Control DC power supply via RS232 interface labview

[simm01]

Hi everyone!

I am new to labview and I am trying to control a dc power supply by using an RS-232 interface (set the output voltage). I can't use a GBIP interface as I only have one module which is used for a different task. Any advice on how to go about this in labview?

Thanks a lot!

[Albert.Geven]

please specify which power supply, maybe a driver already exists.

And I don't understand your last sentence about only one module, so not being able to use gpib?

[simm01]

I am using a TSX 1820P Programable DC PSU and I need to set the voltage via a RS232 module.

In my last sentence I wanted to say that I can't use GBIP as I don't have any available so I'd rather use RS232. When I searched online I only found solutions for GBIP, not RS232. Not sure how to use RS232 in labview unfortunately.

Thanks for all the help you can provide!

[crossrulz · Accepted solution]

Find the driver for your device here: http://sine.ni.com/apps/utf8/niid_web_display.download_page?p_id_guid=510F94BB50256F51E0440003BA7CCD...

It will work for either GPIB or serial thanks to VISA.

[simm01]

Hi crossrulz!

Thanks for the driver. I tried to install it before and it wasn't working, it keeps giving me this error: 

Error -1073807298 occurred at VISA Read in TENMA 72-685X.lvlib:Special Write-Read.vi->TENMA 72-685X.lvlib:Initialize.vi->TENMA 72-685X Output DC Volts.vi

No other program is having control over the serial port so I'm not sure why it isn't working. This is why I decided to create a topic on this website, thinking that that driver is only for GBIP because it wasn't working for me.

Many thanks!!

[Henrik_Volkers]

If your computer has a RS232 port , fine 🙂

if not:

-look up the main board datasheet, most of them have one but it's not connected to the outside (get a slot connector)

-use a USB to RS232 adapter

If not already done: Install the VISA driver (start MAX and have a look)

search the device driver database : in LabVIEW : Help - Find instruments driver...

if not found :

RTFM of the powersupply to get the protocoll details

Start with a simple example, Help - Find examples ... - HArdware ...  - serial -  BASIC SERIAL WRITE READ

If you have more detailed question provide type/model information and a link to the manual...

EDIT:   DAMN NEW LAYOUT    ...   😄 

[crossrulz]

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@simm01 wrote:

Error -1073807298 occurred at VISA Read

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The description of that error states an IO error.  Are you using a USB-Serial adapter?  Are you sure your serial port actually works?  You should be able to test it using a terminal program like HyperTerminal or Putty.

[simm01]

Thanks  crossrulz!

Turns out the power source wasn't reading the commands sent from the PC, so it was a hardware problem rather than software. Everything works perfectly now, Thanks!!

[M.Akhtar7]

Hey simm01,

I know that this post was a while ago but I seem to be having the exact same problem you did! I am using the same device and can write commands to it fine using VISA but when trying to read from it I get the I/O error. Would you mind letting me know how exactly you solved it?