Author Topic: Need help with future computer issue  (Read 5246 times)

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Offline chief-david

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Need help with future computer issue
« on: November 08, 2017, 01:08:08 PM »
I run: Serial data logger
          VVP
          Weather Link
          Weather Display.

It all works fine.

Soon-I will lose my serial port computer and will be given a USB only computer. Mini tower.
I have the USB data logger and old firmware.
But want to continue to use both pieces of software and current website setups. (until flash is killed)

I know this has been asked before-what are my options.

Tech brought me the computer HP elite desk. All USB ports.
https://www.nautilusnet.com/products/hp-elitedesk-800-g2-mini-i5-6500t-2-5ghz-128gb-ssd-4gb-nic-intel-hd-801820-999-f72g-rfrbd.html

This? http://www.usconverters.com/usb-rs232-adapter-xs8801
« Last Edit: November 08, 2017, 01:37:50 PM by chief-david »



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Offline dalecoy

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2017, 01:36:36 PM »
I run: Serial data logger
 
I have the USB data logger and old firmware.


Please clarify

Offline chief-david

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2017, 01:39:08 PM »
I now have a serial logger that I have been using for almost 10 years.

I have access to a USB logger. In a box. Never used. Circa 2008



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Offline dalecoy

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2017, 01:48:17 PM »
I now have a serial logger that I have been using for almost 10 years.

I have access to a USB logger. In a box. Never used. Circa 2008

Personally, I would use that USB logger (if it works with your console).  A simple replacement, making sure you have the correct driver for that logger, and telling WeatherLink what new port to use.

However, in my personal experience, a quality USB/serial converter will also do the job well.

Offline chief-david

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2017, 02:12:21 PM »
I now have a serial logger that I have been using for almost 10 years.

I have access to a USB logger. In a box. Never used. Circa 2008

Personally, I would use that USB logger (if it works with your console).  A simple replacement, making sure you have the correct driver for that logger, and telling WeatherLink what new port to use.

However, in my personal experience, a quality USB/serial converter will also do the job well.

drop a pic of which will work with Win 10. It sounds like they would buy it.



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Offline Bushman

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #5 on: November 08, 2017, 02:22:58 PM »
I've had excellent results with Startech products like this:  https://www.startech.com/ca/Cards-Adapters/Serial-Cards-Adapters/Professional-USB-to-RS-232-Serial-Adapter~ICUSB2321X  Much cheaper versions are available from other vendors, of course.  Like Monoprice, AliExpress, DX but ya kinda get what ya pay for.  Especially if someone else is paying.  :)
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Offline dupreezd

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #6 on: November 08, 2017, 02:27:36 PM »
Our IT department went through this about 3 months ago to interface Windows 10 to some old legacy equipment. After testing a couple of USB-to-serial devices, this one came out tops.

https://www.iogear.com/product/GUC232A/

USB-to-Serial can change the Windows assigned comm port number. By using ComPortMan, you can set a static/permanent comm port for the device.
http://www.uwe-sieber.de/comportman_e.html

« Last Edit: November 08, 2017, 02:29:32 PM by dupreezd »
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Offline chief-david

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #7 on: November 08, 2017, 02:33:00 PM »
Will VVP still work or am I SOL?



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Offline ValentineWeather

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #8 on: November 08, 2017, 02:46:14 PM »
Have you considered sticking a RS232 Serial Adapter Card in if you have open expansion port. This is something I've done before.

RS232 Serial Adapter Card https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-RS232-Serial-Adapter-PCI1S550/dp/B00006B8C5
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Offline chief-david

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #9 on: November 08, 2017, 03:01:15 PM »
That will not work in the computer they are giving me.  :-x

Is there a USB virtual port splitter?




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Offline Bushman

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #10 on: November 08, 2017, 03:46:41 PM »
That will not work in the computer they are giving me.  :-x

Is there a USB virtual port splitter?

https://www.fabulatech.com/serial-port-splitter.html  Eltima also makes one.  Note that there are  a few open source ones around, but these work: at least the Eltima one did when I tested it a while back.
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Offline Mattk

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #11 on: November 08, 2017, 04:04:17 PM »
Your new computer will no doubt be network connected? Keep your serial logger and connect it into the network with a Moxa NPort.

