness for any particular purpose. The keystroke
procedures and program material are made available solely on an "as is"
basis, and the entire risk as to their quality and performance is with the
user. Should the keystroke procedures or program material prove defective,
the user, (and not Hewlett-Packard nor any other party) shall bear the
entire cost of all necessary correction and all incidental or consequential
damages. Hewlett-Packard Company shall not be liable for any incidental
or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of the
furnishing, use, or performance of the keystroke procedures or program
material.
NOTE
The HP-71 Data Acquisition Pac is designed to operate with Model
HP 3421 A Data Acquisition and Control Unit mainframes of serial number
2338A03053 and above, manufactured after April 1984. Although
limited performance can be obtained with units of earlier serial numbers, it
is recommended that users upgrade their mainframes. The upgrade consists
of motherboard ROM replacements. For further information, contact your
nearest Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Office referencing Service Note
3421A-8.
11

How To Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . .......
CONTENTS
Section 1; Introduction
—
ed od
a
HW
—
ess ee ce se ss es + a ae se se
The HP-71 Compuier . . . . . . «ee ee
Hewlett-Packard Interface Loop. . . . . . . . . .
The HP 3421 A Data Acquisition/Control Unit . . . . . . . Ce
Applications .... LL. LL eee ee
Section 2: Getting Started
OW
oO
WND
—
PYM
POPPDPOPODODPOPODNODOODNONDND
DTH
WN
—
Installing and Removing the Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .......
Supplemental Disc
ET Sr
Equipment Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....
What the Data Acquisition Pac Does. . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Interface Loop . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifying HP-IL Devices . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Files. . . . . ©... eee se
Channel Numbering and Addressing . . . . . . . . . . . .«.
Using the Keywords. . . . . © ©. eee
Simple Programming. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
ee se eee ee ese eee eee
Using the SCAN Subprogram . . . . . . . . . i eee
Using Instrument Commands . . . . . . . . . Le
Interrupt Programming . . . . . . . . ee
Interrupt Subprograms. . . . . . LL... Lee
Advanced Interrupt Programming. . . . . . . . . oo.
Using the Application Programs . . . . . . . . . ee
Measurement Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Section 3: Keywords
w
www
HW
—
Syntax Conventions
Keyword Syntax
Scanning
Interrupt Subprograms
Section 4: Status Program
Section §: Front Panel Program
Front Panel Operation
Front Panel Functions
111
ee ee ee ee a se eae ee ee ese ee ee eres ee eee
ee ee ee ee ee 4 se ee se see see se ee see eee ee a
eee ee a ee ee a se ee eae eee ae sae eae eee ese eee ee
ee ee ee sa ee sae ee ee eso ese ee ee se ee es
ee eee ee ea see esa ees ee eae ee ae eee eee
e+ ee ee ee ee ee ase eae ees see ss as ee ee se

Section 6: Strip Chart Program
Section 7: System Monitoring
1v
6.1 Measurement Choices. . . . . . . . . . . ..
6.2 Strip Chart Operation . . . . . . . . . . ..
6.3 Creating A New Setup ....... . ....
6.3.1 Signals . . . . . . . .
6.3.2 Digital Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
6.3.3 Custom Program. .... . . . . . .. ..
6.4 Running The Strip Chart Program . . . . .
6.5 Storing Strip Chart Setups . . . . . . . ..
6.6 Retrieving Strip Chart Setups . . . =. . . .
6.7 Verifying The Setup . . . . . . . . . . . ..
6.8 Adding A Trace. ..... . . . . ......
6.9 Deleting A Trace . . . . . . . . .. . ..
6.10 Replacing A Trace . . . . . .. . ....
6.11 Printing The Strip Chart Setup. .......
6.12 Ending [he Strip Chart Program. . . . . . .
6.13 Strip Chart Example . . . . . . . . .....
7.1 Measurement Choices. ... . . . . . . . ..
7.2 Limit Tests . . . . . . . . . .........
7.3 Monitor Program Operation . . . . . . . ..
7.4 Creating A New Setup . . . . . . ......
7.4.1 Signals . . . . . . . . 0... :
7.4.2 Digital Functions. . ..... . . . .. ..
7.4.3 Custom Program. . . . . . . . . . ....
7.5 Limits. . . . . . . . .
7.5.1 Analog. . . . . .............
7.5.2 Digital Bit . ......... ......
7.5.3 Limit Actions . . . . ... . . . ... ..
7.6 Running The Monitor . . . . . . . . . . ..
7.7 Error Recovery. . . ....... . .....
7.8 Storing Trace Setups . . ... . . . . .. ..
7.9 Retrieving Trace Setups ......... ..
7.10 Verifying The Trace Setup . . ...... ..
7.11 Adding A Trace. . . . . . . .. ......
7.12 Deleting A Trace . . . . . . . . . . .....
7.13 Replacing A Trace . . . . . . . .......
7.14 Printing The Setup File. . . . . . . . .. ..
7.15 Ending The Monitor Program .... . . .
7.16 Monitor Example . . . . . . . . . ....
> . .

