MDS-COV-D.

QXD 9/8/2005 9:51 AM Page 1

THE APOLLO MESSAGE DISPLAY

SLAVE SERIES

MODEL MDS INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MDS-COV-D.QXD 9/8/2005 9:51 AM Page 2

INTRODUCTION
The Message Display Slave unit (MDS) is a programmable display in our
multi-purpose series of industrial control products that is field-programmable to
solve multiple applications. This series of products is built around the concept
that the end user has the capability to program different messages into the unit in
order to adapt to various indication and process requirements.

The Slave Display which you have purchased has the same high quality
workmanship and advanced technological capabilities that have made Red Lion
Controls the leader in today's industrial market.

Red Lion Controls has a complete line of industrial indication and control
equipment, and we look forward to being of service to you now and in the future.

UL Recognized Component,
File # E171375

CAUTION: Risk of Danger. CAUTION: Risk of electric shock.

Read complete instructions prior to
installation and operation of the unit.
 Table of Contents

GENERAL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
CONNECTING THE MDS TO AN IBM® COMPATIBLE COMPUTER OR ASCII TERMINAL . . . . . . . 2
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
MODES OF OPERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The RLC Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Serial Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Transmit Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SELECTING A MODE OF OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Units with a Parallel Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Units without a Parallel Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
CONFIGURATION FILE SET-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Unit Function Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Unit Address - RLC and Serial Modes only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Error Handling - RLC and Serial Modes only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Parallel Port Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Type - MDI only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Debounce Time - Transmit Mode only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Sample Time - Transmit Mode only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ED Time Out - MDI only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Serial Port Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Transmit Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Serial Terminator - RLC and Serial Modes only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ED Time Out - Transmit Mode only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
XON/XOFF - RLC and Serial Modes only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Output/Busy Pin Configuration - RLC and Serial Modes only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Logic Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Time Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

i
 Table of Contents (Cont’d)

CONFIGURATION FILE SET-UP (Cont’d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Display Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Blink Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Block Scroll Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Character Scroll Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Day/Month Names - MDI only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
MESSAGE STRING FEATURES AND ASSEMBLY (RLC and Serial Modes Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
RLC Mode Message String Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Serial Mode Message String Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Message String Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Transmitting Extended Characters - 80h (128) to B8h (184) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Displaying Text on the Bottom Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Block and Character Scrolling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Blinking Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Including the Serial Terminator Character as Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Setting the Message Time Out Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Configuring the Output Pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting and Displaying the Current Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Configuring and Displaying Elapsed Timers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
MDS Control Code Sequences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ELAPSED TIMERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
OUTPUT PIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
HANDSHAKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
XON/XOFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Busy Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
PARALLEL PORT (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ITEM/ADDR Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
STROBE Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
DATA Lines (D0 - D7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

ii
SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Communication Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Unit Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Serial Port Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Serial Receive Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Serial Transmit Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Serial Terminator Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Serial Transmit Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Serial Port Timing Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
UNIT POWER-UP AND RESET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
COMMANDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Assembling Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
RLC Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Serial Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Transmit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Command Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Configure Unit Functions - C01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Configure Unit Clock - C02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Configure Parallel Port (PRL Port) - C04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Configure Serial Port (SRL Port) - C05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Configure Output/Busy Pin - C06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Configure Elapsed Timers (ELP) - C07 - ‘T’ mnemonic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Configure Unit Display - C08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Restore Default Unit Configuration - C17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Load Character and/or Day/Month File - C18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Halt/Reset Unit - C19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Cancel Message - C20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Request Message - C21 - ‘M’ mnemonic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Transmit Text For Message - C23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Echo Character String - C24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

iii
 Table of Contents (Cont’d)

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

EMC Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Wiring Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Vcontrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
AC Power Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
DC Power Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Serial Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Serial Terminal Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
DIP SWITCH SETTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Configuration and Self-Test Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Unit Hardware Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Unit Configuration File Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Parallel Port Configuration and Logic Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Serial Port Loop-Back Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Memory Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Setting the RLC Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Setting the Serial Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Clearing the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
CHARACTER SET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Default Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
ERROR HANDLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
TERMINAL EMULATOR FUNCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Special Key Stroke Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Terminal Emulator Record Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
SPECIFICATIONS AND DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
APPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
TRANSMIT MODE APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
MDS RLC MODE APPLICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
MDS SERIAL MODE APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

iv
APPENDIX - USING THE SFMD SOFTWARE TO CREATE AND SIMULATE MDS MESSAGES . . . 59
Message Editing Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
File/Unit Info. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Message Destination - Display & MDS Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Message Time Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
MDS Unit Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Message Scrolling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Message Priority - MDI only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Message Queuing - MDI only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Message Chaining - MDI only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Configuring the Output Pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Periodic Messages - MDI only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Configuring Elapsed Timers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Collecting Embedded Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Message Text Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Message Simulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Simulator Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Assembled Message String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Simulator Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
ORDERING INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

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This page is intentionally left blank.

vi
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Port. The MDS display is updated with the information it receives from the
The Message Display Slave (MDS) unit is a simple-to-use, yet versatile selected RLC unit. Therefore, you can use a single MDS placed at a
alphanumeric message center. The broad flexibility and functionality of the centralized location to retrieve and display information from multiple RLC
MDS make it adaptable to a wide variety of applications, including: units at remote locations.
Display of Measured Values Optional IBM® compatible software for configuring and programming the
Indication of Warning, Error, and Alarm Conditions MDS is available from RLC, and the MDS’s nonvolatile memory retains all
Indication of Manufacturing Process Steps programmed Configuration settings when power is removed from the unit.
Display of Machine Start-Up and Operation Procedures The Message Display User software (SFMD), with its easy-to-use menus,
Display of RLC Message Display Intelligent (MDI) Unit Messages extensive prompts and on-line Help functions, assists in fitting the MDS to
Display of Information from other Serial RLC Units the application at hand. You can easily create and save Configuration Files
The MDS is capable of displaying messages up to 127 characters in length. with the SFMD software. Extensive file handling features are included, such
A message can include any of the 153 customizable characters, including the as uploading, downloading, and printing of files.
standard 96 character ASCII set. Individual lines of the message text can be Message Simulation and Terminal Emulation functions also come with the
programmed to scroll in a block or character fashion. Individual characters, software. Although the MDS has no Message storage capability of its own,
blocks, lines of text and entire Messages can be programmed to blink, a well. you can use the SFMD Message Editing function to construct the Message
The MDS can be configured for one of three modes of operation: strings to transmit to the MDS, for either the RLC Mode or the Serial Mode.
RLC Mode The Message Simulator is available to show you the actual Message string to
Serial Mode transmit, as well as simulate the action of the MDS once the MDS receives the
Transmit Mode Message string. You can then test the MDS unit by entering and transmitting
In the RLC Mode, the MDS receives and displays Messages transmitted in the assembled string to the MDS through the Terminal Emulator.
an RLC Mode compatible format from one or more Message Display The metal front bezel of the MDS meets NEMA 4/IP65 requirements,
Intelligent (MDI) units. An MDI unit assembles and transmits the Message allowing for wash down when properly installed. Modern surface-mount
text to the MDS for remote display. Message text may include Current and technology and extensive testing make the unit extremely reliable in
Elapsed Timer values, as well as any data collected by the MDI. industrial environments. Connections are made on removable terminal
In the Serial Mode, the MDS displays any ASCII text string terminated blocks, simplifying installation.
with the programmed Serial Terminator received over its Serial Port. Special
control code sequences are available for accessing the blinking and scrolling SAFETY SUMMARY
features of the MDS. Other control codes are available for accessing the All safety related regulations, local codes and instructions that appear in
bottom line of dual line displays, and for displaying Current and/or Elapsed the manual or on equipment must be observed to ensure personal safety and to
Time values. You can also assign a unique unit address to an MDS unit, for prevent damage to either the instrument or equipment connected to it. If
applications requiring individual addressing of multiple MDS units in the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
Serial Mode. protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
In the Transmit Mode, which requires the optional Parallel Port, the MDS
interfaces directly with other RLC products with serial communications. The
MDS accepts BCD unit address and data item numbers over the Parallel Port,
and constantly polls the selected unit for the designated item over the Serial

1
CONNECTING THE MDS TO AN IBM® COMPATIBLE COMPUTER OR ASCII TERMINAL
To configure the MDS, connect the unit to an ASCII Terminal or a System Requirements
computer running a Terminal Emulator program. A typical configuration IBM ® compatible PC-AT (286 or greater) with:
system is shown in Figure 1. RLC supplies the Message Display User RS232 serial port 640K RAM
Software (SFMD), that runs on IBM ® compatible PCs and assists you, DOS 3.0 or later 1.2 or 1.44 Meg floppy drive
through its user-friendly menus, numerous prompts, and on-line Help Monitor with MDA, CGA, EGA, or VGA graphics card
functions, in interfacing with and programming the MDS. Note: The SFMD software will not run on a PC-XT computer.
With the SFMD software, you can program multiple Configuration files Cabling:
for an MDS unit and save them to disk. You can then download any RLC Model MCCA cable for initial set-up of a single unit.
Configuration file, as needed, from the computer’s serial port to one or more RLC GCM232 Serial Converter Module for continuous interface with
MDS units on the communications loop. The SFMD software also includes single o r multiple units (RS232/20 mA Current Loop), Serial
utilities for message simulation and terminal emulation. With the Message communications cable, RLC Model APS supply or equivalent (12 VDC
Simulator, the user can verify the proper operation of a message on the power supply).
computer screen without having to transmit the message to the MDS. The Message Display User Software (SFMD)
Terminal Emulator can assist the user in verifying and testing the operation of Available on 3.5" or 5.25" floppy disks.
the messages the MDS is to receive. It can also be used to monitor and Note: Setup may only be performed via the serial port.
trouble-shoot serial port communications. Since the MDS transmits and receives over a 20 milliampere current loop,
and the computer running the SFMD software communicates over an RS232
serial port, you must convert between these two communications formats.
There are two methods for accomplishing this task.
1. When programming a single MDS unit, the preferred and easiest method
for achieving this conversion is through the use of an RLC MCCA cable.
The MCCA cable is prewired and ready to use. Plug the 25 pin D-type
connector at one end of the cable into either COM1 or COM2 of the PC, and
plug the terminal block at the other end of the cable into the bottom
terminal receptacle of the MDI. Apply power to the MCCA cable, either
AC or DC, as required. (See the MCCA Bulletin for details).
2. When programming multiple MDSs, or connecting to a network of serial
devices, an RLC GCM232 Serial Converter Module and an RLC Model
APS power supply are recommended. Connect the 20 milliampere loop of
the MDS to the GCM232 module as shown in the “Installation and
Connections” section of this manual, and plug the GCM232 module into
COM1 or COM2 of the PC.
If the SFMD software is not installed on the PC, or you are unfamiliar
with the operation of the software, refer to the SFMD Software Manual for
Figure 1 - Configuration System more information.

2
MODES OF OPERATION
The RLC Mode replaces all Index and Local Embedded Data Item fields with their respective
The RLC Mode of the MDS unit provides an easy interface for remotely values before transmitting the string. The MDI then terminates the assembled
displaying Messages programmed in, and processed by, one or more Message Message string with its own terminator, which must match that of the
Display Intelligent (MDI) units. In this mode, the MDS expects to receive receiving MDS unit.
Message strings transmitted in an RLC Mode compatible format. An MDI
unit assembles and transmits the Message string, that includes the appropriate The Serial Mode
information from any of the functions described above, along with the The Serial Mode of the MDS unit provides an easy interface for displaying
Message Text. ASCII character strings. You transmit the desired character string, and
The Message Record in the MDI issuing the transmission specifies the terminate the string with the MDSs programmed Serial Terminator character.
address of the MDS unit receiving the transmission. The MDI precedes the The MDS then displays the character string. No special control code
Message string with this unit address. An MDS unit in the RLC Mode expects characters or sequences are required to transmit simple ASCII text strings to
to see this unit address preceding all transmissions it is to process. Only an the MDS while the unit is in the Serial Mode. In addition, the MDS
MDS unit with the matching address actually processes and displays the automatically scrolls any line of text that contains more characters than the
Message after receiving the transmission. All other MDS units on the loop MDS can display.
whose addresses do not match the address contained in the transmitted string, A unit address function is available in the Serial Mode. Unlike the RLC
ignore that transmission. Mode, however, if a Message string is NOT preceded by a unit address string,
When the transmitting MDI encounters a Current Time field in the all Serial Mode units on the loop receive and process the transmission. You
Message Text, it inserts the current value of its Real Time Clock (RTC), along are required to provide an address for a Message string only if you wish to
with the specified format of the Current Time field, in the Message string. transmit the string to a particular Serial MDS.
When the MDS processes the Message string, it sets its internal software All of the functions and methods described for the RLC Mode are available
clock to this transmitted value, thus “slaving” its own clock to the in the Serial Mode, as well.
transmitting MDI’s RTC.
The MDI performs a similar function when encountering Elapsed Timer
fields in the Message Text. In this case, the MDI inserts the current
configuration and value of the designated timer, along with the specified
Elapsed Time format, into the transmitted string. When the MDS processes
this string, it sets its Elapsed Timers to the configurations and values
specified in the Message string, thus “slaving” its own Elapsed Timers to
those of the transmitting MDI.
If the Message in the MDI configures the Output Pin, this configuration
information is included in the transmitted Message string. When the MDS
processes the string, it configures its Output Pin to the settings contained in
the Message string, thus “slaving” its own Output Pin to that of the
transmitting MDI.
The MDI includes the time out value of the Message, and the Blinking and
Scrolling specifications for the Message text, in the Message string, and

3
The Transmit Mode When the Target Data Item is identified, the MDS extracts the character string
In the Transmit Mode, which requires the optional Parallel Port, the MDS for the Item, and updates the display with the new information.
interfaces directly with other RLC products that have serial communications. Example: To display the second data item received from an RLC Gemini 5200
The MDS accepts BCD unit addresses and data item numbers from a BCD unit with address 3 and Print Option 4 selected, you would perform the
thumbwheel or rotary switch connected to the Parallel Port, and repeatedly following steps:
polls the addressed unit for the designated item, over the Serial Port. The MDS
1. Place the BCD value “03” on the Parallel Port DATA lines.
updates its display with the information it receives from the selected RLC unit.
2. Place the ITEM/ADDR control line in the ADDR state.
Therefore, you can use the MDS in the Transmit Mode to interrogate multiple
3. Activate the STROBE pin.
RLC units in remote locations from one centralized location.
4. Place the BCD value “02” on the Parallel Port DATA lines.
The MDS interrogates the other units on the serial loop by accessing the
5. Place the ITEM/ADDR control line in the ITEM state.
“Print Request” function, which is present in all serial RLC products. The
6. Activate the STROBE pin.
MDS repeatedly issues the following character string:
NxxP* The MDS transmits:
N03P*
‘N’ - RLC Unit Address identifier.
xx - Target Unit Address, 00 - 99. and the Gemini 5200 with address 3 transmits the following response:
‘P’ - Print Request mnemonic code. “ 3 CTA 123456”<CR> (Data Item 1)
‘*’ - RLC Serial Terminator. “ 3 CTB 123456”<CR> (Data Item 2)
The default value for the Target Unit Address is 0, and the default Target “ 3 CTC 123456”<CR> (Data Item 3)
Data Item is 1. You can change the Target Unit Address by performing the
following steps: The MDS extracts the second data item, “ 3 CTB 123456” and displays the
1. Set the BCD value on the Parallel Port DATA lines Target Data Item string, based on the type of transmission sent from the
2. Set the ITEM/ADDR line to the ADDR level Target. Since the Target Unit is set to transmit its unit address and mnemonics
3. Apply a pulse to the STROBE line. along with the data, the MDS Block scrolls the unit address and mnemonic,
and then the numerical data value, as shown:
The Target Data Item the MDS displays is entered in a similar fashion, with
the ITEM/ADDR line set to the ITEM level. The current Target Unit Address “ 3 CTB ”
and Target Data Item number are saved in nonvolatile memory when power “ 123456 ”
is removed. If the Target Unit had been set to transmit only the numerical data value,
You can retrieve different data items from a single Target unit by strobing the MDS would display just the single block of data. If the MDS detects an
in the desired data item number, without changing the unit address number. asterisk ‘*’ in the Target Data Item string, indicating a data overflow
Similarly, you do not need to change the Target Data Item number when the condition, it displays “ OVERFLOW ” along with the data, and the address
Target Unit changes, allowing you to easily retrieve the same data item from and mnemonic, if sent. All data is centered on the display, and the Block
multiple Target units. Scroll configuration setting determines the rate at which the MDS displays
With the Target Unit Address and Target Data Item selected, the MDS the blocks.
issues a “Print Request” Command for the Target Unit, and waits for a
response. The MDS locates the Target Data Item in the response string by
counting the Carriage Return (CR) characters contained in the response.

4
 If a response to the “Print Request” Command is not received within the
Serial Port ED Time Out period, the MDS displays:
“NO UNIT xx” (xx - Target Unit)
If a response is received, but the selected Target Data Item is not present in
the string, or is not received within the Serial Port ED Time Out period, the
MDS displays:
“NO ITEM xx” (xx - Target Item)
In either case, the MDS continues to issue “Print Request” strings to the
Target Unit, and look for the Target Data Item in the response, until either the
Target Unit Address or the Target Data Item number is changed.
The MDS updates the display once every 250 milliseconds to once every
five seconds depending on the serial baud rate, the Serial Port ED Time Out
value, the type of Target Unit being interrogated, and the number of
characters contained in the Target Unit’s response.
You can configure the Serial Port Time Out value, and the Block Scroll
setting in the RLC Mode of operation. See Selecting A Mode Of Operation,
page 6, for details.

5
SELECTING A MODE OF OPERATION
Units with a Parallel Port Units without a Parallel Port
The settings present on the Parallel Port DATA lines on every unit You can only choose between the RLC Mode and the Serial Mode for units
power-up determine the mode of operation for an MDS unit with the Parallel without the Parallel Port, since the Transmit Mode of operation requires the
Port. The MDS Transmit Mode is the only mode that accesses the Parallel Port optional Parallel Port. The desired mode is selected by the settings of the DIP
during normal operation, and is the default mode for MDS units with the switches on the side of the unit. To select the RLC Mode, set the BR0, BR1,
Parallel Port. To access either of the other two modes (RLC or Serial mode), BR2, and PARITY switches in the UP position, the EVEN/ODD switch in the
DATA lines D5, D6, and D7 must be tied to one of the following DOWN position, and the 7/8 BIT switch in the UP position. To select the
combinations of logic levels: Serial Mode, set the BR0, BR1, and the BR2, switches in the up position, the
PARITY switch in the down position, and the EVEN/ODD and 7/8 Bit
D7 D6 D5 switches in the up position.
1 1 1 RLC Mode With the appropriate DIP switches set, apply or cycle power to the unit.
1 0 1 Serial Mode The selected mode now appears on the display, either RLC MODE or SRL
MODE. To lock in the selected mode, move any of the Baud rate switches,
The DATA SINK/SRC and DATA LOGIC DIP switches must be set BR2, BR1, or BR0, to the DOWN position. You can now set the switches as
accordingly so that the MDS interprets the voltage levels at D5, D6, and D7 required for your application. If you need to change the mode of operation at a
correctly. With the DATA SINK/SRC switch in the SINK position (DOWN) later time, repeat the above procedure for the desired mode.
and the DATA LOGIC switch in the POSITIVE (UP) position, all data lines You can verify the currently selected mode of operation by setting the
are pulled HI and interpreted as 1’s. Therefore, if you wish to use an MDS BR2, BR1, and BR0 switches to the UP position, and the remaining switches
w/Port in the RLC Mode, select these settings for the two DIP switches. To to the DOWN position. Apply or cycle power to the unit and the MDS
place the MDS in the Serial Mode, connect a jumper wire from the D6 line displays the hardware configuration of the unit, including the current mode.
(Pin 7) to the Parallel Port COMMON line (Pin 11) on TBB. This jumper will (See DIP Switch Settings, page 44, for details.)
pull D6 LO and the MDS will interpret it as a 0.
The preceding combinations are invalid in the BCD numbering sequence.
Consequently, with the DATA SINK/SRC and DATA LOGIC DIP switches
set correctly, and a BCD thumbwheel switch attached to the Parallel Port, the
MDS will always power-up in the Transmit mode. While in the Transmit
Mode, the MDS accepts Unit Addresses and Data Item numbers over the
Parallel Port in BCD. Applying a valid pulse to the STROBE line (3 msec
minimum) causes the MDS to read the ITEM/ADDR line and the DATA lines.
The ITEM/ADDR line value indicates how the MDI should interpret the
DATA lines, either as a Unit Address (ADDR), or as a Data Item (ITEM).

