Installation & Operation Manual

LIQUID
3
LectroCount Data Serializer CONTROLS
Model E43002
A Unit of IDEX Corporation
 LectroCount3 Data Serializer Model E43002

1. Product Description
The LectroCount3 Data Serializer provides a convenient and efficient way to load dispatch records from your
host computer onto a LectroCount3 RAM card. Your drivers can then use that RAM card with the
LectroCount3 Supervisory Consoles in your trucks to identify each dispatch and register the details of every
delivery and sale. At the end of the shift, you can use the Data Serializer to dump all of the RAM card
delivery records back onto your host computer for accounting purposes. The LectroCount3 system allows
you to accomplish all of this in a modern, automated fashion and with a minimum of paper recording.

The Data Serializer is useful if the computer that handles your automated scheduling and billing processes
has a serial port for distributing dispatch records and collecting delivery records. It is also useful for
connecting to RAM cards in remote locations. Any device that can connect to and interrogate an EIA-232
interface, and implement a simple, low-overhead protocol can use a Data Serializer. The Data Serializer can
also be connected to a telephone modem (see the section on Setting up the US Robotics Courier V.
Everything Modem) to allow your central accounting computer to access RAM cards at remote delivery
stations. If your scheduling and billing computer is an IBM PC compatible computer and all of your trucks
report to a central location, you may want to consider the LectroCount3 Parallel RAM Interface Module
product as an alternative.

The Data Serializer provides access to LectroCount3 formatted records contained on a RAM card. In this
respect it is completely equivalent to the Parallel RAM Interface Module product. However, the Data
Serializer and the Parallel RAM Interface Module have several differences. These differences include the
Data Serializers broader range of commands and serial data transmission. The Data Serializer works with
any computer that has a serial port, while the Parallel RAM Interface Module works only in conjunction
with an IBM PC compatible computer.

The Data Serializer supports standard RAM cards of thirty-two kilobytes to two megabytes. It is sensitive to
record framing, not record content. Therefore, new record type(s) can be added to the LectroCount3 system
without requiring a Data Serializer software upgrade.

2. Data Serializer Theory of Operation

The Data Serializer listens for a command on its serial port. When it receives one, it attempts to fulfill the
request. The command may be as simple as changing the mode of operation of the Data Serializer or as
sophisticated as loading a new set of dispatch records into reclaimed or previously unused RAM card space.
The Data Serializer only speaks when spoken to.

The Data Serializer connects to the RAM card through a proprietary interface connector. It connects to a
computer through an EIA-232 DTE interface or a modem through a EIA-232 DCE interface. The Data
Serializer requires a 12 volt DC power source. The unit comes from the factory with a pre-wired 110 volt
AC to 12 volt DC wall transformer.

Customers wishing to use a Data Serializer must construct a piece of software for sending commands and
records to it. This software also has to receive delivery records when the Data Serializer dumps the RAM
card memory. The range of applications that can accomplish these tasks is very broad and beyond the scope
of this manual.

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3. Installation & Wiring
The LectroCount3 Data Serializer (Figure 1) is packaged in a black sheet metal box with a RAM card slot
on the front, a wiring panel on the back and rubber feet on the bottom.

Figure 1 Data Serializer External Appearance

Place the Data Serializer on your desk so that it is convenient to insert and remove RAM cards and
is within reach of the serial cable from your host computer or modem (see the section on Setting up
the US Robotics Courier V. Everything Modem). The Data Serializer can stack on top of your
modem and underneath your phone.
Plug the serial cable from your computer into the plug marked DTE. Or, if you are using a modem
(see the section on Setting up the US Robotics Courier V. Everything Modem), plug the modem
into the plug marked DCE (See Figure 2). The Data Serializer uses standard DB-9 connectors. An
adapter or a custom cable may be required to attach to your computer. If this is the case contact a
computer accessory supplier for a recommended cable.

Figure 2 Wiring Panel Detail

Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position.
If the Data Serializer has not been configured, see the information on setting the port jumpers and
communication parameters in the service information and spare parts section.
Plug the factory wired terminal block on the wall transformer cable into the 3 pin receptacle in the
center of the wiring panel. It is keyed, so don't force it. The screws on the terminal block will point
downward. The green wire in the plug should be on the side nearest the fuse.
Plug the wall transformer into a standard, grounded 110 volt 60Hz wall outlet.
Put the power switch in the ON position.
If the red LED next to the power switch lights up, the unit is ready for operation. If not, see the
section on service information and spare parts.

