Read data from Infrared Thermometer (USB interface)

[goursat1]

Hi, 

I recently bought an IR thermometer http://www.thermoworks.com/products/ir/ir_pro_usb.html#Specifications

This thermometer comes with a USB port, software, and driver. I can do the measure, and log the data into computer, using their software.

But since I have to integrate this device into Labview to perform PID temperature control, with a heater. I have to read the data from this device (real time), into labview.

So, I contacted the company for Labview driver or programmers guide. But, no luck.

Did someone have similar situation before? I read some discussions. Some suggests USB can be seen as serial port. However, I am not quite familar how it works.

Please give me some hints.

Thanks so much!!!

[Dennis_Knutson]

If the device emulates a serial port, it is easy to tell. Both Windows device manager and NI's Measurement and Automation Explorer will list an additional com port when you plug it in. That makes it easier to program. You would still need a programming manual. Using a sniffer is an option but one that will take a bit of effort. If it does not emulate a serial port and they don't publish an api for the driver that they are using, you, to be honest, bought the wrong instrument. In theory you can use VISA to create your own driver but then you must use a low level USB sniffer to determine the communication protocol. That is not trivial.

[goursat1]

I checked. The IR thermometer can be detected as a COM port device. I will be trying to use sniffer programs such as USBtrace to analyze, to get more information about this device.

Thanks.

[SnowMule]

Or NI IO Trace, point it to the COM port, and watch the data go.

[Dennis_Knutson]

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@SnowMule wrote:
Or NI IO Trace, point it to the COM port, and watch the data go.

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Only if the software is using VISA. Portmon is probably a better option. A USB sniffer would not describe the usage as a com port as well.