Serial comm to PDA

[Tom_SAVU]

Hello,

I have a HP iPAQ hx2790 PDA running Windows Mobile 5.0 and I would like to use it for communicating first to a laptop, then to a serial device.

The PDA stays in the cradle and the cradle has an USB cable connected to the laptop.

1. Which port number do I have to use in the PDA VI ? Port 0 ?

2. On the laptop, how can I use the USB port with the VISA functions ?

3. If I will not be able to use the laptop's USB, may I use a RS232 to USB converter ?

4. May I use the same converter when I will want to connect to my serial device ?

Thanks,

Tom

[Anonymous]

Hi Tom,

According to some of the specs I found on the hx2790, it does indeed
support an rs232 connection, and should also have a CF card slot (so
it can take a serial rs232 CF+ io card too). This is more usable as
the USB support on it is not Host, and hence will not have drivers to
simply connect Plug'n' play devices.

<shameless plug> :]

To greatly simply your first steps into using a PDA for serial
control, may I suggest my software product, PocketDAQ Pro.
It is specifically designed to convert an off-the-shelf Windows Mobile
PDA into an advanced handheld data collection and control unit for use
with instruments, sensors, and most anything else you can connect to
it through rs232, infrared, or wireless Bluetooth.

It will show you all of the ports available on your device and enable
you to connect within seconds. Being able to send and receive any
data you wish. It's a great diagnostic tool. But I'm bias. 🙂

Either way, check it out at: www.pocketdaq.com

</shameless plug>

Hope this helps. 🙂

Sebastian Dwornik
Applied PDA Software
www.appliedpda.com

[CarlaU]

Hi Tom,

You can use RS232 to USB for serial communication with the PDA. There is a great KnowledgeBase article that discusses implementing serial communication on a PDA. Also, some of the LabVIEW help pages have a lot of great information (using Pocket PC and Palm OS). Also, there are a few other good articles about using serial communication with PDAs and the baud rates needed. I hope this helps!