[time-nuts] Z38XX

[Ulrich Bangert]

Gentlemen,

due to the discussion that evolved concerning Z38XX i looked up the sources
and found that indeed every time the current time is read using a

:PTIM:TCOD?

a

:PTIM:TCOD:FORM F2

is sent in advance to make the receiver answer in the format that Z38XX
needs. I have not been aware that this could lead to NVRAM wear out but have
been thinking this simply sets the format of the next output. I have changed
the software so that the FORM F2 command is now only written once after
program start. The software can be downloaded from the usual place but I
have currently no time to test it.

My own experiences with NV memory that can only be written for a limited
number of times  (EEPROM on ATMEL processors) indicates that a clever made
NV writing routine would first compare the NV contents to what shall be
written on a byte by byte base and write only changed bytes. 

Best regards 

Ulrich Bangert
www.ulrich-bangert.de
Ortholzer Weg 1
27243 Gross Ippener