[RESOLVED] Read data Serial Port from Total Station Topcon.

[felixjm]

To read data from a Total Station Topcon connected to a serial port?

[jmcilhinney]

If you want to read data in VB.NET from a device connected to a serial port then you use the SerialPort class. You should start by searching MSDN and the web in general for information and examples on that class. There will undoubtedly be some on this very site. You can then read the documentation for your device and see what you need to do to configure your SerialPort object, e.g. the baud rate to use. You can then make an attempt to read data from your device and, if you encounter issues, then you would post back here and show us what you have done and tell us what actually happened and how that differed from what you expected.

[felixjm]

I've tested several examples and none have returned data. Everything is working, the Total Station Topcon GTS and USB cable (with USB to Serial drive). Tested at the manufacturer but I need to create my own software program to integrate with a system that we've developed. I really need this routine, I can even do a collaboration in US$ for this forum or for those who help me.
Below is one of the examples tested:

Public Class Form1
    Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        Dim Str As String = ""
        Dim com1 As IO.Ports.SerialPort = Nothing
        Try
            com1.BaudRate = 9600
            com1.DataBits = 8
            com1.Handshake = IO.Ports.Handshake.XOnXOff
            com1.Parity = IO.Ports.Parity.None
            com1.StopBits = IO.Ports.StopBits.One
            com1 = My.Computer.Ports.OpenSerialPort("COM1")
            com1.ReadTimeout = 1000
            Do
                Dim Incoming As String = com1.ReadLine()
                If Incoming Is Nothing Then
                    Exit Do
                Else
                    Str &= Incoming & vbCrLf
                    RichTextBox.Text = Str
                End If
            Loop
        Catch ex As TimeoutException
            Str = "Error: Serial Port read timed out."
        Finally
            If com1 IsNot Nothing Then com1.Close()
        End Try
    End Sub
End Class

[jmcilhinney]

Firsty, [quote] tags are for quotes. If you want to post code then please use [code] tags, which formats the code and makes it more readable.

As for your example, what EXACTLY happens? Does it get stuck at the ReadLine call or does it get past that? Are you actually expecting your data to contain line breaks? If not then ReadLine is not going to help you. As I posted earlier:

tell us what actually happened and how that differed from what you expected.

We're not going to guess what you're actually expecting to receive from the device. Please provide a FULL and CLEAR explanation, i.e. ALL the relevant information.

[felixjm]

I'm waiting below data type:

_'E1_(_)1.612
_+E0R_ ?+00141753m0892258+0000000d+00141744t60+11-30096_*R_,1.600
_+29_ ?+00072565m0895501+1061718d+00072565t60+11-30098_*MURO_,1.600
_+30_ ?+00086940m0900946+1332605d+00086939t60+11-30102_*MURO_,1.600
_'E2_(_)1.583
_+E1_ ?+00289789m0902119+0000000d+00289784t60+11-30101_*R_,1.600
_+E3_ ?+00319994m0895931+1811045d+00319994t60+11-30109_*V_,1.600
_+31_ ?+00008552m0903000+0151239d+00008552t60+11-30109_*MF_,1.600
_+32_ ?+00036829m0900451+0764955d+00036829t60+11-30111_*MF_,1.600
.
.
.

Grateful.

[Mc_VB]

Hi, where did you get the information from to fill in the following

 
            com1.BaudRate = 9600
            com1.DataBits = 8
            com1.Handshake = IO.Ports.Handshake.XOnXOff
            com1.Parity = IO.Ports.Parity.None
            com1.StopBits = IO.Ports.StopBits.One

How do you know what the device will be transmitting, is there an online manual that describes the protocol

[FunkyDexter]

felixjm, I removed your email address because you'll get spam up the wazoo if we leave it there. If anyone wants to contact you thay can use the pm system.

[passel]

I agree with Mc_VB.
It strikes me as odd that a USB to Serial converter would be COM1. I would have expected COM3 or higher.
And at this link, http://www.wikihow.com/Control-Seria...-Total-Station, for that particular Topcon unit, they say the baud rate is 1200, and it has 7-e-1 parity, not 8-n-1 as you show.
What model do you have, and do you have the manual for it that describes the interface?

