Viator Hart Interface RS232 to USB

I've wondered the same thing, because I've heard the same thing from the same vendor, but I haven't had to use a USB/RS-232 converter because I've had laptops with a native serial port.

I suspect that large data transfers might be affected, like echo profiles from ultrasonic or radar level transmitters, by some buffering issue. But point-to-point 'change the URV" changes? I sort of doubt it.

I also wonder if Macteck just doesnt' want to get sucked into support issues with a wide variety of USB/RS-232 converters on the market. There's no question that the quality varies. I've had good service from the FTDI chipset models. But it's one of those items that can be knocked off cheap and sell for less.

I don't recall off the top of my head how much error checking HART has, but isn't it likely that a bad data word gets ignored, not used as-is, so comm issues are likely to be slower comm until good data gets through, not a connection that can't be made.

Lastly, some Youtube video showed someone configuring (a valve positioner?) using a HART modem with a USB/RS-232 converter. Sorry, I can't recall the vendor. But it says that it's probably likely.

Iris,

Thank you so much for your usefull comments,

I saw the video its name is Siemens PS2 PDM Configuration http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8vpmeslEg0&feature=plcp) and that person is using a Viator Interface Hart Modem RS232 with a Keyspan USB to RS232 converter in order to connect via hart protocol to an Siemens positioner, therefore, I´m considering buy a converter brand FTDI or Keyspan.

I wrote to the Keyspan people in order to validate the function of its converter with Hart protocol, maybe the next days I will be receiving its answer.

Do you know the FTDI model compatible functionally with Hart protocol?

Thank you so much for your excelent support and guidance

Best Regards

JP

Friends,

I got the Keyspan USA-19HS and it is working very good with the different softwares for the instruments, I mean Coriolis flowmeters, level transmitter GWR, Gas chromatograph.

Best regards

JP

They sell them(mactek). We have about 4 in our shop.

You can also order them through Rosemount.

No matter what the migration path seems to be some equipment manufacturers do not realize that Laptop computers no longer come with serial ports.

I had the same problem and discovered that Parallax, Inc has a very low cost (< $20.00) serial to USB converter available. I purchased one and it works on all my old serial port equipment with no problem. The converter is based upon a FTDI chip and is extremely simple to use. It is very close to a transparent Plug n Play device.

http://www.parallax.com/Store/Accessories/AllAccessories/tabid/759/CategoryID/33/List/0/SortField/0/catpageindex/8/Level/a/ProductID/378/Default.aspx

Hope this helps!

There are proper plug in RS232 cards for laptops with PCI Express or PCMCIA card slots.

Not knowing what you have, I cannot help much further except to say that such cards provide a native rs232 connection....they do not use USB in anyway shape or form......

Some cheap laptops have neither slot to keep prices down, if that is the case, go and buy a better laptop....

The RS232 to USB units are extremely variable and probably 90% will not work correctly in such situations.....

You may find this interesting:-

http://www.ehow.com/how_6071844_install-rs_232-express-card-laptop.html

LEAVE THE USB VERSIONS ALONE!!!

I use USB to RS 232 and RS 485 converters on a regular basis, with no problems. I rely on B&B electronics because they are the most reliable.

RS 485:

http://www.bb-elec.com/Solutions/RS485.aspx