Section 8; Defining a Data Logging Problem
8.1 Data Logging Procedure . . . . . . . . . eee ee 8-1
8.2 Channel Groups. ..... . «ee ee ee ee 8-2
8.3 Power Consumption Considerations. . . . . . . . . «vv vv tee ee ee 8-2
8.4 Data Storage Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . ee ee 8-4
8.5 Data Logging Example . . . . . . . . eee 8-4
Section 9: The SETUP Program
9.1 Measurement Choices. . . . . . . . . . ee eee 9-1
9.2 Limit Tests . . . . . . . oo ee eee 8-2
9.3 Setup Program Operation. . . . . . . . . . . eee eee g-3
9.4 Creating A New Setup . . . . . . . eee 9-4
9.4.1 Signals . . . LLL ee ee ee 9-6
9.4.2 Digital Functions. . . . . . . . eee 9-8
9.4.3 Control. . ©. Le ee ee ee 9-9
9.4.4 Custom Program ... . . . . © ee ee ee ee 9-9
9.5 Limits. . ©... ee ee ee ee 9-10
9.5.1 Analog. . Le ee ee ee 9-10
9.5.2 Digital Bit . . ... . eee ee 9-11
9.5.3 Limit Actions . . . . . . . ee ee ee g-11
9.6 Storing Group Setups. . . . . ee ee eee 9-13
9.7 Retrieving Group Setups . . . . . . «Le ee ee ee eee 9-14
9.8 Verifying The Setup File . . . . . . . © ©. eee 9-15
9.9 Adding A Group . . . . «0 te ee ee ee ee ee ee 9-16
9.10 Deleting A Group. . . . . . . «vv ee ee ee ee 9-17
9.11 Replacing A Group. . . . . . ee ee 9-18
9.12 Printing The Setup File. . . . . . . . 9-19
9.13 Ending The Setup Program. . . . . . . . . . «ee 9-20
9.14 Setup Example . . . . . Le ee 9-21
Section 10: The LOG Program
10.1 Log Program Operation. . . . . . ... . ©. ee ee ee 10-2
10.2 LOG Example. . . . . . © ©. ee ee ee 10-3
Section 11: The REPORT Program
11.1 Listing File Contents . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
11.2 Printing The Data . . . . . . . . . . «oe 11-3
1.3 Printing Summary Statistics . . . . . . . . eee ee 11-4
11.4 Printing A Strip Chart . . . . . . . . ee 11-7
11.5 Ending The Report Program . . . . . . . . . . 11-10