6
CONFIGURATION FILE SET-UP
The Unit Function, Parallel Port, Serial Port, Output Pin, and Display of the current Configuration File. To the right of the file name are displayed
Configuration settings are all contained in an MDS’s Configuration File. the last date and time that the file was modified. Located at the bottom of the
These Configuration File settings determine the manner in which an MDS screen’s border is an Active Prompt Line, which displays basic information
interfaces with other units, as well as how it processes and displays the about the currently highlighted field. If you require more information about a
Message strings it receives. particular field, on-line Help for the highlighted field can be accessed by
There are two different methods available to you for configuring the pressing F1-HELP. General Help is also available from the Main Menu:
MDS. Most users will want to use the SFMD software Configuration File
Editing screen, shown in Figure 2, and described in detail in the remainder
of this section.
Some applications, however, may require that the MDS be configured
“on-line” from a controlling device such as an RLC Message Display
Intelligent (MDI) unit, a computer, or a PLC. In this case, you can separately
access each of the MDS’s configuration settings through Commands C01 to
C08 by transmitting the appropriate Command string to the unit over the
serial port. See Commands, page 28, for more details.

The Configuration Screen

You can program the Configuration settings on an IBM ® compatible
computer (PC) with the optional Message Display User Software (SFMD).
The settings are programmed in a Configuration File (“.CFG” file extension),
which you can save on the PC’s hard or floppy disk drives. The Configuration
File is then downloaded into the nonvolatile memory of the MDS via the PC’s
serial port.
You must first place the MDS in either the RLC Mode or the Serial Mode in
order to download a file to, or upload a file from the MDS, as well as issue
Commands and/or Message strings to the unit. The Transmit Mode of
operation DOES NOT respond to any of these transmissions. MDS Units
without the optional Parallel Port cannot be placed in the Transmit Mode, and
this limitation does not apply to those units. The Mode of operation for MDS
Units with the Parallel Port is determined by the Parallel Port value on every
unit power-up. You can select the RLC Mode of operation by setting the
DATA SNK/SRC DIP switch on the back of the unit for SNK and the DATA
LOGIC DIP switch on the side of the unit for ‘+’ (UP). (See MODES OF
OPERATION, page 3, for details).
You can program Configuration File settings in the Configuration Editing
Screen. The upper left corner of the Configuration Screen displays the name Figure 2 - Configuration Editing Screen

7
 Although you program the Configuration File settings on the PC’s screen, TRANSMIT - The MDS transmits the Error Code over the serial port as an
the MDS does not receive these settings until you download the new ASCII character string.
Configuration File containing those settings to the unit. Therefore, the MDS DISPLAY & TRANSMIT - The MDS displays and transmits the Error Code.
continues to access the current settings contained in its Configuration File IGNORE - The MDS continues to detect Error conditions, but gives no
until you download a new file. indication of the Error.
This screen is used for configuring both MDS and MDI (Message Display Note: With the Serial Port XON/XOFF function enabled, the MDS will always
Intelligent) units. The following functions shown on the screen do not apply transmit the Error Code regardless of the Error Handling setting you have
to the MDS, and are ignored: selected.
Default Message (See ERROR CODES, page 51, for details on the processing of Error
Periodic Message conditions.)
Message Queue
Reset Message Parallel Port Configuration
The Configuration File settings are described in groups, in the order in The MDS’s optional Parallel Port is a unidirectional input port. It consists
which they appear on the screen. of eight DATA lines (D0 to D7) and two CTRL lines (STROBE and
ITEM/ADDR). The DATA and CTRL lines are separately DIP switch
Unit Function Configuration selectable for sinking or sourcing current and positive or negative logic. (See
The Unit Function settings enable and disable various major functions and the PARALLEL PORT, page 20, for details on the selection of these DIP
features of the MDS. The definition and operation of each Unit Function is switch settings).
described below. You can also access all of the Unit Function settings You can also access all of the Parallel Port configuration settings described
described below with Command C01. See Command C01 - Configuration Unit below with Command C04. See C04 - Configure Parallel Port, page 33, in the
Functions, page 31, for details on the proper usage of the C01 Command. COMMAND section for details.

Unit Address - RLC and Serial Modes only Type - MDI only
The Unit Address can be set from 0 to 99. As with other RLC products, a The MDS only accepts 8 bit BCD information over the Parallel Port.
unit with Address 0 does not require the “N00” address prefix when receiving
serial communications. If multiple MDSs are on the communications loop Debounce Time - Transmit Mode only
that you will need to access individually, you should assign a unique address The Debounce Time specifies the minimum time the MDS waits after the
to each unit. end of one valid STROBE pulse before detecting the beginning of the next
If you are using an MDI to transmit to an MDS which is in the RLC Mode, STROBE pulse. This value ranges from 10 milliseconds to 2.5 seconds.
the message in the MDI must have the MDS UNIT Destination selected and a (See the PARALLEL PORT, page 20, for details on the usage and operation
non-zero address specified for the MDS receiving the transmission. of the Debounce timer.)

Error Handling - RLC and Serial Modes only

You can configure the MDS to generate Error Codes upon encountering
certain Error conditions. You can choose how the MDS responds to an Error
condition from the following Error Handling methods.
DISPLAY - The MDS displays an Error Message containing the Error Code.
The Error Message blinks and has a time out value of 16 seconds.

8
Sample Time - Transmit Mode only ED Time Out - Transmit Mode only
The Sample Time setting specifies the minimum time the DATA lines and The Embedded Data (ED) Time Out value ranges from 0 to 254 seconds
the ITEM/ADDR line must be stable following the start of the STROBE pulse and specifies how long the MDS should wait to receive a Target Data Item
before the MDS accepts their values as valid. You can set the Sample Time over the Serial Port in the Transmit mode. You can also turn the ED Time Out
value from 1 to 255 milliseconds. function OFF, causing the MDS to wait indefinitely for a data item.
(See the PARALLEL PORT, page 20, for details on the usage and operation (See Modes Of Operation, Transmit Mode, page 4, for details on the usage
of the Sample timer.) and operation of the ED Time Out function.)

ED Time Out - MDI only. XON/XOFF - RLC and Serial Modes only
This function is not implemented in the MDS. The XON/XOFF setting and the Output Pin function setting select the
communications handshaking protocol the MDS uses when receiving and
Serial Port Configuration processing Command and Message Requests. The MDS transmits the ASCII
The serial communication port is a full duplex, optically isolated two-way XOFF character, 13h (19), to indicate the Unit Busy condition, and the ASCII
20 milliamp current loop. The baud rate, parity, and data bit settings are DIP XON character, 11h (17), to indicate the Unit Ready condition. The
switch selectable. These settings should conform to those of the system in XON/XOFF Mode and the BUSY setting of the Output Pin Function cannot
which the MDS is to be installed. (See Serial Communications, page 23, for both be selected at the same time.
details on the usage and operation of the Serial Port). (See Handshaking, page 19, for details on the usage and operation of the
You can also access all of the Serial Port configuration settings described XON/XOFF function.)
below with Command C05. See Command C05 - Configure Serial Port, page
33, for details on the proper usage of the C05 Command. Output/Busy Pin Configuration - RLC and Serial Modes
only
Transmit Delay The MDS contains one open-collector Output pin. You can select the
The Transmit Delay ranges from 0 to 2.5 seconds, in 0.01 second intervals, function of this pin and its Active and Inactive logic levels, and you can
and establishes the minimum time between the end of one MDS transmission specify a default Time Out value. (See the OUTPUT PIN section for details on
and the beginning of the next transmission. the usage and operation of the Output/Busy Pin.)
(See Serial Communications, Serial Transmit Delay, page 25, for details You can also access all of the Output Pin configuration settings described
on the usage and operation of the Serial Port Transmit Delay function.) below with Command C06. See Command C06 - Configure Output/Busy Pin,
page 34, for the proper usage of the C06 command.
Serial Terminator - RLC and Serial Modes only
The Serial Terminator character signals the MDS that it should process the
contents of its Serial Receive buffer. All message strings and commands must
be terminated with the programmed Serial Terminator. The Terminator
character can be programmed from 01h to 07h (1 to 7), 09h to 1Ah (9 to 26),
1Ch to 2Fh (28 to 47), and 3Ah to 40h (58 to 64). The factory default value of
the Terminator character is ‘*’, 2Ah (42).
(See Serial Communications, Serial Terminator, page 25, for details on the
usage and operation of the Serial Port Termination.)

9
Status (See Output Pin, page 18, for details on the usage and operation of the
The Output Pin can be configured for one of the following states: Output Time Out function.)
OUTPUT mode
BUSY mode Display Configuration
DISABLED The MDS utilizes a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with direct LED back
In the OUTPUT Mode, the pin functions as an independent Output pin that lighting. Display options include 1x10 and 2x20 character formats, positive
you can configure and control with Messages and Commands. and negative image display types, and Red (negative image only) and
In the BUSY Mode, the MDS uses the pin for the READY/BUSY Yellow-Green back lighting. You can adjust the brightness of the display, and
handshaking protocol. In the BUSY Mode, the XON/XOFF Mode of the the various blink and scroll times.
Serial Port is automatically turned OFF since both handshaking functions The Display configuration settings described below can be accessed with
cannot be in use at the same time. With the pin in the BUSY Mode, Messages Command C08. See Command C08- Configure Unit Display, page 36, for
cannot access the Output Pin. details on the proper usage of the C08 Command.
When set for DISABLE, the Output Pin has no function.
(See the Output Pin and Handshaking sections for details on the Output Intensity
and Busy modes of the Output/Busy Pin.) The Backlight Intensity of the display is software adjustable through 17
levels and ranges from 0 (OFF) to 16 (FULL INTENSITY) in 1/16 level
Logic Level increments. The Intensity of the backlight is current controlled, and each
The Output Pin can be configured for positive or negative logic. In positive increment of the Intensity level accounts for about 10 milliamps of current
logic, with the open-collector pulled-up through a resistor, the pin outputs a drawn by the MDS.
logic “1” (does not conduct) when set to the ON state in the OUTPUT Mode,
or while the unit is in the BUSY condition in the READY Mode. In negative Blink Time
logic, with the open-collector pulled-up through a resistor, the pin outputs a You can have the MDS blink any character or group of characters in a
logic “0” (conducts) for the ON state and the BUSY condition. Message by surrounding the desired characters in the Message transmission
The ON state and the BUSY condition are considered the “Active” levels string with the BLINK control code sequence. All blinking characters on a
of the pin. The OFF state and the READY condition are considered the given display line blink in unison at the designated Blink time for that line.
“Inactive” levels of the pin. The Blink time is adjustable from 10 milliseconds to 1.27 seconds and can be
(See Output Pin, page 18, for details on the various combinations of output set separately for the top and bottom lines of a 2x20 display.
levels for the Output Pin.) (See Message String Construction, Blinking Characters, page 14, for
details on the usage and operation of the Blink feature.)
Time Out
The MDS contains a dedicated Output Time Out function which you can Block Scroll Time
configure to automatically turn the Output pin OFF after a predetermined Selecting Block Scrolling for a line of text causes the MDS to display each
Time Out interval. block of text (generally one or more consecutive words in a Message) one
Th e d efault Output Time Out v alue can be set f ro m 1 0 to 1260 after the other on that line. The Block Scroll time sets the amount of time the
milliseconds, 1 to 63 seconds, or 1 to 63 minutes. Messages and Commands MDS displays each Block of text for a given line. Once the last block of text
can access this value, or can supply their own Time Out value, independent of for a line has been displayed, the MDS repeats the line from the first block.
the default value. A line of text can be designated for Block Scrolling by inserting the
BLOCK SCROLL control code sequence anywhere in the text for that line in

10
a message string transmission. You then designate blocks of text by inserting Day/Month Names - MDI only
the SEGMENT control code sequence at the desired locations in the text. The The MDS contains a table with the
Block Scroll time can range from 10 to 1270 milliseconds or 1 to 127 seconds names of the days and months. Through
per Block and can be set separately for each line of a 2x20 display. the placement of the CURRENT TIME
(See Message String Construction, Block Scrolling, page 14, for details on control code sequence and the proper
the usage and operation of the Block Scroll feature.) format codes, you can have the MDS insert
these names in the Message text.
Character Scroll Time (See Message String Construction,
Selecting Character Scrolling for a line causes the MDS to advance the text Current Time And Date, page 15, for
for that line across the display from right to left, one character position at a details.)
time. The Character Scroll time sets the amount of time a single shift in Unlike the MDI, the MDS does not
character position takes. Once the last character of a line has scrolled off the contain battery-backed RAM, and cannot
display to the left, the MDS repeats scrolling the line from the right. You can save this table when power is removed
designate a line of text for Character Scrolling by inserting the Character from the unit. You can, however, load the
Scroll control code sequence anywhere in the text for the line in a message table “on-line”, either with an MDI, or
string transmission. through another serial device programmed
In the Serial Mode, the MDS automatically Character Scrolls any line of to do so. (See Command C18, page 37, for
text containing more characters than the display can hold. In this case, it is not details on loading a custom Day/Month Figure 3 - Day/Month Names
necessary to include the Character Scroll control code sequence in the name table.)
Message string.
The Character Scroll time can be adjusted from 10 milliseconds to 1.27
seconds per character position and you can select separate scroll times for
each line of a 2x20 display. You can also designate separate blocks of text for
Character Scrolling by inserting the SEGMENT control code sequence at the
desired locations in the text. In this case, the MDS Character scrolls each
block of text across the display separately, one block at a time.
(See Message String Construction, Character Scrolling, page 14, for
details on the usage and operation of the Character Scroll feature.)

11
MESSAGE STRING FEATURES AND ASSEMBLY (RLC and Serial Modes Only)
The primary function of the MDS, in either the RLC Mode or the Serial Serial Mode Message String Format
Mode, is to receive serial transmission strings and to display Messages. This In the Serial Mode, the unit expects to receive serial transmission strings in
Message string can consist of message text, as well as specify a number of the following format:
additional functions that the MDS executes when processing and displaying tt...t<term>
the Message string. t...t - Message text, up to 127 characters
<term> - Programmed Serial Terminator character
RLC Mode Message String Format
In the RLC Mode, the unit expects to receive Message strings in the Notice that there is no Unit Address identifier specified for this mode. All
following format: units in the Serial Mode display all Message strings they receive, unless the
NxxM:tt...t<term> string is preceded with the Unit Address control code:
<CTRL-N>xxM:tt...t<Term>
‘N’ - Unit Address identifier, indicates that a Unit Address
follows. <CTRL-N> - Unit Address control code, 0Eh -( 14), indicates
xx - Unit address, 0 - 99. that a Unit Address follows.
- Indicates that the Message text follows. xx - Unit address, 0 - 99.
‘M:’
- Message text, up to 122 characters. ‘M:’ - Indicates that the Message text follows.
tt...t
- Programmed Serial Terminator character. tt...t - Message text, up to 122 characters.
<term>
<term> - Programmed Serial Terminator character
The “Nxx” portion of the Message string is not required for an MDS unit
with address 0: Notice that this string is identical to the RLC Mode format, with the ‘N’ Unit
M:tt...t<term> Address identifier replaced with the <CTRL-N> control code. In the SFMD
Terminal Emulator, the <CTRL> character can be entered by holding down the
The RLC Mode is primarily used for “slaving” one or more MDS units to an <CTRL> key and hitting the ‘N’ key. If you are using a text editor, or other
RLC Message Display Intelligent (MDI) unit. The Message string is stored in software to enter, construct, and/or store Message strings, enter this character
an MDI as part of a Message record. The MDI assembles and transmits the by holding down the <ALT> key and typing “14” on the numeric keypad.
string on request. The SFMD software can be used to construct and display a The Serial Mode is primarily used to receive ASCII text strings from a
Message string by creating the Message for the DISPLAY AND MDS computer, a PLC, or other serial device. If you do not need to specify any of
Destination in the Message Editing screen, and then simulate the message with the special functions of the MDS, transmit the desired text strings verbatim. If
the Message Simulator function. The Simulator both shows the resulting you want to include one or more of the special functions in a Message string,
Message string as the MDI would transmit it to an MDS, and simulates how the you must edit the existing text to insert control code sequences which specify
MDS would display the received string. (See the Appendix, Using The SFMD the various functions of the MDS.
Software To Create And Simulate Messages, page 59, for details.) The SFMD software can be used to construct and display these Message
strings for you by creating the Message for the DISPLAY AND MDS
Destination in the Message Editing screen, and then calling the Message
Simulator function. The Simulator shows you the resulting Message string as
you should transmit it to an MDS (with a few minor exceptions), and
simulates the MDS display as it would appear upon receiving the string. In the
Serial Mode, the MDS will automatically character scroll a line containing

12
one or more blocks of text having more characters than the Display’s line Transmitting Extended Characters - 80h (128) to B8h (184)
length. (See the Appendix, Using the SFMD Software to Create and Simulate The extended characters (characters from 80h (128) to B8h (184)) all
MDS Messages, page 59, for details.) require 8 bits for transmission. If your serial port is configured for 8 data bits,
include any extended character in a Message string by holding down the
Message String Construction <ALT> key and typing in the decimal number of the character on the numeric
The MDS begins processing a Message string upon receipt of the keypad. For applications using 7 data bits on the serial port, you cannot
programmed Serial Terminator character. The processing of a Message string transmit a character greater than 7Fh (127), since the character requires 8 bits
entails the MDS executing the various functions the Message string specifies. for transmission. Therefore, you must convert all extended characters into a
The MDS can process only one Message string at a time. The maximum 7-bit compatible form. This form is as follows:
processing time of any Message string is 10 milliseconds and while busy ^x
processing a Message, the MDS cannot receive additional information over ‘^’ - Message string control code, 5Eh (94).
the serial port. As long as the MDS is not already busy processing a Message x - Extended character - 50h (80).
string, it processes all strings as it receives them, replacing the Message
currently on the display with each new Message it receives. Find the decimal equivalent of the extended character you wish to transmit.
The MDS processes a Message string in the following sequence: Subtract 80 decimal from it, and enter the resulting character following the
1. Configures the Output Pin, if specified. ‘^’ control code. When the MDS receives this sequence, it converts the
2. Configures any specified Elapsed Timers. control sequence back into the original extended character.
3. Configures the Top and Bottom lines of the display for the designated Example: To transmit the ‘ü’ character, find its decimal equivalent, 129, and
scrolling technique, if any. subtract 80 from it, resulting in 49. Either type in this number while holding
4. Places the Message on the display and starts the Message Time Out timer. down the <ALT> key, or press the key for its ASCII equivalent, which is
The various functions you can specify and include in a Message string are the character ‘1’. The resulting control code sequence then becomes:
described below. These functions are available in both the RLC and the Serial ^1
Modes of operation. Specify a special function for a Message by inserting the
appropriate control code sequence in the Message string, as described below. Displaying Text on the Bottom Line
All control code sequences have the form: You can instruct the MDS to place text on the bottom line of a 2x20 display
^x OR t x by inserting the “^+” control code sequence at the end of the top line of text.
- Message string control code, 5Eh (94) and 1Fh (31) All text following this control sequence is displayed on the Bottom line. You
^x or t x
are interchangeable. can specify a separate scrolling technique for each line of text by including
- Control code character, 20h (32 - ‘ ’) to 2Ch (44 - ‘,’). the appropriate control code sequence anywhere in the text for a given line.
x
See Block and Character Scrolling below.
Note: For all following examples, the ‘^’ control code is shown, but the ‘t’code
Example: To display “Top Line” on the top line of the display, and “Bottom
can be used as well. Also the examples are given for the Serial Mode. For the
Line” on the bottom line of the display, transmit the following text string:
RLC Mode you must append “M:” to the beginning of each message string.
Top Line^+Bottom Line<term>

13
Block and Character Scrolling Example: To display the Message *** CAUTION *** on an MDS with the
You can instruct the MDS to Block or Character scroll a line of text by Serial Terminator set to ‘*’, transmit the following text string:
including the appropriate control code sequence in the text for a line. To ^(^(^( CAUTION ^(^(^(<term>
Block scroll a line, include the “^&” control code sequence anywhere in the
line, and insert the “^)” End-of-Block sequence at the end of each Block of Setting the Message Time Out Value
text. To Character scroll a line, include the “^’” control code sequence Including an optional Message Time Out value in a Message string
anywhere in the line. To separately Character scroll Blocks of text, insert the determines how long the MDS displays that Message. The MDS
“^)” End-of-Block sequence at the end of each Block of text. automatically cancels a Message when the Message’s Time Out value
Example: To Block scroll the transmission string “This Message Block expires. If you do not select the Time Out function for a Message, the MDS
scrolls”, transmit the following text string: displays the Message indefinitely, until the Message is canceled, or a new
^&This^)Message^)Block^)scrolls<term> Message string is received.
Notice that there is no End-of-Block control code at the end of the Message The Message Time Out value can range from 10-1260 milliseconds, 0-63
string. The MDS assumes an End-of-Block whenever it encounters the end of seconds, or 1-63 minutes. A Time Out value of 0 seconds indicates that the
a line of text. MDS should process the Message and, after placing the Message on the
Example: To Character scroll the transmission string “This Message display, immediately cancel the Message. This feature is useful for
Character scrolls”, transmit the following text string: configuring the Output Pin, and/or Elapsed Timers, with a Message string.
^’This Message Character scrolls<term> You can include a Time Out value for a Message with the following format:
In the Serial Mode, the MDS automatically character scrolls the text for ^$xxx
any line longer than the display can hold. This is not true in the RLC Mode. ^^ - MDS control code character, 5Eh (94).
Any characters exceeding the length of the display are truncated, unless $ - MDS Message Time Out control code.
character scrolling is explicitly specified for that line. xxx - MDS Time Out value, 3-digits with leading zeroes included.
Blinking Text Construct ‘xxx’ as follows:
You can instruct the MDS to Blink text by surrounding the desired text
with the Blink control code sequence, “^<space>”. The MDS Blinks all text MILLISECONDS = 128 + (1 to 126), for 10 to 1260
Milliseconds, in 10 millisecond
located between two Blink control sequences at the Blink rate specified for increments.
the line on which the text appears. MINUTES = 64 + (1 to 63) for Minutes.
Example: To cause the Message “This Line Blinks” to Blink on the SECONDS = 0 + (0 to 63) for Seconds
display, transmit the following text string: A value of 255 indicates that the Message should not Time Out. This is the
^<space>This Line Blinks^<space><term> default value, and you do not need to include the Time Out control code
sequence if the Message does not Time Out.
Including the Serial Terminator Character as Text Example: To have the Message “This Message times out in 10 Minutes”
You can include the Serial Terminator character in the Message text by appear on the display for ten minutes, you would transmit the following string:
inserting the “^(” control code sequence at the desired location in the
Message string. When the MDS encounters this control sequence, it replaces ^$074This Message times out in ten Minutes<term> (74 =64 + 10)
the sequence with the programmed Serial Terminator character.

