Virtual COM port Communication and Instrument Control

[meBaga]

Yes, I have already asked them. Now waiting for them to respond.

[meBaga]

I also have another doubt! In NI MAX I saw the device once in COM port list, and thought that it is using Virtual COM port (As I mentioned) after that it is not showing in NI MAX list(not in any list of NI MAX). Where as, I can find it in My Computer>Device manager in the list of USB devices. what could be the problem?

[Dennis_Knutson]

MAX will only list com ports, USBTMC devices, and devices for which you create a USB RAW driver. Your device does not appear to be creating a virtual com port. It would be listed under Ports in device manager. Are you sure you installed the windows driver correctly?

[meBaga]

Yes, I have installed the device driver. So it is working correctly with their software.

And the response from their side is 'NO, they will not provide any confidential information'. 

[meBaga]

OK, Now just, I have done something.... Used NI VISA driver wizard and generated the driver. now the device is showing in the MAX. 

[meBaga]

Now, let me know... When I will be writing the VI, is it so that the sub VI I will need are already generated? or what would be the programming technique in this case?

[Dennis_Knutson]

Why would you use the VISA wizard after they said they would not release any information. You need details on the communication protocol before you even think about using the wizard.

[meBaga]

Well I am new to this topic, and can't really understand what could be  the problem?

[Dennis_Knutson]

You have a device with a proprietary protocol. You need the details on this protocol before you can communicate with it. The most you can find out right now is to delete that silly VISA driver you decided to create and after restoring the vendor's driver, determine the class of the USB driver. You may, with a lot of effort, use a USB sniffer and determine the protocol yourself since the vendor will not help. You may find it easier to use a different device. Otherwise, go to USB.org and start studying.

[Dennis_Knutson]

If a company does not make available an api so that third party software can use their device, then avoid using anything from that company. Companies only do that to force you to use their software. If their software is not adequate for you, then unless you are very proficient in USB, you are probably just wasting your time.