Enabling Multiple Serial Ports on dataTaker Data Loggers
Versatile Automated Solutions for Serial Logging Applications
CHESTERLAND OH - CAS DataLoggers often provides technical support to customers working with dataTaker data loggers featuring 1 or 2 serial ports and who want to add more ports in certain applications such as monitoring GPS weatherstations and barometers. These users want to record data from all their sensors by using the datalogger to send a command to read a given sensor and get the data back, repeating this for each sensor. CAS DataLoggers engineers offer customers a few different methods to enable a dataTaker to read multiple serial devices. These options will work for every dataTaker datalogger except the DT82E environmental model, which does not feature a serial sensor port.
The easiest option and the cleanest solution is for users to connect a commercial serial port data switch, for example a 'smart switch' from B&B Electronics. The B&B smart switch can connect one RS-232 port to 4 or more separate serial devices. CAS DataLoggers has written programs for customers' dataTaker loggers to send commands to these devices instructing them to send data to a specific serial port. Typically users are limited to a minimum of 4 devices.
Alternatively, dataTaker systems also have the ability to use a dataTaker CEM20 channel expansion module providing up to 20 serial ports. CAS DataLoggers frequently works with the dataTaker factory to develop a routine allowing users to utilize a CEM20 as a serial multiplexer; a common application is reading a group of dial indicators using a serial interface.
Intelligent dataTaker loggers feature universal input channels that can be used with a wide range of input signal types, recording Temperature, Voltage, Current, 4-20mA Loops, Resistance, Bridges, Strain Gauges, Frequency, Digital, Serial and Calculated Measurements. They also offer powerful alarm and programming capabilities allowing the loggers to process measurements and initiate actions on their own. dataTaker systems can be used for local data acquisition and logging when connected to a PC; for remote unattended data collection connected to a centralized computer via modem or the internet; or as stand-alone devices. Communications features include RS232 with modem support, Ethernet, and USB memory stick ports enabling users to connect locally, remotely or over the Internet. The web interface allows users to configure the dataTaker datalogger, access logged data and see current measurements as mimics or in a list using a web browser. FTP provides data to an office over the internet or mobile phone network without the need for polling or specific host software.
For more information on dataTaker intelligent data loggers measuring almost any physical value, other dataloggers from a wide variety of manufacturers, or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS Data Logger Applications Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or visit the website at www.DataLoggerInc.com.
Contact Information:
CAS DataLoggers, Inc.
12628 Chillicothe Road
Chesterland, Ohio 44026
(440) 729-2570
(800) 956-4437
sales@dataloggerinc.com
http://www.dataloggerinc.com