Offline chief-david

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #12 on: November 08, 2017, 09:10:54 PM »
That will not work in the computer they are giving me.  :-x

Is there a USB virtual port splitter?

https://www.fabulatech.com/serial-port-splitter.html  Eltima also makes one.  Note that there are  a few open source ones around, but these work: at least the Eltima one did when I tested it a while back.
Not serial splitter.  USB splitter. Looks like I will have to use USB in to the computer.



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Offline chief-david

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #13 on: November 08, 2017, 09:12:11 PM »
Your new computer will no doubt be network connected? Keep your serial logger and connect it into the network with a Moxa NPort.

They would not allow that since it has no log in. Plus it cannot send it to my computer for processing to the web site ( I think)



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Offline chief-david

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #14 on: November 08, 2017, 09:42:21 PM »
Maybe I should ask----How can I use Weatherlink AND Weather Display when I can only use USB as an input?



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Offline Bushman

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #15 on: November 08, 2017, 09:52:55 PM »
As I said, Eltima makes a USB splitter/share.
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Offline chief-david

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #16 on: November 08, 2017, 10:08:02 PM »
Thanks-I was only understanding Serial.
Looking into it now. Can you point me into the right direction with their software? which one works for what we do?
« Last Edit: November 08, 2017, 10:10:52 PM by chief-david »



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Offline Mattk

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #17 on: November 08, 2017, 11:52:03 PM »
Your new computer will no doubt be network connected? Keep your serial logger and connect it into the network with a Moxa NPort.

They would not allow that since it has no log in. Plus it cannot send it to my computer for processing to the web site ( I think)

Moxa does have a login. Moxa is not sending anything, it is simply a Ethernet to serial device which allows your computer to talk to the logger as if it was a direct serial connection using a COM# etc

Offline chief-david

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #18 on: November 09, 2017, 07:53:50 AM »
Then with Moxa, could I assume I could get the info to the computer and through VVP.



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Offline dupreezd

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #19 on: November 09, 2017, 08:28:52 AM »
Before proceeding with Moxa, check with your IT department if they utilize port security. Being a school, I would imagine this might be the case.
We use it at our company to detect unauthorized devices such as switches, wireless and other devices connected to our network. Users would bring in devices from home and plug it into the network for whatever reason. If our network detect such a device, that port is shutdown and an alert is sent.
A step further on port security, is to have each 'legal' device registered and must authenticate by device name and user logon, before the port is turned on for data access.
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Offline dupreezd

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #20 on: November 09, 2017, 08:55:14 AM »
We also turn off all USB ports on all computers so that users cannot connect USB drives and copy data from their computers or the network to the USB drive to prevent data from leaving the company.
This also prevents them from copying data from the USB drive and possibly infecting us with a virus.

Check with your IT department on this as well.  They might and can make and exception for you.
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Offline chief-david

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #21 on: November 09, 2017, 10:38:14 AM »
https://www.moxa.com/product/NPort_5110.htm

Tech will be helpful if this is an option. Would this allow me to get data to Weatherlink AND Weather display.



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Offline johnd

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #22 on: November 09, 2017, 10:53:36 AM »
I'm sceptical that this sort of splitter approach works reliably for feeding two separate software programs. Surely you run into the issue of each program independently trying to request loop packets from the console/logger which then gets pretty confused. Isn't this the whole point of VVP (where it can be used).

Or does someone have this set-up working and can confirm that it runs reliably? (While still presumably avoiding issuing any other instructions than loop packet requests?)
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Offline Mattk

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #23 on: November 09, 2017, 03:04:50 PM »
https://www.moxa.com/product/NPort_5110.htm

Tech will be helpful if this is an option. Would this allow me to get data to Weatherlink AND Weather display.

It would allow you to do whatever it is you are doing now as it basically replaces a standard serial connection via the network. As for security the Nport would be configured with a static address and linked back through your network with whatever rules tech people want to put on it. The password side of Nport is mainly for the configuration, to prevent unauthorized config changes. Moxa utilities on your PC can then create a COM port linked through the Nport IP. WeatherLink on the PC knows no different as it simply uses the defined serial com port

Offline dupreezd

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Re: Need help with future computer issue
« Reply #24 on: November 09, 2017, 03:27:04 PM »
Keep in mind that the Moxa is a network device. You talk to it via IP address.

I am not familiar with the programs you are using. So, unless the programs can be setup to communicate to a network device and not just a comm port, this will not work.
If the programs can be setup with an IP address, the Moxa will have to be assigned a reservation or static IP address. Otherwise, during a power outage or other event, the Moxa might obtain a different dynamic DHCP address. You will then need the help of IT to tell you the new IP.


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