Roland M-400 - Command Syntax; Input Parameters; Output Parameters; Cautions During Use

9
Overview of commands
2. To learn the settings of the M-400
This type corresponds to the "Request commands" (p. 17).
Commands used to check the status of a setting in the M-400 use the following procedure.
fig.PrtConcept2.eps
a. Transmit the command from the computer to the M-400.
b. If the M-400 receives the command correctly, it will send back a command containing the information
that was requested. If the command was not received correctly, an ERR command will be sent back.
c. If the output of the M-400 was received correctly, an “ ack ” will be sent back. (* This “ ack ” can be
omitted.)
* If the ERR command is sent to the M-400, the M-400 will re-transmit the command it sent in step “b.”
This command can also be omitted; instead of returning anything, you can repeat the procedure from step “a.”
Note: The M-400 will not transmit anything when a setting is changed by a controller operation on the M-400 itself.
There are several possible types of syntax for commands (control signals).
Type 0: Commands consisting only of a control code
“ ; ” is not added to these. They consist only of the control code.
<Ex.> ack
Type 1: Commands that have no parameters
These commands end with “ ; ”.
<Ex.> stxVRQ;
Type 2: Commands that have parameters
Command: parameter, parameter ... ;
The command is separated from the parameters by a “ : ” (colon).
Parameters are separated by a “ , ” (comma).
The end of the parameters is indicated by a “ ; ” (semicolon).
Note: No spaces or tabs are allowed between commands or parameters.
In general, parameters are given as decimal numbers or letters, and are of variable length.
<Ex.> stxFDC:I1,-25; / stxFDC:I12,0; / stxFDC:AX16,0; / stxFDC:MA,-10;
Parameters are generally given in decimal or alphabetic form, and their length may vary.
<Ex.> stxFDS:I5,-12; / stxFDS:I24,0; / stxFDS:AX8,-6; / stxFDS:MA,-12;
Do not perform the following actions while the control computer and the M-400 are communicating. Doing
so may cause the M-400 to malfunction.
• Disconnect the RS-232C cable
• Power off the M-400
Command syntax
Input parameters
Output parameters
Cautions during use
COMPUTER M-400
a. stx + command
b. stx + command or stxERR command
c. ack or stxERR command