Amplivox CA 850-2 Manual
Amplivox CA 850-2 Manual
Amplivox CA 850-2 Manual
CONTENTS PAGE
(1) Introduction .. .. .. .. .. .. 3
(15) Connectors .. .. .. .. .. .. 47
Appendix C - Warranty .. .. .. .. .. 55
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1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the CA850 Series 2 digital audiometer. The CA850
is an automatic audiometer that incorporates a number of innovative features
which make it the ideal instrument for use in today's health care environment.
2. UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Check that all the equipment listed below has been delivered:
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3. FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
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4. THE KEYS
In order to use the audiometer effectively, the user first needs to be familiar
with function of the various keys. These are summarised below:
ESCAPE (Manual) This key allows the user to escape from any situation
without affecting any settings or date. The standby state
may always be reached by pressing ESCAPE one or
moretimes (depending on the current status).
Note: If "Select Test Mode" is illustrated on the LCD, then the above
three keys are used to specify which test mode is required.
YES This key is used to start a test, to action a menu option and
to answer questions displayed on the LCD.
TALKOVER This key may be pressed at any time during the test totalk
to the patient. The volume control to the left of this key
determines the audible level. The microphone is on the
top right of the front panel.
LEFT EAR These keys allow the user to specify which ear is to be
RIGHT EAR tested, or which resultant audiogram is to be viewed on
the LCD.
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LEVEL These keys are used to select a decibel level when a
manual test is being performed. A cursor on the LCD
illustrates the selected level which is also stated on the
bottom right hand corner of the LCD.
Note: When the audiometer is in its standby mode the OPTIONS key may
be pressed to gain access to the options menu. All options which the user
can change may be modified via this menu. (For further explanation
please see Options Section).
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5. BACK PANEL LAYOUT
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6. AUDIOMETRY PREPARATION
Ambient Conditions
(a) Spectacles, head ornaments (earrings etc) and hearing aids, when worn,
shall be removed.
(b) Hair shall be removed from between the earphone and the head.
Thereafter, and prior to the test tone presentation, the test subject shall undergo
a rest period of at least half a minute.
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7. AUDIOMETER CONNECTIONS
All sockets and jack plugs are colour coded to ensure correct identification and
connection of the audiometric equipment. In order to set up the CA850 in
preparation for conducting audiometric tests, the following connections need to
be made:-
(1) Connect the left and right headset, jack plugs and patient response jack
plug into the appropriate colour coded and labelled sockets on the back
panel.
(2) Connect the keyboard into the corresponding labelled socket (26) on the
back panel (if keyboard is to be used).
(3) Connect RS232 plug into the corresponding labelled socket (27) on the
back panel (if audiogram results are to be transferred to an external
computer/computer program).
(4) Connect the power cable to the mains input socket (29) on the back
panel and to the mains supply.
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8. OPERATING THE CA850 SERIES 2
Upon passing the internal validation tests, the CA850 will display the
following message on the LCD:
This screen display corresponds to the test block opposite shown as:
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8.2 Standby Mode
The standby mode is the mode that the CA850 will return to upon
completion of, or exiting from, a test or result process.
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9. MANUAL TEST MODE
Upon selecting the manual test mode when "Select test mode" is displayed
on the LCD, the following display will appear:
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Page 1 (Personal Details)
Ident
Name
Fore
Test date
Address / Notes
Page 1
Name: Use the keyboard to enter the surname of the test subject. The
CA850 will accept a maximum of 14 alphanumeric characters.
Fore: Use the keyboard to enter the forename of the test subject. The
CA850 will accept a maximum of 14 alphanumeric characters.
Address/ Only enter data if the test results are to be stored in the internal
Notes: memory or sent via the RS232 interface to an external computer
since an audiogram print out on the CA850 will not list address
information.
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Page 2 Previous Test Information
In order for the HSE Categorisation procedure to be performed in full, the test
subject's date of birth and previous test results need to be entered. (For further
explanation please see Categorisation Section).
Birth date: Use the keyboard to enter the date of birth of the test
subject (day/month/year).
Previous test: If the test is for a baseline audiogram, then ignore this
input field and press the YES key to move onto the test.
However, if previous test results are known, use the
keyboard to enter the date of the previous audiogram
(day/month/year) and the individual threshold levels.
When complete press the YES key to move onto the test.
