Month: July 2018

Using ke5fx HP 7470 plotter emulator with a 54659B module on a 54600B oscilloscope

mike0x3b29 electronics

This write up will talk about modifying the ke5fx HP 7470 plotter emulation software to work with a 54600B oscilloscope using Microsoft Windows.

NOTE: make sure to use a null modem cable

Steps to setup computer:

      1. Get a working serial port on your computer with a USB to serial converter or a native serial port.
      2. Download the ke5fx software from: http://www.ke5fx.com/gpib/7470.htm
      3. Modify default_connect.ini Comment out the top line and add the second line (Make sure your com port is correct):
        ;interface_settings GPIB0
        interface_settings com3:baud=19200 parity=N data=8 stop=1
        also modify:
        is_Prologix 1
        To
        is_Prologix 0
      4. On the 54600B go to the print menu and make sure the scope is in DTR mode, also make sure the scope is set to 19200 baud.

Steps to print image to computer:

  1. Make sure that the com port your device is on matches the default_connect.ini file. If it does not then edit the file or use the device manager to change the assigned to serial port mappings.
  2. In the ke5fx 7470.exe software choose this option:scope1
  3. Press print screen on plotscope

Hydroponics Update Part 3

mike0x3b29 Hydroponics

KIMG0610

To understand the context of this post you may want to read updates one and two.

The half gallon mason jars worked well as shown with the romaine growing in the photo above. The jars started developing hairline cracks in the bottoms that started leaking.  This was more than likely due to routine handling during weekly water changes. This lead to attempting to find a plastic substitute for the mason jars.  The jars that were selected were a 96 ounce petg plastic container with a handle. These were prepared with a net cup similar to the process in post two. After a few months of growing an algae problem occurred in the jars. This is probably due to the high nutrient levels and bright lights the plants are grown under. A test is being conducted to see if painting the jars black will help combat this problem. Below is a photo of basil grown in the garden vs hydroponic basil grown in the new containers. The basil was started by cloning a basil plant purchased in the supermarket. The grow medium was rock wool.

 

KIMG1203