GR34A Graphic Recorder

The RMS Instruments'  GR34A Chart Recorder is a microprocessor based oscillographic recorder implementing proven thermal array writing technology.  Sharp images are produced on plain, high temperature grade, white thermal paper.  A simple paper drive mechanism provides high reliability with VERY LOW MAINTENANCE.  The GR34A has an unsurpassed performance record for precision and versatility in data recording.
 
 

Unique Features   1-32 channels (16 bit), 6 events on a 12 5/8 in. (321 mm) chart lightweight and easily transported simultaneous analog, digital and message recording stand alone and/or fully programmable from host computer transient recording, up to 31 Khz sampling software or hardware lockout of control panel

real time calendar clock - battery backed 22 types of self printing grids variable time marker or time dependent grid crystal controlled chart speed  chart speed derived from any analog channel external frequency control of chart speed  half/full step operation  4 setup tables  2 programmable header messages parameter table printout 'Hi-Lo' set points with alarm and printed messages  thermocouple and RTD linearization event counters and markers  remote chart ON/OFF  ability to use 2nd analog input module  ARINC interface support

signal trace positioning anywhere on the chart automatic even separation of the 'ON' channels  built in test features  15 digital filter types for each channel individual offset voltage on each channel auto-null capability for each channel programmable polarity  partition chart with up to 15 boundaries  individual signals can be programmed to wrap, ignore or stop at boundaries or chart edges programmable signal identification labels voltmeter display and printing capability self testing with status messages  various methods of plotting signals  programmable channel sensitivities serial output of trace and transient data

Multiple Operating Modes

Stand Alone Operation

The GR34A can operate as a conventional strip chart recorder when the optional 32 channel Analog Input Module is installed (RMS4185A).  All of the items listed in the features list, as well as the control function and parameter settings, are easily performed with the unique control panel.  For example, any of the 32 channels can be keyed ON or OFF, any channel can be freely positioned across the chart, and different sensitivities can be assigned to each channel.

Computer Controlled

The GR34A recorder can be totally controlled from a host computer with or without an RMS4185A Analog Input Module installed.  All of the front panel control functions can be performed remotely via the serial or parallel ports (both standard), or the optional IEEE-488 interface.  Not only can control functions and messages be sent, but signal traces can also be produced directly from digital data, without the necessity of using D/A's to convert back to analog.  The host can disable the control panel if local control is not desired.

While under computer control, the user has complete access to all of the GR34A's Chart Recorder, Alphanumeric, and Raster Graphics capabilities.  Traces can be produced from digital data while simultaneously printing messages, or print text as a line printer.  Control is permitted even to the extent of accessing the 1240 individual printing elements to produce Raster Graphic images.

Analog/Digital Modes

The GR34A is not restricted to Stand Alone or Computer Controlled operation but can also be used in a combined mode.  Signal traces can be produced from analog signals (via the RMS4185A Analog Input Module) as well as from digital data (via the parallel/serial ports or the optional IEEE-488 module).

While in this mode, messages can be readily printed for correlation with external events.  The GR34A can be producing traces from analog and digital sources, writing messages, and at the same time, send the data via the serial port to a computer.

PC Compatible Software

PC33  PC Compatible Interface and Control optional software allows users operating in the PC environment to control and program the recorder easily and quickly without having to write their own code.  For those who wish to write their own programs, the complete GR34A command set is supplied in the Users’ Guide.

With this software, the user can alter the recorder functions in real time, and in the edit mode produce recorder configurations or setups which can be saved and downloaded as required.

Other features are: the real time logging to disk of data from the serial output port of the GR34A, and storage of the Transient Digitizer data which is presented in standard formats for use with data analysis software packages.

Also included are device drivers allowing direct output to the GR34A of graphics or text as well as menus for conversions to engineering units.

The software also provides a library of modules from which the user can access and link to their own programs.  The library contains control functions and routines for producing traces on the recorder from digital data.

DISP33 Virtual Chart Recorder Display is a program that graphically displays data from RMS Instruments' GR34A family of Chart Recorders in real time.  The program uses an IBM  - compatible computer to create a display that resembles the output of a chart recorder - vertical traces on a chart.  Traces are drawn in different colours, with matching labels.  Several charts, each with its own gain and zero point, can be displayed on one screen.  Up to four screens can be defined in a single configuration.