NB: Since there are no current test results at this stage, Page 3 of the
Patient Record cannot be viewed.
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9.2 Performing the test
Consider the following example: If a test subject has, say, a hearing threshold
of 20dB at 1KHz this is determined by initially selecting a test frequency of
1KHz and a test tone of 30dB. If the test subject indicates that the tone has
been heard, the tone is decreased in 5dB steps until the test subject cannot hear
the tone (in this case the tones at 25dB and 20dB will be heard but not the tone
at 15dB). The operator shall then increase the test tone by 5dB and at 20dB the
test subject will indicate that the tone has been heard, i.e. the lowest level at
which the test subject can identify the tone when it is re-introduced.
If the subject has not undergone an audiometry test before, the subject shall be
given instructions to press and release the response button upon hearing the
tone.
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In manual mode the following information will be illustrated on the LCD.
-Press Left or RIGHT to select the ear to be tested (left is the default choice).
-To select the required frequency level of the tone, use the Å or Æ keys (18)
and (19).
-To select the decibel level of the tone, use the Ç or È keys (20) and (21).
-To present a tone, press the touch sensitive key (22). The tone present
indicator (7) will illuminate if the subject indicates that the tone has been
heard.
-The message "Plot?" will appear on the top right of the screen. If the hearing
threshold is to be saved and plotted as the actual threshold at the particular
frequency press YES. Otherwise select another decibel level and present
another tone until the hearing threshold level at that particular frequency is
found.
-Move onto the next frequency required and repeat the above process.
Continue until both ears have been tested across the required frequency range.
-To view the comprehensive result, press LEFT or RIGHT and the information
will be displayed on the LCD.
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9.3 To print results
-Press PRINT. The message "insert paper" appears on the top of the LCD.
-Ensure that the arrow printed on the paper and the arrow printed above the
paper slot (1) are facing each other.
-Feed paper into the entry slot until the paper is taken by the printer.
-Press DATABASE
-Use Ç and È keys to select "store current data"
-Press YES
-Press DATABASE
-Use Ç and È keys to select "Send to RS232"
-Press YES
-Having completed the results process (print, stores, etc) press ESCAPE to
return to the standby mode
-Press YES to run a test
-Press MANUAL to select test mode
-Press YES to edit the current patient record
-Press NO to select the 'erase' option
-Press YES to erase the current patient record
-Enter new patient details as required and perform another manual test
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10. BEKESY TEST MODE
In essence the principal behind the Bekesy test in that the patient adjusts the
presented decibel level according to his or her hearing threshold. The decibel
level decreases when the patient presses the signal response button upon
hearing the presented tone. Conversely when the patient can no longer hear the
presented tone, he or she will release the response button therefore allowing the
decibel level to increase until the presented tone is heard again. (This is best
explained with use of the following diagram which illustrates the principle of
the test).
1. The tone is presented at 40 dBHL, the test subject hears this tone and
presses the response button. The CA850 will now decrease the
presented tone in 2.5db steps until a point is reached whereby the test
subject can no longer hear a tone..
2. In this example, at 25db a tone can no longer be heard, therefore the test
subject releases the response button. The CA850 will now increase the
presented tone in 2.5db until a point is reached whereby the test subject
hears the tone again.
3. In this example, at 35db the tone is heard again, therefore the test
subject presses the response button. Again, the CA850 will now
decrease the presented tone in 2.5db steps until a point is reached
whereby the test subject can no longer hear a tone.
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4. In this example, at 25db a tone is no longer heard and the test subject
releases the response button. The CA850 will now increase the
presented tone in 2.5db steps until a point is again reached whereby the
test subject hears the tone and presses the response button.
If the patient has not been subject to a Bekesy test before he or she should be
given instructions to press the patient response button when the tone is heard
and to release when the tone is no longer heard.
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To perform a Bekesy test:
Select the Bekesy test mode when "select test mode" is displayed on the
LCD. The following display will appear.
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Page 1 (Personal Details)
Ident
Name
Fore
Test date
Address/Notes
Page 1
←→↑↓ Select No - Erase
Yes - Proceed Esc - Exit
Name: Use the keyboard to enter the surname of the test subject. The
CA850 will accept a maximum of 14 alphanumeric characters.
Fore: Use the keyboard to enter the forename of the test subject. The
CA850 will accept a maximum of 14 alphanumeric characters.
