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Spec to bluesky

When transitioning between Spec and Bluesky software for controlling experiments, adjustments are needed for interfacing with Keithley meters. These meters use a GPIB cable with Spec and an RS232 port with Bluesky.

Switching from Spec to Bluesky

Preparation

Before switching from Spec to Bluesky: - Take a photo of the GPIB connections to ensure you can reconnect them correctly when switching back.

Steps for Switching

  1. Disconnect the GPIB cable from each Keithley meter.
  2. Connect the RS232 cable (Moxa) to the corresponding ports:
  3. Keithley 1: port 1
  4. Keithley 2: port 3
  5. Keithley 3: port 5
  6. Keithley 4: port 7

Configuration for Each Keithley Model

Keithley 6514
  • Turn off GPIB communication.
  • Change the communication protocol to RS232.
  • Set the baud rate to 11920.
  • Change the terminator setting from CR to CRLF.
  • Restart the device.
Keithley 6517B
  • Change the communication protocol from GPIB to RS232.
  • Set the baud rate to 19200.
  • Change the terminator setting from CR to CRLF.
  • Restart the device.

Switching from Bluesky to Spec

To revert to using Spec after operating with Bluesky:

  1. Disconnect the RS232 cables from all Keithley meters.
  2. Reconnect the GPIB cables according to the positions noted in the photos taken during the initial switch.
  3. Configure each Keithley meter to use GPIB communication by reversing the changes made when switching to Bluesky.