Sending ASCII commands through USB hub

[ADrexelDragon]

I am having issues connecting to hardware. I have 3 types of hardware connected to a Serial to USB converter hub. 2 of the hardware take ASCII commands while the other does not. I am able to communicate with the hardware individually without the hub but when I connect the hardware to the hub and the hub to my computer, it does not work. I do not think MAX sees the hardware connected. Any ideas?

[Ray.R]

When you say "hub", are you talking about a product like the QUATECH USB to serial adapter (4 ports)?

If so, then each port has its own serial port assigned to it.  You should be able to communicate through it using a terminal emulator, such as HyperTerm, TerraTerm, ProCOMM, etc.  

You do have to install the driver for the box and you can also configure the starting COM port number.  For instance, Port A on my box is COM-3.

You can open multiple ports in parallel, as long as you select different COM port numbers.

MAX should see the serial ports.

[ADrexelDragon]

Ray.R,

http://www.cdwg.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=1769502 :this is the hub that I am usin. When I open MAX, I see COM#s 3-9. When I try to identify each COM port using VISA Test Panel, Basic I/O tab. Under viWrite "*IDN?\n" returns return count 6.  Then viRead returns "*IDN?\n." If I had hardware connected shouldn't this say the model number or something like that?

[smercurio_fc]

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ADrexelDragon wrote:

If I had hardware connected shouldn't this say the model number or something like that?

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That depends on the hardware. If you have older instruments then they would not necessarily implement the conventional *IDN? command. What are you actually connecting to your hub? Have you tried using HyperTerminal (or equivalent if on another OS) as Ray suggested?

[ADrexelDragon]

I am just downloading HyperTerminal. Never heard of it before. I am connecting a shutter from ThorLabs. A laser from Cohherent and a motion controller from Newport.

[smercurio_fc]

Are you running on Windows? If so there is no need to download HyperTerminal, as it comes with Windows. Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Communications (or something like that).

[ADrexelDragon]

I am running Windows Vista. I was unable to find Hyperterminal.

[PJS]

yeah, it is gone in vista... there is a command line interface for terminal interface.

[ADrexelDragon]

I downloaded Hyperterminal Private edition. Free trail of 30 days. I do not understand how this helps me. I am just trying to connect with my hardware. The USB hub should convert the serial to usb. The hardware devices should be on separate COM ports as well but LabVIEW cannot find them.

[Dennis_Knutson]

Using hyperterminal allows you to debug your com settings and cable without having to write a program.

Please explain what you mean by 'LabVIEW cannot fid them'. If you get an error, what is the error code?