AccuTab II 1 Table of Contents Standard Operating Information Parts Checklist What You Need to Use AccuTab II Care and Handling Cleaning AccuTab II Maintaining the Transducers Replacing the Pen Tip Replacing the Pen Batteries Replacing the Cursor Batteries Installing AccuTab II Mounting a Large AccuTab II Tablet Connecting to Your Computer Connecting to the Power Supply Applying Power to AccuTab II Configuring Your Computer Configuring and Using the Transducer Using the AccuSet Menu Configuring for Specifi
AccuTab II 2 Procedure C: Troubleshooting Using GTCOTEST Reducing Monitor Interference Tablet Checklist Computer Checklist Software Checklist AccuTab II Specifications Sources of Power Advanced Operating Information AccuTab II Interfacing Character Format and Baud Rate Cabling Flow Control Remote Commands GTCO AccuTab II Commands Functional Control Commands Alarm Commands Format Selection Commands Diagnostic Commands CalComp Emulation Commands Summagraphics Emulation Commands Command Mode Basics A Hint for
AccuTab II 3 Remote Request Mode Controlling the Alarm Using Remote Commands Programming Examples General Product Information Radio and Television Interference Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs Limited Warranty for AccuTab II 58 58 59 60 60 61 62
AccuTab II 4 Parts Checklist AccuTab II Series digitizing tablet with attached Controller Power supply Transducer (cursor or stylus) Computer interface cable with 9-pin connector TabletWorks CD NOTE: AccuTab II Controller is the small enclosure attached to the back of the tablet that contains the electronics that drive the digitizer.
AccuTab II 5 Replacing the Pen Batteries The pens require two 393 silver oxide batteries. The average battery life is 750 to 1,000 hours. To replace the batteries: 1. Unscrew the pen cap. Hold the pen from the bottom and gently slide off the pen cover to expose the batteries. 2. Remove the old batteries by turning the pen over and gently tapping it, letting the batteries fall into your other hand. 3. Insert the new batteries as they are shown in the figure (+ towards pen tip). 4.
AccuTab II 6 To replace the batteries: 1. Place the cursor face down in the palm of your hand. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws located on the bottom of the cursor (see figure). Remove the cursor base. 2. Remove the old batteries from the battery casings. 3. Place the new batteries in the casings, matching the polarity of each battery with the markings on the connector strips (match + to +). 4. Reposition the cursor base. Replace the screws with the Phillips screwdriver.
AccuTab II 7 to virtually any pedestal. Contact GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies at 1.866.746.3015 or email us at gtco.support@gtcocalcomp.com for price and availability. NOTE: Do not drill holes in any GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies tablet. Connecting to Your Computer GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies provides an RS-232C/power supply cable with each AccuTab II system. Connect the round end of the serial cable to the jack labeled I/O on the Controller.
AccuTab II 8 Applying Power to AccuTab II With the wall mount power supplies, the AccuTab II is powered on as soon as the unit is plugged into the outlet and the power switch on the Controller is turned ON. If you have a desktop supply, turn on the power supply switch. The AccuTab II performs a self-test and responds with a series of tones when powered up.
AccuTab II 9 The transducer does not need to be in contact with the tablet surface in order for the tablet to sense its presence. It can be detected up to 1” above the drawing area, depending on which transducer is being used (see Proximity in AccuTab II Specifications). This allows you to trace through materials placed on the surface, such as a drawing or book. Also, before using the transducer, be sure that sleep mode is turned off by pressing any button on the transducer.
AccuTab II 10 Clicking and Double-Clicking Clicking is the action of making a selection. You may be selecting a key on the tablet surface or making a selection from the monitor screen. To click, place the transducer or move the screen pointer via the transducer to the item to be selected and then tap the pen or press Button 0 on the cursor. A double-click requires you to press the button quickly two times while the transducer remains in the same place.
AccuTab II 11 If your application program is not listed in Table 1, find the configuration settings that apply to your application program in Table 2 and use that AccuSet Code. If an appropriate AccuSet Code is not listed in Table 2, then use the Custom Configuration Menu to set up the AccuTab. 2. Select the block on the AccuSet Menu. This lets the AccuTab II know you are about to set a new configuration. You will hear one short beep.