14
Configuring the Output Pin Example: To have a Message set the Output Time Out value to 500
The Output Pin can be configured in a Message string. When included, the milliseconds, include the following string in the transmission:
MDS expects to receive the Output Pin configuration in the following format: ^$178 (178 = 128 + 50)
^#xxx
^ - MDS control code character, 5Eh (94). Setting and Displaying the Current Time
# - MDS Output Pin control code. You can set and display the Current Time in a Message string. The MDS
xxx - MDS configuration settings, 3-digits with leading zeroes expects to receive the Current Time configuration in the following format:
included. ^!uussnnhhaaddmmyyff...f^!
Construct ‘xxx’ as follows: ^ - MDS control code character, 5Eh (94).
Add 128 to UNLOCK the Output Pin, before changing settings. ! - MDS Current Time control code.
Add 64 to turn the Pin ON. uussnnhhaaddmmyy - 16-digit value of the Current Time, with
Add 32 to turn the Pin OFF. leading zeros, in the following format:
Add 16 to TOGGLE the Pin’s state. uu - Hundredths of seconds (00 - 99)
Add 8 to LOCK the Pin after changes have been made. ss - Seconds (00 - 59)
Add 4 to HALT the Time Out timer. nn - Minutes (00 - 59)
Add 2 to RUN the Time Out timer from the default value. hh - Hours (00 - 23).
Add 1 to RUN the Time Out value from a value contained in the aa - Day of the Week (01 - 07, Sunday is 01).
Message or RESUME the Time Out from the existing value. dd - Day of the Month (01- 31).
mm - Month (01 - 12, January is 01).
Example: To have a Message UNLOCK the Output Pin, turn the Pin ON,
yy - Year (00 - 99; 80 - 99 is 1980 - 1999, 00 - 79 is
RUN the Time Out from the default value, and LOCK the Pin after all the 2000 to 2079).
changes have been made, include the following string in the transmission: ff...f - Format string for Current Time (optional- See
^#202 (202 = 128 + 64 + 8 + 2) the Time Codes section for details).
The Output Pin Time Out value can be set in a Message string. When When the MDS receives this string, it sets the Current Time to the included
included, the MDS expects to receive the Output Pin Time Out configuration 16-digit value. If the string includes a Current Time format, the MDS displays
in the following format: the value of the Current Time at the location, and in the format you specify.
^%xxx You can also use Command C02 to set the Current Time.
^^ - MDS control code character, 5Eh (94). Example: To set the Current Time in the MDS to October 26, 1993,
% - MDS Output Time Out control code 10:15:00.00 AM, and display the time in the format 26Oct93 10:15 AM,
xxx - MDS Time Out value, 3-digits with leading zeroes included. transmit the following string:
Construct ‘xxx’ as follows: ^!0000151003261093DDMAY2 HA:NN P^!<term>
MILLISECONDS = 128 + (1 to 126), for 10 to 1260 Milliseconds, in
10 millisecond increments. See Message Text Area under Using The SFMD Software To Create And
MINUTES = 64 + (1 to 63) for Minutes. Simulate MDS Messages, page 59, for details.
SECONDS = 0 + (1 to 63) for Seconds.

15
Configuring and Displaying Elapsed Timers MDS Control Code Sequences
You can configure and display one or more Elapsed Times in a Message The following is a list of the control code sequences the MDS recognizes.
string. The MDS expects to receive an Elapsed Timer configuration in the ‘^<SPACE> ’ - Blink operator.
following format: ‘^!’ - Current Time operator, followed by the 16 digit value of
^“xxxsdvuussnnhlhiff...f^” the Current Time, an optional Current Time format
^ - MDS control code character, 5Eh (94). string, and a closing ‘^!’.
- MDS Elapsed Time control code. ‘^"’ - Elapsed Time operator, followed by the three digit
“ Timer number, a three character Timer configuration
xxx - Three-digit Elapsed Timer number, leading zeros must sequence, the ten digit value of the Elapsed Timer, an
be included. optional Elapsed Time format string, and a closing ‘^"’.
s - Status flag, ‘N’ for ON, ‘F’ for OFF. ‘^#’ - Output Pin Configuration operator, followed by a
d - Direction flag, ‘U’ for UP, ‘D’ for DOWN. three-digit value.
v - Overflow flag, ‘V’ clears an Overflow, ‘<SPACE> ’ ‘^$’ - Message Time Out operator, followed by a three-digit
does not. value.
uussnnhlhi - 10-digit value of the Elapsed Timer, with leading zeros in ‘^%’ - Output Pin Time Out operator, followed by a three-digit
the following format: value.
uu - Hundredths of seconds (00 - 99). ‘^&’ - Block scrolling operator, included in a line if that line
ss - Seconds (00 - 59). BLOCK scrolls.
nn - Minutes (00 - 59). ‘^’’ - Character scrolling operator, included in a line if that
hi - Tens and Ones Hours (00 - 99). line CHARACTER scrolls.
- Thousands and Hundreds Hours (00 - 99). ‘^(’ - Terminator operator, allows you to use the Serial
hl Terminator character as a Message text character.
ff...f - Format string for the Elapsed Time (optional- See Time ‘^)’ - END-OF-BLOCK operator.
Codes, page 65, for details.) ‘^+’ - END-OF-LINE operator.
When the MDS receives this string, it sets the specified Elapsed Timer to ‘^0’ to ‘^h’ - Extended characters, 80h (128) to B8h (184).
the included 10-digit value. If the string includes an Elapsed Time format, the
MDS displays the value of the specified Elapsed Timer at the location, and in
the format, specified in the string. You can also use Command C07, ‘T’
mnemonic, to configure the Elapsed Timers.
Example: To set Elapsed Timer 10 to RUN DOWN from 1 Hour, and
display the Timer’s value in the form xx:xx:xx, transmit the following
string:
^“010ND 0000000100HL:NN:SS^”<term>
See Message Text Area in the Appendix USING THE SFMD SOFTWARE
TO CREATE AND SIMULATE MDS MESSAGES, page 59, for details.

16
ELAPSED TIMERS
The MDS contains sixteen separate, fully configurable Elapsed Timers.
Any Message can be programmed to access, configure, and/or display these
Elapsed Timers. You can also access and configure any Elapsed Timer with
the C07 Command (‘T’ mnemonic). The MDS constantly updates all Elapsed
Timer values according to the current configuration for each Timer. Each
Elapsed Timer contains the following configurable attributes.
Timer Disposition: Not implemented in the MDS. On every unit Power-up
or Reset, the MDS resets the Timer configuration to the factory default
settings (that is, the MDS halts the Timer, and sets the Direction to DOWN,
clears the VALUE to ZERO, and clears the Overflow/Underflow flag).
Timer Status: A Timer is either ON (running) or OFF (halted). Turning a
Timer ON or OFF does not reset its value.
Timer Direction: Each Timer can run UP or DOWN. The direction of the
Timer can be changed while it is ON (running), there is no need to halt or reset
the Timer.
Timer Value: A Timer can accumulate up to 10,000 hours, to 0.01 second
resolution. A Timer can be set to any value within the range from 0000:00:00.00
to 9999:59:59.99. You do not need to halt the Timer to set its value.
Timer Overflow/Underflow: An UP Timer rolls-over (overflows) from
9999:59:59.99 to 0000:00:00.00. A DOWN Timer rolls-over (underflows)
from 0000:00:00.00 to 9999:59:59.99. Each Timer contains an
Overflow/Underflow flag that indicates this condition. This flag can be reset
as necessary.
Trigger Function: Not implemented in the MDS.
Trigger Type: Not implemented in the MDS.
Trigger Value: Not implemented in the MDS.
An Elapsed Timer value is displayed in a Message by inserting the
ELAPSED TIMER control code sequence, followed by a three digit timer
number, a ten-digit Timer value, the appropriate Time format codes, and a
closing control code sequence in the Message Text. If a displayed Timer is
running, the MDS displays the running value as it changes. See Message
String Construction, page 13, for details on specifying an Elapsed Timer in a
Message string.

17
OUTPUT PIN
The MDS has one NPN open-collector Output Pin that can be assigned to Time Out Value: Specify the value the MDS should use for the Output Time
one of two modes, the READY/BUSY handshaking mode, or the Message Out. The MDS stores a default Output Pin Time Out value in its
and Command controlled OUTPUT Mode. With the Output pin assigned to Configuration File. RUN the Time Out from this value, or specify a
the READY/BUSY Mode, the MDS indicates its current READY/BUSY separate value. You can also RESUME the Time Out function from its
condition by outputting the appropriate logic levels on the pin. (See HALTed value. The Output Pin Time Out value can range from 10 to 1260
Handshaking, page 19, for details.) milliseconds, 1 to 63 seconds, or 1 to 63 minutes.
With the Output pin assigned to the OUTPUT Mode, you can transmit Configure the Output Pin with a Message by inserting the Output Pin
Messages strings and issue Commands to configure the pin. The Output pin in control code sequence, followed by a three-digit configuration value in the
the OUTPUT Mode contains the following configurable attributes. message text. The Output Time Out value can be set by inserting the Output
Logic Level: The Output pin can be configured for positive or negative Time Out control code sequence, followed by a three-digit time out value
logic. This setting applies to both the output mode and the READY/BUSY in the message text. (See Message String Features And Assembly, page 12,
Mode of the pin. The following table lists the Output Pin conduction state for for details on configuring the Output Pin in a Message string.)
the various Logic Level and Mode settings:
Logic Output READY/BUSY
Pin State
Level Mode Mode
- ON BUSY Conducts
- OFF READY Does Not Conduct
+ ON BUSY Does Not Conduct
+ OFF READY Conducts
Pin Status: The Output Pin can be turned ON or OFF. You can also TOGGLE
its current status from ON to OFF and OFF to ON. The actual voltage level
appearing at the Output Pin is determined by the Logic Level setting, above.
Lock Status: You can LOCK the pin from accepting any further configuration
changes. With the pin LOCKed, the MDS ignores any attempt to configure
the pin, whether by a Message or through a serial Command string. To
configure a LOCKed Output Pin, first UNLOCK the pin. The LOCK
function allows you to implement a two-level priority system for the Output
Pin, and prevent unintentional reconfiguration of the pin.
Time Out Status: The Output Pin contains a Time Out function, that you can
RUN and HALT. The Time Out function is disabled in the HALTed state.
Setting the Time Out to RUN enables the Time Out function, but does not
automatically turn the Output Pin ON, you must do this explicitly. At the
expiration of the Output Time Out interval, the MDS automatically turns
the Output Pin OFF. You can use this function to issue fixed length pulses
over the Output Pin.

18
HANDSHAKING
The MDS can be configured for one of two Handshaking protocols. The The MDS responds to all Message and Command strings by taking the
Handshaking protocol determines how an MDS responds to various Output Pin to the BUSY state. Once the MDS has completed processing the
interactions with PLCs, computers, and other controlling devices. Through received string, it returns the Output Pin to the READY state, signifying that
the chosen protocol, a controlling unit can monitor the status of one or more the unit is now READY to receive the next Message or Command string.
MDS’s with which it communicates. The choice of Handshaking protocols is
READY STATE BUSY STATE
based on the type of interface established between the controlling unit and the
POSITIVE LOGIC Conducts Does Not Conduct
MDS. The XON/XOFF p rotocol applies to serial interf aces, the
NEGATIVE LOGIC Does Not Conduct Conducts
READY/BUSY protocol applies to Parallel Port, or hardware interfaces.
Applications involving PLCs, computers, or extensive operator You can set and verify the Output/Busy Pin configuration settings with
interaction with the MDS should specify one of the Handshaking protocols. Command C06.
Applications with little or no timing considerations may not need a
Handshaking protocol. In addition, applications limited strictly to RLC
products should NOT use a Handshaking protocol.

XON/XOFF
With the MDS configured to follow the XON/XOFF protocol, the unit
transmits the ASCII XOFF character (13h - 19) when it enters a BUSY
condition, and the XON character (11h - 17) when it enters the READY
condition. The MDS responds to all Message requests by transmitting an
XOFF. When the MDS has completed processing the current Message, it
transmits the XON character, signifying that it is READY to process the next
Message request or Command string. While configured for the XON/XOFF
protocol, the MDS always transmits error codes for any error conditions it
encounters, regardless of the Error Handling configuration setting. You can
set and verify the XON/XOFF Serial Port configuration setting with
Command C05.

Busy Mode
With the Output/Busy pin configured for the BUSY mode, the MDS
follows the READY/BUSY protocol. Whenever the MDS enters the BUSY
condition, it sets the Output Pin to the BUSY state. When the unit returns to
the READY condition, the MDS sets the Output Pin to the READY state. The
READY and BUSY states are defined by the Output Pin Logic Level
configuration setting. For POSITIVE logic, the pin conducts whenever the
MDS is READY. For NEGATIVE logic, the pin conducts whenever the MDS
is BUSY.

19
PARALLEL PORT (optional)
The MDS’s Parallel Port is an input-only port and accepts information in You can set and verify a unit’s current Parallel Port configuration settings
the 8-bit BCD format. The port consists of two CTRL lines (STROBE and with the C04 Command. See Command C04 - Configure Parallel Port, page
ITEM/ADDR) and eight DATA lines. The DATA lines and the CRTL lines 33, for details on the C04 Command.
are separately DIP switch selectable for current Sinking or Sourcing, and
Negative or Positive logic. ITEM/ADDR Line
The MDS determines its mode of operation on every unit power-up The ITEM/ADDR line indicates whether the information on the DATA
according to the settings on the Parallel Port. With a BCD thumbwheel or rotary lines is a Unit Address or a Data Item number. The ADDR level indicates an
switch, or any other device that asserts a two-digit (8-bit) BCD number, Address, the ITEM level indicates an Item number.
attached to the Parallel Port, the MDS always powers-up in the Transmit Mode. The appropriate ITEM and ADDR levels are shown below for the two
The MDS Transmit Mode is the only mode that accesses the Parallel Port CRTL LOGIC DIP switch positions.
during normal operation, and is the default mode for MDS units with the
Parallel Port. (See Selecting A Mode Of Operation, page 6, for details.) CRTL LOGIC ADDR LEVEL ITEM LEVEL
While in the Transmit Mode, the MDS accepts a Target Unit Address and a NEG (DOWN) LO HI
Target Data Item number over the Parallel Port in BCD. Applying a valid POS (UP) HI LO
pulse to the STROBE line (3 msec minimum) causes the MDS to read the
ITEM/ADDR line and the DATA lines. The ITEM/ADDR line value STROBE Line
indicates how the MDI should interpret the DATA lines, either as a Unit The MDS begins sampling the Parallel Port DATA lines (DO-D7) and the
Address (ADDR), or as a Data Item (ITEM). ITEM/ADDR line after detecting a valid length pulse on the STROBE line. A
The Parallel Port functions in the following manner. Upon detecting a valid STROBE pulse consists of any transition to the active state of the STROBE
valid STROBE pulse (3 msec minimum length), the MDS begins Sampling line for 3 milliseconds or longer while the Debounce timer is not running.
the Parallel Port DATA lines and the ITEM/ADDR Control line. These lines The MDS accepts the port line values at the end of the programmed Sample
must remain stable for the duration of one Sample time in order for the MDS time, whether or not the STROBE line has returned to the inactive state. The
to accept their values. Once the programmed Sample Time (1 to 255 msec) has Sample time tells the MDS how long the port must be stable before accepting
been attained, the MDS processes the DATA lines according to the the line values as valid, and is programmable from 1 to 255 milliseconds. The
ITEM/ADDR line value. The MDS restarts the Sample Time if any of the MDS automatically adjusts the Debounce time to always be longer than the
lines change level (noise) before the Sample time expires. Sample time.
A programmable Debounce Time (10 to 2550 msec) commences after the The Debounce timer starts when the STROBE line returns to its inactive
STROBE line returns to the inactive state. This Debounce Time effectively state and determines how long the MDS waits before again accepting
removes unwanted contact bounce and noise spikes on the STROBE line, STROBE pulses. The Debounce time eliminates spurious STROBE pulses
thus eliminating spurious STROBE pulses. Any additional activity on the due to contact bounce and noise spikes, and is programmable from 10 to 2550
STROBE line during the Debounce time causes the MDS to restart the milliseconds. The MDS automatically adjusts the Sample time to always be
Debounce Timer. Apart from this, the MDS ignores the STROBE line activity shorter than the Debounce time.
during the Debounce Time. Once the Debounce Time expires, the MDS is
again ready to accept information over the Parallel Port in the same sequence.

20
Figure 4 - Parallel Port Timing (Transmit Mode)

21
STROBE Line (Cont’d) BCD TABLE
The appropriate STROBE levels are shown below for the two CRTL DATA LINES BCD DATA LINES BCD
LOGIC DIP switch positions. D7 D6 D5 D4 VALUE D3 D2 D1 D0 VALUE
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
CRTL LOGIC ACTIVE STROBE LEVEL 0 0 0 1 10 0 0 0 1 1
NEG (DOWN) LO 0 0 1 0 20 0 0 1 0 2
POS (UP) HI 0 0 1 1 30 0 0 1 1 3
0 1 0 0 40 0 1 0 0 4
DATA Lines (D0 - D7) 0 1 0 1 50 0 1 0 1 5
The MDS always interprets the information on the DATA lines as a two 0 1 1 0 60 0 1 1 0 6
digit BCD value in the range from 00 to 99. Upon receiving a valid STROBE 0 1 1 1 70 0 1 1 1 7
pulse, the MDS converts the 2-digit BCD number to its decimal equivalent 1 0 0 0 80 1 0 0 0 8
according to the following tables, and then issues a request for the selected 1 0 0 1 90 1 0 0 1 9
1 0 1 0 Invalid 1 0 1 0 Invalid
Unit Address, or Data Item number.
1 0 1 1 Invalid 1 0 1 1 Invalid
The appropriate DATA PIN levels are shown for the two DATA LOGIC 1 1 0 0 Invalid 1 1 0 0 Invalid
DIP switch positions. 1 1 0 1 Invalid 1 1 0 1 Invalid
DATA LOGIC DATA ‘1’ LEVEL DATA ‘0’ LEVEL 1 1 1 0 Invalid 1 1 1 0 Invalid
NEG (DOWN) LO HI 1 1 1 1 Invalid 1 1 1 1 Invalid
POS(UP) HI LO

22
SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS
The MDS’s serial port consists of two 20 milliamp current loops which The available baud rates are; 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, and
provide full duplex, isolated, two-way communications. ASCII terminals, 19200. The available data formats are:
programmable controllers, computers, and Red Lion Controls products with 11 bits: 1 start bit, 8 data bits, Parity bit, 1 stop bit.
20 milliamp current loop communications are just some of the devices that 10 bits: 1 start bit, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit.
can be connected to the serial port. Multiple units can be connected to the 10 bits: 1 start bit, 7 data bits, Parity bit, 1 stop bit.
serial loop, but the actual number of serial connections that the MDS can 9 bits: 1 start bit, 7 data bits, 1 stop bit.
drive is limited by its serial hardware specifications.
There are two separate loops, a transmit loop (SO+ & SO-) and a receive Unit Address
loop (SI+ & SI-). The built in +20 mA current source can drive either the If only one MDS is present on a loop, an address number of “0” may be
transmit loop or the receive loop. The -20 mA SRC (Common) is the current assigned to that unit. Assigning an address of zero to an MDS eliminates the
loop return connection. To minimize problems with ground loops, keep the need for including an address identifier when communicating with that unit.
-20 mA SRC isolated from earth ground. With multiple MDSs present on the loop, it is recommended that you assign
The following operations can be performed over the serial port: each MDS a unique address, from 1-99, unless you want more than one unit to
Uploading and Downloading Files respond identically to a given transmission. Although there are 100 valid
Transmitting and Receiving Message Text addresses, the MDS’s built in current source, if used, can only drive a loop
Receiving Commands with a maximum of 6 units on it. You can set the unit address of an MDS with
Collecting Data from other RLC Units (Transmit Mode only) the C01 Command.
Transmitting Error Codes If using an MDI to transmit to an MDS in the RLC Mode, the message in the
You can set and verify the Serial Port configuration settings with the C05 MDI must have the MDS UNIT Destination selected and a non-zero address
Command. Through the appropriate DIP switch settings, the MDI can assigned to the MDS.
perform a serial loop-back test to verify the proper operation of its serial
communications hardware. Serial Port Operation
The MDS utilizes two buffers for its Serial Port, a 128 byte Receive Buffer
Communication Format and a 256 byte Transmit Buffer. The MDS can service both the Receive
The MDS transmits characters by switching the current ON and OFF in its Buffer and the Transmit Buffer at the same time.
20 milliamp transmit current loop, and it receives characters by monitoring
the switching action on its 20 milliamp receive loop. The data format and
baud rate must be identical between the transmitting and receiving units for
the data to be interpreted correctly.
The baud rate, parity bit, and data bit parameters are DIP switch selectable.