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Page 2 - Previous Test Information
Birth date: / /
Prev test:
Previous
Left Right
500
1K
2K
3K
4K
6K
8K
Page 2
←→↑↓Select No - Erase
Yes - Proceed Esc - Exit
In order for the HSE Categorisation procedure to be performed in full, the test
subject's date of birth and previous test results need to be entered (for further
explanation, please see Categorisation Section).
Birth Date: Use the keyboard to enter the date of birth of the test
subject (day/month/year).
Previous Test: If the test is for a baseline audiogram, then ignore this
input field and press the Yes key to move onto the test.
However, if previous test results are known, use the
keyboard to enter the date of the previous audiogram
(day/month/year) and the individual threshold levels.
When complete press the Yes key to move onto the test.
N.B. Since there are no current test results at this stage, Page 3 of the Patient
Record cannot be viewed.
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10.2 Select Bekesy test criteria
Select as appropriate
The message "familiar?" will appear on the top right of the LCD. The
CA850 gives the option of running a familiarisation routine prior to the
test proper. The advantages of this are that: (1) It ensures the patient
understands how to respond to the presented tones, and (2) It makes the
patient familiar to the test routine. The familiarisation routine can reduce
inconsistent patient responses, thus making the test more accurate and
time efficient.
The Bekesy test will now be performed according to the test criteria and
options selected. Upon completion of the test the CA850 allows the
results to be:
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10.4 To print results
- Press PRINT. The message "insert paper" appears on the top of the
LCD.
- Ensure that the arrow printed on the paper and the arrow printed above
the paper entry slot (1) are facing each other.
- Feed paper into the entry slot until the paper is taken by the printer.
- Press DATABASE
- Use Ç and È keys to select "store current data"
- Press YES
- Press DATABASE
- Use Ç and È keys to select "send to RS232"
- Press YES
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11 COMPUTERISED TEST MODE
If the patient has not been subject to a computerised test before, the patient
should be given instruction to press and release the patient response button
once upon hearing a tone.
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To run computerised audiometric test
Select "Computer" test mode when the message "Select test mode" is
displayed on the LCD (by pressing COMPUTER key). The following
message will appear:
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Page 1 (Personal Details)
Ident
Name
Fore
Test date
Address / Notes
Page 1
Name: Use the keyboard to enter the surname of the test subject. The
CA850 will accept a maximum of 14 alphanumeric characters.
Fore: Use the keyboard to enter the forename of the test subject. The
CA850 will accept a maximum of 14 alphanumeric characters.
Address/ Only enter information data if the test results are to be stored in
Notes: the internal memory or sent via the RS232 interface to an
external computer since an audiogram print out on the CA850
will not list address information.
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Page 2 - Previous Test Information
In order for the HSE Categorisation procedure to be performed in full, the test
subject's date of birth and previous test results need to be entered (for further
explanation, please see Categorisation Section).
Birth Date: Use the keyboard to enter the date of birth of the test
subject (day/month/year).
Previous Test: If the test is for a baseline audiogram, then ignore this
input field and press the Yes key to move onto the test.
However, if previous test results are known, use the
keyboard to enter the date of the previous audiogram
(day/month/year) and the individual threshold levels.
When complete press the Yes key to move onto the test.
N.B. Since there are no current test results at this stage, Page 3 of the Patient
Record cannot be viewed.
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11.2 Select computerised test criteria
The message "Familiarise?" will appear in the top right of the LCD. The
CA850 gives the option of running a familiarisation routine prior to the
test proper. The advantages of this are that, (1) It ensures the patient
understands how to respond to the presented tones, and (2) It makes the
patient familiar to the test routine. The familiarisation routine can reduce
inconsistent patient responses, thus making the test more accurate and
time efficient.
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11.4 To Print Results
-Press PRINT. The message "insert paper" appears on the top of the
LCD.
-Ensure that the arrow printed on the paper and the arrow printed above
the paper entry slot (1) are facing each other.
-Feed paper into the entry slot until the paper is taken by the printer.
-Press DATABASE.
-Use UP and DOWN keys to select "store current data".
-Press YES.
-Press DATABASE.
-Use UP and DOWN keys to select "send to RS232".
Press YES.
-Having completed the results process (print, store etc), press ESCAPE
to return to the reset mode.