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4. Operation
The LectroCount3 Data Serializer responds to requests received on its serial input port. It performs operations on the
LectroCount3 RAM card. It usually transfers data to or from the RAM card. You do not usually see the operation of
the Data Serializer directly. You see the operation of your interface software. If you see abnormal behavior, your
first step in trying to resolve it should be with the organization that developed your interface software.
The LectroCount3 Data Serializer Serial Protocol Specification, Liquid Controls Corporation Report No. 950517,
details requests, responses and error codes. The LectroCount3 Record Format Specification, Liquid Controls
Corporation Report No. 950525, contains definitions of the records on which the Data Serializer operates. If you
want to have a piece of software written to interface to the Data Serializer or if you are a programmer interfacing to
the Data Serializer, you need these documents. Please contact your Liquid Controls representative to arrange for
copies of these documents.

As a convenience, the following sections describe general commands and the records on which they
operate.
4.1. Data Serializer Request Descriptions (Command Summary)
The following sections describe each request and its effect on the Data Serializer and the inserted RAM card.
The Data Serializer will honor the "terminate operation request" during any command that entails extensive
output.
4.1.1.Clear Command: C
3
Receiving a clear request causes the LectroCount Data Serializer to write an empty totalizer record to the
LectroCount3 RAM card. It also initializes all possible start of record sentinels to a formatted state. This
operation leaves the LectroCount3 RAM card in a completely empty, formatted state.
4.1.2. Dump with Status Command: D
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This request causes the LectroCount Data Serializer to transmit each record currently stored on the
LectroCount3 RAM card in turn. The first record transmitted will always be a totalizer record. After the
totalizer record no ordering or sequence of records will be enforced, nor should it be expected. This operation
will not download records that are flawed or records that contain a flagged record type field.

4.1.3.Dump All Command: d

This request is very similar to the previous request except that flawed records (records that contain corrupt
data) are downloaded in addition to well-formed records. The flawed records are flagged by adding the flag
value to the record type field (e.g., a flawed miscellaneous transaction record (usually record type 8) would
instead be reported as having a record type of 72 if the flag value is 64).
4.1.4. Full Duplex Command: F
The full duplex command is useful only if you are typing in the commands and observing the responses. When
the LectroCount3 Data Serializer is in full duplex, it echoes each command sent to it. This provides immediate
feedback on the keys pressed as well as the over-all health of the LectroCount3 Data Serializer.
4.1.5.Hex Dump Utility Command: HD
.The HEX dump utility renders the contents of the RAM card between the specified addresses in ASCII HEX
format. This utility is useful for diagnosis and resolution of field problems. As an example, HD 200 300 will
dump 10016 bytes of the RAM card memory starting at address 200. The end address is 300. Note that there is
a space between HD and 200, and a space between 200 and 300.
4.1.6.Software ID Command: ID
This command is used to identify the Data Serializer software, an example response is:
DATA SERIALIZER
SOFTWARE SDS0001 REV F MARCH 8, 2002
4.1.7.Read User Identifier Command: IR
This operation retrieves and displays a previously written user identification string.

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4.1.8.Write User Identifier Command: IW
This operation will write the 16 character alpha-numeric user identifier string immediately following the IW (i.e.,
any intervening space(s) will also be copied) to memory. This user identification string is a secondary identification.
It is not the LectroCount3 RAM card ID field.
4.1.9. Delete Delivery Record Command: K
This operation flags the delivery record whose access number field is the same as the number provided in the
request. This action removes the subject record from the set of scheduled deliveries.
4.1.10. Load RAM Card Command: L
Issuing this request directs the LectroCount3 Data Serializer to interpret the next transmission as records that should
be stored, in order of transmission, on the LectroCount3 RAM card. A valid totalizer record must be the first record
in the transmission.
4.1.11. Display Mode Number Command: M
This operation causes the current serial communications mode to be retrieved and displayed. The mode number is
encoded as follows:

Serial Communication Mode Bit Position Additive Value

X-on/X-off flow control on load
X-on/X-off flow control on dump
Record acknowledgment OK <cr> on load
Record acknowledgment <cr> on dump
Force X-on/X-off between records
Use Hardware Flow Control
0 1
1 2
2 4
3 8
4 16
5 32

To determine the serial communications mode to which your LectroCount3 Data Serializer currently adheres,
separate the displayed mode number into the additive value components that completely expend the mode number
value. This separation will describe the full complement of serial communications mode options that are currently
selected. Hardware flow control and X-on/X-off flow control are mutually exclusive, although this exclusion is not
enforced from the command mode.
4.1.12. Reset Mode Bit Command: MR
The mode reset bit operation will turn off the serial communication mode controlled by the bit position
indicated (e.g., MR1 turns off X-on/X-off flow control on dumps).
4.1.13. Set Mode Bit Command: MS
The set mode bit operation will turn on the serial communication mode controlled by the bit position indicated (e.g.,
MS3 turns on ACK character record acknowledgment on dumps).
4.1.14. Reload RAM Card Command: R
The reload RAM card operation appends the records that will be downloaded to the records that exist on the
currently inserted LectroCount3 RAM card. Records will be written from the beginning of the LectroCount3 RAM
card, overwriting any completed delivery (scheduled or unscheduled) records, overwriting any flagged records or
writing into previously unused memory.
4.1.15. Dump Selected Records (with status) Command: S
This operation downloads the totalizer record, all completed delivery records (scheduled and unscheduled) and
any flawed records.
4.1.16. Test Command: T
The test request will cause the LectroCount3 Data Serializer to attempt to read a LectroCount3 RAM card. If it
detects the presence of a RAM card it will determine the size of the RAM card.

