The purpose of the 050D RS232 interface are to link a computer and the Ockam System together. The interface provides a connection to the system's display and keyboard channels, allowing the computer to read display and polar curve data, control certain aspects of the CPU's operation , control operation of the 044 Magnum indicators and certain other devices, and display calculated functions on the system's indicators. 

This interface allows you to control your instrument system by adjusting the amount of averaging used on several outputs, inputting current and a waypoint, and adjusting several calibrations.   However, the most unique feature, is the ability for you to program your own outputs, by reading in any of the system outputs, calculating up to ten of your own functions, and sending the results to your own set of cards, ( See section 4 at the manual for more detailed information). The 050D can also connect to Ockam’s NMEA channel, which in conjunction with the 041 GPS interface, provides complete bi-directional access to the GPS by the computer.

Input to your computer

The interface sends information to your computer in one of four ways as specified by interface switch S2 on power-up or by subsequent "!" command lines from the computer;

• Protocol mode causes the interface to output data only when asked. The interface waits for your computer to ask for specific data, then returns the value (s). The 050D interface buffers data internally, minimizing response time.  

           The advantage of this type of output is that your computer doesn't have to weed through a bunch of (at the moment) irrelevant data to find what it wants. The disadvantage is that there is a turn-around time involved, and the requesting software can sometimes hang because the interface and computer can both think it’s the other’s turn to say something.  

• Ockam stream output causes all Ockam display data to continuously flow to the computer. It sends your computer EVERYTHING that comes out of the OCKAM system (about 400 characters per second). This type of output is generally input to an Ockam driver that separates the data and stores it in an array inside the computer, so it is instantly available to any program.

          The advantage of this type of output is that the data arriving at your computer is as up-to-date as it can be, and if an Ockam driver is installed, is available without any communication delay. Its disadvantage is that your computer has to handle information at up to 480 characters per second (about 10% of an 8086, much less on an 80X86).   

• NMEA stream output causes NMEA data to continuously flow to the computer. 

• Interleaved output causes both NMEA and Ockam data to flow to the computer. NMEA sentences are sent imbedded in Ockam tag "$". Because two streams are melded together within the interface, the data rate can be as high as 960 characters per second.

Settings by application

SPECIFICATIONS