wtf4 rs232-USB

[tian66]

Hello,

I am trying to setup a communication between the WTF4 controller and my Laptop (RS232 to USB).

I have installed the NI-Serial and the connection is OK. But there is an timeout error when reading back a string from the test panel.

Does anyone has any idea on this?

Thanks!

[Dennis_Knutson]

Have you looked at any of the hundreds of identical questions? What have you attempted? Does the instrument even support the *IDN? command?

Who makes this controller? Why haven't you attached the manual?

[tian66]

Yes, I did checked the similar questions but nothing helps.

WATLOW makes this controller. It is WTF4. What manual do you refer to?

Thanks!

[Dennis_Knutson]

The PROGRAMMING manual? Did you look in there before sending anything? You would obviously get a timeout if you sent the wrong command. Just as obviously, you would get a timeout if you were using the wrong type of cable or the wrong com settings. You have not mentioned what you have tried.

[tian66]

I am not sure if it supports *IDN but I have tried every all command.

Also I did "Enable Termination Charateristics".

Thanks!

[tian66]

The cable is a RS232 to USB cable from NI that should be the correct one.

WATLOW does not have the PROGRAMMING manual that I need. In the user's manuel, they only tell about how to "program" on the control panel.

So I have no clue next...

[Dennis_Knutson]

If you don't have a manual the communication interface, then you have no chance unless there is an existing driver. You really have no idea if the NI cable is correct. There needs to be a cable between the adapter and the watlow and there are two wiring schemes for cables. Without a manual, do you even know if the baud rate is correct?

Post back when you've gotten the manual and had a chance to study it.

[tian66]

NI Provides a driver.The initialize VI is not working due to the same problem.

So I come back to the MAX.

Thank you anyway!

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[Todd_Lesher]

As seen in other threads, if you are on Windows, you could use Sysinternals PortMon to see the commands sent by Watlow's app.

[tian66]

Thanks.But this method seems not working.

http://forums.ni.com/t5/LabVIEW/COM-port-question/m-p/2141020#M692685