I am new to the Arduino. I am trying to create a device that will read and store the data from a device with a RS232 serial communications port (9600,8,N,1). There will be no need to send data from the Arduino to the external device.
So far I think I can use the Uno with the Adafruit data logging shield. I also believe I have to use a TTL to RS232 level converter. I have used the 7404 with Atmel chips before so I think I will use that. If that does not work I will use the Max3323 chip. About the same number of components.
Will this configuration work?
I am thinking of running this from batteries. Would the uno be the best for that?
Can I still program the Arduino with its USB port after installing the RS232 port components on it?
Is reading ASCII strings from an external RS232 serial port a simple task with the Arduino?
Are there other storage solutions with time stamping available?
I also believe I have to use a TTL to RS232 level converter.
Yes, you will.
Will this configuration work?
A link to the Adafruit data logging shield would have been helpful, but yes that configuration should work, as long as the volume of data from the mystery device is manageable. At 9600, it should be.
Can I still program the Arduino with its USB port after installing the RS232 port components on it?
Depends where you connect the RS232-to-TTL output stuff.
Is reading ASCII strings from an external RS232 serial port a simple task with the Arduino?
Reading ASCII characters is. Reading strings is a whole different story. If you are not trying to interpret the data, then the task does not require that you read strings.
Are there other storage solutions with time stamping available?
Have a look at other Arduino datalogger projects that folks have posted about. There is a useful starting point in the playground:
Google will find you lots more relevant projects at "arduino datalogger".
You will likely want to include a real time clock, since timekeeping on Arduino is not that great, and, if you have more than a K or so of data to remember, an SD/flash storage solution. Some of the SD shields have an RTC, particularly the ones designed for data logging.
I think for receive-only, you can handle the RS232 level conversion with just a diode and resistor network, then invert with your 7404. That should be fine.