Re: RS232 Datalogging and Control


"budgie" <me@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:jdr692pg53oo4befcg4cgc4na7plu6sqe7@xxxxxxxxxx
On Sat, 17 Jun 2006 01:04:04 +0100, "Andy" <andrewpreece@xxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

I've been handed the task of controlling a thermal cycling oven and a
digital voltmeter, both RS232 enabled, so as to control the oven from a
computer ( automatically send commands ) and log data from the voltmeter.

Unfortunately my expertise in this area is somewhat out of date.
MS Hyperterminal doesn't look capable enough, OK for logging data but no
programmable capability.

My question is, is there a datalogging program available that also allows
ascii characters to be sent to addressable instruments, in order to (a)
control the oven and (b) log data from the DVM without programming?

I imagine writing a program in some language, possibly Visual Basic, is
the
way to go but that'll get me bogged down in learning a software language.
However, if I can't buy in suitable software I'll just have to learn VB,
but
does anyone know of such software?

I'm not aware of any freeware for the task, but that doesn't mean it isn't
out
there.

What platform are you using? If an NT-based Windows O/S you will
probably need
to go to a VB-type solution. Learning curve if you haven't been there.
But
from your reference to hyperterm I assume you've been around pooters a
while.
If your platform is non-NT-based Windoze, QBasic will provide a suitable
quick'n'dirty environto do your bidding. Surely you have programmed in
(Q)Basic? That's what I'd be using. (Win98SE)

Yes, command line programming in HP QBasic to control an I/O device from a
dedicated microcontroller ( computer with an integrated screen, keyboard and
GPIB connector on the back ) about 12 years ago! I didn't like to mention it
as I thought it was rather old hat nowadays and I'd be laughed for solving
the problem like that! Maybe not! I'm using Windows '98 btw.

Andy.


.

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