Optec SSPCARD User manual

SSPCARD
IBM PC INTERFACE CARD
TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR
THEORY OF OPERATION AND OPERATING PROCEDURES
OPTEC, Inc.
OPTICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 199 Smith St.
Lowell, MI 49331
U.S.A.
[email protected] [phone]
http://www.optecinc.com [phone] FAX

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TABLEOFCONTENTS
Revision 4 - November 1997
Section Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 SYSTEM OVERVIEW 2
3.0 SSPCARD INSTALLATION 4
3.1 Precautions and Warnings 4
3.2 Systems Check 4
3.3 Installing the SSPCARD 5
4.0 PROGRAMMING THE SSPCARD 7
4.1 Application Software 7
4.2 I/O Ports 9
4.3 Initialization 11
4.4 Sample Subroutines 12
5.0 CCDFILTR.EXE 14
5.1 Description 14
5.2 Setup and Use 14
5.3 Compatibility 16
6.0 SSPCARD LAYOUT AND CIRCUIT DIAGRAM 17
7.0 SPECIFICATIONS 19

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LIST OFFIGURES
Figure Page
2-1 SSPCARD Block Diagram 3
6-1 SSPCARD Circuit Board Layout 17
6-2 SSPCARD Circuit Diagram 18
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
3-1 Base Address Switch Settings 5
3-2 Stock Number and Description of SSPCARD Cables 5
3-3 Pin Number and Function for the 15-pin D-connector 6
4-1 SSPCARD I/O Ports 9
4-2 4-bit Control Port for Baseaddress + 0 10
4-3 Output Port for Baseaddress + 1 10
4-4 Input Port for Baseaddress + 2 10
4-5 SSPCARD Initialization Sequence 11

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SECTION 1.0
INTRODUCTION
As an important part of the SSP photometric system, the SSPCARD provides an interface
between the photometer and the IBM 80x86,(and compatible) line of computers. This manual
provides the basic information necessary to install and use the SSPCARD as well as user
instructions for the supplied software. Programming examples and a complete description of the
operation of the card are provided to give the user/programmer sufficient information to write
his/her own applications if need be.
Before installing the SSPCARD, the user is advised to read and understand Section 3.0 of this
Technical Manual.

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SECTION 2.0
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The following functions are supported when using the SSPCARD with an SSP-3 or SSP-5
photometer:
1. Read count data from the photometer. Integration times from 0.001 to 32.78 seconds are
available.
2. Position the filter rack for photometers equipped with the automatic option (SSP-3A or SSP-
5A models).
3. Supply operating power for SSP-3A and SSP-5A models.
4. Operate the stepper motor functions for selecting filters with the automatic PFE-1A
photometric front-end.
Count data is collected via a 16-bit binary counter which is one channel of the 8254-2
programmable timer. Counts up to 65,536 can be obtained before overflow. Refer to the
SSPCARD Block Diagram, Figure 2-1.
The filter slider's stepper motor is driven by the SAA1027 driver IC. Each filter position requires
33 full steps which normally takes 0.50 seconds to accomplish.
The computer provides all the power necessary to operate the photometer and the stepper motor
through a 15-pin female D-connector. An on board 0.5 amp fast acting fuse protects the computer
bus from accidental shorts within the cable or photometer.
The base address of the SSPCARD is selected with the six position dip-switch. A range of port
addresses from 200 Hex to 3F8 Hex are available. Section 3.2 explains how to select the base
address.
The SSPCARD also provides access to the system's hardware interrupts. The interrupt level
desired is jumper selectable.
An on board crystal controlled programmable oscillator circuit allows accurate integration times
in the range from 0.001 to 32.780 seconds to be selected with the default initialization. Integration
time is selected in increments of 0.001 seconds. Longer integration times are possible with simple
program changes.

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Three output and three input digital ports are independently programmable. Normally, one of the
output ports (output bit #1 of port base address + 1) is connected to the stepper motor controller
in order to set the phase of the stepper to a known state. Use of the I/O ports is for future
enhancements of the SSP-3 and SSP-5 photometers.

