Controlling an RS 232 capable balance scale

[gadget-evilusions]

I have no experience with Rs 232 communications. From reading other posts it looks like a prop-2 can handle them with some additional interface circuitry.

At my day job they have asked if I can automate the gathering of data from a scale that has an rs232 communication port. I have attached an image that had the pin out and the command list. In a previous project i operated some valves from the outputs of the prop-2, and then debugged the measured time values. I would basically  like to do the same type of set up.

How, if even possible, could I send a command to the scale from the prop-2, receive the value, and then send it to a debug window for future copy and paste into a spread sheet?

[JonnyMac]

It will probably work -- just use a short cable as the output of the Prop-2 is not full RS-232 levels (-12v to +12v).  You just need to know the baud rate and, hopefully, it's N81 format (standard).  To use SEROUT with the programming port you have to use pin 16 -- this is the only place where pin 16 is valid.

[gadget-evilusions]

Are the com1 pin designations on the connector for the scale as listed above compatible with the serial port on the prop-2? I can cross wire some cables ends from radio shack if not.

[JonnyMac]

Just use a standard serial cable, like the one we supply in starter kits.

[davisgraveyard]

You can also do this with a PC using Visual Basic.  VB6 has a serial control that will allow you to send/receive commands through RS232.   You could have it output the values to a text box in a window.   If you wanted you can also connect directly to a spreadsheet using Visual BASIC and have it write to the spreadsheet directly. 

Not sure what your requirements are but if you know VB6 and can use a PC to connect to the device this might provide you with more flexible options than running it through a Prop2 and cutting and pasting out of a debug window?

Jeff