VISA 0xBFFF0015 Timeout Error on Inficon IC5 Deposition Controllers

[terpguru]

I am using LV7.0 with a Radio Shack USB-RS232 (model # 26-183) that connects to a RS232 port of an Inficon IC5 Deposition Controller. I installed the drivers provided by Radio Shack. Now when I try to read data using the VISA sub VIs I get a Timeout error(VISA 0xBFFF0015). The Measurement & Automation explorer sees the port as COM7 correctly. However, it cannot read of it as well. It seems to send data correctly (eg., "*idn?\n"). I have played with the Baud rates going to as low as 2400 and removing the Check Sum (LF) requirement from the tool but to no avail.
After reading from this forum, I thought it was an USB RS232 issue but when I put a regular RS232 from COM1 to the IC5 Deposition Controller, it gave the same error as well. The RS232 card passes the on board self test so its not a hardware issue. Historically poeple in our lab have used this instrument successfully with VB codes. Does anyone have any ideas on what the issue might be ?
thanks

[Dennis_Knutson]

There could be numerous reasons that you are not communicating. The fact that you do not get an error with a write does not mean that the write is being done at all. You could have the wrong com settiings, the wrong type of cable, sendiong the wrong command, not sending the correct termination character, not sending any termination character. Double check the com settings, verify in the manual whether to use a null-modem or straight-through cable, and also check in the manual to see if you are supposed to terminate each command and with what. Try using a program such as hyperterminal first.