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SECTION 3.0
SSPCARD INSTALLATION
3.1 PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
The user is fully responsible for the proper installation of the SSPCARD. Care must be taken
then selecting the base I/O port address with the 6-position dip switch. Incorrect setting of this
switch MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE COMPUTER SYSTEM.
Read and understand all of Sections 3.0 and 4.0 before installing the SSPCARD. Optec, Inc.
cannot be held responsible for damage caused by an improperly installed card.
3.2 SYSTEM CHECKLIST
Determine what I/O port addresses are available within your computer. Your computer technical
reference manual should summarize the ports used by the system. If an additional option cards are
installed, consult the manufacturer's technical specifications to determine what additional ports (if
any) are being used. The SSPCARD requires eight consecutive I/O ports (base address through
base address + 7). The user must be certain that the base address selected and the next 7 address
locations are not used by any other option card. The factory setting is 300 Hex through 307 Hex
which is normally reserved for prototype cards in the standard IBM I/O port map.
If an I/O port address is selected other than the factory default setting, use Table 3-1 to set the 6-
position dip switch to the proper base address. The sum of the switch settings is added to 200
Hex (512 Decimal) to form the base address. For Example: If switch positions 3 and 5 are "open",
and positions 1, 2, 4, and 6 are "closed" or "on", the base address would be 2A0 Hex (200 Hex +
80 Hex + 20 Hex). Only switch position 6 should "open" for the factory default setting making
the base address equal to 300 Hex (200 Hex + 100 Hex). Typically, the base address would be
set within the range of 300 Hex to 317 Hex (768 Decimal to 791 Decimal) which are available for
prototype and option cards.
The interrupt option is disabled. The default position of the interrupt jumper is the "X" position.
Jumper JP2 normally has pins 1 and 2 connected which allows the stepper motor controller to be
reset by output port bit D1. If pins 2 and 3 are connected, this output is connected to the pin 12
of the 15-pin D-connector for external use.
The maximum current consumption of the card and photometer is about 250 ma of 12 V power
and about 100 ma of 5 V power. This current drain should not tax the computer power supply
unless it is already nearly overloaded.

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A stand alone computer system running DOS 3.3 or higher and comprising of a hard/floppy disk,
VGA/EGA/CGA card, modem, COM1 - COM4 serial ports, LPT1-LPT2 parallel ports and a bus
mouse should provide no conflict with the SSPCARD using the factory settings. However,
network cards, data acquisition cards and other special option cards could cause a conflict.
Position Value added if “open” Default
18 H 8 on
210 H 16 on
320 H 32 on
440 H 64 on
580 H 128 on
6100 H 256 open
Table 3-1. Base Address Switch Settings.
3.3 INSTALLING THE SSPCARD
To install the SSPCARD in your computer, first disconnect all power to the computer and select
an 8-bit or 16-bit slot. Remove the back plate cover bracket which normally covers all unused slot
positions. Carefully insert the card into the edge connector and push down. Make sure the card is
fully seated in the edge connector and not wedged. Secure the card to the back plate with the
small screw that was removed with the blank cover bracket.
Attach the control cable to the 15-pin D-connector and connect the other end to the photometer.
There are two ready made cables supplied by Optec for connecting the SSPCARD to the
photometer. The descriptions and stock numbers of cables for the SSPCARD are given in Table
3-2.
Stock No. Description
#17151 9-ft. - 2-conductor cable for SSP-3 and SSP-5
photometers. This cable is used to acquire the pulse
count only.
#17152 9-ft. - 9-conductor cable for Model PFE-1A front-
end for CCD cameras. This cable is used to operate
the motorized.
#17153 9-ft. - 15-conductor cable for SSP-3A and SSP-5A
photometers. This cable is used to operate the
motorized 6 and 10 position filter rack and control
the high voltage supply of the SSP-5A.
#17155 Custom cable - extra length of any type priced per
foot.
Table 3-2. Stock Number and Description of SSPCARD Cables.