Section 12: The TRANSFER Program
12.1 Data Transfer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
12.2 Starting The Series 200 Program. . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3 Starting The Transfer Program. ... . . . . . . . ..
12.4 If Something Goes Wrong. . . .... . . ... ..
12.5 Handling of Numeric Exceptions. . . . . . . . . . . .
12.6 Using The FROM71 Subprogram. . . . . . . . . . ..
Section 13: The MSDOSXFR Program
13.
1 Co
13.2 Hardware And Software Requirements. . . . . . . . .
13.3 Format of Target File. . . . ....... . . .....
13.4 Communications Between HP-71 and Target Device
13.5 Sample Destination Names . . . . . . . . . Coe.
13.6 Running MSDOSXFR. . . . . . . . . . . .. .....
13.7 Reading Data Into Lotus 1-2-3 . . . . . . . . . . ..
13.8 Handling of Numeric Exceptions. . . . . . . . ..
13.9 Memory Requirements of MSDOSXFR. . . . . . . . .
Section 14: Operational Verification
14.1 Relay Card Test. . . . . . . . . . . .... .....
14.2 Digital Card Test . . . ... . .... .. .......
14.3 Running The Test. . . . . . . . . .. ........
Appendix A: Care, Warranty, and Service Information
Appendix B: HP 3421A Command Reference
Appendix C: Custom Programs
O00
Appendix D: Conversion Programs
D.
D.
vi
Introduction . . Ce eee
A.1 Care of the Module. . . . . . . ... .........
A.2 Limited One-Year Warranty. . . ... . . . . . . ..
A.3 Service . . . LL...
A.4 When You Need Help. ... . ... . . . .......
A STRIP and MONITOR Subprograms . . . . . . . . . .
.2 LOG Subprograms . . . . . . . . oo...
.3 Using Multiple HP 3421A Instruments. . . . . . . . .
1 STRIP and MONITOR Conversions. . . . . . . . . ..
2 LOG ConversionS. . . . . . «vv vv vv vv ve

Appendix E: Limit Programs
E.1 Syntax . . LL ee ee eee E-1
E.2 Continuous Events ..... Le ee ee ee E-1
E.3 Transition Events. . . . . . ee E-2
Appendix F: Alternative Peripheral Options
F.1 Specifying Alternate Printers. . . . . . . . . . . eee F-1
F.2 Specifying Alternate Video Displays . . . . ..... . . «0 F-2
F.2.1 Subprogram For the HP 2392 Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... F-3
F.2.2 Subprogram For the HP 2648 Terminal. . . . . . . . . . . . .......... F-3
F.3 Working Without an HP 3421A . . . ©... ee F-4
F.4 Working With Several HP 3421A Instruments. . . . . . . . . ... .......... F-5
Appendix G: Error Recovery
G.1 Low Memory Conditions . . . . . . . . . . «vv vv te ee ee ee ee G-1
G.2 Corrupt Setup Information. . . . . . . . . . G-2
G.3 Loop And Device Errors . . . . . . . . «eee eee G-2
G.4 The RECOVER Subprogram . . . . . . . . . . . vv iii. G-2
G.5 Writing Your Own RECOVER Program . . . . . . . . . . 0. ... G-3
G.6 Recovering Buffered Data . . . . . . . . . . . . ee G-5
Appendix H: HPAF File Standard
H.1 Header Information. . . . . . . . ©... ee eee H-2
H.2 Data Records . . . . . . . ©... ee eee H-2
H.3 Descriptor Block . . . . . eee H-2
H.4 Tag Examples. . . . . ee ee ee ee H-3
Appendix I File Structures
I.1 Strip Chart Setup Files . . . . . . . © ©... ee ee ee I-1
I.2 Monitor Setup Files. . . . . . . © eee I-2
1.3 Logger Setup Files . . . . . . © © ©... ee ee ee I-5
1.4 Data Files. . . . . © ©. ee ee ee eee I-7
Appendix J. File Names Used In This Pac
Appendix K: Error and Warning Messages
Subject Index
vil

