Encoder count in position mode

<P style="MARGIN: 0px">When i issue read encoder counter command "Qn", the expected reply would be any where between 1 character to 8 characters. How do i come to know the exact length as when to stop reception?
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<P style="MARGIN: 0px">Is it that all the command data that i transmitt to controller is in ASCII format? If yes the how many transfers would be required to initialize mailbox to a desired value? In such a case how can i transfer a hex value say FF to one of mail box register?

<P style="MARGIN: 0px">After issuing a counter query, you should wait enough time for 8 characters to be output and then consider the data received as being the returned value.
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<P style="MARGIN: 0px">Loading data in the mailbox is done using the *mm nn command, where mm is the maibox address and nn the value you want to store. You will need to repeat this 4 times to fully load the mailbox.