Videojet DataFlex 6530 Service Manual - Rev AA B-1
Appendix B External Serial Interfaces
B.1 Working with the External Serial Interface
The communications protocol that can be used to communicate with the Videojet DataFlex 6530
printer, works over RS232 and TCP/IP connections. The protocol is master-slave with the host
machine considered as the master, and responsible for initiating any communications.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Videojet Technologies Inc. at
1-800-843-3610 (for all customers within the United States). Outside the U.S., customers should
contact their Videojet Technologies Inc. distributor or subsidiary.
B.1.1 Running the Text Communications system
From CLARiTY Config, upload the parameters from the CLARiTY unit and open the system
collection. There are collections for “ComPort1” and “ComPort2”. Within these collections is a
“Usage” entry which can be set as follows:
• 0 Deactivated
• 1 Text Communications System
• 2 Binary Communications System
Ensure that the CLARiTYConfig is connected through a serial cable, as it is possible to shut out
the CLARiTYConfig connection by changing it to “Deactivated” or “Text Communications
System”. If this happens and it is not possible to reconnect by other means (Ethernet or the other
serial port) the serial port settings can be restored to their default values (ComPort1 = Binary
Communications System, ComPort2 = Deactivated) through the CLARiTY user interface. To do
this, enter the Tools screen, then touch the Setup button followed by Control, Communications
and finally Reset Serial Ports.
Note: Manufacturer password is requested in order to Reset Serial Ports.
Running the text communications system on both serial ports at the same time is not supported.
Attempting to do so may cause problems with CLARiTY.
When connecting a device to the text communications system, ensure that the serial port of the
device to be connected is configured to match the configuration of the serial port on the
CLARiTY unit. The settings should be:
• Bits per second (Baud rate): As configured in CLARiTYConfig
• Data bits: 8
•Parity: None
• Stop bits: 1
• Flow Control: As configured in CLARiTYConfig
If necessary, the Hyperterminal program, which is shipped with most versions of Microsoft
Windows, can be used to test the text communications system.
The text communications system works best as a request/response protocol, where the device
connected to the CLARiTY unit sends a command to the unit, and then waits for a response
before sending another command. In some cases, it is possible to send a command before the
previous command has completed, but in most cases this results in the second command failing.
B.1.2 Working with Communications Sessions
A communications session comprises a set of commands or requests and responses. The carriage
return character (ANSI character code 13 decimal / 0x0D hexadecimal) terminates each
command or request, and also has the function of resetting the parser. This means that the
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