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Custom cables of any length can made to order. Consult the current price list for additional
charges. Refer to stock number 17155.
Refer to Table 3-3 for a complete description of the pin functions of the 15-pin D-connector used
on the SSPCARD and the SSP-5A and SSP-3A photometers. The 9-pin connector used on the
PFE-A and the 2-pin connector used on the SSP-3 and SSP-5 are a subset of the 15-pin
connector and are also indicated in Table 3-3.
An onboard 500 mA fuse type GMA protects the photometer and computer from shorts on the 12
VDC line. If the user notices this fuse is blown, replace with identical fuse type and inspect the
cable for shorts between the 12 VDC line and ground. If this fuse continues to blow, contact
Optec for service.
15-pin 9-pin 2-pin
Function D-connector circular phono
+12 Volts to stepper motor 1 1
Pin 11 on SAA1027 driver 2 3
Pin 9 on SAA1027 driver 3 7
Pin 8 on SAA1027 driver 4 2
Signal Ground 5 5 shell
+12 Volts to photometer 6 6
Pin 6 on SAA1027 driver 7 4
Power return for photometer 8 8
Pulse count from photometer 9 9 center
Input D4 10
Output D2 11
Output D1 (see Note 1) 12
Output D0 13
Input D1 14
Input D0 15
Table 3-3. Pin Number and Function for the 15-pin D-connector.
Note 1: Output D1 connected to pin 12 only if jumper JP2 is in the 2-3 position.

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SECTION 4.0
PROGRAMMING THE SSPCARD
4.1 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
The following application and utility programs are available on the distribution disks supplied with
each SSPCARD.
README. Latest information and corrections for files on the distribution disks.
Please read this file first.
SSPTEST.BAS Qbasic source program that demonstrates the operation of the SSPCARD
and supplies the user with various subroutine examples for incorporation
into the user's program. Allows testing of all features of the SSPCARD
with a photometer to verify proper function of the card and photometer.
While not intended for data acquisition, the program will allow the user to
acquire count data and control filter position for simple photometric
measurements. Data logging features are not available.
SSPTEST.EXE Same as SSPTEST.BAS except compiled to run without an interpreter.
BASECHK.EXE Utility program to examine selected I/O ports for the SSPCARD to see if
they are available for use. If FF Hex values are reported for the 8 I/O
ports, then the area is probably free and available for SSPCARD use.
CCDFILTR.EXE Memory resident (TSR) program that allows the user to select a filter
when using the SSPCARD with PFE-1A front end, SSP-3A or SSP-5A
automatic photometers. This program is especially useful with the PFE-1A
front end for CCD cameras since it will allow the selection of filters while
the CCD camera image acquisition program is running.
SETUP.EXE Program to setup SSPCARD.CFG file for running CCDFILT.EXE. Allows
the user to select, BaseAddress, filter designations and step rate to
customize the program for the users computer and photometer setup.
SSPCARD.CFG Binary configuration file for CCDFILTR.EXE

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The following application programs to operate the SSPCARD are available as options.
CCDFILTR.EXE Memory resident control program fully described in Section 5.0
DTAK.EXE Part of the extensive RPHOT photometric data acquisition and reduction
package. DTAK fully operates the SSP-3A and SSP-5A photometers and
acquires count data. Data is logged in files for later reduction with other
programs in the application package. Consult RPHOT product literature
and manual for a full description.,
SSPDATAQ.EXE Data acquisition software capable of controlling SSP photometers and
producing RPHOT readable data files. Visit the Optec FTP web server at
ftp://ftp.optecinc.com for the latest version.
CCDRT.EXE Part of the Henden, Kaitchuck and Truax CCD photometry program that
controls both the Lynxx PC CCD camera and the auto version of the PFE-
1 photometric front end with 6-position filter rack.