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4.1.17. Verify Command: V
This operation reads and downloads the entire totalizer record, and the record header (the record type, the number of
numeric fields and the number of alpha-numeric fields) and the first field (e.g., the access number of a dispatch
record) of each valid record on the LectroCount3 RAM card.
4.1.18. Terminate Operation Request Command: escape
On receipt of an ASCII escape character, the LectroCount3 Data Serializer will terminate the current operation and
return within 100 milliseconds to request mode.

4.2. Record Descriptions

The following sections describe each record's content. The details of record formats are provided in the
LectroCount3 Record Format Specification (Liquid Controls Corporation Report No. 950525).
4.2.1. Totalizer
The totalizer record contains information such as an identifier and status for the LectroCount3 RAM card, truck
identification and mileage information, ticket and sale information, time and date logging, and sales, net, gross
and tax totals.
4.2.2. Net Preset Dispatch
This record represents a customer's unfulfilled request for a specific net volume of product.
4.2.3. Gross Preset Dispatch
This record represents a customer's unfulfilled request for a specific gross volume of product.
4.2.4. Price Preset Dispatch
This record represents a customer's unfulfilled request for a specific currency amount of product.
4.2.5. Dispatch Without Preset
This record represents a customer's unfulfilled, non-specific request for service. All four types of dispatch
records contain customer specific location information, preset information, tax and discount information,
product and use codes, and an access number to control access to and correlate the customer with this
delivery.
4.2.6. Completed Scheduled Delivery
This record represents a satisfied, scheduled customer request for product. Completed scheduled delivery
records replace the dispatch records they satisfy on the LectroCount3 RAM card.
4.2.7. Completed Unscheduled Delivery
This record represents a delivery that was not on the delivery schedule. Completed unscheduled delivery records
allocate and use previously unused LectroCount3 RAM card storage space. Both types of delivery records
contain net and gross delivery volume and the average temperature of the delivery, payment information, truck
mileage information, tax and discount information, product and use codes, delivery time and date logging, and
an access number to control access to and correlate the customer with this delivery.
4.2.8. Miscellaneous Transaction
This transaction represents a satisfied, chargeable request by the customer for a product or service that is not
metered and therefore cannot be automatically controlled and tracked by the LectroCount3. This record contains
unmetered delivery volume, payment information, truck mileage information, tax information, transaction time
and date logging, and an access number to control access to and correlate the customer with this transaction.
4.2.9. Base Price & Tax Setup
A base price and tax setup record exists for every product. It contains the product code, its price per unit volume
and four categories of percentage and per unit volume taxes. The base price and tax setup in the LectroCount3
RAM card can be overridden manually in LectroCount3 mode 12.
4.2.10. Discount Schedule Setup
The discount schedule record contains three categories and amounts of volume discount. It also contains
percentage and per unit discounts for cash payment for each of three calendar intervals. The default discount
schedule in the LectroCount3 RAM card can be overridden manually in LectroCount3 mode 14.

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5. Service Information and Spare Parts
5.1. Ready Light Doesn't Illuminate
1. Check that the fuse is not blown (see Figure 2). If it is, replace it with a new, known good fuse of the
same type (250 volt, 1 amp SLO-BLO). If the fuse keeps blowing, contact your Liquid Controls
distributor or Liquid Controls customer service.
2. Make sure that the power connector is securely connected. If not, turn the Data Serializer OFF and push the
jack into the plug. It is keyed, so don't force it. The screws on the terminal block will point downward. The
green wire in the plug should be on the side nearest the fuse. Turn the Data Serializer back on and check to see
if the ready light illuminates.
3. Make sure that the wires in the factory wired terminal block are securely fastened. If not, turn the Data
Serializer OFF and unplug the wall transformer, then fasten the wires securely using the screw terminals on the
connector. Use the printing on the wiring panel to determine which wire goes on which terminal. Red goes on
plus (+). Black goes on minus (-). Green goes on earth ground. Plug the wall transformer in and turn the Data
Serializer back on. Check to see if the ready light illuminates.