[felixjm]

Hi, where did you get the information from to fill in the following

 
            com1.BaudRate = 9600
            com1.DataBits = 8
            com1.Handshake = IO.Ports.Handshake.XOnXOff
            com1.Parity = IO.Ports.Parity.None
            com1.StopBits = IO.Ports.StopBits.One

How do you know what the device will be transmitting, is there an online manual that describes the protocol

The information is configured on own equipment and are in accordance with that specified in the manual.

[felixjm]

I agree with Mc_VB.
It strikes me as odd that a USB to Serial converter would be COM1. I would have expected COM3 or higher.
And at this link, http://www.wikihow.com/Control-Seria...-Total-Station, for that particular Topcon unit, they say the baud rate is 1200, and it has 7-e-1 parity, not 8-n-1 as you show.
What model do you have, and do you have the manual for it that describes the interface?

The equipment is a Topcon GTS-240 and the serial port on connection was COM6. In the post I put COM1 to generalize. The other parameters are correct for this equipment.

[dbasnett]

One of the properties of Dim com1 As IO.Ports.SerialPort is PortName. It needs to be set to "COM6" or whatever the real port is. You can't just change the name in the declaration, i.e. Dim com6 As IO.Ports.SerialPort will not work.

[passel]

I would guess that perhaps you are timing out, and your code just bails after a second. Not sure.
Try this to see if it acts any different. It will launch the read in a background thread, and wait indefinitely for data to come in.
I couldn't try it out, as I don't have a computer immediately available with Serial port, etc. but it compiles and runs, so has a good chance of working assuming the port exists and is transmitting data at the specified rate. It is based mostly on your code so expects COM6 and a Rich text box named RichTextBox1.

Imports System.Threading
Imports System.IO.Ports

Public Class Form1
  Dim _ReadThread As New Thread(AddressOf ReadThread)
  Dim com1 As New IO.Ports.SerialPort("COM6", 9600)

  Private Sub Form1_FormClosing(sender As Object, e As System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs) Handles Me.FormClosing
    com1.close()
  End Sub

  Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As System.Object, e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
    _ReadThread.IsBackground = True
    _ReadThread.Start()
  End Sub

  Private Sub ReadThread()

    Dim Str As String = ""
    Try
      com1.DataBits = 8
      com1.Handshake = IO.Ports.Handshake.XOnXOff
      com1.Parity = IO.Ports.Parity.None
      com1.StopBits = IO.Ports.StopBits.One
      com1.Open()

      Do
        Dim Incoming As String = com1.ReadLine()
        If Incoming IsNot Nothing Then
          Str = Incoming & vbCrLf
          Me.Invoke(Sub() RichTextBox1.AppendText(Str)) 'execute this line on the GUI thread
        End If
      Loop
    Catch ex As TimeoutException
      Me.Invoke(Sub() RichTextBox1.Text = "Error: Serial Port failed.")
    Finally
      If com1 IsNot Nothing Then com1.Close()
    End Try
  End Sub

End Class

[felixjm]

One of the properties of Dim com1 As IO.Ports.SerialPort is PortName. It needs to be set to "COM6" or whatever the real port is. You can't just change the name in the declaration, i.e. Dim com6 As IO.Ports.SerialPort will not work.

com1 = My.Computer.Ports.OpenSerialPort("COM6")

[felixjm]

I would guess that perhaps you are timing out, and your code just bails after a second. Not sure.
Try this to see if it acts any different. It will launch the read in a background thread, and wait indefinitely for data to come in.
I couldn't try it out, as I don't have a computer immediately available with Serial port, etc. but it compiles and runs, so has a good chance of working assuming the port exists and is transmitting data at the specified rate. It is based mostly on your code so expects COM6 and a Rich text box named RichTextBox1.

