collecting data from a mettler balance via RS232

[cecile]

I have a Mettler AE160 balance having a RS232 connection and would like to collect the data with labview 6 (I have a NI PCI-6036E board).
First : do I absolutely need a driver? (I think people can get the data with visual basic without a driver; but I don't know this langage)
Secondly : Is there a driver for this balance? Do I have to contact Mettler? Or is there someone who developped it and who would like to give it to me?
third: do I have to connect to one of my 2 serial ports? Is that what is called COM1?
I have tried to run the VI "serial communication" but it fails. I suppose that my computer doesn't recognize my balance. How to do so? Do I have to use MAX for my computer to recognize the balance?
I know th
at collecting data via rs232 is a very classical thing to do and I am surprised to encounter so many difficulties!
Thank you very much
Cecile

[sly@fmo]

I'm not a specialist but you don't need driver for data transmission via the serial port.
I recommand you to check first if your balance send something via the serial port. For this open an hyper terminal (program/accessory/communication/hyperterminal) test different parameters until you get something on the screen.
When you find the correct baud rate, the number of data bits, if there's a stop bit, parity and handshake.
launch your serial VI with these parameters... and pry.

[cecile]

Thank you: I have succeeded yesterday night. I had not connected the right pins of the cable. However it dosesn't work any more! I think some connections went away.
Bye