AccuTab II 12 Table 1: AccuSet Menu Codes for Selected Application Programs Table 2: Configuration Details for AccuSet Menu Codes NOTE: Max = 100 coordinates/second lpi = lines per inch lpmm = lines per millimeter
AccuTab II 13
AccuTab II 14 Using the Custom Configuration Menu The AccuTab II with its Controller uses the Tablet Configuration Utilities to control baud rate, data format and other operating characteristics. If your application does not have an AccuSet Menu Code or if a different configuration is required, then use the Custom Configuration Menu to format AccuTab II. The Custom Configuration Menu replaces the 24 switches associated with the older Type 5A Controller.
AccuTab II 15 Communication Options Baud: The rate, in bits/second, at which characters are transmitted across the RS232C serial interface. Choices are: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 or 38400. Data Bits: Data bits represent the actual data being sent from one device to another. Both devices must be set for the same number of data bits. Choices are: Seven (7) or Eight (8). Stop Bits: Each character has one or two stop bits, which tell the receiving device that a character is complete.
AccuTab II 16 Button: Defines whether the Pushbutton (Pb) value is included in the ASCII output report. This option is available only with GTCO formats. Choices are: Include or Exclude. Space: Defines whether the Space (Sp) character (hex 20) is included in the ASCII output report as a delimiter between the X and Y coordinate values. This option is available only in GTCO formats. Choices are: Include or Exclude.
AccuTab II 17 Controlling the Alarm There are two ways to toggle the alarm on or off: Select the block on the AccuSet Menu. Use the below remote commands. Controlling the Alarm Using Remote Commands An alarm (audio tone) is provided so AccuTab II can inform you of certain conditions. The alarm can be enabled or disabled by the AccuSet Menu or commands. To hear only critical tones, turn the alarm off: AccuSet Menu: GTCO Commands: Select the menu block Send command AD.
AccuTab II 18 Testing the Active Area To test the active area of the AccuTab II: Select the (Prox Test) block on the AccuSet Menu. AccuTab will produce a continuous tone as long as the transducer is in proximity to the tablet. When proximity is not detected, the tone will stop. AccuTab II Tones AccuTab II produces an alarm in the form of audio tones to inform you of various events. The table below describes the kinds of tones you may hear while operating the digitizer.
AccuTab II 19 2. Read the topics below to check for a solution to your problem. Work through the troubleshooting flowcharts on the following pages in this troubleshooting guide. Record any unusual observations. Your notes will be useful if you need assistance from the GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies Technical Support Team. 3. If your system still does not work. Call GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies Technical Support at 1-866-746-3015 (in the U.S. or Canada) or email us at gtco.support@gtcocalcomp.
AccuTab II 20 Procedure A: Begin Troubleshooting
AccuTab II 21 Procedure B: Troubleshooting
AccuTab II 22 Procedure C: Troubleshooting
AccuTab II 23 Using GTCOTEST GTCOTEST is a program that runs on your PC. It can be used to perform communication and diagnostic tests on an installed AccuTab II. GTCOTEST is provided on the diskette you received with the system. 1. Select AccuSet Code 01 on your AccuTab (9600, N, 8, 1, GTCO Binary, 1000 lpi, Cont, 100). 2. To run GTCOTEST, insert the TabletWorks CD in the CD-ROM drive. GTCOTEST will work only if no Wintab drivers are installed.
AccuTab II 24 9. If GTCOTEST indicates that the digitizer is functioning properly, check your software application setup and AccuSet code for accuracy. If you have any questions about your results or need help running GTCOTEST, contact our Technical Support Team at 1-866-746-3015. Reducing Monitor Interference If you are experiencing monitor interference with your tablet, you can reduce the interference by changing the frequency your tool uses.
AccuTab II 25 Power cable to serial connector? Pointer cable to tablet? Serial cable to tablet? Serial cable to computer? Check that the cable is connected to the serial port specified in your software package. Is the tablet set up according to the software recommendations? Are any of the connector cables or receptacles damaged? Check for bent pins, cut insulation and loose wires.
AccuTab II 26 Did the software work in the past? If the software package worked with the tablet in the past, then the problem lies with the new set up. Check all the connectors. Is the tablet still plugged into the same port? If yes, reset the tablet by unplugging and re-plugging the power supply and restart the software. Did you reset or power down the computer? During reset and power on, the computer can send meaningless characters out the serial port and this can disable the tablet.