5.2. Interface Software Gives Unexpected Results

1. Contact the supplier of your interface software.

5.3. DTE Port Doesn't Pass Data

1. Configure the second port jumpers to DTE configuration.
2. Run your interface software to ensure operation.

5.4. Setting up the US Robotics Courier V. Everything Modem

The US Robotics Courier V. Everything modem will connect on lines on which other modems will either
not connect or degrade throughput. We recommend only this modem for use with the data serializer. The modem
is capable of advanced features such as dial-in security, call-back and remote diagnostics. These features are
beyond the scope of this document. Please refer to your US Robotics Courier V. Everything modem manual
for information on these features.
5.4.1. To get the greatest throughput using the data serializer with a modem
Leave the modem factory software settings alone.
Set modem DIP switches according to the following section (this is important).
Set your host computer and data serializer to the same data bit length, parity and number of stop bits. The
modems are insensitive to these parameters as long as the data bits, parity and stop bits add up to 9 bits.
Set the data serializer to 38,400 baud.
Each time you connect to the modem, issue the AT %B8 command.

5.4.2. How to set the DIP switches under the modem

For a description of the function of these switches, see your US Robotics Courier V.Everything modem
manual.

O O O O O O

O
N O O O O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Figures: US Robotics Courier V. Everything Modem DIP Switch Settings

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 5.4.3.What the Settings should look like
You should not have to set any of the software configured parameters of the modem. The table
below represents the factory settings.
When your modem is properly configured and you dump the modem configuration via the ATI5 command,
the modem should dump the following screen full of data.

US ROBOTICS Courier V. Everything NVRAM Settings. . .

DIAL=PULSE BO F1 M1 X7

BAUD=38400 PARITY=N WORDLEN=8

&A3 &B1 &G0 &H1 &I0 &K1 &L0 &M4 &N0

&P0 &R2 &S0 &T5 &X0 &Y1 %N6

S00=001 S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008 S06=002 S07=060 S08=002

S09=006 S10=007 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000 S15=000 S19=000 S21=010
S22=017 S23=019 S24=150 S25=005 S26=001 S27=000 S28=008 S29=020
S31=000 S32=009 S33=000 S34=000 S35=000 S36=000 S37=000 S38=000
S39=000 S40=000 S41=000 S42=126 S43=200 S44=015 S51=000 S53=000
S54=064 S55=000 S56=000 S57=000
STORED PHONE NUMBERS
0: 1:
2: 3:
4: 5:
6: 7:
8: 9:
STORED COMMAND =

5.5. Setting the DCE Labeled Port Jumpers

1. Turn the power to the Data Serializer OFF.
2. Unplug the wall transformer from the wall socket.
3. Open the Data Serializer box.
4. Configure the jumpers according to the appropriate pictured configuration.

Figure 4 Computer Connection Jumper block Setting

Figure 5 Modem Connection Jumper Block Setting

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5. Close the Data Serializer box.
6. Plug the wall transformer into the wall outlet.
7. Plug the computer cable into the DB-9 connector farthest from the power switch (labeled DCE).
8. Turn the power to the Data Serializer ON.

5.6. Setting the Communication Parameters

5.6.1. Baud Rate

Figure 6
4800 Baud

Figure 7
9600 Baud

Figure 8
19200 Baud

Figure 9
38400 Baud

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5.6.2. Number of Stop Bits

Figure 10
One Stop Bit

Figure 11
Two Stop Bits

5.6.3. Number of Data Bits

Figure 12
Seven Data Bits

Figure 13
Eight Data Bits

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5.6.4. Parity

Figure 14
No Parity (None)

Figure 15
Odd Parity

Figure 16
Even Parity

Figure 17
Undefined (Dont use this setting)

6. Specifications
Voltage Supply: 110 volts AC, 60 Hz
Current Supply: 1 amp maximum
Separate DC and earth (chassis) ground (through the power supply cable) for protection
Serial Output: EIA-232 DTE or DCE
Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 Centigrade
Humidity Range: 0 -100% non-condensing
Not intended for use in hazardous locations
Will not interfere with the normal operation of any standard
business office equipment

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 SOLD AND SERVICED BY
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Liquid Controls, Inc.. (Seller) products are warranted against
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provided that seller is given written notice within (30) days of
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date of sale shall be a copy of the Sellers invoice. In the event
that a factory inspection by Seller or its designee(s) supports the
validity of a claim, at the discretion of Seller, repair, replacement
or refund shall be sole remedy for defect
LIQUID CONTROLS, INC.
LIQUID A Unit of IDEX Corporation
CONTROLS 105 Albrecht Drive
A Unit of IDEX Corporation Lake Bluff, IL 60044-2242
(847) 295-1050
FAX: (847) 295-1057
Website:
www.lcmeter.com
2002 Liquid Controls
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