RS-232 Resources for TestEquity Chambers

TestEquity chambers use programmable controllers which are manufactured by Watlow Electric.

CAUTION: LabVIEW drivers from sources other than TestEquity have been known to erase all configuration settings upon initialization. The chamber will not operate correctly if this occurs and you will need to re-enter all configuration values. Do not attempt to use any driver without making sure it does not write to register 1602 (Full Defaults)!

LabVIEW Drivers for RS-232
LabVIEW_RS232.zip (15M) provide the ability to communicate with the Watlow F4 Controller used on TestEquity chambers using National Instruments LabVIEW over the RS-232 interface.

These LabVIEW files were developed for TestEquity by LabVIEWexpert.com. LabVIEWexpert.com is a leading National Instruments Alliance Member, supplying custom test software solutions to hundreds of customers worldwide. The company consistently provides “Low Risk Software Solutions to High Stakes Automation”. If you would like assistance with your LabVIEW project, please visit them at www.LabVIEWexpert.com.

Watlow Comm7 Utility Software
Comm7 (2.6M) is a Windows-based diagnostic utility created by Watlow. Comm7 can be used to upload/download controller configurations or log data to a text file via RS-232. Included in this download are files to restore the setup of F4 controllers back to the configuration as shipped from TestEquity.

Visual Basic Programming Examples from Watlow
Example of Communications in Modbus RTU Using Visual Basic, WatlowMB.zip (23KB).

Sample 16-bit Modbus Packet
Modbus_Packet.pdf (209K) illustrates sample 16-bit Modbus packets to write a temperature set point and read the actual temperature.

RS-232 Troubleshooting Tips

We receive many calls each week regarding RS-232 communication issues. There are several issues which must be addressed in order to communicate successfully with the chamber. With thousands of chambers in the field, we have never had a verified case of a bad serial interface in the controller. Click here for RS-232 Troubleshooting Tips.