AccuTab II 27 AccuTab II Specifications Technology Patented electromagnetic Resolution Up to 4000 lpi or 150 lpmm real resolution Absolute Accuracy ±0.005 in / ±0.127 mm (Standard) (certified) ±0.002 in / ±0.051 mm (Standard) Repeatability 1 LSB (least significant bit) Proximity 1.0 in (25.
AccuTab II 28 Sources of Power GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies provides a standard wall-mount power supply, for use with the AccuTab II. If you want to use another wall mount power source due to different input power requirements, it must supply the following output voltage: 12 to 17VDC at 500mA. Wall mount power supply with a 2.1 mm monoplug DC connector and positive outside diameter, 12VDC, 500mA, Center Negative power supply provided with unit.
AccuTab II 29 Cabling Cabling carries the data from one device to the other. A majority of RS-232C cables have either male 9-pin or 25-pin subminiature D connectors on their ends to match female connectors on the equipment. The AccuTab II is supplied with an 8-pin-mini-din-to-9-pin-D serial cable and a 9-pin-to-25-pin adapter. Data Terminal Equipment (DTE), such as printers, digitizers and computers, usually (but not always) transmit data on Pin 2 and receive data on Pin 3.
AccuTab II 30 Your computer may have a 25-pin RS-232C connector, rather than a 9-pin connector. If so, use the 9- to 25-pin adapter supplied with the AccuTab. The figure below shows how this adapter is wired internally.
AccuTab II 31 Flow Control Flow control is the process of regulating the traffic or flow of data between two RS-232C devices. Flow control prevents the transmission and subsequent loss of data if the receiver is not ready to accept it. Examples of devices that use flow control are: a printer to signal buffer full; a modem to indicate carrier detect; and a time-shared computer that services multiple users on a time-available basis.
AccuTab II 32 what the AccuTab II is doing. A full system reset would then be needed to get the AccuTab II and computer coordinated again. A prudent programmer will limit command and control of an AccuTab II.
AccuTab II 33
AccuTab II 34 Functional Control Commands Reset Code: RS The Reset command will reset the Controller to the last known configuration, clearing all previous commands sent to the Controller. If a SuperSet Menu configuration has been selected, the Reset command will reset the Controller to the SuperSet Menu value.
AccuTab II 35 Send Coordinates 0,0 When Transducer is Out of Active Area Code: OP No Output When Transducer is Out of Active Area Code: IP Certain situations require that the AccuTab II be able to send a coordinate when the transducer is out of the active area. Command OP permits coordinates to be sent under this condition. Since valid coordinates are not available when the transducer is out of the active area, coordinates 0,0 are substituted in the format.
AccuTab II 36 Select English Measurement Scale Code: IN Select Metric Measurement Scale Code: MT Invoking these commands causes AccuTab II to scale coordinates in the desired measurement system. The digitizer measures in only one scale at a time. See Measurement Scales for additional information on how scale selection affects coordinate data. Enable Echo Mode Code: EM Disable Echo Mode Code: hex 0F (Ctrl-O) These commands control echoing by the AccuTab II.
AccuTab II 37 and Y portions of each ASCII format will be six digits long. If binary formats have been selected, the least significant bits represent 0.001 inch or 0.025 millimeter, depending on whether English or metric scale has been selected. Highest Resolution Code: H1 Command modifies ASCII and binary formats. If ASCII formats have been selected, the Highest Resolution command causes the least significant digits to represent 0.0005 inch or 0.
AccuTab II 38 Alarm Commands Enable Alarm Code: AE Disable Alarm Code: AD These commands enable or disable the audible alarm. When enabled, a short tone will sound when a transducer switch is pressed. When disabled, the alarm will not sound in response to transducer switch presses, but it may be sounded by remote commands and will be active during diagnostics and in the menu modes. Sound Tone Code: T1 Tone Pause Code: T0 The Sound Tone command allows a remote device to sound the AccuTab II’s audible alarm.
