TQ-8800 that output data via RS-232 (audio jack/USB port.

[gprall001]

I am new to Labview. I am using a torque meter, TQ-8800 that output data via RS-232 (audio jack). The other end of this cable is connected to my PC via USB port. When I run my setup I do not see any data on the Waveform Chart. I am using the Bulk.vi example. Does anyone have an example using this device with Labview? Any help would be appreciated.  Thank you.

[Dennis_Knutson]

The Bulk example has absolutely nothing to do with RS-232. If you used the VISA Wizard, that was a big mistake and you'll have to undo that before installing the correct driver. Your mention of an audio jack of really confusing as well. RS-232 is not at all an audio signal.

[gprall001]

Thank you for responding. I was just trying to describe one end of the cable and referencing audio jack seemed to describe it the best. The big mistake you refer to was made by searching the Labview help. When I searched for USB the solution is to use the bulk.vi. When I searched for RS-232, referenced simple serial.vi but this vi will not recognize the TQ-8800. When I searched for a driver to use with the TQ-8800 torque meter nothing was returned. So where/what is the correct driver for the TQ-8800 torque converter that Labview needs?  Thank you.

[crossrulz]

That is a special cable for the instrument.

As far as the communications, I'm guessing the instrument constantly sends out the measurements.  Read through the manual, specifically pages 9-10.  They talk about the format.  I think you will need to make your own driver for reading these measurements.

[Dennis_Knutson]

And you would need a low level windows driver from the vendor to make the USB connection appear as a serial port. This is not the same thing as a LabVIEW instrument driver.

[crossrulz]

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@Dennis_Knutson wrote:
And you would need a low level windows driver from the vendor to make the USB connection appear as a serial port. This is not the same thing as a LabVIEW instrument driver.

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From what I could gather from the manual, there is a special cable that goes from the audiojack to DB9.  The OP would then need to be using a serial USB adapter.  Assuming that is true, the OP just needs to figure out how to do a simple read from the serial port and then parse the data.

[Dennis_Knutson]

Yes, but he said the com port was not detected which I took to say that whatever USB-serial converter he was using either had its driver blown away by the VISA wizard or the Windows driver wasn't installed in the first place.

[gprall001]

Using NI Max Measurement and Automation Explorer my device shows up in the Devices and Interfaces but not in a com port. It shows up as a USB Raw Resouce, just like the NI USB-6000 "SimuDAQ" device does. On the Bulk.vi Front Panel I can select the VISA Resource and if I keep selecting the Buld In button I see plot lines being displayed on the Waveform Chart. I have attached my block diagram.

[crossrulz]

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@gprall001 wrote:

Using NI Max Measurement and Automation Explorer my device shows up in the Devices and Interfaces but not in a com port. It shows up as a USB Raw Resouce

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That is your problem.  The USB Serial adapter should be showing up as a COM port.  Make sure you install the drivers for that USB serial adapter.

[Dennis_Knutson]

Of course that is what shows. You used the VISA Wizard when you shouldn't have. I already said you need to undo all of that. You'll never get anywhere until you do.