Using Digital IO pins for 1-way 9600 baud serial communication

[hecmar.arreola]

I've found some little segmented LED displays with a microcontroller that communicates over 9600 baud serial link 1-way.  I'd like to just use some extra digital IO pins from my multifunctional DAQmx device to send the signals to the displays.  The "serial" communication VI's look like they all use VISA for COM ports that are built into the computer or have their device drivers on the windows driver layer.  Are there any VIs that I can use to impliment the serial communication via a digital output pin?  I'd like to drive several of these little displays...

Thanks for your input!
-Nic

[Dennis_Knutson]

In theory, if you had the time and the correct type of digital I/O board (hardware timed), you could probably come up with something. I've never seen an example for this and with USB->RS232 adapters being dirt cheap, I'm not sure there would be a reason to try. I bought an 8 port adapter not that long ago for about U$100.

[hecmar.arreola]

Hi Dennis.  Excellent Point!  It may not be worth the hassle.  I have a usb-to-serial adapter, but it is only 1 port.  I'm looking at setting up maybe 8 to 10 displays.  One thing that worries me is the wire length requirements.... could be in the >100ft category.  It is only 1-way communication and 9600 baud is fast for the application.  I hope to get 4 serial signals down twisted pair of a cat5 cable as that is what I have an abundance of.  Not sure what the physical limitations are here :P.