Data Transfer (image of LCD display) between DSO and PC over RS-232?

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

I have a GDS-810S Digital Storage Oscilloscope. I want to save the display image by data transfer between the scope and Desktop PC over RS-232 interface. How can I do that? I do have the serial cable which can connect the scope to the PC serial port (RS-232).

The scope manual says "This oscilloscope can transfer data between the scope and other instrument over the RS-232" and it has the "Printer Menu" available with printer "Type HP". It also says "Press the HARDCOPY push button to start printing from any time after printer is properly configured". However, it also states "The built-in RS-232 serial interface allows for remote controlled operation by a PC".

The manual is located at http://www.electroninvest.com/shop/items/instek/GDS-800-user_manual.pdf

I am not sure if I can save the display data vis RS-232 and if so how. Please help with this issue.

2

I am guessing you did not download their free PC program. If you did, and had the correct HP printer connected, you can do all the things you asked about.

Paul

3

Downloaded the "FreeCapture" from https://www.gwinstek.com/en-global/products/detail/GDS-800 but now need a Desktop PC with RS-232 port. Unfortunately, RS-232 has been obsolete for new laptops and PCs.

What if I use an RS-232 to USB converter cable or use Arduino as a converter?

4

dangtepau:
What if I use an RS-232 to USB converter cable

Worth a try, those cables are not expensive.

You could always ask GW Instek, they sell the scopes, they ought to be able to tell you how to connect it.

5

What if I use an RS-232 to USB converter cable or use Arduino as a converter?

I can't see where the Arduino comes in. Just get that cable and feed the data directly into your PC.

On the PC you will need a program to do something with the data. This must be written in a language. One favorite language is called Processing and will run on the three major platforms.

I did something very similar all be it with a different oscilloscope but the idea is the same. You can find the Oscilloscope Screen Dump code here:-
http://www.thebox.myzen.co.uk/Mac_Apps/Processing.html

Note there has been a change in the version of processing since I wrote this so it might need some tweaking.