23
Serial Receive Buffer <CRTL-HOME> - The SFMD Terminal Emulator transmits an
With a few exceptions, the MDS places all characters it receives directly <ESC> character, that clears the MDS buffer,
into its receive buffer. The MDS loads characters into the buffer, without followed by the <CTRL-N> character, causing
processing them, until it receives its programmed Serial Terminator the MDS to insert its unit address prefix in the
character. The Terminator character informs the MDS that it should process Receive buffer. If the address is 34, the character
string “N34” now appears in the Receive buffer.
the current contents of its Receive buffer.
C1 - The MDS loads these characters into its Receive
The MDS can accept character strings up to 128 bytes in length, including buffer, which invoke Command C01 when the
the Terminator character. Should the MDS receive a 129th character without unit processes the Receive buffer.
an intervening Terminator, it empties the Receive buffer and then places the <CTRL-END> - The Terminal Emulator transmits an ASCII null
129th character in the buffer. The MDS DOES NOT issue an Error Code for character, causing the MDS to terminate the
this condition. character string in its Receive buffer and begin
Several characters invoke special Receive buffer functions. The processing the string. The Receive buffer now
BACKSPACE character (08h - 8) causes the MDS to back up one character contains: “N34C1”. While processing the
position in its Receive buffer, effectively deleting the last character received. Receive buffer contents, the MDS identifies its
Issuing repeated BACKSPACEs to an MDS eventually empties its Receive own unit address, and consequently processes the
buffer. The MDS ignores the BACKSPACE character while its Receive remainder of the string.
buffer is empty. The character string issues a request for Command C01, which causes the
The ESCAPE <ESC> character (1Bh - 27) causes the MDS to position its MDS to transmit its Unit Function configuration to the Terminal Emulator.
Receive buffer at the beginning. In effect, the <ESC> character deletes all The MDS’s unit address, which was unknown to the operator, is included in
characters sent to the MDS since the last Terminator character, clearing the this transmission.
Receive buffer. Note: Multiple MDI/MDS units on a loop will all receive and execute the
The ASCII NULL character (00h - 0) acts as a Universal Serial Terminator preceding transmission, thus causing a collision between the multiple
character for all MDI and MDS units. Pressing <CTRL-END> while in the transmissions. This is not harmful to the units or the loop, but does result in a
Terminal Emulator issues this character. See the Serial Terminator corrupted transmission.
description later in this section for details.
The <CTRL-N> character (0Eh - 14) causes an MDS in the RLC Mode to Serial Transmit Buffer
insert its unit address prefix string into the Receive buffer at the current All characters transmitted by the MDS originate from the Transmit Buffer.
character position. Hitting <CTRL-HOME> while in the SFMD Terminal The MDS assembles a transmission string in its Transmit buffer before
Emulator issues an <ESC>, that empties the unit’s receive buffer first and then sending that string out on the serial port. Transmission strings are limited in
performs the same function as above. This function, combined with the <ESC> length by the size of the Transmit buffer. The MDS can transmit character
character and the Universal Terminator, allows you to access any MDI or MDS strings of 255 bytes, including the designated string terminator, which is
without knowing the unit address or the Serial Terminator of the unit. usually the MDS’s Serial Terminator character.
You can PAUSE, RESUME, and ABORT certain MDS transmissions by
Example: The character sequence “<CTRL-HOME>C1<CTRL-END>”, issuing the <ESC> and <CR> characters. While transmitting responses for
issued from the SFMD Terminal Emulator to an MDS unit in the RLC any of the Commands, the MDS accepts the <ESC> character as a signal to
Mode, causes the following actions: PAUSE the transmission at the end of the current line. The MDS RESUMEs
the transmission once it receives a <CR> character. If the MDS receives a

24
second <ESC> character before the transmission is RESUMEd, the unit Transmit Delay at the end of every transmission string. It also inserts Transmit
aborts the transmission by transmitting a closing <CR><LF> pair. Delays after <CR><LF> pairs in all of its Command response transmissions.
Note: The MDS cannot process Message Time Outs, Commands, or any new In addition, provisions have been made to insert Transmit Delays anywhere
Message strings, while a transmission is PAUSEd. in the Message Text that you deem necessary or essential. If your application
requires that the MDS transmit its displayed Message, you can force the MDS
Serial Terminator Character to run a Transmit Delay at a particular location in the Message Text by inserting
The MDS utilizes its Serial Terminator character both to recognize that it the <CTRL-T> character (14h - 20) at that location. When the MDS encounters
should process its Receive buffer, and to terminate most of its transmission the <CTRL-T> character while processing its Transmit buffer, it runs a
strings in the Transmit Buffer. An MDS in the Transmit Mode always uses the Transmit Delay instead of transmitting the character. Once the Transmit Delay
‘*’ character to terminate its transmissions, and always looks for a <CR> has expired, the MDS continues on to the next character in the buffer.
when receiving a response from a unit.
With the MDS in either the RLC or the Serial Mode, you can program the Serial Port Timing Diagrams
Terminator in the range from 01h (1 ) to 40h (64), excluding the When interfacing with the MDS over its Serial Port, certain considerations
BACKSPACE character (08h - 8), the ESCAPE character (1Bh - 27), and the must be made regarding the timing of the various serial receptions and
10 numeric characters (30h - 48) to (39h - 57). As with all RLC products with transmissions. Reliable communication over the Serial Port between the
serial communications, the default value for the Terminator is ‘*’. MDS and any units connected to it is dependent upon several factors; the
A Universal Terminator character is also available for your use, the ASCII serial baud rate, the serial terminator, and the serial transmit delay.
NULL character (00h - 0). All MDI and MDS units respond to this character The serial baud rate setting directly affects the transmission and reception
as they do to their respective programmed Serial Terminator character. time for a character string. At 300 baud, the MDS takes approximately one
Therefore, if you forget, or cannot identify a particular unit’s programmed second to transmit or receive a string of 30 characters. At 9600 baud,
Terminator, you can use this character in the interim. Many ASCII terminals however, the same character string can be transmitted or received in 30
and Terminal Emulation programs do not transmit the NULL character. milliseconds. The following table lists the valid baud rates and the
However, you can issue this character from the RLC Terminal Emulator by transmission time per character for each baud rate.
pressing <CTRL-END>. 300 - 33.3 msecs/character
600 - 16.7 msecs/character
Serial Transmit Delay 1200 - 8.3 msecs/character
All Red Lion Controls products containing serial ports utilize Receive 2400 - 4.2 msecs/character
buffers. When a particular RLC unit receives its Terminator character, it must 4800 - 2.1 msecs/character
interrupt the current task to process the contents of the Receive buffer. 9600 - 1.0 msecs/character
This interruption takes some finite amount of time, on the order of 10’s or 19200 - 0.5 msecs/character
even 100’s of milliseconds. The unit cannot receive any additional characters
while it is processing the buffer, and, once finished, must return to the
interrupted task at hand. Therefore, a method for establishing a minimum
time between consecutive transmissions is necessary.
The MDS’s Serial Transmit Delay setting controls the minimum delay time
between the end of one transmission string and the beginning of the next string
from the MDS. The Transmit Delay value can range from 0 seconds (NO delay)
to 2.5 seconds, in 0.01 second increments. The MDS automatically runs a

25
Serial Port Timing Diagrams (Cont’d)
All serial communications with the MDS are buffered. The MDS places all
characters it receives in its Serial Receive Buffer until the appropriate Serial
Terminator character is received. Upon receipt of the Terminator, the MDS
“reads” the contents of the Receive Buffer, and performs the action the
character string in the buffer specifies. If the MDS does not “understand” the
character string, or the string is not addressed to the MDS, the MDS clears its
receive buffer, and no action is taken. If the string requests a valid function,
such as a Message string or a Command, and the MDS subsequently finds an
error in the data supplied for the function, the unit generates an Error Code,
which is then processed according to the configured Error Handling method.
(See SERIAL RECEIVE BUFFER, SERIAL TERMINATOR, and ERROR Figure 5 - READY/BUSY Handshake Protocol
HANDLING sections for details.)
A Serial Transmit Delay causes the MDS to delay transmitting the next
character until the Delay time expires. Transmit Delays are incorporated in
and between transmissions to accommodate the various serial timing and
processing constraints of the units with which the MDS must communicate.
(See the Serial Transmit Delay section for details.)
The following diagrams illustrate the different timing constraints the MDS
adheres to when receiving and processing Commands and Message strings.
The READY/BUSY state of the MDS is shown for the various stages of
processing. For the BUSY Mode of the Output Pin function, these states
correspond to the appropriate Output Pin logic levels. For the XON/XOFF
handshaking mode, the MDS’s XON and XOFF transmissions are shown, as
well. (See Handshaking, page 19, for details.)
Figure 6 - XON/XOFF Handshake Protocol

26
UNIT POWER-UP AND RESET
Upon the application of power (unit power-up), the MDS executes the
following sequence of Reset functions in the RLC and Serial Modes:
1. Loads the default CHARACTER file from the MDS’s ROM.
2. Loads the default DAY/MONTH table from the MDS’s ROM.
3. Loads the Configuration file settings from the MDS’s nonvolatile memory.
4. Sets the Output Pin to the current Configuration File settings. If the Output
Pin is configured for the BUSY mode, the MDS sets the pin to the BUSY
state. If the pin is in the OUTPUT mode, the MDS sets the pin to the OFF
state. The actual voltage level of the pin is determined by the current
Output Pin Logic Level configuration setting.
5. The MDS clears the configurations of all 16 Elapsed Timers. The MDS
turns a CLEARed Timer OFF, sets the Timer’s direction to DOWN and
resets the value to 0000:00:00.00.
6. The MDS blanks its display and then enters the READY condition. If the
XON/XOFF handshaking protocol is enabled, the MDS issues an XON
character over the serial port. If the READY/BUSY protocol is in use, the
MDS places the Output Pin in the READY state.
Upon the application of power (unit power-up), the MDS executes the
following sequence of Reset functions in the Transmit Mode:
1. Reads the Target Unit Address and Target Data Item number from the
nonvolatile memory.
2. Begins issuing Print Requests to the Target Unit.
3. Waits to receive the Target Data Item or times out according to the Serial
Port ED Time Out value.
4. Displays the requested Target Data Item, if received.

27
COMMANDS
The MDS contains an extensive Command structure, which is available in Serial Mode
both the RLC and Serial Modes of operation. A full set of Commands is In the Serial Mode, if you wish to access a particular unit on the loop, you
available to you for both configuring and interrogating the MDS. Commands must substitute the <CTRL-N> character (0Eh - 14) for the Address identifier
can only be issued to the MDS by transmitting the desired Command string to character, ‘N’:
the unit over the serial port. <CTRL-N>nnCxxdd..d
You can use Commands to cause the MDS to transmit any of its current If you want to issue a Command to all Serial units on the loop, you must
Configuration File settings in an easily readable mnemonic format. You can eliminate the Address identifier string, “<CTRL-N>nn”, and substitute the
change any of these configuration settings on-line by issuing the appropriate <CTRL-C>character for the Command identifier character, ‘C’:
Command. Commands also provide access to the Elapsed Timers and the
Output Pin. Command String format and assembly is described in the <CTRL-C>xxdd..d
following sections. Any character string not preceded with either of the <CTRL-N> or
<CTRL-C> characters is displayed in its entirety by every Serial Mode MDS
Assembling Commands unit receiving the string.
RLC Mode
The MDS can be assigned a specific Unit Address, which allows you to Transmit Mode
direct Message strings and Commands to specific units on the loop. In the You cannot issue Commands to an MDS in the Transmit Mode. If you need
RLC Mode, you must access an MDS unit having an address other than 0 with to configure an MDS unit that will be used in the Transmit Mode, you must
the following transmission format: first place it in either the RLC or the Serial Mode, issue the desired
Commands to the unit, and then return the unit to the Transmit Mode.
NnnCxxdd..d<term>
‘N’ - Signifies to the MDS that a unit address follows. All future references to Commands assume that the RLC Mode of
nn - The address number of the unit for which the Command string is operation is selected, the Unit Address is set to 0, and the programmed
intended, leading zeroes need not be included. Serial Terminator is issued at the end of the string.
‘C’ - Signifies that a Command number follows.
xx - The number of the Command to be executed, leading
zeroes need not be included.
dd..d - Represents any data the Command may require.
<term> - Programmed Serial Terminator.
In the RLC Mode, if an MDS has a unit address of 0, you do not need to
include the Address identifier, “Nnn”, in the Command string:
Cxxdd..d<term>

28
Command Syntax These selected Commands are listed below, along with their respective
To help you locate and interpret command syntax, the following Mnemonic codes:
conventions are used in this document:
MNEMONIC COMMAND
1. “UPPER-CASE” characters represent Command Codes and should be DESCRIPTION
CODE NUMBER
entered exactly as shown. M C21 Display Message Text - The ‘M’ Mnemonic
2. “lower-case” characters indicate that a variable field is to be filled in. The can be used in place of “C21”, i.e.
number of characters shown for the field indicates the maximum size of the “C21M:Message” and “M:Message” both
field. Leading zeroes need not be included in numeric fields except where place the word “Message” on the display.
specifically indicated for a particular command. T C07 Elapsed Timer Command - The ‘T’ Mnemonic
3. “dd...d” indicates that a variable length field or variable length list should can be used in place of “C07”, that is,
be entered. “C07T1P0UN” and “T1P0UN” both set Timer
1 to 0, set the direction to UP, and turn Timer
Commands C01 through C08 accept multiple Command codes in a single
1 ON.
data string.
Command C07 allows you to access multiple Elapsed Timers in a single
Example: “C07T1P0UN”
Command string with the ‘/’ character. You can only request one
“C07” - Command C07 configures the Elapsed Timer. transmission per command string and the transmission request must be the
“T1” - TIMER Command Code. Specifies TIMER 1. last entry in the string.
“P0” - PRESET Command Code. PRESETs the Timer to the Example: “T1P0UN/T15F/T15”
value following the Command Code. “0” in this case.
“U” - UP Command Code. Sets the Timer direction to UP. “T1P0UN” Configures TIMER 1 with a PRESET of 0, sets its
direction to UP, and turns the Timer ON
“N” - ON Command Code. Turns the Timer ON.
‘/’ Indicates another Command string follows.
All Commands can be issued directly through their respective Command “T15F” Turns TIMER 15 OFF.
numbers, as shown above. A few selected Commands can also be issued with ‘/’ Indicates another Command string follows.
a Mnemonic code related to the specific function of the Command.
“T15” Causes the MDS to transmit Timer 15’s current
configuration.
Note: The MDS executes a Command function as it processes the Command code
and data for that function. If a Command is entered incorrectly, the MDS
aborts processing for that Command at the first error it encounters and issues
an Error Code based on the selected Error Handling method. All Command
functions executed prior to the error remain in effect and all Command
functions following the error are ignored.

29
Command Syntax (Cont’d)

MDS COMMAND LIST

COMMAND FUNCTION MNEMONIC
C01 CONFIGURE UNIT FUNCTIONS
C02 CONFIGURE SOFTWARE CLOCK
C03 UNUSED
C04 CONFIGURE PARALLEL PORT
C05 CONFIGURE SERIAL PORT
C06 CONFIGURE OUTPUT/BUSY PIN
C07 CONFIGURE ELAPSED TIMERS T
C08 CONFIGURE UNIT DISPLAY
C09 UNUSED
C10 UNUSED
C11 UNUSED
C12 UNUSED
C13 UNUSED
C14 UNUSED
C15 UNUSED
C16 UNUSED
C17 RESTORE DEFAULT UNIT
CONFIGURATION
C18 LOAD CHAR AND DAY/MONTH FILES
C19 HALT/RESET UNIT
C20 CLEAR DISPLAY
C21 DISPLAY MESSAGE TEXT M
C22 UNUSED
C23 TRANSMIT MESSAGE TEXT
C24 TRANSMIT CHARACTER STRING

30
Configure Unit Functions - C01 C01 The MDS transmits the current Unit Function Configuration settings
Command C01 configures the MDS’s Unit Function Configuration as shown.
settings. The following is the list of valid Command string formats for the FUNCTIONS CFG
C01 Command. ADDR-aa CLK-n/f DFLT- ERR-t
Note: The MDS does not have a Real Time Clock, consequently the clock is set to PRDC- QUE- RST-
zero on unit power-up. Mnemonic Description
ADDR Unit Address, aa (0-99)
CLK Clock Status, n/f (ON/OFF)
DFLT Not implemented in MDS
ERR Error Handling Type, t [Both (B), Display (D),
Ignore (I), Transmit (T)]
PRDC Not implemented in MDS
QUE Not implemented in MDS
RST Not implemented in MDS
C01Aaa Sets the Unit ADDRESS to aa (0-99).
C01CF Turns the Unit CLOCK function OFF, the internal CLOCK halts.
C01CN Turns the Unit CLOCK function ON, the internal CLOCK runs.
C01EB Sets the Unit ERROR Handling function to BOTH Display and
Transmit Error messages.
C01ED Sets the Unit ERROR Handling function to DISPLAY Error messages.
C01EI Sets the Unit ERROR Handling function to IGNORE Error messages.
C01ET Sets the Unit ERROR Handling function to TRANSMIT Error messages.
Note: Command codes can be strung together to configure multiple settings in a single
command string.

Example: C01A01CNEI
A01 - Sets the Unit Address to 1.
CN - Runs the internal software CLOCK
EI - Sets the ERROR handling method to IGNORE.

31
Configure Unit Clock - C02
Command C02 configures the MDS software Clock. The following is the
C02F Turns the CLOCK function OFF. The CLOCK halts.
list of valid command string formats for the C02 Command.
C02N Turns the CLOCK function ON. The CLOCK runs.
C02 The MDS transmits the current software CLOCK C02+D Adjusts the Date forward 1 DAY.
configuration as shown. C02-D Adjusts the Date backward 1 DAY.
C02+tttD Adjusts the Date forward ttt (1-255) DAYs.
CLOCK CFG - n/f C02-tttD Adjusts the Date backward ttt (1-255) DAYs.
DATE: mm-dd-yy a
C02+H Adjusts the Time forward 1 HOUR.
TIME: hh:nn:ss.uu
C02-H Adjusts the Time backward 1 HOUR
n/f - ON/OFF (Clock is running or halted) C02+tttH Adjusts the Time forward ttt (1-255) HOURs.
mm - MONTH (01-12) C02-tttH Adjusts the Time backward ttt (1-255) HOURs.
dd - DATE (01-31) C02+M Adjusts the Time forward 1 MINUTE.
yy - YEAR (00-99) C02-M Adjusts the Time backward 1 MINUTE.
a - DAY (1-7, Sunday is 1) C02+tttM Adjusts the Time forward ttt (1-255) MINUTEs.
hh - HOUR (0-23) C02-tttM Adjusts the Time backward ttt (1-255) MINUTEs.
nn - MINUTE (0-59) C02+S Adjusts the Time forward 1 SECOND.
ss - SECOND (0-59) C02-S Adjusts the Time backward 1 SECOND.
uu - HUNDREDTHS (00-99) C02+tttS Adjusts the Time forward ttt (1-255) SECONDs.
C02-tttS Adjusts the Time backward ttt (1-255) SECONDs.
Note: The years 1980 to 1999 are indicated by 80 to 99, years
Note: Command codes can be strung together to configure multiple settings in a single
2000 to 2079 are indicated by 00 to 79.
command string.
C02Dmm-dd-yy a Sets the DATE to mm-dd-yy a.
Example: C02D09-20-92 1T09:05:00N
mm - MONTH (01-12)
D09-20-92 1 - Sets the DATE to 9-20-92, SUNDAY.
dd - DATE (01-31)
T09:05:00 - Sets the TIME to 9:05:00 AM.
yy - YEAR (01-99)
N - Turns the INTERNAL Clock ON.
a - DAY (1-7, Sunday is 1)
Note: Leading zeroes must be entered.
Note: The years 1980 to 1999 are indicated by 80 to 99, years 2000
to 2079 are indicated by 00 to 79.
C02Thh:nn:ss Sets the TIME to hh:nn:ss.
hh - HOUR (00-23)
nn - MINUTE (00-59)
ss - SECOND (00-59)
Note: Leading zeroes must be entered.
Note: The years 1980 to 1999 are indicated by 80 to 99, years 2000
to 2079 are indicated by 00 to 79.