vill

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
This manual describes the Data Acquisition Pac for the HP 71B Handheld Computer. Before you attempt
to use the pac, you should be familiar with the HP-71B Handheld Computer, the HP 82401 A HP-IL
interface, and the HP 3421 A Data Acquisition/Control Unit. In particular, you should be familiar with
the following HP-71 operations: keyboard operation, file operations, writing and running simple
subprograms, manipulating data, using flags, and correcting error conditions (refer to the HP-71 Owner's
Manual). You should have a general understanding of the following HP-IL operations: device assignment,
printer and display operations, mass storage operations, and simple I/O operations for instrument control
(refer to the HP 82401A HP-IL Interface Owner's Manual). You should have a general understanding of
the HP 3421 including channel numbering, option configuration, and standard instrument control
commands (refer to the HP 34214 Data Acquisition/Control Unit Operating, Programming and
Configuration Manual).
To become familiar with the Data Acquisition Pac, you should start by reading sections 1 and 2 in this
manual. Section 1 "Introduction," gives a general description of the HP-71, the HP 3421A, and the
applications provided by this pac. Section 2, "Getting Started," tells how to install the ROM module and
prepare a data acquisition system. Section 2 also gives examples that show how to use the keywords and
application programs in the pac.
After you have read sections 1 and 2, go on to the sections that describe the features of the pac that you
want to use:
e Section 3, "Keywords," describes the functions, statements, and keywords that the Data
Acquisition Pac adds to the BASIC language.
e Section 4, "Status Program," describes a program used to determine the status of the HP 3421A.
e Section §, "Front Panel Program," describes a program that makes the HP-71 a front panel for the
HP 3421A.
e Section 6, "Strip Chart Program, describes a program that creates strip charts on a ThinkJet
printer.
o Section 7, "System Monitoring," describes a program that allows you to monitor a system on a
video dipslay.
e Section 8 "Defining A Data Logging Problem, outlines the process of defining and running a
long-term data logging experiment. Section 8 refers to two sections: section 9, "The SETUP
Program," which describes the program used to define a data logging experiment; and section 10,
"The LOG Program," which describes the program used to carry out the data logging experiment.
e Section 11, "The REPORT Program," describes a program that generates printed reports from data
files generated by the strip chart, system monitor, and log programs
eo Section 12, "The TRANSFER Program," describes a program used to transfer data to the
HP 44456 System Software package for HP Series 200 computers.
e Section 13, "The MSDOSXFR Program," describes a program used to transfer data to the MS-DOS
environment.
e Section 14, "Operational Verification," describes a program used to check the proper operation of
option cards plugged into the HP 3421A Data Acquisition/Control Unit.
1X

There are several appendixes for your reference:
e Appendix A, "Care, Warranty, and Service Information," provides warranty and service
information.
e Appendix B, "HP 3421 A Command Reference," provides a quick reference to the commands that
control the HP 3421A.
oe Appendix C, "Custom Programs," provides details about writing and using your own subprograms
for making measurements and returning the results to the STEIFF, MOHITOR, and L0G
programs.
e Appendix D, "Conversion Programs,” provides details about writing and using your own
subprograms to perform numerical conversions on readings taken by the “THIF, MOMHI TOR,
and L105 programs.
e Appendix E, "Limit Programs, provides details about writing and using your own subprograms to
coe eee
condition.
e Appendix F, "Alternative Peripheral Options provides details about using alternate display
devices for the strip chart program and the system monitoring program.
e¢ Appendix G, "Error Recovery," provides details about system error recovery.
oe Appendix H, "HPAF File Standard," describes the HPAF file standard, to which all files created by
this pac conform.
oe Appendix I "File Structures," describes the format and contents of the files created by this pac.
oe Appendix J, "File Names Used In This Pac lists the file names in the ROM module and the file
names used in HP-71 memory.
eo Appendix K, "Error and Warning Messages," lists the error messages that the pac may generate.

