.checkingserial

Checking Serial Data

Purpose Many instruments and data systems such as the M300 Data Acquisition System (M300) send out data by serial ports. A simple method to check if data is coming out is to use a laptop running the Windows (e.g. Windows 10) operating system. Linux laptop can also be used; however, below we discuss using Windows 10.

Method

• Software: Down a program that can view serial data such as Putty. See [[1]] for information about downloading and install Putty.

• Cables: Next you need a cable to connect the laptop to the instrument or M300. Older laptop may have a serial port (9 pin, two row connector); however, with most newer laptops you'll need a USB to RS232 adapter. Also, some systems use RS422, which requires a USB to RS422 adapter. RS232 is standard on what pins are used for data transmission; however, you'll want a null modem so you can flip the read and write lines. Always try a null modem converter if you don't get data at first with RS232. For, RS422, the pins used for read/write are different so you have to make sure to get the connect configuration or have an adapter cable made.

• Testing: Open up Putty and select serial communication with the configuration of the instrument you want to talk with. Connect the cable up to the source. Select 'connect' in putty and you should see data. If you don't get any data, in a null modem inline, for RS232 connections to flip the read and write pins. If the characters are not normal number and letters, check the baud rate, or the system may be sending binary data.