AccuTab II 39 CalComp Emulation Commands AccuTab II recognizes a subset of the CalComp 9500 command set. Space does not permit a detailed description of CalComp commands. However, most of the commands in this subset have equivalent AccuTab II commands. For further information about the operation of those commands, please refer to the AccuTab II command or function description in the GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies AccuTab II Command Summary.
AccuTab II 40
AccuTab II 41 Summagraphics Emulation Commands AccuTab II recognizes a subset of the Summagraphics UIOF command set. Space does not permit a detailed description of Summagraphics commands. However, most of the commands in this subset have equivalent AccuTab II commands. For further information about the operation of those commands, please refer to the AccuTab II command or function description in the GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies AccuTab II Command Summary.
AccuTab II 42
AccuTab II 43
AccuTab II 44 Command Mode Basics To enter GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies Command Mode: Send an ASCII CTRL-A (hex 01) character to AccuTab II. When AccuTab II receives the CTRLA, two things happen: Digitizing stops and new coordinates are not generated. If Command Mode is invoked during transmission of a coordinate, that coordinate transmission will be completed. AccuTab II sends a “>” (hex 3E) as a prompt to the commanding device. AccuTab II is now ready to accept commands.
AccuTab II 45 If the command entered is not recognized as a valid command, it will be ignored and AccuTab II will send a “?” (question mark). If the delimiter following an invalid command was an (indicating your desire to leave Command Mode), AccuTab II stays in the Command Mode, awaiting a valid command. A command may be aborted before entering a delimiter by sending a CTRL-X (hex 18). The AccuTab II then ignores the preceding one or two characters and responds with a new prompt.
AccuTab II 46 Digitizing Modes Controlling the Alarm Using Remote Commands Programming Examples These topics refer to commands that put AccuTab II in a different operating state. The Remote Commands section contains detailed information about remote commands. Command emulations for CalComp and Summagraphics digitizers are invoked automatically when a particular format is selected via the Custom Configuration Card or the AccuSet Menu selection.
AccuTab II 47 AccuTab II can produce two kinds of binary formats: one is compatible with GTCO AccuTab II and CalComp digitizers, and the other is compatible with Summagraphics digitizers. They are quite different and are described separately in the following topics.
AccuTab II 48 Table 4: GTCO/CalComp High Resolution Binary Format To set up the GTCO/CalComp Binary Format: Custom Configuration Menu: 1. Select GTCO Binary or CalComp Binary (under Output Format Options). 2. Choose the desired resolution (under Mode Options). GTCO Commands: 1. Send command BI for Binary format. 2. Send command IN for English or command MT for metric measurements. 3. Send command HR for 1000 lpi/40 lpmm, command H1 for 2000 lpi/100 lpmm or command H1 for 4000 lpi/150 lpmm resolution.
AccuTab II 49 Summagraphics Binary Format This eight-byte format is compatible with the Summagraphics 2000 lpi UIOF format. Table 5 shows the structure of this format at the bit level. NOTE: This format will not support 4000 lpi on 36” x 48” or larger tablets. To set up the Summagraphics Binary Format: Custom Configuration Menu: 1. Select Summa Binary (under Output Format Options). 2. Choose the desired resolution (under Mode Options).
AccuTab II 50 Cursor Button Codes in Binary Formats Cursor button codes are always included in binary formats. You can define certain pushbuttons on your transducer to represent information that is relevant to your task. For example, the buttons on a 4-button cursor could represent four line widths or four colors. By examining the button code in the format, the application program can use this information appropriately. Binary formats include five bits which encode the button.
AccuTab II 51 ASCII Formats ASCII is a commonly used method for encoding text. ASCII coordinate formats can be directly displayed on most printers and terminals, and can be easily handled by BASIC programs. On the other hand, ASCII coordinate formats are longer than binary ones, so they take longer to transmit and they occupy more space when stores in memory. Table 9, Table 10 and Table 11 show the range of ASCII formats available on the AccuTab II.
AccuTab II 52 GTCO Commands: Send command PI to include the Cursor Button Code character. Send command SI to include the Space character. Send command CI to include the Carriage Return character. Send command LI to include the Line Feed character. To remove a Cursor Button Code, Space, Decimal Point or Line Feed in an ASCII Format (where present): Custom Configuration Menu: Select the “Exclude” option for the corresponding character.
