GSE Scale Systems - 143
Chapter 16 Macro Programming Operations Technical Reference Manual
desirable that some additional checking be performed
such as turning off certain setpoints (setpoint outputs not
valid on 574 - contact GSE) or resuming the operation.
This is now possible with the addition of a 17th macro
(macro #16) that is automatically invoked whenever a
macro is aborted.
There are two other ways that macro 16 can be invoked,
by performing a "goto macro 16", ie "@%^", or by
naming it and invoking it through the macro menu.
16.4 Serial and RS-232C and Keypad
Input
Alternate Macro Setup Method
One variation of using the front panel cursor keys to
enter non-numeric data is to use an external keyboard
with an RS-232 interface with the instrument. This can
speed up the entering of operator prompts and other
characters since they can be keyed in directly. One such
device is the remote keyboard previously sold with the
GSE Model 550/570/625 Scale. If you have a PC
computer, you may use a communication program, such
as Scale-Link or Procomm to transmit data directly into
the unit. One important item to remember is that in
order to enter a "%" character into a macro, two "%"s
must be keyed in. Another is that the computer's
<ENTER> key will clear any entry in process.
Another method is to use the Model 550/574 Simulator
(M550.EXE) which runs on most any personal computer
(IBM compatible). Contact your GSE sales person for
more details on its availability and requirements. (Part#
GSE 550 Simulator Software: 460550-SIM)
Operator and Serial Input Before and During Macros
Keypad and serial port inputs are not processed during
macros, except during macro commands which
specifically look for operator input. Any data entered
through either of these inputs will be buffered (saved)
until the macro either looks for operator input or the
macro completes.
If a macro needs to perform some commands transparent
to the user of the scale, the macro should first save the
operator's entry (using the "%[" command) then perform
its necessary operations, and then restore the saved entry
(with the "%] command). If an entry is not in process
when the save entry is issued, then the saved value
indicates an empty buffer. In this case, the %] command
puts nothing in the entry buffer.
For example:
%[ Save operator entry.
1;91%+ Add one to parameter 91 (Reg #1).
0,81%+ Add Gross Wt to parameter 81.
%] Restore operator entry.
The example macro shown above could be invoked once
every second by an alarm and the operator would not
even be aware that a macro was executing.
Carriage Return
The <CR> received via RS-232 acts the same as the
front panel <ENTER> key if the 574 is in an ID mode or
if a macro is executing. The ID modes include the data
entry mode for ID 1 - 6, Truck in/out weighing, macro
menu, or the database menu.
574's Command Structure
The 574 treats the percent (%) character as a special
character. Whenever the 574 receives a percent, the next
character is flagged to be processed as a command. If a
percent is to be literally entered into the 574, then two
percent characters must be entered. If the character
following a percent is not defined as a command the 574
will display the message "Entry Error" for one second.
All of the commands of the 574 consist of a percent
character followed by some other character.
Macros can perform the same operations as any front
panel key operation, ie <ZERO>, <TARE>, <PRINT>,
etc... However many additional commands have been
added, primarily to adequately support setpoint control
applications and operator input. Special Macro
commands allow for special functions. The available
commands are shown in Table 28, Macro Commands.
Exiting ID modes
A variation to the <SELECT> command has been
defined. The command <*> <SELECT> will cause the
574 to exit the ID mode if it is currently in an ID mode.
Outside the ID modes, the "*%s" command has no
effect.
When a macro is invoked asynchronous to the operator's
involvement with the 574, ie due to a setpoint or an
alarm, then it may so happen that the operator has placed
the 574 in an ID mode. If this is a realistic possibility for
a macro, then that macro should use the "*%s" at the
start of the macro if the macro is going to attempt to
change modes of the 574. For instance, if the 574 is
SECTION - 16.4
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