RS 232: How to communicate?

[Dushyant]

Hello,
I know how to communicate with GPIB and DAQ card, but I do not have any idea about RS232.
Actaully I have bought a photodiode amplifier to read the data of a photodiode. This amplifier communicates using RS232. I searched before pasting this question and found some related topic, but I need more information. Here is the related topic:
http://forums.ni.com/ni/board/message?board.id=170&message.id=106958&query.id=11579#M106958

It would be nice it anyone can either explain to me how to set the different parameters like baud rate, parity bit etc or can direct me to some relevant resources.
Thanks,
Dushyant

[LoganS]

The following is a tutorial that goes through the basics of serial RS232 protocol. Hopefully it helps:

Serial Communication Overview

Logan S.

[CS]

Once you understand the basics of RS232, the easiest way to begin using RS232 in LabVIEW is to use the Instrument I/O Assistant Express VI. This VI is only available for windows and LabVIEW 7.X

This express VI is found INPUT->I/O Assistant Express VI. When you place this express VI on your block diagram it will open a configuration page. On this page select the instrument (the com port) that you want to use. Then click on "Add Step". Select "Query and Parse" to send a command and parse the return text. You can add multiple steps and once you are complete click okay. Also in the configuration page at the top and on the right click on run to test and verify your configuration.

Chad

[Dushyant]

Thanx a lot guys,
I found ur suggestions quite helpful.
Dushyant