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4.2 I/O PORTS
The SSPCARD uses eight I/O ports starting at the base address (default of 300hex). These ports
and the specific bits for selected ports are outlined in Tables 4-1 through 4-4.
Address I/O Description
Base + 0 O4-bit Control Port. This port is used to index the
stepper motor, set the rotation direction of the
stepper, initiate the count cycle and enable the
SSPCARD hardware stepper, initiate the count
cycle and enable the SSPCARD hardware interrupt.
See Table 4-2 for a more complete description of
this port.
Base + 1 O3-bit Output Port. See Table 4-3 for a description of
this port.
Base + 2 I3-bit Input Port. See Table 4-4 for a description of
this port.
Base + 3 Not Used
Base + 4 I/O Timer 0 Counter and Status Port - Used to read or
preset timer 0’s counter. The status of timer 0 can
also be read. Timer 0 is used to generate a 1 KHz
square wave which is then used as an input to Timer
1.
Base + 5 I/O Timer 1 Counter and Status Port. Used to read or
preset timer 1's counter. The status of timer 1 can
also be read. Timer 1 is used as a digital one-shot.
The duration of output pulse which is the
integration time is N times 0.001 sec. N is a number
between 1 and 32768.
Base + 6 I/O Timer 2 Counter and Status Port. Used to read or
preset timer 2's counter. The status of timer 2 can
also be read. Timer 2 is where the count from the
photometer is read.
Base + 7 OTimer Control Word Port. Used to program and
latch status information for Timers 0, 1 and 2. See
Table 4-5 for a more complete description of this
port.
Table 4-1. SSPCARD I/O Ports

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Bit # Description
0Stepper Motor Index. To strobe this bit will cause the stepper motor
to index one complete step. At computer power up, this bit is reset to
0.
1Stepper Motor Rotation Direction. 0 = CCW 1 = CW. At computer
power up, this bit is reset to 0.
2Timer 1 Gate Input. To strobe this bit will trigger timer one which is
programmed to operate as a digital one-shot at initialization. At
power up this bit is reset to 0.
3Interrupt Enable. Setting this bit to 1 enables the jumper selectable
hardware interrupt. At computer power up, this bit is reset to 0.
Table 4-2. 4-bit Control Port for Baseaddress + 0.
Bit # Description
0Connected to pin 13 of the 15-pin output D-connector. (future use)
1With a jumper in the 1-2 position for JP2, this line is connected to the
reset pin of the SAA1027 stepper motor controller. With a jumper in
the 2-3 position for JP2, this line is connected to pin 12 of the 15-pin
output D-connector.
2Connected to pin 11 of the 15-pin output D-connector. (future use)
Table 4-3. Output Port for Baseaddress + 1.
Bit # Description
0Connected to pin 15 of the 15-pin output D-connector. (future
use)
1Connected to pin 14 of the 15-pin output D-connector. (future
use)
4Connected to pin 10 of the 15-pin output D-connector. (future
use)
Table 4-4. Input Port for Base address + 2.

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4.3 INITIALIZATION
Before the SSPCARD can be used, it must be initialized. This consists of the six step procedure
summarized in Table 4-5.
Step Description
1Program Timer 0 to operate as a square wave generator.
This is accomplished by writing 54 to the Timer Control
Word Port at base address + 7. See note 1.
2Program Timer 1 to operate as a digital one shot. This is
done by writing 114 to the Timer Control Word Port at base
address 7. See note 1.
3Program Timer 2 to operate as an event counter. This is
done by writing 176 to the Timer Control Word Port at base
address + 7. See note 1.
4Preset Timer 0 to generate a 1 KHz square wave. This is
accomplished by writing 2 to base address + 4.
5Preset Timer 1 to generate a 1 second pulse. This is
accomplished by writing 1000 to base address + 5. Other
pulse durations (integration times) could also be selected.
6Enable stepper motor controller. This is done by writing 2 to
the Output Port at base address + 1. Jumper JP2 should have
pins 1 and 2 connected.
Table 4-5. SSPCARD Initialization Sequence
NOTE 1: The value used to program the specified timer channel was obtained
from the INTEL Microsystems Components Handbook, Vol. II. All
counters are programmed for 6-bit binary operation.
.