INTRODUCTION
SECTION
1
The HP 82479A Data Acquisition Pac, together with the HP-71B Handheld Computer and the HP 3421A
Data Acquisition/Control Unit, provide a powerful low-cost data acquisition system. These devices may
be used in the laboratory, the field, or on the production line to gather data, control devices, or report on
equipment status. When combined with devices such as the ThinkJet printer or an 80-column video
interface, the data acquisition system provides system capabilities equivalent to larger, more expensive
systems at a fraction of the cost. Also, in space-critical environments the HP-71 takes less space than the
keyboard of a standard personal computer, leaving room for production or test equipment.
1.1 THE HP-71 COMPUTER
The HP-71 1s a powerful computer that has the following standard features:
e 17.5K-bytes of user memory.
e Powerful BASIC language with over 240 keywords.
e Clock, calendar, and timer system.
User definable keyboard.
Battery operation (continuous memory)
1.2 HEWLETT-PACKARD INTERFACE LOOP
DEVICE 2
DEVICE 1
Information Flow In The Interface Loop
DEVICE 3
The Hewlett-Packard Interface Loop (HP-IL)
provides additional power and versatility to the
HP-71. HP-IL is a bit-serial interface designed for
low-cost, battery-powered systems. The HP-71,
acting as system controller, is capable of transmitting
and receiving data to a wide variety of computers
and peripherals. In an HP-IL system, the HP-71
and peripherals are connected by two-wire cables
leading from the output port of of one device to the
input port of the next, until all devices form a closed
loop.
1-1

Introduction
This loop structure provides several unique capabilities:
eo Auto address assignment, The HP-71 addresses the devices on the loop automatically.
oe Device capability identification. The HP-71 can match the appropriate device with the
command (for example, the printer with a FFF IHT command), so software can be written and
run without regard to addresses.
e Power ON/OFF control. The HP-71 can power peripherals on or off in order to conserve
battery life in remote, unattended applications.
e Automatic error checking. HP-IL allows data being transmitted on the loop to be checked
automatically for errors.
The HP 82401A HP-IL Interface allows the HP-71 to control devices such as printers, video interfaces,
disc drives, and instruments. The HP-IL module adds over 45 additional keywords to HP-71 BASIC,
which are used to control up to 30 devices, and through secondary addressing, up to 930 devices. Through
individual converters, the HP-71 can link to HP-IB, RS-232C, and GPIO devices.
The HP 82402A Dual HP-IL Adapter allows two HP 82401 A HP-IL Interfaces to be connected to the
HP-71, making sophisticated data acquisition/control systems possible. For instance, several HP-71
computers might share a loop with a host desktop computer, while maintaining individual loops for
dedicated data acquisition at individual production stations.
1.3 THE HP 3421A DATA ACQUISITION/CONTROL UNIT
The HP 3421 A Data Acquisition/Control Unit is a fully programmable instrument that combines
precision measurement capabilities with process control and monitoring functions. It can provide you with
accurate measurements of voltage, resistance, temperature, and frequency, or it can monitor and control
digital inputs and outputs (including actuators), or both. Standard equipment for the HP 3421A includes a
front panel display, a built-in § 1/2-digit voltmeter, a 10 kHz frequency counter, and an HP-IL
interface.
The HP 3421 A mainframe can accommodate up to three measurement/control option assemblies. The
following options are available:
e HP 3421A Option 020 - 8 Channel Multiplexer/2 Channel Actuator Assembly.
e HP 3421A Option 021 - 9 Channel Multiplexer/1 Channel Actuator Assembly.
e HP 3421A Option 022 - 10 Channel Multiplexer Assembly
HP 3421A Option 040 - Breadboard Assembly (with connnector block).
HP 3421A Option 050 - 8 bit in/8 bit out Digital I/O Assembly (with connector block).
Throughout the rest of this manual the term "multiplexer assembly" is used to mean either an option 020,
021, or 022 multiplexer. The term "digital I/O assembly" refers to the option 050 8-bit digital I/O
assembly.
1-2