Imports System.Threading
Imports System.IO.Ports

Public Class Form1
  Dim _ReadThread As New Thread(AddressOf ReadThread)
  Dim com1 As New IO.Ports.SerialPort("COM6", 9600)

  Private Sub Form1_FormClosing(sender As Object, e As System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs) Handles Me.FormClosing
    com1.close()
  End Sub

  Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As System.Object, e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
    _ReadThread.IsBackground = True
    _ReadThread.Start()
  End Sub

  Private Sub ReadThread()

    Dim Str As String = ""
    Try
      com1.DataBits = 8
      com1.Handshake = IO.Ports.Handshake.XOnXOff
      com1.Parity = IO.Ports.Parity.None
      com1.StopBits = IO.Ports.StopBits.One
      com1.Open()

      Do
        Dim Incoming As String = com1.ReadLine()
        If Incoming IsNot Nothing Then
          Str = Incoming & vbCrLf
          Me.Invoke(Sub() RichTextBox1.AppendText(Str)) 'execute this line on the GUI thread
        End If
      Loop
    Catch ex As TimeoutException
      Me.Invoke(Sub() RichTextBox1.Text = "Error: Serial Port failed.")
    Finally
      If com1 IsNot Nothing Then com1.Close()
    End Try
  End Sub

End Class

Ok, I will test and give feedback later because I'm not with the equipment now. Very grateful nonetheless.

[felixjm]

Passel tested the code and insert to put some flags ("AAA", "BBB", "CCC" and "DDD").
The program showed the flag "AAA" and "BBB" but showed the "CCC" stood in line "Incoming = com1.ReadLine".
We can test anything yet?

Imports System.Threading
Imports System.IO.Ports

Public Class Form1
    Dim _ReadThread As New Thread(AddressOf ReadThread)
    Dim com1 As New IO.Ports.SerialPort("COM6", 9600)

    Private Sub Form1_FormClosing(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs) Handles Me.FormClosing
        com1.close()
    End Sub

    Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        _ReadThread.IsBackground = True
        _ReadThread.Start()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ReadThread()
        Dim Str As String = ""
        Dim Incoming As String
        Try
            com1.DataBits = 8
            com1.Handshake = IO.Ports.Handshake.XOnXOff
            com1.Parity = IO.Ports.Parity.None
            com1.StopBits = IO.Ports.StopBits.One
            MsgBox("AAA")
            com1.Open()
            Do
                MsgBox("BBB")
                Incoming = com1.ReadLine '<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
                MsgBox("CCC")
                If Incoming IsNot Nothing Then
                    MsgBox("DDD")
                    Str = Incoming & vbCrLf
                    MsgBox(Str)
                End If
            Loop
        Catch ex As TimeoutException
            Me.Invoke(Sub() RichTextBox1.Text = "Error: Serial Port failed.")
        Finally
            If com1 IsNot Nothing Then com1.Close()
        End Try
    End Sub

End Class

[dbasnett]

It would be real helpful to be able to see the manual for the device. Could you upload it to the cloud somewhere? The only thing you know from this test is that you have a serial port on "COM6", nothing more. It could be a setting, the cable (does the device require a null modem cable?), flow control, etc.

I would turn DTR on

com1.DtrEnable = True

[felixjm]

It would be real helpful to be able to see the manual for the device. Could you upload it to the cloud somewhere? The only thing you know from this test is that you have a serial port on "COM6", nothing more. It could be a setting, the cable (does the device require a null modem cable?), flow control, etc.

I would turn DTR on

com1.DtrEnable = True

The "com1.DtrEnable = True" does not work too. All parameters are correct. Always test before you do the test with another program already (not done by me) and the program works correctly. I need to make my program to integrate with my system.

[dbasnett]

The "com1.DtrEnable = True" does not work too. All parameters are correct. Always test before you do the test with another program already (not done by me) and the program works correctly. I need to make my program to integrate with my system.

Obviously something isn't correct. Is there a reason you can't show us the manual?

In my signature there is a link for Serial Port. Use that code after you have made the changes to reflect your configuration. If there are bytes being sent you will see them.