32
Configure Parallel Port (PRL Port) - C04 Configure Serial Port (SRL Port) - C05
Command C04 configures the Parallel Port settings. The following is the Command C05 configures the Serial Port. The following is the list of valid
list of valid command string formats for the C04 Command. command string formats for the C05 Command.
C04 The MDS transmits the current PRL PORT C05 The MDS transmits the current SRL PORT configuration as shown.
configuration as shown. SRL PORT - CFG - d,p,bbbbb
PRL PORT CFG - BCD 8 Bits DL-ddd0ms ST-sss TO-ttts X-n/f
DB-ddd0ms SM-sssms TO- d - Number of Data bits (7/8)
DB - Debounce Time, ddd, in hundredths of p - Parity type (Even (E), Odd (O), None (N))
seconds (1-255) bbbbb - baud rate (300 - 19200)
SM - Sample Time sss, in milliseconds (1-255) DL - Transmit Delay, ddd, in hundredths of seconds (0-255)
TO - Not implemented in MDS
ST - Serial Terminator, sss, in decimal
C04Dttt Sets the PRL Port DEBOUNCE Time to ttt (1-255) in
(1-7, 9-26, 28-47, 58-64, decimal)
hundredths of seconds (the SAMPLE time is automatically
adjusted to be less than the DEBOUNCE time). TO - Embedded Data Time Out, ttt, in seconds (OFF, 0-254)
C04Sttt Sets the PRL Port SAMPLE Time to ttt (1-255) X - XON/XOFF Protocol Status (ON/OFF)
milliseconds (the DEBOUNCE time is automatically C05Dttt Sets the SRL Port Transmit DELAY Time to ttt (0-255) in
adjusted to be greater than the SAMPLE time). hundredths of seconds.
Note: Command codes can be strung together to configure multiple settings in a single C05Ssss Sets the SRL Port Receive STRING terminator to sss (1-7, 9-26,
command string. 28-48, 58-64).
Example: C04D5S3 C05TF Turns the SRL Port DEFAULT Embedded Data TIME OUT function
D5 - Sets the DEBOUNCE Time to 50 milliseconds. OFF - NO Time Out.
S3 - Sets the SAMPLE Time to 3 milliseconds. C05Tttt Sets the SRL Port DEFAULT Embedded Data TIME OUT to ttt
(0-254) seconds.
C05XF Turns the SRL Port XON/XOFF function OFF (automatically
selects the BUSY function for the OUTPUT/BUSY pin, if previously
DISABLED).
C05XN Turns the SRL Port XON/XOFF function ON (automatically
DISABLEs the BUSY function for the OUTPUT/BUSY pin, if
previously selected).
Note: Command codes can be strung together to configure multiple functions in a single
command string.
Example: C05D5S13T2
D5 - Sets the SRL Port Transmit DELAY Time to 50
milliseconds.
S13 - Sets the Receive STRING terminator to 13, <CR>.
T2 - Sets the DEFAULT Embedded Data TIME OUT value to
2 seconds.

33
Configure Output/Busy Pin - C06 C06F Turns the OUTPUT Pin OFF, if the OUTPUT function is
Command C06 configures the Output/Busy Pin. The following is the list of ENABLED.
valid command string formats for C06. C06G TOGGLES the state of the OUTPUT Pin, from ON to OFF, or
OFF to ON, if the OUTPUT Function is ENABLED.
C06 The MDS transmits the current OUTPUT/BUSY Pin C06N Turns the OUTPUT Pin ON, if the OUTPUT function is
configuration as shown. ENABLED.
OUTPUT PIN CFG C06R RUNs the OUTPUT Time Out Timer - does NOT automatically
abcde TO-ttt uuu turn the OUTPUT Pin ON.
TO REM mm:ss.uu C06H HALTs the OUTPUT Time Out Timer - does NOT
automatically turn the OUTPUT Pin OFF.
a - Enabled (E) or Disabled (D) with the Pin in the C06RD RUNs the OUTPUT Time Out Timer and sets the Timer to the
Output Mode, Busy (B) with the Pin in the Busy Mode DEFAULT OUTPUT Time Out value.
b - Positive logic (+) or Negative logic (-) C06RtttU RUNs the OUTPUT Time Out Timer and sets the Timer to ttt
c - Output is ON (N) or OFF (F) (1-126) in HUNDREDTHs of a second.
d - Output Time Out Value is RUNning (R) or HALTed C06RtttM RUNs the OUTPUT Time Out Timer and sets the Timer to ttt
(H) (1-63) MINUTEs.
e - Output Pin is LOCKed (L) or UNLOCKed (U) C06RtttS RUNs the OUTPUT Time Out Timer and sets the Timer to ttt
TO - Output Default Time Out value, ttt, and units, uuu, (1-63) SECONDs.
(min/sec/10 ms) C06TtttH Sets the OUTPUT TIME OUT default value to ttt (1-126) in
TO - Time Out remaining in minutes (mm), seconds (ss), HUNDREDTHs of a second.
REM and hundredths of seconds (uu). Transmits C06TtttM Sets the OUTPUT TIME OUT default value to ttt (1-63) MINUTEs
“—TIMED OUT—” if the Time Out value has expired C06TtttS Sets the OUTPUT TIME OUT default value to ttt (1-63)
C06B Selects the BUSY Mode of the OUTPUT/BUSY Pin Function. SECONDs.
Turns the SRL Port XON/XOFF Function OFF, if previously C06L LOCKs the OUTPUT/BUSY Pin configuration from further
turned ON. changes.
C06D DISABLEs the OUTPUT/BUSY Pin Function. BUSY is C06U UNLOCKs the OUTPUT/BUSY Pin configuration.
selected if the SRL Port XON/XOFF Function is OFF. Note: Command codes can be strung together to configure multiple settings in a single
C06E ENABLES the OUTPUT Mode of the OUTPUT/BUSY Pin
command string.
Function.
C06+ Selects POSITIVE logic for the OUTPUT/BUSY Pin - Outputs Example: C06UE-R10MNL
a ‘1’ (does not conduct) in the ON/BUSY state when pulled-up U - UNLOCKs the OUTPUT/BUSY Pin configuration
with a resistor. E - ENABLEs the OUTPUT Pin function
C06- Selects NEGATIVE logic for the OUTPUT/BUSY Pin - Outputs - Sets the OUTPUT Pin logic level to NEGATIVE
a ‘0’ (conducts) in the ON/BUSY state when pulled-up with a R10M - RUNs the OUTPUT Time Out Timer and sets the
resistor. Timer to 10 MINUTEs
N - Turns the OUTPUT Pin ON
L - LOCKs the OUTPUT/BUSY Pin configuration.

34
Configure Elapsed Timers (ELP) - C07 - ‘T’ mnemonic
Command C07 configures the ELAPSED (ELP) Timer function. The C07F Transmits a list of all OFF ELP Timers.
following is the list of valid command string formats for the C07 Command. C07N Transmits a list of all ON ELP Timers.
C07D Transmits a list of all DOWN ELP Timers.
C07 or T The MDS transmits the current configurations of all 16 ELP C07U Transmits a list of all UP ELP Timers.
Timers as shown. C07V Transmits a list of all OVERFLOWed ELP Timers.
ELP TIMER tt CFG C07Ttt Transmits the current configuration for ELP TIMER
abc M— T- tt (0-15).
TMR hihl:mm:ss.uu C07TttF Turns ELP TIMER tt (0-15) OFF - Timer halts.
TRG C07TttG TOGGLEs ELP TIMER tt’s (0-15) ON/OFF status.
C07TttN Turns ELP TIMER tt (0-15) ON - Timer runs.
tt - ELP Timer number (0-15) C07TttD Sets ELP TIMER tt (0-15) to count DOWN.
a - ELP Timer is ON (N) or OFF (F) C07TttU Sets ELP TIMER tt (0-15) to count UP.
b - ELP Timer Counts UP (U) or DOWN (D) C07TttV Clears ELP TIMER tt’s (0-15) OVERFLOW flag.
c - Indicates that the ELP Timer has OVERFLOWed or C07TttP0 PRESETs ELP TIMER tt (0-15) to 0.
underflowed (V), blank otherwise. C07TttPhihlmmssuu PRESETs ELP TIMER tt (0-15) to
M - Not implemented in the MDS hihl - HOURS (0000-9999)
T - Not implemented in the MDS mm - MINUTES (00-59)
TMR - hihl:mm:ss.uu - ELP Timer value in hundreds and ss - SECONDS (00-59)
thousands (hi) of hours, ones and tens (hl) of uu - HUNDREDTHS (00-99)
hours, minutes (mm), seconds (ss), and Note: Leading zeros are required. Any zeros following the last
hundredths of seconds (uu). non-zero digit can be excluded. All excluded digits are
TRG - Not implemented in MDS automatically set to zero.
Note: The ESCAPE key and the RETURN <RET> key PAUSE and RESUME the Note: Command codes can be strung together to configure multiple functions in a single
transmission of a list of ELP Timer Entries. Hitting <ESC> PAUSEs the transmission. command string. Multiple ELP Timers can be configured with the ‘/’ delimiter.
Hitting <RET> RESUMEs the transmission. Hitting <ESC>while the list is PAUSEd Example: C07T0P0UN/T1N/T2F
cancels the remainder of the transmission. T0 - Configures TIMER 0
Note: The MDS cannot process any message strings, message TIME OUTs, or commands PO - PRESETs Timer 0 value to 0
while the transmission is PAUSEd. U - Sets Timer 0 Direction to UP
Note: Any command string including the T command code can be issued without the N - Turns ON Timer 0
command number “C07”. / - Indicates new Timer
TI - Configures TIMER 1
N - Turns ON Timer 1
/ - Indicates new Timer
T2 - Configure TIMER 2
F - Turns OFF Timer 2

35
Configure Unit Display - C08 C08Iii Sets the Display Backlight INTENSITY to ii (0-16) in 16ths. 0
Command C08 configures the Unit Display parameters. The following is is OFF, 16 is full ON.
the list of valid command string formats for C08. C08TBttt Sets the TOP BLINK time to ttt (1-127) in hundredths of
seconds.
C08 The MDS transmits the current Unit Display configuration C08TBSttt Sets the TOP BLOCK SCROLL time to ttt (1-127) in seconds.
settings as shown. C08TBStttS Alternate form of above.
DISPLAY CFG INT-ii C08TBStttU Sets the TOP BLOCK SCROLL time to ttt (127) in
BLINK BLOCK CHAR hundredths of seconds.
TOP aaa0ms bbbuuu ccc0ms C08TCSttt Sets the TOP CHAR SCROLL time to ttt (1-127) in
BTM ddd0ms eeeuuu fff0ms hundredths of seconds.
C08BBttt Sets the BTM BLINK time to ttt (1-127) in hundredths of a
INT - Backlight INTENSITY, ii (0-16) second.
aaa - Top Line BLINK time in hundredths of seconds C08BBStt Sets the BTM BLOCK SCROLL time to ttt (1-127) in
(1-127) seconds.
ddd - Bottom Line BLINK time in hundredths of seconds C08BBStttS Alternate form of above.
(1-127) C08BBStttU Set the BTM BLOCK SCROLL time to ttt (127) in hundredths
bbb - Top line BLOCK SCROLL time (1-127) in uuu of seconds.
(0 ms/sec) C08BCSttt Sets the BTM CHAR SCROLL time to ttt (1-127) in
eee - Bottom Line BLOCK SCROLL time (1-127) in uuu hundredths of seconds.
(0 ms/sec)
ccc - Top Line CHARACTER SCROLL time in hundredths Note: Command codes can be strung together to configure multiple functions in a single
of seconds (1-127) command string.
fff - Bottom Line CHARACTER SCROLL time in Example: C08I8TB10BB20TBS1BCS10
hundredths of seconds (1-127)
I8 - Sets the Display Backlight INTENSITY to 8/16ths
TB10 - Sets the TOP BLINK Time to 100 milliseconds, ON for
100 msec, OFF for 100 msec
BB20 - Sets the BTM BLINK Time to 200 milliseconds, ON for
200 msec, ON for 200 msec, OFF for 200 msec
TBS1 - Sets the TOP BLOCK SCROLL Time to 1 second,
Scrolls 1 BLOCK every second
BCS10 - Sets the BTM CHAR SCROLL Time to 100 msec,
Scrolls left 1 position every 100 msec

36
Restore Default Unit Configuration - C17 Halt/Reset Unit - C19
The C17 Command restores various settings within the MDS to their Command C19 HALTs or RESETs the unit. The following is a list of valid
default settings. The following is a list of valid command string formats for command string formats for the C19 Command.
the C17 Command.
C19HLT HALTs the unit. Issuing the HALT Command causes an MDS
C17ALL Restores the Configuration File, Character File, and the to shut off its display and come to an orderly HALT. The only
Day/Month File to their default settings. exit from the HALTed state is to cycle power to the unit.
C17CFG Restores the Configuration File to its default settings. C19RST RESETs the unit. The unit undergoes a power-on RESET.
C17CHR Restores the Character File to its default settings. Use this command if you need to have an MDS perform its
C17DM Restores the Day/Month Name File to its default settings. power-up sequence, which includes clearing the Elapsed
Timers and resetting the clock.

Load Character and/or Day/Month File - C18

Command C18 receives the unit CHARACTER and/or DAY/MONTH Cancel Message - C20
Files over the serial port. The MDS unit must be in the RLC Slave Mode to Command C20 cancels the Message on the Display. The following is a list
receive the file. The following is a list of valid command string formats for the of valid command string formats for the C20 Command.
C18 Command.
C20 Cancels the DISPLAYed Message.
C18C Informs the MDS that a CHARACTER file follows. The MDS C20D Alternate form of above.
expects to receive 768 bytes of data, representing the
column pixel patterns that comprise the characters of a file.
C18D Informs the MDS that a DAY/MONTH table follows. The Request Message - C21 - ‘M’ mnemonic
MDS expects to receive 256 bytes of data, representing the Command C21 issues a Message string. The following is a list of valid
DAY and MONTH names. command string formats for the C21 Command.
Note: The RLC Message Display Intelligent (MDI) unit can perform this function C21M:dd...d Places a MESSAGE with text dd...d on the Display.
for you. See the MDI manual for details. If you need to perform either of M:dd...d Alternate form of above.
these functions without the help of an MDI unit, contact the factory for the
exact procedure.
Transmit Text For Message - C23
Command C23 transmits the Message Text for the displayed Message. The
following is a list of valid command string formats for the C23 Command.
C23 Transmits the DISPLAYed message text.
C23D Alternate form of above.

37
Echo Character String - C24
Command C24 transmits (echoes) the received character string. This
command is used to communicate with units downstream of the receiving unit.
The following is the valid command string format for the C24 Command.
C24:dd...d Transmits the character string dd...d (echoes string).

38
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS
Installation Environment
The unit should be installed in a location that does not exceed the maximum Continuous exposure to direct sunlight may accelerate the aging process of
operating temperature and provides good air circulation. Placing the unit near the bezel. The bezel should be cleaned only with a soft cloth and neutral soap
devices that generate excessive heat should be avoided. product. Do NOT use solvents.

Panel Installation
The Message Display Slave unit meets NEMA 4X/IP65 requirements
for indoor use when properly installed. The units are intended to be
mounted into an enclosed panel with a gasket to provide a water-tight seal.
See Figure 7. Two mounting clips and screws are provided for easy
installation. Consideration should be given to the thickness of the panel. A
panel that is too thin may distort and not provide a water-tight seal.
(Recommended minimum panel thickness is 1/8".)
After the panel cut-out has been completed and deburred, carefully slide
the panel gasket over the unit from the rear, seating it against the lip at the
front of the case.
Insert the unit into the panel. Install the mounting clips. Thread the screw
into the clips until the pointed end just protrudes through the other side.
Install each of the mounting clips
by inserting the wide lip of the
clips into the wide end of the hole
located on either side of the case.
Then snap the clip into the case.
Tighten the screws evenly to
apply uniform compression, thus
providing a water-tight seal.

Caution: Only minimum pressure

is required to seal the panel. Do
Figure 7 - Panel Installation NOT over tighten screws.

39
EMC INSTALLATION GUIDELINES The following EMI suppression devices (or equivalent) are recommended:
Although this unit is designed with a high degree of immunity to Ferrite Suppression Cores for signal and control cables:
ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI), proper installation and wiring methods Fair-Rite # 0443167251 (RLC #FCOR0000)
must be followed to ensure compatibility in each application. The type of the TDK # ZCAT3035-1330A
electrical noise, source or coupling method into the unit may be different for Steward #28B2029-0A0
various installations. The unit becomes more immune to EMI with fewer I/O Line Filters for input power cables:
connections. Cable length, routing and shield termination are very important Schaffner # FN610-1/07 (RLC #LFIL0000)
and can mean the difference between a successful or a troublesome Schaffner # FN670-1.8/07
installation. Listed below are some EMC guidelines for successful Corcom #1VR3
installation in an industrial environment. Note: Reference manufacturer’s instructions when installing a line filter.
5. Long cable runs are more susceptible to EMI pickup than short cable runs.
1. Use shielded (screened) cables for all Signal and Control inputs. The Therefore, keep cable runs as short as possible.
shield (screen) pigtail connection should be made as short as possible.
The connection point for the shield depends somewhat upon the
application. Listed below are the recommended methods of connecting Wiring Considerations
the shield, in order of their effectiveness. After the unit has been mechanically mounted, it is ready to be wired. All
a. Connect the shield only at the panel where the unit is mounted to earth wiring connections are made on removable plug-in terminal blocks. All MDS
ground (protective earth). units have a terminal block for the bottom board (TBA), and units with the
b. Connect the shield to earth ground at both ends of the cable, usually optional Parallel Port have a terminal block for the top board (TBB). When
when the noise source frequency is above 1 MHz. wiring the unit, remove the terminal block and use the numbers on the label to
c. Connect the shield to common of the unit and leave the other end of the identify the position number with the proper function. All conductors should
shield unconnected and insulated from earth ground. meet voltage and current ratings for each terminal. Also cabling should
2. Never run Signal or Control cables in the same conduit or raceway with AC conform to appropriate standards of good installation, local codes and
power lines, conductors feeding motors, solenoids, SCR controls, and regulations. It is recommended that power supplied to the unit (AC or DC) be
heaters, etc. The cables should be run in metal conduit that is properly protected by a fuse or circuit breaker.
grounded. This is especially useful in applications where cable runs are Strip the wire, leaving approximately ¼" bare wire exposed (stranded
long and portable two-way radios are used in close proximity or if the wires should be tinned with solder). Insert the wire into the terminal and
installation is near a commercial radio transmitter. tighten down the screw until the wire is clamped tightly. Each terminal can
3. Signal or Control cables within an enclosure should be routed as far away accept up to one 14-gage, two 18-gage or four 20-gage wire(s).
as possible from contactors, control relays, transformers, and other noisy After the terminal block is wired, install it into the proper location on the
components. PC board. Wire each terminal block in this manner.
4. In extremely high EMI environments, the use of external EMI suppression The MDS contains nonvolatile memory which retains its configuration
devices, such as ferrite suppression cores, is effective. Install them on settings. It is not necessary to provide battery backup to retain this
Signal and Control cables as close to the unit as possible. Loop the cable programmed information. However, the MDS cannot retain customized
through the core several times or use multiple cores on each cable for CHARACTER or DAY/MONTH f iles, this inf o rmation is lost o n
additional protection. Install line filters on the power input cable to the power-down and the default files are loaded on power-up. If customizing
unit to suppress power line interference. Install them near the power entry either of these files, either provide battery backup to the unit or reload the
point of the enclosure. applicable files on every unit power-up.

40
Vcontrast To set-up the unit for remote adjustment, do the following:
The viewing angle of the display can be changed by adjusting the internal 1. Set the internal pot to the desired viewing angle.
pot located on the side of the unit. The Vcontrast terminal located on TBA #9 2. Connect a 50 KW ¼ Watt Pot between Vcontrast and common.
allows for adjustment of the display viewing angle from a remote location. The external pot, which can be mounted on the front of the panel, can now
be used to adjust the display’s viewing angle.