RS232 Output Port

The GR34A has as standard, a serial output port for data transmission; all 32 channels are transmitted, whichever their source (analog or digital) as well as some ancillary data.  When the optional RMS4185A Analog Input Module is installed, the 16-bit data can be sent in ASCII or binary format to a computer, remote terminal, or an additional recording device.  Data from the optional RMS4450 Transient Digitizer Module and RMS4429A ARINC Interface can also be transmitted for further analysis.

Four Setup Tables

All recording parameters are stored in the nonvolatile memory and are retained during power down.  The GR34A has FOUR separate setup tables which the user can recall quickly.

This is especially useful when a series of tests or measurements require different recorder configurations.  The setup table at power-up will be the last one which was selected from the keyboard or a host computer.

Additional  configurations can also be downloaded from files when the GR34A is used with a host computer.

Operator Control Panel

The operation of the GR34A is generally controlled by the unique, compact controlled panel.  The single rotary control scrolls through the parameters and functions, eliminating the numerous front panel controls usually found on multi-channel chart recorders.

Paper Transport

The paper transport pivots out and is easily loaded in a few seconds.  It also has an internal take-up spool as a standard feature.

Chart Annotation

The GR34A provides, upon command from the keyboard or host computer, a complete printout of all the recorder parameters.  There are also two 132 character programmable header messages.   This message can also be used to indicate the scaling across the chart.  Once the header messages are entered, they are retained in the nonvolatile memory.  In addition, a 40 character horizontal message and four 32 character vertical messages can be sent under computer control, with the position on the chart being programmable.

Optional Interfaces

Analog Input

The RMS4185A module provides 32 differential analog voltage inputs, with a range of ±10 volts and 16 bit resolution (300 microvolts). The maximum chart sensitivity can be set to 10 millivolts per inch or cm with ±10 volts suppression.  The module is microprocessor based, and under software control, the calibration is ensured by continually performing self tests which automatically adjust the gain and zero suppression.  There are 15 digital filters (low pass, high pass, spike-reject and averaging) which may be applied to any channel.  Channels may be individually programmed for auto-nulling, setpoints, linearization, offsets etc.

There are 6 TTL/CMOS compatible or switch closure event inputs for marking the chart.  Two of the events have presettable counters which are periodically printed on the edges of the chart.  Another event input can be used to remotely turn the chart ON/OFF, or cause a header message to be printed.

The recorder chart speed can also be controlled by either an external frequency or an analog channel - Specifications

ARINC Interface

The RMS4429A microprocessor based module allows traces to be produced from data received via the ARINC bus.

The module supports 4 independent channels that can be configured to decode the following ARINC formats: 429 (high & low speed), 419, 561, 568, 571, 575 and 579.  The user has the ability to extract specific data from the bus by programming equipment I.D. labels and data masks into the module.  Up to 16 traces can be derived in this manner, and the trace data produced is also available at the serial output port in ASCII or binary format - Specifications

Video Interface

The RMS4190 module allows the superimposing of up to 2 lines of alphanumeric data on the video signal of a flight path or monitoring camera.  The output may be displayed on a monitor and/or recorded on a VCR.

The GR34A itself supplies the Real Time Clock data while other data may come from the RMS4137  BCD input module, and/or a host computer.  In addition, a crosshair on the video can be controlled by 2 channels of the RMS4185A Analog Input Module - Specifications

IEEE-488 Bus Interface

The RMS4088 permits the GR34A to operate under a host computer as a listener on an IEEE-488 compatible bus -  Specifications

20 Digit BCD Input

The RMS4137 module provides for 20 parallel BCD inputs (80 lines) from which the data may be recorded as signal traces or as alphanumeric characters.  When used with the RMS4190 video interface module, the BCD data may be superimposed on the video signal - Specifications

RMS4450 Waveform and Transient Digitizer

This feature provides up to 512K bytes of memory (256K standard) for the capturing of transient and high frequency data.  The digitizer functions in conjunction with the RMS4185A Analog Input Module - Specifications

Number of interface modules supported

The GR34A can accommodate up to 3 interface modules.

Product Support

RMS INSTRUMENTS has built a reputation for supplying reliable products and customer support by combining a high level of design excellence with a practical modular construction.  These easily removed sub-assemblies on the plug-in Interface Modules allow for quick access for maintenance.

Consult the factory for the latest options and customized recorder configurations.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.