INTERFACE AND COMPUTER QUESTIONS

RAM-5000 Systems and SNAP Systems

Q. I just replaced my computer with a new computer which only has a PCI interface. My current ADAC card is ISA- based. Can I purchase a PCI card for use with my system?

A. We have been communicating with ADAC about this issue. We have evaluated PCI cards but have found them to be greatly more expensive. The particular solution will depend on which power frame is used in your system. The card which we will be evaluating for use with the RAM-5000 system can be seen at the following link: http://www.sealevel.com/catalog/8001.htm As of December 1, 2000, the board is still undergoing testing. The assignment of the output signals from the Sealevel board on the DB-37 connector is slightly different from the ADAC 5632 board; therefore, this board will require a modification to the interface board inside the RAM-5000 power frame. For further assistance please contact RITEC, as the exact solution will depend on the particular version of your RAM-5000 system. The manual for this board is available from Sealevel at
ftp://ftp1.sealevel.com/pub/MANUALS/pdf/8001.pdf

and the drivers are available at

http://www.sealevel.com/catalog/relsw.htm.

Q. I am interested in using the GPIB interface with my RAM system so that I can control other instruments as well as my RAM. Is it available?

A. The RAM-5000 can accept the IOTech Digital488/32OEM board as an optional interface. Additional software will need to be obtained from RITEC to control the board. Information on the IOTech board and drivers can be found at http://www.iotech.com//catalog/temp/catoem.html and http://www.iotech.com/catalog/temp/dig_oem.pdf. The control software for the RAM-5000 Mark IV, Mark VI and the SNAP systems have been written using the National Instruments GPIB driver calls and protocol. Further information on the software can be found through the following link: http://www.RitecInc.com/appnotes/GPIBinstallation.pdf.

Q. I have an older RAM-5000 system and have lost the original software diskette. How can I get replacement software?

A. The software section of the website has several versions available for download. These versions are for use with the ADAC-5632 card. They are configured for use with the standard low-power systems covering the frequency ranges of 0.05 MHz to 5 MHz, 0.25 MHz to 17.5 MHz with output power levels of 1.5 KW and 1 to 40 MHz with output power levels of 100 W and for high-power systems covering the frequency range of 0.05-0.5 MHz, 0.5-5 MHz and 0.25-7 MHz with output powers of 5KW. Please contact the factory about versions for the GPIB optional interface. The software section of the website can be found through the following link: http://www.RitecInc.com/software/.