USB control IR laser device

[benjamingrantdu]

Hi All,

I have a relatively simple device that connects to my PC only through USB. It's essentially and IR laser and receiver. I just want access to the data coming out of it -- a driver's installed and there's a proprietary program on my computer which has access to the data (I think it was written in VB, but I don't have the source code). Anyway, without a usb to serial converter, is there any way to read this raw data? I was trying to configure it with VISA but then it gave me a warning about there already being a driver on the system, and I didn't want to mess up the device's working driver. anyway, is this even possible, I seem to be getting mixed messages reading around the forums. Thanks

Ben

[Dennis_Knutson]

Do NOT create a VISA driver with the wizard unless you have detailed, low level information from the vendor on the USB protocol that they use. You can look at windows device manager to see if they have implemented a virtual serial port. You could also unplug/plug it and see if windows sees a new serial port when you do that. If it a virtual serial port, then you can use VISA just like any other serial port. You would need to get a list of supported commands from the vendor. If it is not a virtual serial port, then the best option is to access the vendor provided driver. For this, you would need to get information from the vendor on the api. Ask them about controlling the device with a third-party software instead of their program. Some vendors will give this to you for free. Some will charge you for it. Some will not release anything.

[benjamingrantdu]

I'm not planning on sending it any commands, just reading data. It actually is using CP210X driver, which is a USB to UART driver. It is listed virtually as "com 3" which has the description USB to UART controller. That seems kind of annoying becuase it seems like original data is just coming over as I would want it, but they are using a special driver to let it come through a USB. anyway, com3 doesn't show up in VISA so guess I'm out of luck.

[benjamingrantdu]

I'm able to read the data fine in hyperterminal so hopefully I can figure it out in no time

thanks

ben

[Dennis_Knutson]

If you can get it to work with Hyperterminal, if should be seen in MAX as a serial port. Don't know what could be the problem or fix if it's not listed.

[Intaris]

Dennis is correct, if it shows up as a COM port, you need no USB programming.

Just use it as a serial port, that's what the manufacturer^s drivers are for.

Shane.

[benjamingrantdu]

yes, sorry I wasn't more clear in my response, once I found out that it was shown as a serial port there were no issues. thanks.

[NathanT]

Hello Benjamin,

      Once you get your sensor driver developed, please consider submitting it to the Instrument Driver Network, so it can be posted as a free download.

Cheers,

NathanT

[rodmangon]

Hi everyone,

I was reading the whole conversation and I think you could help me. I am using the same connector (Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge) to connect my PC (USB) with a motor controller (RS485), knowing that this connector was provided by the motor controller manufacturer (NANOTEC). This manufacturer also has a software (NANOPRO) to know if this communication and the motor controller (SMCI36 from NANOTEC) are working properly, and it is. 

But the problem appears when I want to program the same in LabView, and I think the problem is this connector, because a few months ago i programmed another motor controller (SMCI33 from NANOTEC) with Labview, using an USB connector to the PC, and there was no problem. That´s why i think now the problem is this connector. 

I tried to use the examples that LabView offer ("Basic Serial Write and Read.vi", "Advanced Serial Write and Read.vi",...). In some of them i didnt get any error, but the information wasn´t sent because the motor didn´t start, and in others, I got a timeout error (-1073807339). Finally i tried to programm it by myself ("Initialisation (SubVI).vi" attached file). With this one, i didnt get any error either, but the information (writing the type of motor, #1:CL_motor_type=1\r ) is not sent. As you can see, the Terminal Character is \r.

I dont know what could be the problem. If you have any idea, please, let me know it. 

Thank you so much.

[Dennis_Knutson]

duplicate post