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4.4 SAMPLE SUBROUTINES
The following is a listing from the SSPCARD.BAS program along with comments that can be
used in the users own program. The examples are written in QuickBasic compatible code.
SSPINITIALIZE: Initialize the SSPCARD
' Timer 0 to generate a square wave
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 7, 54
' Timer 1 to operate as a digital one shot
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 7, 114
' Timer 2 to operate as an event counter
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 7, 176
' Write divide by 2 to Timer 0 to generate 1 KHz square wave, LSB and then MSB.
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 4, 2
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 4, 0
' Write 1000 to Timer 1 to generate a 1 second pulse, LSB and then MSB
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 5, 1000 MOD 256
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 5, 1000 \ 256
' Set output port bit #0 to 0 bit #1 to 1 and bit #2 to 0
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 1, 2
RETURN
SSPINTEGRATION: 'Counter integration period set
' Change period in seconds to an integer times 1000
ACTPER% = CINT(PERIOD * 1000)
' Write integration time to Timer 1, LSB and then MSB
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 5, ACTPER% MOD 256
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 5, ACTPER% \ 256
RETURN
SSPCOUNT: 'Read photometer
' Clear Timer 2 counter
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 6, 255
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 6, 255
' Strobe bit 2 of 4-bit control port to initiate counting
OUT BASEADDRESS%, 4
OUT BASEADDRESS%, 0
' Delay polling of Timer 1 status long enough for Timer 1 output to go low
' If 0 counts are obtained, increase number of loops
FOR I = 1 TO 5
J = I + 1
NEXT I
' Poll Timer 1 status until bit 7 is 1 indicating that the count is disabled
DO
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 7, 228
LOOP UNTIL (INP(BASEADDRESS% + 5) AND 128) = 128
' Check if any pulses were received thus loading Timer 2's counter with a valid count
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 7, 232
IF (INP(BASEADDRESS% + 6) AND 64) <> 0 THEN
FREQUENCY# = 0 'Count = 0, return to program if no pulses received

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RETURN
END IF
' If the counter's contents is valid, read it in
FREQUENCY# = INP(BASEADDRESS% + 6) + INP(BASEADDRESS% + 6) * 256#
FREQUENCY# = 65536# - FREQUENCY#
RETURN
SSPFILTER: 'Index filter rack
' If direction variable is not a 1 or a 0, return to program
IF (DIR% <> 1) AND (DIR% <> 0) THEN
RETURN
END IF
' Set direction
OUT BASEADDRESS%, DIR% * 2
' Move to filter position specified by integer variable ICNT%
FOR I = 1 TO ICNT%
' Send 33 pulses to the stepper motor controller trigger input
FOR J = 1 TO 33
' Delay loop, adjust the value of FILTERDELAY% so that each filter position changes
' takes 0.5 seconds.
' Start with a value of 50 for an AT class computer.
FOR K = 1 TO FILTERDELAY%
NEXT K
'Move motor one step in direction given by DIR%
OUT BASEADDRESS%, (DIR% * 2 + 1)
OUT BASEADDRESS%, (DIR% * 2)
NEXT J
NEXT I
RETURN
SSPHOME: 'Reset motor controller & home filter rack
' Reset stepper motor controller
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 1, 0
OUT BASEADDRESS% + 1, 2
' Move filter rack enough steps to put slider against cover wall and stall motor
FOR I = 1 TO 300
' Delay loop, adjust the value of FILTERDELAY% so that each filter position changes
' takes 0.5 seconds.
' Start with a value of 50 for an AT class computer.
FOR K = 1 TO FILTERDELAY%
NEXT K
' Move stepper motor one step in direction 1
OUT BASEADDRESS%, 3
OUT BASEADDRESS%, 2
NEXT I
RETURN