Figure 8 - Block Diagram

41
AC Power Wiring
AC power is connected to TBA #1 and #2 located on the bottom terminal
block. See Figure 8, Block Diagram. The voltage selector switch, located to
the left side of TBA, is used to select the proper voltage. The switch is a slide
movement type and can be set by using a small screwdriver. If the switch is
showing “115”, it is set for 115 VAC input. If “230” is showing, the switch is
set for 230 VAC input.
Caution: Before applying power to the unit, make sure the switch is set for the
proper voltage setting
To reduce the chance of noise spikes entering the AC line and affecting the
unit, the AC power should be relatively “clean” and within the specified
±10% variation limit. Connecting power from heavily loaded circuits or
circuits which also power loads that cycle on and off, (contactors, relays,
motors, etc.) should be avoided.
Figure 9 - AC Hook-up
DC Power Wiring
DC power is applied between TBA #1 and TBA #3 (common) for +24 VDC
input or between TBA #2 and TBA #3 (common) for +12 VDC input. See
Figure 8, Block Diagram. The DC power source must be capable of supplying
the unit’s rated current (300 mA).

Serial Wiring
It is recommended that shielded (screened) cable be used for serial
communications. This unit meets the EMC specifications using Alpha #2404
cable or equivalent. There are higher grades of shielded cable, such as, four
conductor twisted pair, that offer an even higher degree of noise immunity.
Connections for the 20 milliamp current loop are made on TBA, the bottom
terminal block. Power to the MDS and the current loop should be turned OFF
before removing TBA and making any connections. Install wires into the
proper location on the terminal block. Refer to the label on top of the unit for
Figure 10 - DC Hook-up
locations and descriptions of each terminal. When all necessary connections
have been made, replace the terminal block. The Terminal block is keyed for
proper installation.

42
Serial Terminal Descriptions
Receive Terminals: SI+ (Serial In +)
SI- (Serial In -)
The MDS receives data, commands, and message strings on these
terminals. Files from the SFMD software are downloaded to the MDS over
these terminals, as well. Connect the transmit terminals of the device
transmitting to the MDS, to these terminals.
Transmit Terminals: SO+ (Serial Out +)
SO- (Serial Out -)
The MDS issues all of its transmissions over these terminals. Files in the MDS
are uploaded from these terminals to the SFMD software, as well. Connect the
receive inputs of the device to which the MDS transmits, to these terminals.
Current Loop Power: The +20 mA SRC terminal provides a 20
milliamp source current for one of the loops.
The -20 mA SRC (COMM.) terminal is the
return path for the +20 mA terminal.
See Figure 9, AC Hook-up, Figure 10, DC Hook-up, Figure 11, MCCA
Cable AC Hook-Up, and Figure 12, MCCA Cable Hook-up DC for Figure 11 - MCCA Cable AC Hook-up
additional details.

Figure 12 - MCCA Cable DC Hook-up

43
DIP SWITCH SETTINGS
If the Baud Rate switches are placed in the Self-Test position while the unit
is powered, the following Error Message is displayed in block scroll fashion
at the current block scroll rate:
ERROR
INVALID
BAUD RATE
SETTING
The following functions can be performed by setting the DIP switches as
shown (1 = DIP switch in the UP position, 0 = DIP switch in the DOWN
position).
Note: DATA LOGIC and CTRL LOGIC DIP switches are NOT used in the
Self-Test Mode.

DIP SWITCH FUNCTIONS

EVEN/
Figure 13 - DIP Switch Parameters BR0 BR1 BR2 PARITY 7/8 DESCRIPTION
ODD
1 1 1 0 0 0 Displays the Unit Hardware
An eight position DIP switch is located on the side of the MDS. A two position Configuration.
DIP switch is located at the rear of units with the optional parallel port. The DIP 1 1 1 1 0 0 Displays the Unit Configuration
switches are used to establish certain Serial and Parallel Port parameters. The File Settings.
parameter choices are shown in Figure 13, DIP Switch Parameters. 1 1 1 0 1 0 Displays the Parallel Port
Configuration & current DATA &
Configuration and Self-Test Functions CTRL line levels.
The MDS contains several DIP switch selectable configuration and 1 1 1 1 1 0 Performs a Serial Self-Test.
self-test functions that can be performed only on power-up. To invoke any of 1 1 1 0 0 1 Performs a Memory Self-Test.
1 1 1 1 0 1 Sets the RLC Mode of
these functions, the three Baud Rate DIP switches (BR0, BR1, & BR2) on the operation (without Parallel
side of the unit must be in the UP position when power is applied to the unit. Ports only).
As long as the baud rate switches remain in the UP position, any of the DIP 1 1 1 0 1 1 Sets the Serial Mode of
switch functions can be performed by changing the DIP switch settings to the operation (without Parallel Port
next desired function. Configuration information and self-test results are only).
shown on the MDS’s Display. To exit the DIP switch functions, move any of 1 1 1 1 1 1 Clears nonvolatile Memory,
the baud rate switches to its DOWN position. While executing the DIP switch restores all files to Factory
functions, the MDS ignores all Message strings and Commands. Default settings.

44
Unit Hardware Configuration CODE
DESCRIPTION OF SETTING
The Unit Hardware Configuration can be displayed with the following DIP LETTER
switch settings: C Unit Configuration Byte Factory default settings -
PARITY EVEN/ODD 7/8 0110000
BIT 7 0 - Unused
0 0 0
BIT 6 1 - Unused
The MDS block scrolls the Hardware Configuration on the top line of the BIT 5 1 - Unused
display. BIT 4 0 - XON/XOFF is OFF
Hardware Version VER - x.xx 1 - XON/XOFF is ON
Mode of Operation MDS - “RLC”, “SRL”, or “TRX” BIT 3 0 - SRL Mode
RLC - RLC Mode 1 - RLC Mode
SRL - Serial Mode BIT 2 0 - Unused
TRX - Transmit Mode BIT 1 0 - Unused
Display Size “1 x 10” or “2 x 20” BIT 0 0 - Unused
Parallel Port “PRL PORT” or “NO PORT”
Unit Configuration File Settings H Unit Hardware Byte Factory default settings -
The Unit Configuration File can be displayed with the following DIP xxxxxx10 Ported Units
11xxxx00 Portless Units
switch settings:
BIT 7 0 - Parallel Port Control lines set for Negative Logic
PARITY EVEN/ODD 7/8 1 - Parallel Port Control lines set for Positive Logic
1 0 0 BIT 6 0 - Parallel Port Data lines set for Negative Logic
The MDS block scrolls its current Configuration File Settings on the top 1 - Parallel Port Data lines set for Positive Logic
line of the display. The first three blocks display a capital letter followed by BIT 5 0 - Serial Port set for 7 data bits
1 - Serial Port set for 8 data bits
eight flag settings (either 1 or 0). The remaining blocks display a lower case
BIT 4 0 - Serial Port set for Even parity
“parameter” letter followed by a three digit decimal value. A list of the 1 - Serial Port set for Odd parity
parameters and their codes is shown below in Display order. BIT 3 0 - Serial Port set for No parity
1 - Serial Port set for parity
BIT 2 0 - Indicates a 1 x 10 Display
1 - Indicates a 2 x 20 Display
BIT 1 0 - Unit has a Parallel Port
1 - Unit does not have a Parallel Port
BIT 0 0 - Unused

45
 CODE CODE
DESCRIPTION OF SETTING DESCRIPTION OF SETTING RANGE DEFAULT
LETTER LTR
O Output Pin Configuration Byte c Unit Address 000-099 000
Factory default settings - 00000000 d Character Scroll Time Top Line 001-127 016
BIT 7 0 - Output Pin in the Busy Mode (Can Only be in the e Character Scroll Time Bottom Line 001-127 016
Busy Mode if XON/XOFF is OFF) f Block Scroll Time Top Line 001-127 001
1 - Output Pin in the Output Mode g Block Scroll Time Bottom Line 001-127 001
BIT 6 0 - Output Pin programmed for Negative Logic h Blink Time Top Line 001-127 050
1 - Output Pin programmed for Positive Logic i Blink Time Bottom Line 001-127 050
BIT 5 0 - Output is OFF j Target Unit Address 000-099 000
1 - Output is ON k Target Data Item 001-099 001
BIT 4 0 - Output is Unlocked l Serial Port Transmit Delay Time 000-255 005
1 - Output is Locked m Parallel Port Debounce Time 001-255 005
BIT 3 0 - Time Out is Halted (Output Mode Only) n Display Backlight Intensity Level 000-016 008
1 - Time Out is Running (Output Mode Only) o Output Pin Time Out Value 001-255 010
BIT 2 0 - Time Out value not in Hundreds p Serial Port ED Time Out Value 000-255 002
1 - Time Out value is in Hundreds (Time Out is q Unused 001
in SECS if both BITs 1 and 2 are 0) r Error Handling Type 073
BIT 1 0 - Time Out value not in Minutes Note: Range includes ASCII B (066), D (068), I (073), and T (084)
1 - Time Out value is in Minutes s Serial Port Terminator 001-064 042
BIT 0 0 - Time Out has not Timed Out Note: Range excludes BS (008), ESC (027), and ‘0’ to ‘9’ 048-057)
1 - Time Out has Timed Out t Parallel Port Sample Time 001-255 005

46
Parallel Port Configuration and Logic Levels The Serial Port Loop-Back test can be performed with the following DIP
The Parallel Port Configuration Test can be performed with the following switch settings:
DIP switch settings: PARITY EVEN/ODD 7/8
PARITY EVEN/ODD 7/8 1 1 0
0 1 0 The MDS transmits 32 characters for each of the seven baud rates. Upon
The MDS block scrolls the current Parallel Port DIP switch settings and the completion of the test, the MDS automatically transmits the test results, either
logic levels on the CTRL and DATA lines. The line levels shown are the actual ‘P’ (PASS) or ‘F’ (FAIL) at 1200 baud, 8 bits, and NO Parity. The MDS also
levels at the Parallel Port pins, not the logic levels after translation for Positive places the test results on the display.
or Negative logic. The line levels are read only when entering this test. SRL - (PASS/FAIL)
The results are Displayed as shown below:
PRL PORT Memory Test
CTRL LVL (+/-) - CONTROL LOGIC DIP switch setting ‘+’ (UP), ‘-’ The MDS performs a limited Memory Test with the following DIP switch
(DOWN) settings:
DATA LVL (+/-) - DATA LOGIC DIP switch position ‘+’ (UP), ‘-’ (DOWN) PARITY EVEN/ODD 7/8
xxxxxxxxxx - H (HIGH) or L (LOW) indicating the current Logic level 0 0 1
on each of the ten Parallel Port lines- Strobe, D7-D0,
NEM/ADDR. The MDS tests every memory location for Read and Write capability. The
MDS does NOT change any of the Configuration settings. Upon completion
Serial Port Loop-Back Test of the test, the MDS automatically transmits the test results, either ‘P’ (PASS)
The MDS must be wired in a serial loop-back configuration to properly or ‘F’ (FAIL) at 1200 baud, 8 bits, and NO Parity. The MDS also places the
perform the Serial Port Loop-Back test. See Figure 14, Serial Loop-back. test results on the display.
MEM - (PASS/FAIL)

Setting the RLC Mode

For MDS units without the Parallel Port, you select the RLC Mode of
operation with the following DIP switch setting:
PARITY EVEN/ODD 7/8
1 0 1
The MDS places “RLC MODE” on the display while in this DIP switch
setting. For MDS units with the optional Parallel Port, see Selecting A Mode
Of Operation, page 6.

Figure 14, Serial Loop-back

47
Setting the Serial Mode
For MDS units without a Parallel Port, you select the Serial Mode of
operation with the following DIP switch setting:
PARITY EVEN/ODD 7/8
1 1 0
The MDS places “SRL MODE” on the display while in this DIP switch
setting. For MDS units with the optional Parallel Port, see Selecting A Mode
Of Operation, page 6.

Clearing the Unit

The following DIP switch setting, when applied at unit power-up, resets
the configuration settings to their respective default values.
PARITY EVEN/ODD 7/8
1 1 1
Caution: This setting causes the MDS to clear its nonvolatile memory of all
programmed information and restore the RLC Factory default settings.
This DIP switch setting is only effective at power-up. If you accidentally
switch into this setting at any other time, the MDS displays the “INVALID
DIP SWITCH SETTING” Error Message.

48
CHARACTER SET
The MDS contains 153 displayable characters, from 20h (32) to B8h (184). Default Character Set
The 96 standard ASCII characters are included from 20h (32) to 7Fh (127). The
extended set of characters, from 80h (128) to B8h (184) contains the European ASCII TABLE OF
and special characters. A standard ASCII character can be included in a EXTENDED CHARACTERS
Message by transmitting its ASCII character code. For serial port HEXA MDS
configurations utilizing 8 data bits, an extended character can also be included HEXA
DECIMAL
MDS
DECIMAL
DECIMAL
CHARACTER
in the Message text by transmitting its character code. However, since an DECIMAL CHARACTER
9D 157 ¥
extended character requires 8 data bits for transmission, if your serial 80 128 Ç
9E 158 Á
81 129 ü
configuration only uses 7 data bits, the extended character must be transmitted 9F 159 Í
82 130 é
as a two character combination. The first character is always an MDS control A0 160 á
83 131 â
code, either “^”, 5Eh (94) or “ t ”, 1Fh (31). The second character is the 84 132 ä
A1 161 í
difference of the extended character code and 50h (80). For example, to A2 162 ó
85 133 à
transmit the ‘ü’ character, 81 (129), you must first convert the ‘ü’ character A3 163 ú
86 134 å
(129 - 80 = 49, 31h, ‘1’), and then transmit the two character sequence “^1”. See A4 164 ñ
87 135 ç
A5 165 Ñ
Message String Features and Assembly, page 12, for details. 88 136 ê
A6 166 Ó
The SFMD software allows you to customize a character set to the 89 137 ë
A7 167 Ú
particular needs of your system. Individual characters can be edited in the 8A 138 è
A8 168 ¿
Character Editing screen. MDS units do not contain enough nonvolatile 8B 139 ï
A9 169 È
memory to retain a custom character set on power-down. If your application 8C 140 î
AA 170 À
uses the MDS in the RLC Mode, and includes an RLC Message Display 8D 141 ì
AB 171 ø
8E 142 Ä
Intelligent (MDI) unit, you can load the custom character set into the MDI, AC 172 Ø
8F 143 Å
and have the MDI automatically transmit the character set to one or more 90 144 É
AD 173 ¡
MDS units on the loop at power-up. See the Command C18 discussion in your AE 174 Ù
91 145 æ
MDI and MDS manuals for details. AF 175 ã
92 146 Æ
If the application you are developing requires a customized character set B0 176 õ
93 147 ô
and you are not utilizing an MDI in your application, contact the factory for B1 177 ‘
94 148 ö
B2 178 ´
details on loading the MDS with a character set. 95 149 ò
B3 179 ¹
The Command string “C17CHR” causes the MDS to restore its factory default 96 150 û
B4 180 W
character set. See Command C17 - Restore Default Unit, page 37, for details. 97 151 ù
B5 181 8
98 152 ÿ
99 153 Ö
B6 182 ±
B7 183 á
9A 154 Ü
B8 184 [
9B 155 ¢
9C 156 £

49
Default Character Set (Cont’d)
ASCII TABLE OF ASCII TABLE OF
STANDARD CHARACTERS STANDARD CHARACTERS
HEXA MDS HEXA MDS
HEXA MDS DECIMAL HEXA MDS DECIMAL
DECIMAL DECIMAL CHARACTER DECIMAL DECIMAL CHARACTER
DECIMAL CHARACTER DECIMAL CHARACTER
38 56 8 68 104 h
20 32 50 80 P
39 57 9 69 105 I
21 33 ! 51 81 Q
3A 58 : 6A 106 j
22 34 " 52 82 R
3B 59 ; 6B 107 k
23 35 # 53 83 S
3C 60 < 6C 108 l
24 36 $ 54 84 T
3D 61 = 6D 109 m
25 37 % 55 85 U
3E 62 > 6E 110 n
26 38 & 56 86 V
3F 63 ? 6F 111 o
27 39 ’ 57 87 W
40 64 @ 70 112 p
28 40 ( 58 88 X
41 65 A 71 113 q
29 41 ) 59 89 Y
42 66 B 72 114 r
2A 42 * 5A 90 Z
43 67 C 73 115 s
2B 43 + 5B 91 [
44 68 D 74 116 t
2C 44 , 5C 92 \
45 69 E 75 117 u
2D 45 - 5D 93 ]
46 70 F 76 118 v
2E 46 . 5E 94 ^
47 71 G _ 77 119 w
2F 47 / 5F 95
48 72 H 78 120 x
30 48 0 60 96 ‘
49 73 I 79 121 y
31 49 1 61 97 a
4A 74 J 7A 122 z
32 50 2 62 98 b
4B 75 K 7B 123 {
33 51 3 63 99 c
4C 76 L 7C 124 |
34 52 4 64 100 d
4D 77 M 7D 125 }
35 53 5 65 101 e
4E 78 N 7E 126 ~
36 54 6 66 102 f
4F 79 O 7F 127 n
37 55 7 67 103 g

50
ERROR HANDLING
The MDS contains an Error detection function which generates Error ERROR CODES AND NUMBERS
Codes for the various Error conditions it encounters. An Error Code is ‘c’ - Command String Errors
processed according to the type of Error Handling method selected.
ec0 - Invalid command (Command > 24)
DISPLAY: The MDS displays the Error Code as a blinking Message for 16 ec1 - Unused command (Commands 0, 3, and 9-16, 22)
seconds. You can cancel any Error Message with the C20 Command. The ec2 - Unexpected or invalid command code
Error Message appears on the display in the following format: ec3 - Missing numeric command data
ERROR ec4 - Numeric command data out-of-range
exn ec5 - Numeric command data >255
ec6 - Non-numeric character in numeric field
e - Error Code ec7 - Unused
x - Error Type ec8 - Command buffer overflow
‘c’ - Command string error
‘f’ - Function error ‘f’ Function Errors
n - Error Number (0-9) ef0 - Output Pin is LOCKed, cannot make changes
TRANSMIT: The MDS transmits the Error Code over the serial port in the ef1 - Unused
following format: ef2 - Unused
exn (See above for codes) ef3 - Invalid DIP switch setting
DISPLAY & TRANSMIT: The MDS both displays and transmits the Error
Code as described above.
IGNORE: The MDS continues to detect Error conditions, but does not
generate Error Codes for them.
You can set and verify the current Error Handling method with the C01
Command.
Note: Error Codes are always transmitted if the Serial Port XON/XOFF
Function is ON, regardless of the Error Handling type selected.

51
TERMINAL EMULATOR FUNCTION
The SFMD software contains a Terminal Emulator which allows you to
communicate with the MDS over the same serial connections that the SFMD F5-LOCK LOCKs the keyboard from further entry. Press ALT-F5 to
software uses to upload from and download to the unit. Consequently, you UNLOCK the keyboard. The LOCK field BLINKs while
can use the Terminal Emulator for issuing Commands and Message strings, the keyboard is LOCKed.
interrogating the MDS, and most importantly, for testing, debugging, and F6-PRINT PRINTs the current RECORD file to the computer’s
troubleshooting your particular application.
parallel port.
You can enter the Terminal Emulator from the Utilities pull-down menu,
and from any of the three file editing screens. The current serial port settings F10-EXIT EXITs the Terminal Emulator. Closes any currently open
RECORD file.
are shown at the top of the Terminal Emulator screen, along with the currently
specified MDS address for uploading and downloading purposes. You can Record File: The name of the current RECORD file.
alter these settings from within the Terminal Emulator. All characters received from the serial loop are displayed in regular type,
all of the characters you enter, and any functions you perform, are displayed
Function Keys in bold type.
The active function keys are displayed at the bottom of the screen, along The Terminal Emulator displays the characters it receives exactly as
with their respective operations. transmitted, with the following exceptions:
F1-HELP Requests on-line HELP for the Terminal Emulator function. 1. Automatically inserts a Line Feed (LF, 0Ah - 10) for any unmatched
F2-CFG TE Activates the Terminal Emulator serial configuration Carriage Return (CR, 0Dh - 13) it receives.
fields. While configuring the serial settings, the Terminal 2. Automatically inserts a CR for any unmatched LF it receives.
Emulator ignores all serial transmissions. Press F2 to accept 3. Displays <XON> for the ASCII XON code (11h - 17) and <XOFF> for the
the new settings, or ESCAPE to keep the old settings. ASCII XOFF code (13h - 19).
While you are configuring the serial settings, the CFG TE 4. Displays [CR] and [LF], respectively, for any CR and LF characters you
field BLINKs. enter.
5. Excluding CR, LF, XOFF, and XON, the hexadecimal value of any
F3-RECORD Activates the RECORD function of the Terminal Emulator
character received under 20h (32) or over 7Fh (127) is displayed in the
and requests a RECORD file name. Enter the file name, form [xx], where “xx” is the two digit hexadecimal code for the character.
including the path, if different than the current path. Hit
ENTER to accept the file name, or ESCAPE to keep the
existing file. The RECORD field BLINKs while the
Terminal Emulator is recording. If the specified file does
not exist, it is created. If the file already exists, the Terminal
Emulator begins to RECORD at the end of the current file,
consequently, the existing data is kept. If the existing data is
not desired, hit F4 to REWIND the file to the beginning.
F4-REWIND REWINDs the current RECORD file to the beginning. All
existing data in the file is lost.

