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Thread: RS232 data-logging on Die4Thing

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Wirral, UK
    Posts
    191

    Smile RS232 data-logging on Die4Thing

    Hi Folks,

    Although I have stopped making the Die4Thing at the moment.... (mainly time and obsolescence issues) I am still supporting those who have bought one.
    I have managed to come up with a simple way of adding an RS232 output to the Die4Thing using one of the open-drain MOSFET outputs normally used in temperature controller mode.
    You need a 1k resistor, a 9 way female D type plug & a $20 JTAG programmer.
    HEX firmware file & additional instructions are here:
    http://www.die4laser.com/D4Thing/D4Thing-RS232.zip

    Best regards,
    Robin
    Lasers and beer don't mix. After 2 beers I lose coherence.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Pflugerville, TX, USA
    Posts
    1,977

    Default

    Cool. I'll get around to making the mod one of these days. I still haven't even gotten around to putting it into a suitable enclosure, yet.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Essex, UK
    Posts
    8,648

    Default

    im stupid, whats an RS232
    Eat Sleep Lase Repeat

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Wirral, UK
    Posts
    191

    Default

    Hi Andy,
    RS232 is the standard used by PC serial ports.
    With the mod you can use Windows terminal to capture readings from the Die4Thing.
    BRs
    Robin
    Lasers and beer don't mix. After 2 beers I lose coherence.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Essex, UK
    Posts
    8,648

    Default

    fooking sweet, cheers robin
    Eat Sleep Lase Repeat

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Pflugerville, TX, USA
    Posts
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    Default

    Yes, it's a cool feature. I can probably write some type of program that will record the readings from the RS232 port and graph them over time. This will allow you to plot the laser power output over time. No need to sit there and watch it. Just start it up and walk away. When you come back all of the data will be at your fingertips!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Essex, UK
    Posts
    8,648

    Default

    awesome look forward to it gary
    Eat Sleep Lase Repeat

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Cairns, Australia
    Posts
    1,896

    Default

    How much is the Die4Thing? I have seen it before, but never seen the price on it?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Rotterdam, Netherlands
    Posts
    789

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Things View Post
    How much is the Die4Thing? I have seen it before, but never seen the price on it?

    I'm reading alot on different forums (i don't post often because of my bad englisch grammar (netherlands).

    There are alot of people talking about the die4thing al of them interesting in buying one)
    Me included.
    I love your design and have been looking into building one myself.
    Sadfully some of the parts aren't available here and i have no way to calibrate the unit myself.

    Is there any chance you will be building more of these for the serious freaks? :-)

    greetings from holland :-)
    Last edited by Anthony; 08-12-2008 at 05:03. Reason: spelling

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Wirral, UK
    Posts
    191

    Default

    Hi,

    As I pointed out in the first post I have stopped making the Die4Thing.
    Mainly due to time (they were very time consuming to build due to some fine pitch components and multiple stages of potting on the sensor) and now the obsolescence of the sensor and heatsink.
    I keep thinking I should re-visit the Die4Thing and design for simplicity of build, (so it could be a kit) ditch the hotplate controller (since most people don't use it) and add a dedicated RS232 port for data logging. If I get some time it might just happen.
    Reasonable calibration can be done with a 1W SMT resistor taped ( & with thermal compound) to the front face of the sensor.

    BRs
    Robin
    Lasers and beer don't mix. After 2 beers I lose coherence.

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