[felixjm]

Manual: http://www.amicrocad.com.br/arquivos/gts-manual.pdf

[techgnome]

I've tested several examples and none have returned data. Everything is working, the Total Station Topcon GTS and USB cable (with USB to Serial drive). Tested at the manufacturer but I need to create my own software program to integrate with a system that we've developed. I really need this routine, I can even do a collaboration in US$ for this forum or for those who help me.
Below is one of the examples tested:

Public Class Form1
    Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        Dim Str As String = ""
        Dim com1 As IO.Ports.SerialPort = Nothing
        Try
            com1.BaudRate = 9600
            com1.DataBits = 8
            com1.Handshake = IO.Ports.Handshake.XOnXOff
            com1.Parity = IO.Ports.Parity.None
            com1.StopBits = IO.Ports.StopBits.One
            com1 = My.Computer.Ports.OpenSerialPort("COM1")
            com1.ReadTimeout = 1000
            Do
                Dim Incoming As String = com1.ReadLine()
                If Incoming Is Nothing Then
                    Exit Do
                Else
                    Str &= Incoming & vbCrLf
                    RichTextBox.Text = Str
                End If
            Loop
        Catch ex As TimeoutException
            Str = "Error: Serial Port read timed out."
        Finally
            If com1 IsNot Nothing Then com1.Close()
        End Try
    End Sub
End Class

I'm going back to this code because it should be throwing an exception, only you're not catching it...First, you dimed Com1 as a SerialPort and serialPort... and immediately set it to nothing... and then two lines later you're accessing properties of it... that line right there, where you set the BaudRate... should be throwing an exception... and Object not set errror... only you're not catching it.... AH....

FormLoad event... are you on Win7 64-Bit by any chance? IF so... include a more generic exception handler to the catch ... I think what's happening is you're on Win7 64-bit, where there is a well-known issue with exceptions in the Load event for forms... one in which exceptions aren't raised, but are swallowed by the system, unless they are handled. The problem with your error handler is that it only catches a single SPECIFIC exception, any thing else will be eaten by the system.

So two things... create an instance of the SerialPort before trying to set its properties... and secondly, add a second catch clause to your error handler to catch the more generic errors and display, or do something with it.

-tg

[dbasnett]

I'm going back to this code because it should be throwing an exception, only you're not catching it...First, you dimed Com1 as a SerialPort and serialPort... and immediately set it to nothing... and then two lines later you're accessing properties of it... that line right there, where you set the BaudRate... should be throwing an exception... and Object not set errror... only you're not catching it.... AH....

FormLoad event... are you on Win7 64-Bit by any chance? IF so... include a more generic exception handler to the catch ... I think what's happening is you're on Win7 64-bit, where there is a well-known issue with exceptions in the Load event for forms... one in which exceptions aren't raised, but are swallowed by the system, unless they are handled. The problem with your error handler is that it only catches a single SPECIFIC exception, any thing else will be eaten by the system.

So two things... create an instance of the SerialPort before trying to set its properties... and secondly, add a second catch clause to your error handler to catch the more generic errors and display, or do something with it.

-tg

All true points but see posts #12 & #15.

@felix - server not found when trying to access the manual.

[felixjm]

Manual: http://www.amicrocad.com.br/arquivos/gts-manual.pdf

[dbasnett]

Manual: http://www.amicrocad.com.br/arquivos/gts-manual.pdf

So you have set the device using the settings on page 9-16 of the manual. What settings did you choose?
Protocol?
BaudRate?
Char./Parity?

The manual skipped over some of them in the example.

I did not find a reference to any handshake required by the device, so you should not be setting one, remove this line:

com1.Handshake = IO.Ports.Handshake.XOnXOff

Did you try the code in my signature? Whatever settings you choose for the device should match those for the serial port instance. When you try it set the eol constant to _

[felixjm]

I believe we will solve my topic with all elp but only tomorrow will answer from item # 20 because today is almost a holiday here in Brazil and I will now watch the opening World Cup soccer and see the Seleção do aburtura the game. Have watched Brazil win five world cups football and maybe even see winning for the sixth time.

Today is also Valentine's Day.

Grateful to all.

[felixjm]

Have test windows 7 x32 and x64 and it did not work. I changed the protocol to unidericional ACK / NAK and it worked, however test in VB6 with OnComm event and must be in VB.NET with the ACK / NAK protocol. odos.Como already decided what I asked in this post I will close it as resolved and open a new one to convert it from VB6 to VB.NET.
Grateful to everyone anyway.