VISA: (Hex 0xBFFF001D) error

[havenoidea]

Hello

I am trying to connect RS232 (9 pin) via serial ports..I also have Measurement & Automation Explorer (ver 5.1) to monitor and configure Serial/parallel connections.

The problem is that when I query, it looks like my device is not properly recognized. On "Open VISA Test Panel", I tried to enter commands on "Input/Ouput", I only get time-out errors.  Additionally, on the same panel, I looked up "View Attributes", and everything looks OK except the very last row where it says "Error VISA: (Hex 0xBFFF001D) The specified attribute is not defined or supported by the referenced resource".

How can I ensure that my device is properly recognized? Is my COM1 port activated at all?

Thank you

[Dennis_Knutson]

That error is unrelated to your question. As long as the device is appearing in MAX, then everything about the com port is is okay. The attribute you mention is probably just for NI devices.

You don't mention what you have connected and that is critical information to omit. There are countless reasons for timeouts. All of them have been discussed numerous times. You can have incorrect com settings, sending the wrong command, sending no termination character, sending an incorrect termination character, using the wrong type of serial cable, etc. So, if you want help communicating, you need to provide all of the additional details.

[havenoidea]

Reading your messages, I have a few more remarks and questions:

1. I use a High Resolution Motorized Microsmanipulator (WPI-HS6-3M). The manipulator is driven by a stepper motor controller (Marzhauzer, MCL). The only interface on MCL is RS232. 

2. COM1 setting: I looked up the MCL manual, and the only thing I was able to find is baud rate, which is set to 9600 (this is only one-page manual). I have no idea what kind handshaking it uses nor flow control settings I need to use. How do I find out this? 

3. RS232 cable: 5 is common and grounded with 2&3 and 7&8 handshaking. Or at least that's what I have found by checking it with a multimeter. 

4. How do I check if my device is appearing in MAX?

5. One thing I found was that even after I disconnect MCL, I still see COM1 showing up on the pannel. In other words, as far as the COM1 display goes, I get the same things whether or not my device is connected. This is quite different for the other USB-Serial device, which appears to be at COM2 port. There, if I connect, the display on the pannel is accordingly updated with the correct device name.

Thanks for your help

[Dennis_Knutson]

You need to get the details on the com settings from the vendor. You also need to get the type of serial cable required.

A serial instrument will never be listed in MAX. The only thing possible is the listing of the com port itself. Since the is no standard at all for serial communication, it is impossible for MAX to do any sort of a search for connected instruments. As you yourself note, connecting the USB, only shows a new com port.

[havenoidea]

I have confirmed with the vendor on all the relavant parameters (Baud rate 9600, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit). The device also uses the standward RS232 cable.

I am still getting an error on one of the attributes (see attached). Can you give me some advice as to how to address the error in red?

Thank you

[Dennis_Knutson]

As I said, that is irrelevant. The property is only for NI serial devices.

[havenoidea]

Can you make your advice/suggestion more constructive (and specific)? What are some possible things I can try?

[Dennis_Knutson]

For that property/attribute, you do nothing at all. Irrelevant means you ignore it. 

If you have timeout errors, you have to do what I said. Check the com settings, check the cable, check the commands. You have not provided your code, the manual, the type of cable you are using (no such thing as a 'standard RS-232 cable), the commands you are sending, the termination character you are using, etc.

[havenoidea]

1. com settings: As I said, it's Baud rate 9600, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity. See attached.

2. RS 232 cable: I have DB9(male/female) with null modem (cross-wired) configuration. I also tested its connectivity (2/3 and 7/8 and 5 grounded)   

3. commands/codes: I simply query the ideniticaiton of my current device. See attached.

4. Manual: There is no manual for the current device. The only thing I found was a one-page summary spec. Here it is:  http://www.marzhauser.com/en/products/controllers/controllers-for-micromanipulators/mcl.html

It's the last product MCL 3 with display.

Let me know if there is anything specific I can try given the parameters/conditions I have provided you with.

[Dennis_Knutson]

You just can't make up commands to send to the device. You HAVE to get the programming manual from the vendor. The *IDN? command is an IEEE-488.2 standard and it is not at all common for serial instruments.