Introduction
In addition to the measurement/control option assemblies, the HP 3421A can accommodate an option 214
12-Volt power assembly (which allows long-term remote operation using an external battery) or an
HP-IB option board (which allows the HP 3421A to operate from an HP-IB controller).
Some applications may require the system to go to a known-safe state in
case of an equipment or power failure. For example, if a furnace heater is
being controlled, it should go to the off state in case of failure. Note the
following:
The HP 3421A Data Acquisition/Control Unit and the Option 020, 021,
and 022 Multiplexer Assemblies use latching relays. The state of these
relays can only be altered under program control. Under most conditions
of failure, the relays will remain in whatever state the program last set
them,
The HP 3421A Option 050 Digital I/O Assembly output switches are not
latched. Under most conditions of failure the switches will go to the open
state.
It is up to the programmer to provide the appropriate circuitry and
recovery programs to ensure that the system under control goes to a
known-safe state in case of an equipment or power failure. In some
applications serious damage or injury may otherwise occur.
1.4 APPLICATIONS
The HP-71 Data Acquisition Pac simplifies HP 3421A control by extending BASIC with a series of
instrument -control statements and keywords, and by providing application programs that use the new
keywords.
The statements and keywords are used to initialize the instrument (for example, IMI T=4:1), close a
channel on a multiplexer card (for example, :L.00=k 1) or take measurements (for example,
CHEMO. T= Cd 2). Additional statements and keywords are provided for string manipulation, temperature,
and time/date conversions.
The application programs are built on the foundation of the new keywords and statements. The major
applications provided are the front panel program, a strip chart program, a system monitoring program, a
data logging package, and a data transmission program. The front panel program allows the user to
interactivly control the HP 3421A and take readings from various sensors. The strip chart program prints
a "real time" strip chart from various sensors. The system monitoring program provides a low cost solution
for monitoring the status of a system on a video interface. The data logging package allows the user to
specify and execute a data capture sequence. The data transmission programs can send data to the
HP 44456 software package for the HP Series 200 computer family, or to MS-DOS® computers such as
the HP 150.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
1-3

1-4

SECTION
2
GETTING STARTED
2.1 INSTALLING AND REMOVING THE MODULE
The HP-71 Data Acquisition Pac ROM module can be plugged into any of the four ports on the front
edge of the HP-71B Handheld Computer.
CAUTION
¢ Do not place fingers, tools, or other objects into the plug-in ports. Damage to plug-in module
contacts and the computer’s internal circuitry may result. Such actions could result in minor
electrical shock hazard and interference with pacemaker devices worn by some persons.
e Turn off the computer (press [f JOFF]) before installing or removing a plug-in module.
eo If a module jams when inserted into a port, it may be upside down. Attempting to force it
further may result in damage to the computer or the module.
e¢ Handle the plug-in modules very carefully while they are out of the computer. Do not insert
any objects in the module connector socket. Always keep a blank module in the computer
port when a module is not installed. Failure to observe these cautions may result in damage to
the module or the computer.
To insert the module, hold the HP-71 with the
keyboard facing up and the module with the label
facing up. Push the module into the port until it
snaps into place. Be sure to observe the precautions
described above.
IMEROMMOEEECGIE
ASE GCEEEOECIEEE]
fe et ee tte
0s] ex I BEI Ed(A ML CIC CE
t
freed
To remove the module, use your fingernails to grasp the module by the lip on the bottom of its front edge.
Pull the module straight out of the port. Install a blank module in the port to protect its contacts.
2-1

Getting Started
2.2 SUPPLEMENTAL DISC
The HP-71 Data Acquisition Pac Supplemental Disc (HP part number 82479-12001) enclosed with the
pac contains six files:
AF ERE A BASIC 3.0 program for HP Series 200 computers used in conjunction with the
TRANSFER program (refer to section 12, "The Transfer Program").
FEOMT 1 The FROM71 subprogram from XFER 200, for use in building a custom data transfer
program with other subprograms from the HP 444 56 System Software package.
Fm =F The HP-71 program for transferring data to an MS-DOS mass storage medium.
Refer to section 13, "The MSDOSXFR Program" for further details about data
transfer to MS-DOS based computers.
FATLE= The LEXfile that is necessary for MSDOSXFR to run.
FIOM 23 A MONSET (MON:itor SETup) subprogram customized for the HP 2392 terminal.
Allows the use of MONITOR with that terminal instead of an HP 92198A HP-IL
80-Column Video Interface. Refer to appendix F, "Alternative Peripheral Options"
for further details about MONSET.
FRETS2905 A PRINTSET (PRINTer SETup) subprogram customized for the HP 82905B Printer.
Allows the use of an HP 82905B Printer for strip chart generation from the STRIP
or REPORT programs instead of a ThinkJet printer. Refer to appendix F,
"Alternative Peripheral Options" for further details about PRINTSET.
2-2

