RS232 Datalogging and Control

[Andy]

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Unfortunately my expertise in this area is somewhat out of date.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?

thanks,

Andy.

 

[budgie]

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Unfortunately my expertise in this area is somewhat out of date.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)

 

[Si Ballenger]

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?

thanks,

Andy.

For data logging, you may want to look at the DataQ products like
below. For the multimeter interface, the bottom link might be of
interest.

http://www.dataq.com/194.htm
http://www.kronosrobotics.com/Projects/rsmeter.shtml

 

[Jimbo]

I would say take a look at National Instruments. I used them several
years back to control an environmental test chamber using a combination
of GPIB and RS-232. It was great! They have a lot of expertise in
data acquisition and control software. The learning curve is a bit
high but if you can afford it their software cuts these kinds of tasks
down by 2/3rds. They have a kind of Graphical based programming
language which makes it fairly easy to program. Also, if you must, you
can write your own code...I think you can write it in C but I'm not
sure.

you can find them at www.ni.com

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Andy]

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.

 

[Andy]

I would say take a look at National Instruments. I used them several
years back to control an environmental test chamber using a combination
of GPIB and RS-232. It was great! They have a lot of expertise in
data acquisition and control software. The learning curve is a bit
high but if you can afford it their software cuts these kinds of tasks
down by 2/3rds. They have a kind of Graphical based programming
language which makes it fairly easy to program. Also, if you must, you
can write your own code...I think you can write it in C but I'm not
sure.

you can find them at www.ni.com

GOOD LUCK!

I saw a website demonstration of NI Labview and liked it, a graphical
programming language that you don't have to learn syntax for. However, I am
only at this company for a few months and they don't have Labview, so quick
'n dirty is the only solution available to me ( I'm really an analogue
engineer ).

Looks like attempting to piece something together from QBasic or buying in
some ready-made suitable software are my two best options so far, thanks for
the replies folks.

 

[budgie]

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.

The cheapest/easiest solution may not *always* be the best, but it's got one
helluva head start.

I still use a LOT of 16-bit apps under 98SE (which is one of the many reasons
that I stay with 98) and do a lot of QBasic stuff, with some conversion now
under way to VB-DOS. This is stuff that uses I/O ports that become problematic
under NT-based MS-OS'es.

All my PCB design work is done with DOS-based Protel AutoTrax.

 

[Jimbo]

Andy,

This sounds like a job for Perl. Perl is a great language when you are
dealing with any kind of ASCII interface. Also it will interpret
"regular expressions" (Unix style). Also, it's a language that most
programmers can pick up in about 8 hours. Also, if you look for
modules at http://www.cpan.org/ you can use code that others have
written to provide yourself with a terminal interface. Even though perl
has a strong Linux/Unix history, there are many windows "interpreters"
available. I recommend "Active Perl". It's free and it's the best in
my opinion. For a quick primer buy this book:
http://www.oreillynet.com/catalog/learnperl4/ It's available
online.

"Analogue" ?!?! It's been a very long time since I have seen that word
spelled that way. Are you British?

GOOD LUCK BUDDY!
James

 

[Geo]

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?

You could have a look here:-
http://www.windmill.co.uk/rs232.html



Geo