send command through 15 pin serial cable TTL

[wzz525]

Hi everyone,

I have an electronic shuttle that can be connected to computer through a 15 pin interface cable. The manual for this device can be found here: http://oceanoptics.com//wp-content/uploads/INLINE-TTL-S-Installation-and-Operation-Manual.pdf

I want to control the on/off of the shuttle using labview. What's the easiest way to do this?

Thanks very much.

Zhengzhi

[nathand]

This isn't a serial device. Only 2 of the 15 pins are used - signal and and ground. You need a device with a 5V digital output (3.3V may work). It's not clear to me if the device has an internal timer, or if the digital signal needs to be precisely timed; if the latter, then your digital output device should include a timer. Do you have a board capable of digital output already?

[wzz525]

Hi Nathand,

Thanks for your reply. I am not familiar with the serial or pin whatsoever. Sorry for the confusion.

I don't think this device has an internal timer. I don't need to precisely time the signal either. What I need is to control the on/off through a labview program (such as a button).

So you are saying I couldn't directly talk to the device through the 15 pin cable? I need a separate DAQ device that has digital output? Currently I only have this: http://www.mccdaq.com/usb-data-acquisition/USB-2404-10.aspx . I guess it doesn't work for this purpose. Can you suggest me a type of the board that can meet my need? Thanks.

[nathand]

I haven't looked into cheap digital output devices. If you're happy with the Measurement Computing devices, their website shows a relatively inexpensive digital IO device (the USB-1024 series). NI, of course, sells digital IO devices (I have an NI USB-6501 sitting on my desk right now). You can find similar boards from other sources as well.

You might want to spend a bit more time understanding your project. Guessing that a device uses a serial connection, when the manual doesn't mention serial anywhere, suggests that you aren't quite sure what you're doing.

[wzz525]

You are right. Since I always use usb port devices and the drivers for labview are available. So I am not familiar with other connection types.

One more follow-up question, after I buy this DAQ board, I would assume I need to do the following: wire the two pins of the shutter (one for ttl and one for ground) to the output of the DAQ board; connect the board to computer and find the drivers for labview. Then I can write labview program to generate digital signal to control the on/off of the shutter. Am I correct? Is there anything else? Thanks.

[Dennis_Knutson]

Guessing that a device with only analog INPUTS suggests a pretty deep misunderstanding as well.

[crossrulz]

From what I can gether from that data sheet, it looks like you just apply a 5V TTL to turn on the shutter and 0V to turn it off.  So a simple DIO card should work.  You should be able to get away with something like a USB-6501.