RIGOL DS1000E-Series RS232 Remote Logger APP

[doctormord]

Hi all,

now being another happy owner of the DS1052E i just had the idea of using the device as an remote logger for several things. (i.e. DC battery charge)

So i decided to code a little app. The app is at very alpha stage just to check how things work via RS232. In the end it should log the input to a csv-file to work with.

Preview:


It works at COM 8,N,1 9600 with a straight RS232-connection-cable.

At the moment you can aquire single-shot or in automode. The oscilloscope is not locked at the most of the time, so you may change settings if you want.

Download:
http://www.closed-society.com/download/ds1000/

To introduce myself, im from Germany, 31 years old, studiing microsystemelectronics.

Would be nice to get some feedback or ideas.

Regards, doc

Edit: Code C#, so .NET3.5 is required to run.

[NiHaoMike]

Why doesn't it have a preview of the waveform?

[doctormord]

Because previewing the waveform via RS232 is not implemented by RIGOL. The tool is not intended to be a new Ultrascope. It's mainly for measuring DC, Temp etc.  

[Mechatrommer]

why dont use usb connection?
why should have redundant eng. decimal, Vrms shown already?
can rigol be used/designed for a 24/7 logging operation?

[doctormord]

Well, actually i don't know how to use the dll's Rigol supplied in SharpDevelop C#.

The redundant display is actually the debug-box and the panel-meter. I just use the box for status/error/timeouts. If you switch the measurement the panel-meter will also switch.

Edit:
I quickly read the stuff about NI-VISA connection, the commands are the same like with RS232. As for the 24/7-operation, i don't see any reason why it should not work. I assume that Rigol-devices are made for 24/7-operation. The app just read out the the registers, so nothing harmful? I just had the idea, because UltraScope does not provide a feature like this. And as long as i don't own a DMM with USB/RS232-connection this would be my option to do so.

[NiHaoMike]

Because previewing the waveform via RS232 is not implemented by RIGOL. The tool is not intended to be a new Ultrascope. It's mainly for measuring DC, Temp etc. 

Isn't that what a multimeter is for?

[PeterG]

i can see this app being a good thing.
The scope can measure several params from the input signal, a DMM cant do this.
This app will log these readings over time, with the readings being stored in a csv file, it is up to the user to manipulate and display the data.

I like this idea, it fills a niche in the Rigol Software, uses a non propitiatory file format and is free.

[doctormord]

Okay, i got it up and running to my demands.



Download:
http://www.closed-society.com/download/ds1000/RIGOL_RS232_v2.zip

Everything should be self-explaining.

Connect to scope, setup everything on scope. Choose a filename for the session and "start".

Possible logging-settings:

Timestamp: milliseconds, seconds, count
Value: converted from RAW, RAW
Decimal: Dot, Comma
Timebase: set in ms (<50ms is not reliable)
Value_to_log: Vpp, Vmin, Vmax, Vavg, Vrms, Vamp, Frequency, Periodtime, Dutycycle

It then creatives several files.

1x header for the fileset (i.e. "measure.txt") and a new file within this set every time you cycle "start/stop".

i.e.
measure_001.csv
measure_002.csv
etc.

It's now also possible to trigger a hardcopy from screen to save on a connected USB-device.

Regards, doc

[Mechatrommer]

imo. you can put or rearrange for better UI, eg: put setting (frame) on single button, when clicked, a setting window will pop out, the same to connection (disconnect,com1,9600), can put measure on menu based etc, rigol info on the lowest status (where you put the program version/date/time) to tidy up the main UI so we can concentrate on what we are dealing with, in this case i think is the Vrms value(s). just my 2 cents.

[PeterG]

The only thing i would like to see is a way to set up a Trigger for the app to record values based on rules and also the ability to log several reading such as Vpp AND Frequency.

[doctormord]

Cheers man,

thanks for the input. I'll keep an eye on it and work it out.  Two-channel logging would be also nice. For multiple-settings-logging i better should use the Run/Stop-Control on the rigol?

Regards, doc

[doctormord]

Cheers all,

i got v0.3 up and running. So far i can't see any problems. Cycletime ist somewhat limited by the rigol, it won't sent any faster, equals what baudrate set. 



"Multilog" is now possible on both physical channels. "Aquiretime" depends on the values you choose, so there is a timemeter with color-indicator to show you the bandwidth. Log-output to debugwindow is switchable.

Download:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/5641160/RIGOL_DS1000-Series_Remote_Logger_-_v0.3.zip

Regards, doc.

Edit:

v0.3.1: Experimental RUN/STOP mode, rather slow.

Download:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/5641160/RIGOL_DS1000-Series_Remote_Logger_-_v0.3.1.zip

Edit: Updated links!