Operation Manual HORIBA APDA-371
Particulate Monitor
Date:
April, 2010
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HORIBA Europe GmbH, Julius-Kronenberg-Str. 9, D-42799 Leichlingen, Telefon: +49(0)2175-8978-0, Fax: +49(0)2175-8978-50
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9
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS – DATA RETRIEVAL
This section describes the methods used to retrieve digital data files through the RS-232 serial communications system
on the APDA-371. The unit has a two-way serial port which may be used with a computer, laptop, modem, digital
datalogger, or data transfer module. There is also a configurable output-only serial printer port. Access to the data
through the serial port is a simple menu driven interface.
9.1
Serial Port Connections and Settings
The RS-232 serial port on the back of the APDA-371 handles data transfer and may also be used for instrument setup
and operation status checks. The serial port may also be used with an optional modem for remote communications
through a phone line (See Section 9.6).
Desktop Computer Connections:
The APDA-371 can be connected to almost any standard PC that has an RS-
232 serial port available (COM1 to COM4). Connect the RS-232 port on the back of the APDA-371 to the COM port
connector on the computer with a female-to-female 9-pin null RS-232 cable. (Belkin F3B207-06 is recommended and
available from HORIBA). CAUTION: Do not confuse the parallel printer port or video adapter port on your computer
with a serial port. Connecting the APDA-371 to these may cause damage to your computer and the APDA. If in doubt,
consult the computer manual before connecting.
Laptop Computer Connections:
The APDA-371 can be connected to most laptop computers. Most older
laptops have a regular 9-pin RS-232 serial port, just like a desktop computer. Modern laptops do not usually have RS-
232 ports, so a converter will have to be obtained. The easiest and cheapest type is a USB-to-RS232 serial adapter.
HORIBA recommends the Belkin F5U109, available from HORIBA or a local electronics store. You will still need the
Female-to-Female 9-pin RS-232 cable. Certain laptops occasionally have difficulty communicating through this type of
adapter. HORIBA does not recommend converters sold under the Radio Shack brand name. Another option is an RS-
232 serial PCMCIA card, such as the Quatech SSP-100 which installs in an expansion card slot in the laptop and
provides a serial port for the APDA. This type of adapter is very reliable, but more expensive and takes longer to install
and configure. See
www.quatech.com
for more information.
Communication Settings:
The APDA-371 communicates at 9600 Baud, 8 data bit, no parity, one stop bit. 9600
baud is the default setting which may be changed. The APDA-371 settings must match these in the SETUP > SAMPLE
menu. If unable to communicate, try changing the RS-232 Polarity switch on the back of the APDA-371. This swaps the
polarity of the TX and RX lines (2&3) and functions as a null modem. NOTE: The APDA-371 user interface must be
in the main top-level menu or OPERATE menu before serial port communication can be established. The serial
port is disabled in all other menus. Also, the LCD display and keypad on the APDA-371 are disabled whenever RS-232
communication is in progress.
9.2
HORIBA Communications Software
The APDA-371 is compatible with several communications software programs available from HORIBA:
MicroMet
®
Plus: A powerful and comprehensive data logging program for meteorological applications which is
configurable to collect and manage all data from the APDA-371.
Comet
™
:
A simple and easy to use communications terminal program which can retrieve data from HORIBA
data loggers, including the APDA-371. This program replaces the old TUS (Terminal Utility
Software) program.
9.3
Downloading Data Using HyperTerminal
The APDA-371 data can be easily downloaded through the serial port using HyperTerminal
®
or other simple terminal
programs. Nearly all PCs running Microsoft Windows 95
®
or later operating systems have the HyperTerminal program
included. This section describes how to set up this program for communication with the APDA-371. Note: The APDA-
371 display must be on the Main Menu in order to establish communications.
1. Connect the RS-232 port on the back of the APDA to your computer or laptop using the appropriate cable. Connect
to the Com1 serial port if available.