Technical Issues - Perkin Elmer Spectrophotometer Communicating?

Your 'classic' PerkinElmer infrared spectrophotometer (580B, 68x, 78x, 88x, 983, 983G, Lambda 2-45/9) has a serial port, but does it work? It's easy to test. To start, you probably need a 9 to 25 pin 'modem cable' similar to the following:

http://www.computerplug.com/show_product.php?product_id=CMAT10

Note: Do not use a cable marked 'null modem'.

No serial port? Add a USB to RS-232 adapter (FTDI chipset).

A terminal emulator makes it possible to test serial communications. A search returns various options including the free Termite terminal emulator installed at FTG Software. We may be able to test remotely. To the best of our knowledge, assuming settings were never changed, baud rates are 9600 for 88x/983 and 4800 for 983G and other models. Set Data bits = 8, Stop bits = 1, Flow control = Hardware. Click File Properties Settings ASCII Setup and enable Echo typed characters locally so that you see what you type. In addition, set Caps Lock on.

Carefully type in the following with each line followed by <Enter>. Don't type the comments!

$RE 0<Ctrl+Q>  ' Free running mode (hold Ctrl key and hit Q).
               '     for 881/882/883 leave out <Ctrl+Q>
$GO 3000       ' Select another value if already set to 3000.
               ' The machine should now slew to 3000; when it
               ' stops you can enter the next line.
$MA            ' Restores manual mode

You should hear the machine slew, and the response in Hyperterminal window should be a series of zeroes. If the test fails, we suggest that you power the spectrophotometer off and on and repeat it at another baud rate. If you made any typing mistakes, you might have to restart the spectrophotometer.

Lambda 9 Test

The procedure is as above with these settings: Bits per second = 4800, Data bits = 7,  Parity = Even, Stop bits = 1, Flow control = Hardware.

Carefully type in the following with each line followed by <Enter>. Don't type the comments!

$RE 0<Ctrl+Q>  ' Free running mode (hold Ctrl key and hit Q).
$PA 1          ' Console page 1 (may not be required)
$PA 2          ' Console page 2           "
$GO 550        ' Select another value if already set to 550.
               ' The machine should now slew to 550; when it
               ' stops you can enter the next line.
$MA            ' Restores manual mode

Lambda 2 Test

Includes similar models: Lambda 10 through 45. The procedure is as above with these settings: Bits per second = 4800, Data bits = 8,  Parity = None, Stop bits = 1, Flow control = Hardware.  It may be necessary to activate SuperUser mode. The 25 pin connector is NOT standard RS-232. Click here for further information.  Newer models replaced 25 pin with 9 pin.

Carefully type in the following with each line followed by <Enter>. Don't type the comments!

$RE 0<Ctrl+Q>  ' Free running mode (hold Ctrl key and hit Q).
$GO 550        ' Select another value if already set to 550.
               ' The machine should now slew to 550; when it
               ' stops you can enter the next line.
$MA            ' Restores manual mode

Remote Diagnostics

We can test the above-listed instruments and Lambda 650-950 remotely via Internet servers. Contact FTG for details. You'll be able to view the proceedings via ZOOM. There is a nominal $250 charge (CC, PayPal) to be applied to FilmStar MEASURE or Scantraq license fees (waived for currently supported MEASURE and Scantraq users).

Instrument Sales & Service

North America: Triad Scientific, Manasquan, NJ

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