Serial Comm Functions

[TommyHelter]

I have been using the Serial Compatible functions for an application which is embedded on a FP-2015 Real Time module. Should I be using the VISA functions instead? Also, is there a way in which I should clear the buffer if the serial port is not connected? I do not see a function for this, so I am guessing I would need to do this a soem lower level.

TommyH

[Brooks W.]

Hi Tommy H,
Sorry for the delay in answering your post. This post did not get assigned correctly. You do not have to use VISA commands instead of the serial commands. However, VISA commands give you the option to switch between different communication methods without a lot of modification to your code. See the following link for more general information on VISA:

http://sine.ni.com/apps/we/nioc.vp?cid=10046〈=US


If you want to flush the serial buffer I would suggest using the "VISA Flush I/O Buffer." There is no serial command to do this so you will have to use the VISA VI.

Hope this helps!
Brooks W.
National Instruments

[TommyHelter]

I changed all the serial comm functions to VISA and moved them into a independent thread under lower priority. Everything is good now.

Thank you for the help.

TommyH