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SECTION 5.0
CCDFILTR.EXE
Documentation for the CCDFILTR.EXE memory resident driver for selecting filters using the
SSPCARD and a 6- or 10-position filter sliders with the PFE-1A or the automatic SSP
models.
5.1 DESCRIPTION
CCDFILTR.EXE is an improved memory resident program designed primarily for use with
the automatic Model PFE-1A photometric front-end for astronomical CCD cameras.
CCDFILTR.EXE will work with most IBM AT/386 or 486 compatible computers when using
the SSPCARD IBM PC interface card. With CCDFILTR, the filter slider is initialized when
loading the program. The user can select any filter by simply using the CTRL-LEFT SHIFT
key combination with any user defined key. For example, to select the Johnson Visual filter the
user need only press the CTRL-LEFT SHIFT-V keys simultaneously. The filter is positioned and
an integration (exposure) may be started. Positional accuracy is maintained with any subsequent
selection of the V filter.
5.2 SETUP AND USE
CCDFILTR.EXE should be loaded prior to running the data acquisition program supplied with
the CCD camera. A number of shareware programs are readily available for tagging memory
resident programs for easy removal from memory. INSTALL & REMOVE and MARK,
FMARK & RELEASE are two such program bundles which are available from most computer
bulletin boards (BBS's).
Before loading CCDFILTR for the first time, the user should run the SETUP.EXE program.
SETUP will prompt the user for the SSPCARD settings, whether a 6- or 10- position filter
slider is being used, and the desired "hot-key" combinations for the filters to be used. The
information provided will be written to the binary file SSPCARD.CFG. A complete description
of the prompts and typical responses is given below:
A:\>SETUP
CCDFILTR configuration program V2.0
Enter the base address of the SSP card ->
The default setting for the SSPCARD as shipped from Optec and outlined in the SSPCARD
Technical Manual is 768.
Enter the step delay in milliseconds (see CCDFILTR.DOC) ->

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A delay is required between the steps of the of the stepper motor to ensure proper performance.
Version 2.0 of CCDFILTR.EXE uses an internal delay loop rather than requiring the user to
determine computer bus speeds and enter the divide-by jumper position on the SSPCARD. The
default setting for the SSPCARD is 20 milliseconds. However, the user is encouraged to try
other delays for optimal performance. With some "turbo" PC computers, CCDFILTR has been
shown to exhibit occasional timing problems which manifest themselves as missed steps. If this
problem is seen, try using different delay settings. Contact Optec if this problem persists.
Enter the number of filters in your SSP (6 or 10) ->
Enter 6 or 10 depending on the size of your filter slider. The default is 6.
Press key for filter 1 ->
Press the key you wish to represent your first filter. This is the left-most filter for the PFE-1A
(right-most for SSP-3A/SSP5A photometers) when looking from behind the instrument. The
default is B.
Press key for filter...
Continue selecting keys to represent the remaining filters in your filter slider. The defaults here
are V, R, I, C, d. (C represents the Clear filter, d represents the dark or opaque filter.)
After running the SETUP program, the SSPCARD.CFG file will be updated. SETUP need not
be run again unless the user changes the SSPCARD or filter order. Of course, SETUP can be
run again to change the desired "hot-key" combinations.
Load CCDFILTR.EXE into memory by simply typing CCDFILTR at the DOS command line.
Be sure the PFE or SSP is properly connected to the SSPCARD. The following lines will scroll
down the screen and the filter slider should initialize.
CCDFILTR - A memory-resident driver for selecting filters using the SSPCARD
and Automatic Models of the SSP and PFE series photometers.
SSPCARD Base Address: 768
SSPCARD Step Delay: 20
Filter #1 Ctrl-Shift B
Filter #2 Ctrl-Shift V
Filter #3 Ctrl-Shift R
Filter #4 Ctrl-Shift I
Filter #5 Ctrl-Shift C
Filter #6 Ctrl-Shift d
Version 2.0, (c) 1994 - OPTEC, Inc.
SSPCARD Filter Slider Driver Installed

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5.3 COMPATIBILITY
CCDFILTR.EXE has been tested on a number of computer types and the following CCD
packages:
PCLYNXX.EXE Lynxx PC CCD software
CCD.EXE SBIG ST-4 software
ST6OPS.EXE SBIG ST-6 software
AIP.EXE AstroIP software
Note: Some timing problems have been noticed with CCDFILTR when used on XT computers.
Optec does not recommend using CCDFILTR with computers with having 8088 or 8086
processors. Most CCD manufacturers recommend an 80286 computer as the minimum
configuration for running the CCD acquisition and control software.
Contact Optec with any compatibility problems, comments, or suggestions.

17
SECTION 6.0
SSPCARD LAYOUT AND CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
The layout for the SSPCARD is shown in Figure 6-1 below. A circuit diagram is provided
in Figure 6-2.