how to connect device with com port to cDAQ

[Sergey(PSU)]

I have a pump with a COM port for its control.

The problem is that the customer need to control it remotely at least 15m away.

On the same system I have NI cDAQ 9184 (Ethernet version) with NI9234(IEPE accelerometer) and NI9263(Analogue output module).

Can I use it to control Pump or would it be better to install Digital Output module. Is there some sample written for it to control COM ported device?

[Josh_E]

Hi Sergey,

Would you be able to provide me with more information as to what you want to achieve?

How is your pump controlled? What kind of commands does it expect?

When you say remote control, will it still be connected physically or will it be some form of wireless connection?

How does your NI cDAQ fit into the system?

An overview of your system would be helpful.

All the best,

[Sergey(PSU)]

The pump is controlled by commands via COM port. It is VICI M50 pump and there was a LabView program example on NI database.

As the cables on the pump and its controller are very short. The initial idea was to place PC 150m away from the pump and NI hardware.

Looks like RS232 signal could be sent on this distance using Cat5 shielded cable that makes life easier.

Another option was to put all the control hardware including PC and NI next to the system and control these PC from another remote PC 150m away using Ethernet.

But it still would be interesting to know if it is possible to control RS232 devices using DAQ hardware.

[Josh_E]

Looking at the manual for the pump. It looks like it expects a series of string commands to be controlled. In which case I don't think you could use DAQ hardware to control it. Instead you could just connect it to your computer and use NI-VISA to send commands to it. 

Your DAQ hardware could then also be connected to your computer and controlled using NI-DAQmx.

In which case you could have a long cable between your computer and your pump and NI hardware. You may want to be wary of how long your cable is though, to ensure reliable transmission.

Let me know if this helps, or if I've misunderstood your application in any way.

All the best,