-Press YES to run a test.
-Press COMPUTER select test mode.
-Press YES to edit the current patient record.
-Press NO to select the 'erase' option.
-Press YES to erase the current patient record.
-Enter new patient details as required and perform another computerised
test.
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12 DATABASE FUNCTIONS
The database facility may be accessed from the standby mode, at the patient
details entry stage or upon completion of a test.
Note: The database will store up to 415 complete audiograms whilst the
audiometer is switched off. However, the storage of test results over
time is dependent upon the audiometer being switched on at least once a
month (this enables the memory system to be refreshed).
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12.2 Store current data
Search details
Enter patient surname or ident:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Find exact match?
Enter the search criteria and press either the YES or NO key as appropriate.
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If a record or records exist(s) within memory that matches the search criteria
then that record will be displayed. The page layout is very similar to that of the
current record display. However, the control functions listed at the bottom of
the display are different.
(Ç & È KEYS) Will facilitate the viewing of other records that match the
search criteria. The match (record) number is indicated in
the top right of the display to avoid errors being made.
If previous test results exist for the test subject and these records reside
within the internal database, it may be more time efficient to use this
function to complete pages 1 and 2 of the record (personnel details and
previous results). Therefore the need to re enter existing information is
removed.
This function will convert audiogram results stored as the current results
(page 3) of a record into the previous results (page 2) of a record.
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12.6 Send batch to RS232
This function will export all records stored within the database to an
external computer which has configured to accept the test information
Alternatively only audiograms performed after a certain date can be
transferred by using the backspace key to delete the displayed date and
entry of the required test date as appropriate.
(1) DEL - Erase whole database; prior to data transfer the operator
may require the erasure of all existing records in the internal
database. Thus the only records within the database will be the
transferred records.
(2) YES - Store all records; the operator has the option of
automatically storing all records selected for transfer from the
computer/computer program.
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13 AUDIOMETRIC TEST OPTIONS
The options menu will allow various functions to be incorporated into the
audiometric test to suit your particular audiometric requirements.
The options menu may be accessed from the reset mode by pressing the
OPTIONS key. Once selected the option will be retained indefinitely until
changed (regardless of whether the audiometer has power supplied to it).
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13.3 Change pens
13.5 Retries
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13.6 Run through
If the "run through" option is selected, the computerised test will always
proceed from start to finish regardless of whether threshold levels have
been established for particular frequencies. Consequently, if the patient
does not respond appropriately during the test the results may end up
incomplete. If "run through" is NOT selected and the patient does not
respond appropriately (i.e. inconsistent responses), the CA850 will alert
the operator that there is a problem. At this stage the operator may wish
to further instruct the patient using the 'talkover' facility before retesting
of that particular frequency.
When the CA850 is in "computerised" test mode, this option allows the
pass criteria at one particular frequency to be set at either 2 out of 3 or 3
out of 5 consistent responses.
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13.10 Expanded graph
This option will allow viewing in graphics, of all tone present and
patient responses at each particular test frequency when the audiometer
is in Bekesy or Computer test mode. On completion of the test the LCD
will display the composite results.
This function will allow the operator to choose the style in which the
current thresholds are recorded on the print-out. The choices are (1) a
full tracing which lists all tone presents, subsequent patient responses
and thresholds or (2) a print-out which displays thresholds only, i.e. x
for a left ear threshold and 'o' for a right ear threshold.
When discussing test results with test subjects, if the results are shown
in a graphical format in addition to a text format, comprehension and
hence understanding for hearing conservation programmes should be
improved.
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13.13 RS232 Mode - Series 1 or 2
The RS232 facility will allow test results to be exported and imported to
and from an external computer/computer program (for further
explanation please refer to RS232 Section).
This allows the actual print-out on the paper to be moved left, right, up
or down as required. (The alignment is set during manufacture and
should not need adjustment).
-Use Ç and È keys to select function
-Enter offset, + or - 10 for left/right alignment
-Press YES to perform
-Enter offset, + or - 10 for up/down alignment
-Press YES to perform
This option will erase all test results that are currently held within the
internal database.
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Exiting options menu
Save changes?
