serial communication with Neslab RTE 17

[JFMoynihan]

I'm trying to talk to a Neslab RTE 17 through a serial port.  I'm using LabVIEW 8.0 on a Windows 2000 operating system.  Thermo, who makes the Neslab product, has told me that I need to send and receive in NC protocol (hex format).  I need to send a command (i.e. CA 00 01 20 00 DE) in a binary format to the device and then read back the response.  I haven't been able to make this work.  All of my serial port configuration settings are correct.  I just don't know how to get my hex command into a format that the Neslab will read.  Does anyone have any experience with this?  I'd appreciate any help.

thanks.

John M.

[Dennis_Knutson]

If you are using a string control or constant, you can right click on it and select Hex Display. Enter your hex string. You could also use an array of U8 and the Byte Array to String function. Reading is just a matter of doing the opposite (i.e. String to Byte Array).

Message Edited by Dennis Knutson on 08-31-2006 10:33 AM

[JFMoynihan]

Thanks Dennis.  That did the trick.

John

[jesus.rp]

Just started up the RTE 17 bath and realized it only communicates in hex.  So i did a search for hex communication and found this thread on the equipment.  Any .vi that were written for this equipment that someone could share?  I'm trying to write up a .vi for thermistor calibrations that uses the RTE 17.  Any successful communication as an example with the RTE 17 would great.

Thanks,

Jesus

[nizar]

Hello Dennis

I seek how to send a frame with a visa write with the structure [STX] [ADDRESS] [INDEX] [value] [CHECKBLOC] [ETX]
Example: 02303138443041343303

02 ==> STX
3031 ==> ADDRESS (01 decimal)
3844 ==> INDEX (141 decimal)
3041 ==> VALUE OF KP (15 decimal)
3433 ==> CHECK BLOCK (sum)
03 ==> ETX
  but I send the actual number screen and convert ascii the 1st problem that I must control the value in the frame that is to say I can change the value and the second problem that the CHECK BLOCK is the sum and address of the index and value ie 30 +31 + 38 +44 +30 +41

 I really on your help

[chris_amadasun]

Hello,

I found the manual here.
If you scroll down the page you will see all the commands for your instrument.

You could also try using the Neslab RTE 17 labview libraries.
These libraries should implement the major commannds of your device.

 

[micgraph]

YOU ARE THE MAN!!! Thanks for the insight. (saved me some precious time)

[mooseo]

Has anyone used this library successfully?  I've modified it a bit so it will communicate with my device, and it seems that most of the functions work. Except, of course, for the one I actually need.

I'm trying to run the "Set Set Point" function. I've double-checked the manual, and it seems to be sending the correct command, but instead of changing it, it merely returns the current setpoint.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions.

mike

[mooseo]

Let me amend my previous question in case it can help anyone else. The routine does actualy work, it's just making a decimal error (is sending a value 10x too high). That's fixable. If the value sent is > 1/10 of the max range (e.g. >20 for my controller) the device can't use it, so it just retruns the cruuent setpoint.