52
Special Key Stroke Functions
Except for the previously mentioned function keys, and entering of a
RECORD file name, the Terminal Emulator transmits all the characters you BACKSPACE Transmits a BACKSPACE (08h - 8) character, causing an
type. In addition, the following special key stroke functions are available for MDS to back-up one character position in its receive
your use. buffer. The character is removed from the Terminal
CTRL-HOME Transmits an ESCAPE (1Bh - 27) character, followed by Emulator’s display, as well. Th e MDS ignores
the MDI/MDS universal Address code (0Eh - 14) and BACKSPACEs while its receive buffer is empty.
displays “[ADDR]”. These characters cause an MDS unit However, the Terminal Emulator continues to delete
in the RLC Mode to clear its receive buffer and then characters from the screen.
override its Unit Address and accept the transmission ESCAPE Transmits an ESCAPE (1Bh - 27) character, causing an
following the universal Address code. This function is MDS to clear its receive buffer without processing the
useful if you have forgotten the unit address of an MDS. buffer’s contents. The Terminal Emulator displays
Please note that this function only works for the RLC “[ESC]” for each stroke of the ESCAPE key.
Mode. If the MDS receives the ESCAPE character while it is in
CTRL-END Transmits the MDI/MDS universal Serial Terminator the process of transmitting a Command response, it pauses
(00h - 0) and displays “[TERM]”. Upon receiving this the transmit buffer at the end of the current line The MDS
character, an MDS begins processing the contents of its resumes the transmission upon receiving a CR. If it
serial buffer, just as if it had received its programmed receives another ESCAPE character while the transmit
Serial Terminator. This function is useful if you have buffer is paused, the MDS aborts the transmission.
forgotten the Serial Terminator for an MDS. RETURN Transmits a Carriage Return (CR, 0Dh - 13). If the
Transmit Buffer of an MDS is currently paused, the MDS
Example: You can determine the Unit Address (ADDR) and Serial resumes transmission upon receiving the CR. Otherwise,
Terminator (ST) of any MDS in the RLC Mode by entering the following the MDS treats a carriage return as any other character.
Command strings: The Terminal Emulator advances the display one line and
displays “[CR]” for every stroke of the ENTER key.
Operator: <CTRL-HOME>C1<CTRL-END> ALT-xxx Transmits the character represented by xxx in decimal.
Response: FUNCTIONS CFG
Any character from 01h (1) to FFh (255) can be issued by
ADDR-99 CLK-ON DFLT- ERR-B
PRDC- QUE- RST-
holding down the ALT key while entering the decimal
equivalent of the desired character on the numeric
Operator: <CTRL-HOME>C5<CTRL-END> keypad. The character is transmitted when the ALT key
Response: SRL PORT CFG - 7,O,9600 is released.
DL-0050ms ST-042 TO-001s X-ON

53
Terminal Emulator Record Function
The Terminal Emulator includes a RECORD function, which allows you to
RECORD all of the actions of a Terminal Emulator session to the hard or
floppy disk of the PC on which you are running the SFMD software. The
RECORD function is useful for testing and debugging an MDS application.
Complex MDS applications can be developed and verified through creative
use of the Terminal Emulator and the RECORD function.
You enter the RECORD function by pressing F3-RECORD. The Terminal
Emulator asks you for a file name, which can include a directory path, if
desired. After you have typed in the RECORD file name, hit ENTER for the
Terminal Emulator to open the file and begin RECORDing, or ESCAPE to
cancel the function.
If the file you have specified does not exist, the Terminal Emulator creates
it for you. If the file already exists, the Terminal Emulator begins
RECORDing from the current end of the file, thus preserving any previous
data. If you no longer require this data, hit F4-REWIND to position the file at
the beginning.
While in RECORD, the Terminal Emulator RECORDs everything that
appears on the screen, exactly as you see it, except for the regular and bold
type styles. The RECORD file is stored in an ASCII text format, which you
can review, edit, and print with almost any word processor. In addition, you
can PRINT the contents of the current file from the Terminal Emulator by
pressing the F6-PRINT key.

54
SPECIFICATIONS AND DIMENSIONS
1. POWER: Control SINK/SRC: Sink or source, switch selectable.
AC Version: Data Logic Level: Positive or negative, switch selectable.
115/230 VAC ±10%, 50/60 Hz, 6 VA, switch selectable. Control Logic Level: Positive or negative, switch selectable.
DC Version: Current Sinking: Internal 10 KW pull-up, IMAX=1.2 mA.
12/24 VDC ±10%, 300 mA maximum, jumper selectable. Current Sourcing: Internal 10 KW pull-down, IMAX=3.1 mA @
2. DISPLAY: (available in various configurations). 30 VDC.
2x20: 0.2" (5 mm) high characters - without Parallel Port only. Debounce Time: 0.01 to 2.5 seconds (programmable).
1x10: 0.35" (9 mm) high characters - with Parallel Port only. Strobe Time: 3 to 255 msec (programmable).
Transmissive STN LCD: Negative Image with Red LED back lighting 4. SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS: 20 mA current loop, full-duplex.
OR Positive or Negative Image with Yellow-Green LED back Data Format: Four types available, switch selectable.
lighting. The brightness of the LED backlight is software 11 bits: 1 start bit, 8 data bits, 1 parity bit, 1 stop bit.
adjustable through seventeen levels. The viewing angle of the 10 bits: 1 start bit, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit.
display can be adjusted through an on-board pot. By connecting an 10 bits: 1 start bit, 7 data bits, 1 parity bit, 1 stop bit.
external pot to the Vcontrast pin, the viewing angle can be adjusted 9 bits: 1 start bit, 7 data bits, 1 stop bit.
from a remote location. Data Code: ASCII
3. PARALLEL COMMUNICATIONS: (Optional) Unit Address: Programmable from 0 to 99. (The number of units in a
BCD: 8 bits. single loop is limited by the hardware specifications.)
PARALLEL PORT INPUTS: Baud Rate: 300 to 19200, switch selectable.
Data Inputs (D0 - D7) & Control Inputs (Strobe & Message/Data): Parity: Enabled or Disabled, switch selectable.
VIH = 8 VDCMIN, VIL = 4V DCMAX, VMAX = 30 VDC Even/Odd: Parity Type, switch selectable.
Data SINK/SRC: Sink or Source, switch selectable. 7/8 BIT: Data Bits, switch selectable.
DIMENSIONS In inches (mm) Note: Recommended clearance (behind the panel) for mounted units is 2.1"(H) x 5.5"(W).

PANEL CUT-OUT

Figure 15 - MDS Dimension Drawing

55
 Serial Hardware: Terminal TBA. ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
+20 mA SRC: Provides 20 mA @ 12 VDC. Immunity to EN 50082-2
1
Note: Can power up to 6 units in a loop. Electrostatic discharge EN 61000-4-2 Level 2; 4 Kv contact
Level 3; 8 Kv air
-20 mA SRC: Loop return for +20 mA SRC.
SO/Output Transistor Rating: VMAX = 30 VDC, Electromagnetic RF fields EN 61000-4-3 Level 3; 10 V/m
VSAT = 1 VDC @ 20 mA. 80 MHz - 1 GHz
Note: Transistor rating allows for up to 28 units in a loop. Fast transients (burst) EN 61000-4-4 Level 4; 2 Kv I/O
2
3
SI/Input Diode Rating: VF = 1.25 VDCTYP; Level 3; 2 Kv power
1.5 VDCMAX @ 20 mA. RF conducted interference EN 61000-4-6 Level 3; 10 V/rms
3

Note: The compliance voltage rating of the source must be greater than 150 KHz - 80 MHz
the sum of the diode voltage drops around the loop. Typically a 30 Power frequency magnetic fields EN 61000-4-8 Level 4; 30 A/m
VDC source (with adequate current capability) is capable of
operating between 18 and 22 units in a loop. Simulation of cordless telephones ENV 50204 Level 3, 10 V/m
900 MHz ± 5 MHz
5. OUTPUT/BUSY PIN: 200 Hz, 50 % duty cycle
Solid state: NPN open-collector, current sinking, VMAX = 30 VDC, Emissions to EN 50081-2
IMAX = 100 mA, VSAT = 1 VMAX @ 100 mA. RF interference EN 55011 Enclosure class A
Busy Mode: Indicates the Ready/Busy status of the unit. Power mains class A
Output Mode: Output is activated from a Command or Message for a
specified time out value. Notes:
Time Out: 10 msec to 63 mins or Latched. 1. Metal bezel of unit connected with ground lead from rear bezel screw to metal
6. MEMORY: nonvolatile memory retains all programmed Configuration mounting panel.
settings. 2. For operation without loss of performance: I/O cables are routed in metal
7. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: conduit connected to earth ground at both ends.
Operating Temperature: 0 to 50°C 3. For operation without loss of performance: Install power line filter,
Storage Temperature: -20 to 60°C RLC#LFIL0000 or equivalent.
Operating and Storage Humidity: 85% max. relative humidity
(non-condensing) from 0°C to 50°C. Refer to the EMC Installation Guidelines section of the manual for additional
Altitude: Up to 2000 meters information.
8. CERTIFICATIONS AND COMPLIANCES: 9.CONSTRUCTION: Metal front bezel meets NEMA 4/IP65 specifications
SAFETY for indoor use in wash-down and/or dusty environments when properly
UL Recognized Component, File #E171375 installed. Installation Category II, Pollution Degree 2. Case is black high
Recognized to U.S. And Canadian requirements under the impact plastic (panel gasket, mounting clips and screws included).
Component Recognition Program of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. 10. CONNECTIONS: Removable terminal blocks.
IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1: Safety requirements for electrial equipment 11. WEIGHT: 1.1 lbs (0.5 Kg).
for measurement, control, and laboratory use, Part 1.
IP65 Enclosure rating (Face only), IEC 529
Type 4 Enclosure rating (Face only), UL50

56
APPLICATIONS
TRANSMIT MODE APPLICATION MDS SERIAL MODE APPLICATION
The customer has a process that is temperature sensitive and needs to Presently, the customer uses a software package to control the many
monitor temperatures at various stages in the process from a single location. processes throughout a manufacturing plant. The software performs data
One or more RLC IMT (Intelligent Meter - Thermocouple) units have been acquisition and logging, and makes decisions based on the collected
installed at the necessary locations in the processing equipment. An MDS information. Information on current plant conditions is transmitted to
unit, configured for the Transmit Mode, is installed in the centralized process various printers located around the plant. Plant operators review the
control panel. The MDS transmits to and receives data from the IMTs. information on the printers and take whatever action is appropriate for the
With an 8-bit (2 digit) BCD thumbwheel switch and push-button given condition(s). The system works well for the customer, and control of
connected to the MDS’s parallel port, the operator inputs the address of the the plant is reliable and consistent.
desired unit by dialing in the address and pushing the button. The MDS However, the customer is concerned with the upkeep and maintenance of
interrogates the selected IMT and retrieves and displays the latest the printers, the cost of the paper and ribbons, and the downtime due to
temperature reading. mechanical failures. RLC addressed these concerns by replacing the printers
with Message Display Slave (MDS) units configured for the Serial (SRL)
MDS RLC MODE APPLICATION Mode of operation. An MDS unit in the SRL Mode displays any ASCII
A manufacturing process is split between two buildings. Building #1 character string it receives that is terminated with the programmed Serial
contains the test lab, and building #2 contains the actual process mixing TERMINATOR character. The programmability of the TERMINATOR is
equipment. When the lab has completed an analysis of the current mix, any essential when the MDS is interfaced with a third party software package,
formula changes must be transmitted to the mixing department. An intercom especially if the software cannot be programmed to transmit a specific
system was originally installed between the two buildings, but the mixing termination character.
room is very noisy, and the formulae received over the intercom were In addition, with unique addresses assigned to each MDS unit, the host
frequently misinterpreted, or not heard at all. A more reliable method of software can then transmit information to specific unit(s). It is also possible
communication needs to be established. to override the unit addresses and programmed TERMINATOR functions so
RLC proposes installing a Message Display Slave (MDS) unit configured that the same information can be transmitted to all MDS units in a system,
for the RLC Mode of operation at each mixer. In this system each MDS is regardless of their respective address and TERMINATOR settings.
assigned a unique address and connected to an MDI unit located in the lab, With a wide variety of baud rate, parity, and data bit selections, the many
that is attached to the lab PC via a serial port. display types, and several power supply options, the MDS unit is an ideal
The lab technician calls up the appropriate message number on the MDI, choice for replacing printers and other more cumbersome methods of
which then asks the technician to supply the appropriate values for the providing plant-wide system information.
revised mix from the PC’s keyboard. The MDI inserts these values into the
formula contained in the message and then transmits the completed message
over the serial port to the MDS unit located at the appropriate mixer.

57
 For further technical assistance, contact technical support at the numbers listed on the
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE back cover of the instruction manual.

PROBLEMS POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDIES

DARK DISPLAY 1. Power off 1. Verify power
(No Backlighting Apparent) 2. Improperly wired 2. Check wiring
3. Backlighting intensity level set to 0 3. Verify level setting
4. Power in a Brown-out condition 4. Verify power reading
5. Voltage selector switch in wrong position 5. Check switch setting
6. Vcontrast pot (internal/external) adjusted improperly 6. Adjust pot
7. No message text transmitted 7. Verify serial transmission
BLANK DISPLAY (Backlighting Apparent But 1. Vcontrast pot (internal/external) adjusted improperly 1. Adjust Pot
No Discernable Characters) 2. No message transmitted 2. Verify serial transmission
MDS I S NOT RESPONDING TO SFMD 1. Serial set-up parameters do not match the MDS 1. Verify set-up parameters
SOFTWARE 2. GCM232 Module in wrong serial port of computer 2. Switch module to the port
3. GCM232 Module not powered 3. Verify power
4. GCM232 Module improperly connected to MDS 4. Check wiring
a. Pins 2 & 3 of GCM232 not connected properly
to computer
5. Wrong address(es) being transmitted. 5. Verify address by of MDS by viewing self-test
indicator.
6. Incorrect Mode of Operation. 6. Set and verify the proper Mode of Operation.
7. Modem or mouse connected to Serial Port. 7. Use a different serial port, or disconnect the
modem or mouse.
MDS I S NOT RECEI VI NG DATA FROM 1. Improperly wired 1. Check wiring
SERIAL EXTERNAL UNIT(S) 2. Baud rates do not match MDS 2. Check DIP switch settings
3. Parity does not match MDS 3. Check DIP switch settings
4. Data bits transmitted do not match MDS 4. Check DIP switch settings
5. Proper terminator character not sent 5. Verify TRx mode
a. Retransmit with proper terminator
6. External unit not powered 6. Verify power to unit
MDS IS NOT RESPONDING TO ITEM AND 1. Improperly wired 1. Check wiring
ADDRESS SELECTION OVER PARALLEL 2. Data and control logic switches in wrong position 2. Check switch settings
PORT 3. Data and control sink/source switches in wrong 3. Check switch settings
position
4. ITEM/ADDR line in wrong state when strobed 4. Verify logic setting
MDS DI SPLAYS EX TRA CHARACTERS, 1. MDS is in serial mode 1. Switch MDS to RLC mode
e.g.,“N00M:” “M001”, etc

58
APPENDIX - USING THE SFMD SOFTWARE TO CREATE AND SIMULATE MDS MESSAGES
The SFMD software contains extensive Message Editing and Simulation
capabilities. These features are intended for creating and verifying Message
Files that are eventually downloaded to an RLC Message Display Slave
(MDS) unit. The MDS unit has NO Message File storage capability, and the
SFMD software DOES NOT allow you to download a Message file to an
MDS unit. However, you can use the software to assist you in creating,
assembling, and testing complex Message strings intended for transmission
to an MDS unit.
The Message Editing Screen of the SFMD software assists you in
specifying the various special functions the MDS can execute. By
programming the desired Message functions and text in the Message Editing
Screen, and then simulating the Message, you can have the SFMD software
assemble and display the required MDS Message string for you, as well as
simulate the action and appearance of the Message, as if you had transmitted
the Message string to an MDS unit.

Message Editing Screen

Messages can be programmed and then simulated from the Message
Editing Screen. The upper left corner of the screen indicates the current
Message number that you are working on. Each Message has a specific
Message number assigned to it, from 0 to 255. To the right of the Message
number appears the size of the current Message Record, in bytes. The SFMD
software updates the byte count whenever you SAVE the Message (press the
F8- SVMSG key). A Message Record contains a minimum of 6 bytes and can
contain a maximum of 255 bytes of information.
The current Message File path and name appear to the right of the Message
Record size. Additional information about the current Message File and the Figure 16 - Message Editing Screen
MDS unit for which you are programming the Messages can be found in the
File/Unit Info sub-menu. An active prompt line appears at the bottom of the
screen’s border, which displays basic information about the currently
highlighted field. If you require more information about a particular field,
on-line Help for the highlighted field can be accessed by pressing the F1-
HELP key. General Help is also available from the Main Menu Screen. The
Message Editing Screen appears as shown in Figure 16.

59
File/Unit Info Message Destination - Display & MDS Unit
The MESSAGE FILE AND MDI UNIT INFORMATION sub-menu, Although there are several different Message destinations, the only one we
shown in Figure 17, displays general information about the current Message are concerned with is the DISPLAY & MDS UNIT setting. Set the
File you are editing and the MDI unit you last downloaded to or uploaded MESSAGE DESTINATION field to this setting. The DISPLAY & MDS
from. This menu provides the current SFMD Version number, the full UNIT Destination causes the Message Simulator to assemble the Message
Message FILE NAME and Message FILE PATH, the date and time of the last text into an MDS compatible transmission string. This type of transmission is
file modifications, and the number of programmed Messages in the file. intended for MDS units configured for the RLC Mode of operation. If you are
The Default and Reset Message settings only apply to an MDI unit. You using the MDS in the Serial Mode, a few minor adjustments to this string are
can ignore these settings. The UNIT ADDRESS field should be set for the necessary. See the Message Simulator discussion later in this Appendix for
MDS unit with which the SFMD software must communicate. The details on these adjustments.
corresponding unit information is then updated after each file download to or
upload from that unit. Message Time Out
The MEMORY SIZE, MSG FILE SIZE field and the ED STORAGE fields You can specify a Time Out value for a Message. The Message Time Out
only apply to the MDI and you can ignore these fields. value determines how long the MDS displays the Message. At the end of the
The DISPLAY TYPE field is used by the Message Simulator function to Time Out, the MDS automatically cancels the Message and blanks its display.
accurately simulate the MDS’s display. Set this field for the type of display The Message Time Out value can range from 10-1260 milliseconds, 0-63
your unit contains. seconds, or 1-63 minutes. You can also turn the function OFF, in which case
the Message does not Time Out.

MDS Unit Address

The MDS UNIT ADDRESS field appears when the Message Destination is
set for DISPLAY & MDS UNIT. Enter the address of the unit for which the
Message string is intended. You cannot enter an address of 0. If a 0 address is
a requirement of your application, or you are assembling Message strings for
the serial mode, you will have to change or remove this information later.

Figure 17 - Message File and Unit sub-menu

60
Message Scrolling Message Chaining - MDI only
You can choose from among three different methods for displaying Not implemented in the MDS.
Message text for a given line of the display.
STATIC - The Message text characters do not scroll, but remain in place on Configuring the Output Pin
the display. The MDS has one NPN open-collector Output Pin which you can assign to
BLOCK SCROLLING - The MDS displays BLOCKs of text, designated the MDS’s handshaking BUSY Mode, or the Message and Command
with the SEGMENT control code (¨s-<ALT-S>) in the Message Text area, controlled OUTPUT Mode. With the Output Pin assigned to the OUTPUT
one after another. Each BLOCK of text is displayed for the duration Mode, you can program Messages to configure the pin. The MDS processes
specified by the BLOCK Scroll Time for the particular line of the display the new configuration settings for the Output Pin when the Message string is
on which it appears. Once the MDS displays the last BLOCK of text for a received. You program a Message to configure the Output Pin by setting
line it repeats the text for the line from the beginning. CONFIGURE OUTPUT PIN to “Yes” and hitting ENTER or clicking the
For the RLC Mode, any BLOCK of text that exceeds the width of the mouse with the cursor positioned on the CONFIGURE OUTPUT PIN field.
display is truncated to the display width. All the remaining RLC mode You can program a Message string to perform any or all of the following
characters for that BLOCK are ignored. For the SRL Mode, the MDS Output Pin functions:
automatically character scrolls the line of text containing the BLOCK. UNLOCK ON ENTRY: If the OUTPUT Pin is LOCKed, the Message must
CHARACTER SCROLLING - The MDS advances the text one character first UNLOCK the pin before it can access any other pin functions,
position at a time, from right to left, across the display. The CHARACTER otherwise, any attempt to modify the pin’s configuration is ignored.
Scroll Time for a line determines the rate at which the text advances across LOCK ON EXIT: The OUTPUT Pin can be LOCKed from accepting any
the display. Once the last character of a line scrolls off the display to the changes. You can have the MDS LOCK the pin after it has performed the
left, the MDS repeats the text beginning from the right. You can designate Output Pin functions the Message specifies.
BLOCKs of text for CHARACTER scrolling with the SEGMENT control STATUS: The Message can set the Pin to the ON state, the OFF state, or it can
code (¨s-<ALT-S>). In this case, the MDS character scrolls each BLOCK TOGGLE the current state of the Pin from ON to OFF or OFF to ON. The
of text separately across the screen. actual ON and OFF states of the Output Pin are determined by the pin’s
You do not need to specify the CHARACTER SCROLLING feature in current Logic Level setting.
Message Strings intended for MDS units in the SRL Mode. In the SRL Mode, TIME OUT STATUS: The Output Pin contains a Time Out function. At the
the MDS automatically CHARACTER SCROLLS a line of text if any block expiration of the Time Out value, the MDS automatically turns the Output
of text in that line contains more characters than the width of the display. Pin OFF. You can have the Message RUN or HALT this Time Out function
You can specify separate scrolling techniques for the top and bottom lines and set the Time Out value. HALTing the Time Out function freezes the
of text for a Message. You can also configure the MDS’s BLOCK and Time Out at its current value. RUNning the Time Out function does not
CHARACTER Scroll Times for separate top and bottom line values. automatically turn the Output Pin ON, you must do this explicitly. If the
Message RUNs the Time Out, you must also select one of the following
three Time Out sources (DEFAULT, MESSAGE, RESUME).
Message Priority - MDI only
Not implemented in the MDS.