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14. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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15. CONNECTORS
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APPENDIX A - AUTOMATIC CATEGORISATION
(a) The hearing levels of each ear are summed over the low frequencies:
Category 1
The subject is assigned this category if the sum of the hearing levels for the left
or right ear, high or low frequencies has:
(1) Increased by 30dB or more compared with the last audiometric test if
the period since the last test is less than or equal to 3 years.
(2) Increased by 45dB or more if the period since the last test is greater than
3 years.
Category 2
The subject is assigned this category if the difference in the sum of hearing
levels between the ears exceeds either:
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Categories 3 and 4
The sums of the hearing levels for each ear should be compared with the values
in the table below.
If the sum of either ear exceeds the REFERRAL LEVEL for either low or high
frequencies or both, the case is assigned category 3.
If the sum of either ear exceeds the WARNING LEVEL, either for low or high
frequencies or both, but does not exceed the corresponding referral level the
case is assigned category 4.
20-24 45 45 60 75
25-29 45 45 66 87
30-34 45 45 72 99
35-39 48 54 78 111
40-44 51 60 84 123
45-49 54 66 90 135
50-54 57 75 90 144
55-59 60 87 90 144
60-65 65 100 90 144
65+ 70 115 90 144
Cases which have not been assigned categories 1,2,3 or 4 are categorised 5.
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Category 2:
Note that the letter "L" is used to indicate both left and low in the above
codings. There is no possibility of ambiguity, however, as in the case of
categories 1, 3 and 4 the first letter is always for the ear (left or right) and the
second for the frequency band (high, low or both); in the case of category 2,
the single letter always indicates the band (high, low or both).
----------------------------------------------------
If previous test data for the patient has not been entered, the categorisation is
still carried out. Category 1 cannot, however, be determined and this is
indicated by the coding: N/A.
(a) Category 1 is not applicable because previous data was not entered (or
was incomplete).
(b) Category 2 was assigned for the LOW frequency band only.
(c) Category 3 was assigned for the LEFT ear on BOTH high and low
frequencies.
(d) Category 4 was assigned for the RIGHT ear on the HIGH frequency
band.
Notes:
(a) If the patient's age is less than 20, categorisation will not be performed
and the message "AGE UNDER 20" will be printed.
(b) If patient details are not entered or are incomplete, the message: "DATA
INCOMPLETE" will be printed.
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(c) Categories 2, 3 and 4 are performed on the current audiogram. However,
if there is no baseline/previous audiogram and categories 2, 3 and 4 are
not assigned, the message "1, 5 - N/A" will be printed, i.e. category 5
cannot be assigned because the category 1 evaluation has not been
performed.
The RS232 data is transmitted as ASCII characters. The standard RS232 data
format consists of a number of lines, all separated by CR and LF characters.
The first line comprises a start of block character (<) and the last line an end of
block character (>). Audiometric values are separated by commas. The format
is as follows:
<
Test Mode (MANUAL, COMPUTER, AUTOMATIC)
Time of Test (HH:MM)
Date of Test (DD/MM/YY)
Patient Number (up to 8 digits)
Patient Age (DD/MM/YY)
Date of Last Test (DD/MM/YY)
Date Calibrated (DD/MM/YY)
500,1k,2k,3k,4k,6k,8k (Previous Left values)
500,1k,2k,3k,4k,6k,8k (Current Left values)
500,1k,2k,3k,4k,6k,8k (Previous Right values)
500,1k,2k,3k,4k,6k,8k (Current Right values)
Categorisation
>
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Enhanced (Enhanced RS232 within the options page set to YES)
The RS232 data is transmitted as ASCII characters. The enhanced data format
outputs a complete audiometric record on a line with comma separation
between items. A CR and LF character terminates each line. Test information
and time are in inverted commas ("), dates are in the form DD/MM/YY and
numbers are all integers with no extra delimiting characters. The data format is
compatible with many standard databases (e.g. Borland Paradox) and
spreadsheets (e.g. Lotus 123) and may be imported directly once downloaded
from the audiometer onto a disc file. The date items are output in the following
sequence:
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RS232 Connection Details
The RS232 output is via a 9-way D-type male connector. A cable with a 9-
way female D-type is required to make connection. The audiometer is
configured as data terminal equipment (DTE) with the same pin-outs as an
IBM AT computer with a 9-way serial port. The pin connections are as
follows:
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Connection to a Computer with a 9-way Connector
Data is transmitted at 9600 baud with 8 data bits, 2 stop bits and no parity.
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