WIth LabVIEW how do I control an instrument with a RS232 output, using a RS232 to USB converter cable.

[chuck72352]

WIth LabVIEW how do I control an instrument with a RS232 output, using a RS232 to USB converter cable since I dont have rs232 ports. I have two instruments that I want to control in this manner. One is an Imada ZPS force gage with RS232 output. The other is a Panasonic HL-G103-S-J laser micrometer sensor which is RS422. I've done considerable LabVIEW programming using GPIB but I have no experience with devices like these. Any tutorial or examples would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[shjukheter]

I understand that you want to control a device which having RS 232 port as output. If so, you can use an USB-RS232 cable from PC to device and you can control or monitor the device.

See this link http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/epd/p/id/2669

Also, first check the device in hyperterminal and then continue to program in labVIEW. You can find the serial VI's in Instrument I/O.

[chuck72352]

The article that you referenced only refers to a COM port. I'm using USB ports connected via a USB to RS232 cable. How do I specify the USB port in LabVIEW? Also are special drivers required?

[RavensFan · Accepted solution]

When you plug in the USB-RS-232 converter, it installs a driver in Windows that makes it look just like any other RS-232 port.  You may need to install the driver from whatever CD came with the converter.  It will get a Com port number like Com5 depending on what the next available number is.

[shjukheter]

What is COM port, USB port?

If you plug your USB to PC USB slot them LabVIEW automatically lists the respective COM port for data transfers through USB-your RS-232 device.