nmea

[neil44]

Hi,

Toying with the idea to replace a logging program that I use at sea, was looking for some info.

I'm currently logging two NMEA data strings on an old DOS pc ( don't laugh! ). Information comes into two serial ports and displays, depth of my underwater sampler ( using Scanmar depth sensor ) versuses time, I also need to store GPS data and print out the screen at the end of the tow.

Going by some of the stuff I've read Labview can deal with Nmea strings, but is it ok with two at the same time?

As most pc's these days don't even come with one serial port let alone two, how could I input the data,would I need a data aquisition card or could I do it all within the basic Labview package?

Thanks,

Neil.

[PJS]

simplest solution to the serial port issue is to install a USB to serial adapter.  LabVIEW will see them as com ports although you will need to check with the device manager to see what comm ports are assigned. 
Then yes, you can segregate the serial streams.

[neil44]

Thanks for that info, one more question. Could the basic Labview package deal with this application or would I need to buy a data aquisition card as well?

[Brian_Beal]

 A DAQ card is only needed if you need to use analog or digital signals.  The basic Labview package can be used to talk to many serial ports, so that is all you need.

[mikealder]

Be aware most USB to serial addaptors don't work too well with true RS232 voltage levels, I have had poor experiances trying to get a USB device to work reliably. In the end I resorted to fitting a four port RS232 card to the PC, this in turn comunicates to three GPS receivers bolted to the car roof all monitorer and displayed using Labview. - Mike

[Brian_Beal]

I have heard of some issues with adapters.  I have always used Edgeport devices from B&B Electronics with no problems, including using them with 2 different GPS units.

[mikeporter]

The answer to this also to some extent depends upon the GPS receiver that you are using. Delorme has several (USB, Bluetooth) thaat they provide a serial port emulator for. In other words, this add-in talks to the receiver and creates a virtual serial port that the rest of the computer has access to. This setup works great with LV.

Mike...