AccuTab II 53 Table 10: CalComp ASCII Formats Table 11: Summagraphics ASCII Formats Cursor Button Codes in ASCII Formats When the cursor button code is included in an ASCII format, the character transmitted in the format depends on the button pressed. Table 7 and Table 8 show which character will be sent. Instructions in the previous sections show how to include or exclude the cursor button character in certain of the ASCII formats.
AccuTab II 54 Measurement Scales You can choose either English or metric scaling for the coordinates you digitize. AccuTab II applies the required conversion factor before constructing a coordinate format for output. The numbers appearing in coordinate formats depend on resolution. Table 12 shows how the resolution settings affect the data in coordinate formats. To set the measurement scale: Custom Configuration Menu: Select a resolution in the “Resolution” column of Mode Options. GTCO Commands: 1.
AccuTab II 55 Line Incremental Mode Continuous Incremental Mode Remote Request Mode Table 14 will help you compare digitizing modes.
AccuTab II 56 Point Mode In Point Mode, one coordinate is sent when a transducer button is pressed. Output occurs only when the transducer is in the active area. To select Point Mode: Custom Configuration Menu: Select the Point option under Mode. GTCO Commands: Send command PT. Line Mode In Line Mode, coordinates are sent as long as a transducer button is pressed. Output occurs only when the transducer is in the active area. To select Line Mode: Custom Configuration Menu: Select Line Mode.
AccuTab II 57 Continuous Mode In Continuous Mode, coordinates are sent continuously, at the specified output rate. Output occurs only when the transducer is in the active area. Output occurs continuously, whether or not a transducer button is pressed. To select Continuous Mode: Custom Configuration Menu: Select the “Cont” option under Mode; select 12, 50 or 100 under Rate. GTCO Commands: Send command CN; to select a rate, send command Rx (where x = 1-6), as shown in Table 13.
AccuTab II 58 GTCO Commands: Send command CL; to set a new increment value, send command IV and at the prompt, send three digits representing the new increment in units of 0.001”. Remote Request Mode In Remote Request Mode, one coordinate is sent when the Controller receives a Read Current Coordinate command (CTRL-B). To select Remote Request Mode: Custom Configuration Menu: Not available. GTCO Commands: Send command RM.
AccuTab II 59 Programming Examples: Reading and Displaying AccuTab II Formats The following example QBASIC programs will allow you to experiment with reading and displaying AccuTab II formats: To read high resolution binary formats To read ASCII formats Programming Example: To Read High Resolution Binary Formats 1. Configure AccuTab II for 9600, N, 8, 1, GTCO Binary and Continuous (AccuSet 01). 2. Enter and run this QBASIC program: Programming Example: To Read ASCII Formats 1.
AccuTab II 60 General Product Information Radio and Television Interference The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
AccuTab II 61 Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs Heirmit wird bescheinigt, dass der/die/das AccuTab II (Geraet, Typ, Bezeichnung) im Uebereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der Vfg 1046/1984 (Amtsblattverfuegung) Funk-Entstort ist. Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Geraetes angezeigt und die Berechtigung zur Ueberpruefung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeraumt. GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies, Inc.
AccuTab II 62 Limited Warranty for AccuTab II GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies, Inc. warrants these products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under the following terms. Complete and return the enclosed warranty registration card to ensure that your products are covered with this warranty. Coverage Parts and labor are warranted for two (2) years from the date of the first consumer purchase for the digitizer tablet, controller, transducers and tablet accessories.
AccuTab II 63 2. Costs for initial technical adjustments (setup), including adjustment of user controls. 3. Certain shipping charges. (Payment of shipping charges is discussed in the next section of this warranty.) 4. Packaging costs. (Customers should keep their boxes.) Warranty Service Procedures 1.
AccuTab II 64 consequential damages. The price stated and paid for the equipment is a consideration in limiting GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies liability. Notice Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state, or province to province.
AccuTab II 65 Corporate Headquarters 14557 N. 82nd Street Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 Tel: 1-866-746-3015 Support: 1-866-746-3015 Fax: 480-998-1751 Support: 1.866.746.3015 Copyright© 2014 GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies, Inc. AccuTab II is a trademark of GTCO CalComp by Turning Technologies, Inc. All other products and company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