Getting Started
2.3 EQUIPMENT NEEDED
The programs in this pac require an HP 82401A HP-IL Interface installed in the HP-71, an HP 3421A
Data Acquisition/Control Unit, and the HP-IL cables to connect them. In addition, the strip chart
program requires a printer, and generates charts specifically for the HP 2225 ThinkJet Printer. The
system monitor program requires an HP 92198A Mountain Computer HP-IL 80-Column Video Interface
and an appropriate monitor. (If you wish to use an alternate display device, refer to appendix F.)
You can use either the HP 82161A Digital Cassette Drive or the HP 9114A Disc Drive with the
application programs. However, because of media wear and power consumption considerations, the
HP 9114A Disc Drive is strongly recommended.
The addition of a printer (for example, a ThinkJet) allows the system monitor and data logger programs to
print messages when unusual events occur.
Although not required by this pac, the HP 82402A Dual HP-IL Adapter may be used for advanced data
acquisition and control applications that require more than one HP-IL loop. To communicate with an
instrument equipped with with an HP-IB, RS-232 or GPIO interface, use the HP 82169A HP-IL/HP-IB
Interface, the HP 82164A HP-IL/RS-232C Interface, or the HP 82165A HP-IL/GPIO Interface,
respectively.
2.4 WHAT THE DATA ACQUISITION PAC DOES
The Data Acquisition Pac provides five main capabilities:
e A toolbox of keywords for controlling the HP 3421A Data Acquisition/Control Unit.
e A front panel for the HP 3421A.
o Strip chart generation from HP 3421 A measurements.
e System monitoring (with limit tests) to a video interface.
o Long term data logging (with limit tests).
The strip chart, system monitor, and data logging programs may optionally store measurements in a data
file for future analysis. A report program may be used to generate printed listings and summary statistics
from the collected measurements. A data transfer program may be used to move selected measurements to
the HP 44456 System Software package for HP Series 200 computers. A disc is included which provides a
program for data transfer to the MS-DOS environment.
2-3

Getting Started
2.5 SETTING THE TIME AND DATE
The HP-71 contains an accurate quartz-crystal clock and calendar that runs whether the HP-71 is on or
off, and begins running as soon as batteries are installed. The application programs in the Data
Acquisition Pac use the clock to schedule events, and to record the time when measurements are made.
Unless the batteries in the HP-71 become completely discharged, the time and date need only be set once.
If you have not already done so, follow the example below to set the clock to the correct time and date.
Example: Set the date for September 12, 1985.
Input /Result
SETOATE' 25-83-12" Sets the date. The HP-71 requires a 6-digit
year/month/day (7 I1F1.-[1[1) format, including leading
Zeros.
FemETORTE "2533.12"
ENDLINE Enters the date.
[JFMTE# [ENDLINE] Displays the date.
Lo = El = oF 1 ‘
To set the clock within an accuracy of | second or better, key in a time about 30 seconds ahead of the
actual time and press [ENDLINE ] when the actual time catches up with the keyed-in time.
Input /Result
SETTIME' 1s 14566 [ENDLINE This statement sets the time. The HP-71 clock uses the
24-hour format, and six digits must always be entered,
including leading zeros.
TIMEF [ENDLINE) Displays the time.
les ld This is the time you executed T I[E¥.
2-4