VC8145 Multimeter'S RS232

[codecad2015]

Does anyone have a list of RS232 commands or any documents to extract data from the RS232 port of VC8145 Multimeter?
I am creating a software to automate component testing using this amazing multimeter. I contacted the manufacturer but they're not responding back.
Thanks in advance.

[nctnico]

It comes with software so I'd look at what the software sends to get data back and mimic that. Reverse engineering so to say.

[codecad2015]

Thanks nctnico. First, using a hyper-terminal, I was figuring out the proper serial port setup speed. I tried all possible baudrate and nothing was being displayed on the screen. So, the VC8145 wasn't outputting data at all as default. It needs to receive some command before it outputs any data. I need those commands. Thanks.

[k2teknik]

Not that much to add, but I made this post some time ago https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/vc8145-thread-it's-here-finally/msg543065/#msg543065

[Hugoneus]

I had a really bad experience once with the RS232 port of a multimeter. I was doing deposition experiments and a 1000V electrode voltage was connected to a meter. I connected my laptop to the serial port to do some automation and the meter had some internal failure (which later was traced to a liquid spill inside it) and the voltage was on the serial port. It killed the laptop and scared the heck out of me. (Sorry, I know it is unrelated, I just wanted to share it.)

[k2teknik]

I had a really bad experience once with the RS232 port of a multimeter. I was doing deposition experiments and a 1000V electrode voltage was connected to a meter. I connected my laptop to the serial port to do some automation and the meter had some internal failure (which later was traced to a liquid spill inside it) and the voltage was on the serial port. It killed the laptop and scared the heck out of me. (Sorry, I know it is unrelated, I just wanted to share it.)

This meter should have optical isolated RS232 https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/vc8145-thread-it's-here-finally/msg174988/#msg174988 (picture #6) but if one spill liquid inside the instrument anything can happen.

[rr100]

For that matter water+1000V will at least scare you even without any multimeter and laptop.

[ziplock9000]

Does anyone have a list of RS232 commands or any documents to extract data from the RS232 port of VC8145 Multimeter?
I am creating a software to automate component testing using this amazing multimeter. I contacted the manufacturer but they're not responding back.
Thanks in advance.

Any luck with the software you were working on? (I've just purchased a VC8145)

[nctnico]

For software and protocol look here:
http://www.26th.net/public/projects/vc8145/

[ziplock9000]

For software and protocol look here:
http://www.26th.net/public/projects/vc8145/

Yep, just found that myself recently thanks.

[ziplock9000]

I'm unable to get the software to work, even in compatibility mode. In fact, it simply refuses to even run in Windows 10.

The 3rd party software listed above does not work, but at least run. When it connects, there's no data and I just get incrementing samples and error numbers.

Help!

[nctnico]

Report the bug to Microsoft. Something has changed in the way Windows 10 handles serial ports and it may break legacy code.

[ziplock9000]

Windows 10 just updated the Prolific driver and it's reporting as working normally. It's still however not working with the VC8145.
Unfortunately I don't have any other RS232 devices to test if it's the USB->Serial cable or the DMM

[The Soulman]

When it connects, there's no data and I just get incrementing samples and error numbers.

Help!

Sure you've set the correct baud-rate?

[imk]

To trace the conversation you need to make a simple sniffer.
Basically take the rs232 and break out Tx and Rx data and send them to two invocations of a terminal emulator like RealTerm
Then start up the PC/Mulitmeter and monitor the Rx/Tx data.
I did same to trace conversation of Mead Telescope.
https://youtu.be/tcOHwwRaD-4


 

[Inflex]

Have just written up an alternative software package for the VC8145.  This one is written with the intent to be used on linux with Openbroadcaster.  Very simplified interface.


https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/vici-vc8145-new-software-for-linux-(-and-windows-)/msg2064253/#msg2064253