Message Queuing - MDI only

Not implemented in the MDS.

61
SOURCE: If you select DEFAULT, the MDS loads the Time Out value from
the default Output Pin Time Out Configuration setting and then sets the
Time Out status to RUN.
If you select MESSAGE, the MDS loads the Time Out value included in
the Message record and then sets the Time Out status to RUN. The Message
can specify the Output Time Out in the range from 10 to 1260 milliseconds,
1 to 63 seconds, or 1 to 63 minutes.
If you select RESUME, the MDS RUNs the Time Out from its current
value. If the value has already Timed Out, the Time Out status immediately
reverts to HALT.
If you do not desire to change a particular Output Pin function for a
Message, select “N/C” or “NO CHANGE” for that function. (See the
OUTPUT PIN section for details). Figure 18 - Elapsed Timer Configuration menu

Periodic Messages - MDI only DISPOSITION: Not implemented in the MDS.

Not implemented in the MDS. TIMER STATUS: You can turn the Timer ON (run) or OFF (halt).
DIRECTION: A Timer can run UP or DOWN. You can change the direction
Configuring Elapsed Timers of the Timer without halting or resetting the Timer.
The MDS contains sixteen separate, fully configurable Elapsed Timers. VALUE: You can preset the Timer to any value within the range from
Messages can access, configure, and display multiple Elapsed Timers. You 0000:00:00.00 to 9999:59:59.99.
can also access and configure any Elapsed Timer with the C07 Command. CLEAR OVERFLOW: A Timer value rolls-over on Overflow or Underflow
The MDS constantly updates all Elapsed Timer values according to the and the MDS sets a flag to indicate this action. You can have the Message
current configuration for each timer. reset this flag, if necessary.
You can display an Elapsed Timer value in a Message by inserting the TRIGGER STATUS: The Trigger function is not implemented in the MDS
ELAPSED TIMER control code (¨e-<ALT-E>) followed by the two-digit unit.
timer number, the appropriate Time format codes, and a closing control code TYPE: Not implemented in the MDS.
(¨e) in the Message Text. If a displayed Timer is running, the MDS displays VALUE: Not implemented in the MDS.
the running value as it changes. See Message Text Area later in this section for SET MESSAGE: Not implemented in the MDS.
details on specifying an Elapsed Timer value in the Message Text. MESSAGE: Not implemented in the MDS.
You can program a Message to configure an Elapsed Timer by setting
If you do not need to make a change to a particular Elapsed Timer feature,
CONFIGURE ELAPSED TIMERS to “Yes” and hitting ENTER or clicking
select “N/C” or “NO CHANGE” for that feature. (See Elapsed Timers, page
the mouse with the cursor positioned on the desired Elapsed Timer number. A
17, for details).
Message can access any of the following Elapsed Timer functions through the
Elapsed Timer Configuration sub-menu. See Figure 18.
Collecting Embedded Data
ELAPSED TIMER: This field indicates the Elapsed Timer you are The Embedded Data function is not implemented in the MDS.
configuring.

62
Message Text Area HOME: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the current row.
The Message Text area of the SFMD software functions as a limited text END: Moves the cursor to the end of the current row.
editor. The character position (Char Pos), Row (Row), and Column (Col) INSERT: Toggles between the INSERT and the OVERTYPE modes. The
identifiers in the lower middle of the screen show the current position of the INSERT mode allows you to insert new characters anywhere in the
cursor in the text area. The following key-stroke functions are available in the existing Message Text. The OVERTYPE mode allows you to type new
Message Text area: characters over the existing text.
DELETE: DELETEs the character at the current cursor position.

MESSAGE TEXT CONTROL CODES

CONTROL KEY
FUNCTION USAGE DESCRIPTION
CODE STROKE
BLINK ¨b ALT-B ¨btt..¨b tt..t Specifies the text characters you want to blink. You must enclose the blinking field with the “¨b”
control code, as shown.
CURRENT TIME ¨b ALT-C ¨cff..f¨c ff..f Specifies the Current Time field format string. You must enclose the Current Time field with the
“¨c” control code, as shown. The MDS replaces the format codes you include with the
appropriate Current Time values. See the Current Time Format Codes table for details.
LOCAL ED ITEM ¨d ALT-D ¨dnn nn This control code only applies to Messages assembled and transmitted by an MDI unit.
Specifies the number of the Local ED Item (01 to 15) that you wish to insert in the text. You
must include any leading zeroes for this field. An MDI replaces this control sequence with the
current value of the specified Local item.
ELAPSED TIME ¨e ALT-E ¨enff..f¨e nn Specifies the number of the Elapsed Timer (00 to 15) that you wish to access. You must
include any leading zeros for this field.
ff..f Specifies the Elapsed Time field format string with the “¨e” control code, as shown. The MDS
replaces the format codes you include with the appropriate values from the specified Elapsed
Timer. See the Elapsed Time Format Codes table for details.
INDEXED ED ITEM ¨i ALT-I ¨inn nn This control code only applies to Messages assembled and transmitted by an MDI unit. It
specifies the number of the Indexed ED Item (00 to 95) that you wish to insert in the text. You
must include any leading zeros for this field. The MDI replaces this control sequence with the
current value of the specified Indexed item.
END-OF-LINE ¨l ALT-L ¨l Enter this control code at the end of the text you want the MDS to place on the top line of its
display. Any subsequent text will appear on the bottom line of the display. This control code is
only valid with a 2x20 display.
END-OF-SEGMENT ¨s ALT-S ¨s Enter this control code at the end of each segment (BLOCK) of text. You do not need to include
this control code at the end of a line, or the end of the text, unless you want the MDS to display
a blank BLOCK of text at either of those locations.
TRANSMIT DELAY ¨t ALT-T ¨t Enter this control code in the text to cause the MDS to run a Transmit Delay at that point in the
text. This code is only useful if the MDS transmits the Message text.

63
 You can use the ARROW keys to move around the Message Text area. particular time value, such as the Current YEAR, the Current MONTH, the
A Message’s text can include any of the characters in the MDS’s character Elapsed MINUTES, etc.
set, along with most of the lower ASCII control characters, such as the You string these format codes together to create a time field of your
Carriage Return (CR) and Line Feed (LF) characters. The only lower ASCII choosing and indicate the beginning and ending of the field with the
characters you cannot include in the Message Text are 00h (0), 09h (9), and appropriate control code. For instance, you would insert the Current Hours,
14h (20), which are reserved for use by the MDS. You can enter any of the Minutes, and Seconds in a Message by including the sequence
standard ASCII characters, 20h (32) to 7Eh (126), by hitting the appropriate “¨cHH:NN:SS¨c”. The “¨c” sequence is the control code for a Current
key on the keyboard. All other characters must be entered through a Time field and the “HH”, “NN”, and “SS” sequences are the HOURS,
combination of key strokes. MINUTES, and SECONDS format codes, respectively. When the MDS
The characters from 01h (1) to 0Fh (15) are entered by holding down the encounters this sequence, it replaces the entire string with the current values
CTRL key and pressing the ‘A’ (01h) through ‘O’ (0Fh) keys, respectively. The of the fields you specified. A table of the available format codes, their usage
characters from 10h (16) through 1Fh (31), and the extended ASCII characters, and description follows later in this section.
from 7Eh (127) to B8h (184) are entered by holding down the ALT key and Inserting an Elapsed Time value is similar, with the exception that you
typing in the decimal number of the desired character on the numeric keypad. must also specify the Elapsed Timer number you want to reference. For
You can have the MDS insert the Current Time and Date and Elapsed instance, to insert the Minutes, Seconds, and tenths of seconds for Elapsed
Timer values anywhere in the Message text through the use of other control Timer 1 5 in the Message text, you would include the sequence
code sequences. For Current and Elapsed Time values, you must also include “¨e15NN:SS.U¨e” in the text. The “¨e” sequence is the control code for an
the format of the inserted values with a format code sequence, which specifies Elapsed Time field and the “15” sequence specifies Elapsed Timer 15. The
the time values you want to include. “NN”, “SS”, and “U” sequences are the MINUTES, SECONDS, and
You enter a control code by pressing the appropriate letter key while TENTHS of seconds format codes, respectively.
holding down the ALT key. The SFMD software displays all control codes as
two-letter sequences comprised of the diamond (¨) character followed by the
lower-case letter of the key you pressed. A table of the available control
codes, their usage and description follows later in this section.
You can insert any number of blinking fields in the Message text by
surrounding the desired text characters with the BLINK control code. For
instance, to instruct the MDS to blink the word “Blink” in a Message, you
must enter the BLINK control code, “¨b”, by holding down the ALT key and
pressing the ‘B’ key. The “¨b” sequence appears at the cursor location in the
Message Text area. Type in “Blink” followed by another ALT-B control
code. The sequence appears on the screen as “¨bBlink¨b”. The MDS blinks
the characters sandwiched between the two BLINK control codes whenever it
displays the Message.
When inserting a Current Time or Elapsed Time value in the Message text,
you must also specify the format of the time field. The format codes used to
specify Current and Elapsed Time values are comprised of two-letter
upper-case character sequences. Each format code sequence describes a

64
Message Text Area (Cont’d) ELAPSED TIME FORMAT CODES
The various Message Text control and format codes are listed in the
CODE DESCRIPTION
following tables. HH Elapsed LOW Hours, ones & tens
Note: These codes only apply to Messages assembled by an MDI for HI Elapsed HIGH Hours, hundreds & thousands
transmission to an MDS unit. Strings transmitted to an MDS from any other HL Elapsed LOW Hours, ones & tens
peripheral device must use the MDS control code sequence. See the NN Minutes
MESSAGE STRING FEATURES AND ASSEMBLY section for details on the SS Seconds
MDS control code sequence. U Tenths of Seconds
CURRENT TIME FORMAT CODES UU Tenths and Hundredths of Seconds

CODE DESCRIPTION Note: All Field Codes must be entered in CAPITAL LETTERS.
AA Day Name, Abbreviated (i.e.. MON)
AF Day Name, Full (i.e.. MONDAY) You can use any of the characters not included in either the Current Time or
DD Date, Numeric (i.e.. 1-31) Elapsed Time Format Code tables as text in a Current Time or Elapsed Time
HA Hours, 12 Hour Clock (Civilian Time: 01-12) Field. Consequently, any of the punctuation characters are available for use as
HH Hours, 24 Hour Clock (Military Time: 00-23) field separators, such as the colon :, the hyphen - , the slash /, the period ‘.’, etc.
HM Same as above (HH)
MA Month Name, Abbreviated (i.e.. JAN) Example: Given these Current Time and Elapsed Time values:
MF Month Name, Full (i.e.. JANUARY)
Current Time: Thursday, August 8, 1993 16:49:23.93
MM Month, Numeric (i.e.. 01-12, 1 = January)
NN Minutes
Elapsed Timer 00: 0001:23:45.67
P AM/PM, can only be used with the “HA” code Elapsed Timer 15: 9998:56:32.01
SS Seconds The MDS would replace the following Current and Elapsed Time format
U Tenths of Seconds strings with the values shown:
UU Tenths and Hundredths of Seconds
Y2 Year, Two Digits (i.e.. 93) FORMAT STRING DISPLAYED OR TRANSMITTED VALUE
Y4 Year, Four Digits (i.e.. 1993)
“¨cDDMAY2 HA:NN:SS P¨c” “ 8AUG93 4:49:23 PM”
Note: All Field Codes must be entered in CAPITAL LETTERS. “¨cAF, MF DD, Y4¨c” “THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 1993”
“¨cHH:NN:SS.U¨c” “16:49:23.9”
“¨e00HIHL:NN:SS.UU¨e” “0001:23:45.67”
“¨e15HH:NN:SS.U¨e” “98:56:32.0”

65
 It is possible to program more characters for a line than the MDS can 5) Runs the Message Time Out, if desired.
display. In addition, if a line includes any Current or Elapsed Time fields, 6) Informs you of any Message execution errors, where appropriate.
once the MDS processes these fields, the resulting line may be longer than the Current and Elapsed Time fields are filled in with their appropriate values.
MDS can display. In cases such as this, the MDS truncates the excess text for Elapsed Timer configurations and values are retained so long as you do not
a line in the RLC Mode, or automatically character scrolls the line in the exit the SFMD software. You can, therefore, perform simulations on blocks
Serial Mode. You can avoid this problem by configuring the Message to of Messages that configure and display Elapsed Timers.
CHARACTER scroll the line or BLOCK scroll segments of text that do not
exceed the display line length.
The MDS ignores any lower ASCII control characters (01h (1) to 1Eh (30)) Simulator Function Keys
it finds in the Message text. Therefore, if your application requires that these F1-HELP Displays HELP for the Simulator function.
characters be present in the Message string, they will not interfere with the F2-PAUSE PAUSEs the Simulator. The Simulator display, and all
operation of the MDS, and the MDS will not display them. time values, are frozen.
F3-CONTINUE RESUMEs the Simulator. Also, CONTINUEs to the next
Embedded Data Item, or to the next message in a chain.
Message Simulator F4-CANCEL MSG CANCELs the current Message. Returns to the Message
The SFMD software contains an extensive Message Simulator function Editing screen.
which allows you to observe the operation of the Message string you are F5-AUTO T/O Toggles the automatic Message Time Out feature. If
currently editing without constantly transmitting the Message string to an AUTO T/O is selected, the Simulator automatically
MDS. Pressing ALT-F10 from the Message Editing screen invokes the cancels the Message when its Time Out expires. If
Simulator, which appears in the lower half of the Message screen. If there is AUTO T/O is OFF, the Message’s Time Out does not
no currently open Configuration file, the Simulator asks you to open one. run. Disable the AUTO T/O feature if you want to
The Simulator then executes the current Message based on the parameters observe the operation of a Message without having it
repeatedly time out on you.
you have specified for that Message. The Message Text appears on the
F6-AUTO CHAIN The CHAIN function is not implemented in the MDS.
Simulator’s display exactly as it would appear on an MDS of the appropriate F10-EXIT EXITs the Message Simulator, returning control to the
configuration. The Simulator uses the FILE/UNIT INFO settings from the Message Editing screen.
current Message file to assemble its display. It can simulate both 1 x 10 and 2
x 20 displays of either positive or negative images with red or yellow-green
back lighting.
The Simulator executes the following MDS Message features:
1) Configures and displays the Output Pin status, and runs the Output Time
Out, as specified in the Message string.
2) Configures, runs, and displays the Elapsed Timers as specified in the
Message string.
3) Assembles and displays the Message string, as it would be transmitted to an
MDS, in the RLC Mode compatible form.
4) Displays the Message text using the default Character set, and the current
Configuration file settings for the Blink time and the Block and Character
scroll times.

66
Assembled Message String Simulator Display
The Simulator assembles and displays the Message string for the special After assembling the Message string transmission, the Simulator displays
functions and Message Text you have specified in the Message Editing the Message Text in the Simulator Display Area, just as the text would appear
screen. After the following minor modifications, you can copy and transmit on an MDS. The Message Text is displayed according to the SCROLL
this string to the MDS unit to accomplish the tasks you have selected for the settings specified in the Message string, as well as the BLINK time and the
Message. The displayed string may include the “<XON>”, “<XOFF>” , BLOCK and CHARACTER scro ll times contained in the current
“<TRX>” and “<CLR>” strings the Simulator normally displays when Configuration file.
simulating MDS transmissions. Delete all occurrences of these strings from If the Message displays any Current Time or Elapsed Time fields, the
the assembled transmission. Simulator fills in the current values for these fields. If the Message includes a
The Simulator prefixes an address string, “Nxx”, for the Unit Address set Time Out value, the Simulator blanks the display when the Time Out value
in the Message Editing screen. This address specifies the MDS unit (in the expires.
RLC Mode) that is to process and display the transmission. The SFMD
software does not allow you to set the Unit Address to 0. If you need to
transmit the Message string to Address 0, delete the “Nxx” Address Identifier
string from the transmission, or replace the “xx” unit address with “00”.
If your application uses the Serial Mode, and you are transmitting to a
specifically addressed unit, you should transmit the <CTRL-N> (0Eh - 14)
Address code in place of the ‘N’ Address Identifier. If you are not addressing
a particular unit, do not transmit the “NxxM:” string that precedes the
Message text. If neither of these actions is taken, an MDS in the Serial Mode
will accept the specified characters as part of the Message text.
While assembling the transmission string, the Simulator performs a
number of control code conversions in order to construct the string in an MDS
recognizable format. The Simulator converts all control codes and extended
characters into two-character MDS control sequences. These two-character
sequences all begin with the ‘ t ’ (1Fh - 31) character followed by an
“operator” character. You can retain the ‘t’ character if your application can
transmit it, or you can substitute the ‘^’ (5Eh-94) character which is a
standard ASCII character.
The Simulator terminates the transmission string with the Serial
Terminator character programmed in the current Configuration file. The total
transmission string length for an MDS unit, including the Serial Terminator
character, is limited to the size of the Serial Receive buffer, 128 bytes. The
Simulator function checks the length of the resulting Message string and
informs you if the string is too long for the MDS to receive intact.
See the MESSAGE STRING FEATURES AND ASSEMBLY section for
details on the various control code sequences the MDS recognizes.

67
 Ordering Information For MDS
PARALLEL PART NUMBERS
MODEL NO. DESCRIPTION
PORT 12/24VDC 115/230VAC
1x10 Red, Negative Image YES MDS1R01D MDS1R01A
1x10 Yel/Grn, Negative Image YES MDS1Y01D MDS1Y01A
MDS 1x10 Yel/Grn, Positive Image YES MDS3Y01D MDS3Y01A
2x20 Red, Negative Image NO MDS2R00D MDS2R00A
2x20 Yel/Grn, Negative Image NO MDS2Y00D MDS2Y00A

Ordering Information For Message Display Accessories

MODEL NO. DESCRIPTION PART NUMBERS
SFMD Apollo Message Display User Software (3 1/2"; 1.44 M) SFMD0
AC Communications Adapter MCCA0000
MCCA
DC Communications Adapter MCCA1000
Note: Only one copy of SFMD software is required for multiple units.

68
MDS-COV-D.QXD 9/8/2005 9:51 AM Page 3

LIMITED WARRANTY
The Company warrants the products it manufactures against defects in
materials and workmanship for a period limited to two years from the date of
shipment, provided the products have been stored, handled, installed, and used
under proper conditions. The Company’s liability under this limited warranty
shall extend only to the repair or replacement of a defective product, at The
Company’s option. The Company disclaims all liability for any affirmation,
promise or representation with respect to the products.

The customer agrees to hold Red Lion Controls harmless from, defend, and
indemnify RLC against damages, claims, and expenses arising out of
subsequent sales of RLC products or products containing components
manufactured by RLC and based upon personal injuries, deaths, property
damage, lost profits, and other matters which Buyer, its employees, or sub-
contractors are or may be to any extent liable, including without limitation
penalties imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Act (P.L. 92-573) and
liability imposed upon any person pursuant to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act (P.L. 93-637), as now in effect or as amended hereafter.

No warranties expressed or implied are created with respect to The Company’s

products except those expressly contained herein. The Customer acknowledges
the disclaimers and limitations contained and relies on no other warranties or
affirmations.
MDS-COV-D.QXD 9/8/2005 9:51 AM Page 4

MDS / IM - D 9/05
DRAWING NO. LP0297

Red Lion Controls AP

Red Lion Controls Red Lion Controls BV 31, Kaki Bukit Road 3,
20 Willow Springs Circle Basicweg 11b #06-04/05 TechLink
York PA 17402 NL - 3821 BR Amersfoort Singapore 417818
Tel +1 (717) 767-6511 Tel +31 (0) 334 723 225 Tel +65 6744-6613
Fax +1 (717) 764-0839 Fax +31 (0) 334 893 793 Fax +65 6743-3360