Using arduino uno with DTCR-01 cable to read analog signal0

I apologize in advance, this is my first post in Arduino forum.

I was wondering if anybody has tried to either hardwire, or use a DTCR-01 for clockwise indicators to read analog signals with arduino uno? I don't want to use the usb connection straight to usb, because it overwrites any screen that's open. Rather, I'd like to read through A0 instead.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

You have: digital gague

and wish to avoid the purchase of: USB cable

From the manufacturer's site:

  • RS232 Data Transfer; DTCR-01 Data Cable is required

Looking on Amazon at the transfer cable, the specs:

Now we have the real inquiry for the forum:

I would like to utilize an Arduino board to decode RS232 electronic caliber data and then use USB-HID (keyboard) to connect to my computer for data entry.

What we do not know:

  • Is the manufacturer's RS232 really 5V / 3.3V serial in standard RS232 encoding

The cable picture shows a micro-USB connector. That means 4 wires: +, gnd, D+, D- and the positive connection would not be used. USB D-/D+ - Using Arduino / Networking, Protocols, and Devices - Arduino Forum

Personally, I would buy the cable as the price + shipping is reasonable and I would not be monkeying around with my calipers... but, where is the fun in that?

The cable appears to convert the low-level TTL RS232 signal to USB HID (keyboard) so when the foot-switch is depressed, one value gets transferred into the PC application. Different Arduino boards deal with USB input differently, so board selection is important. Then USB-HID must be available for PC connection.

I actually have the cable, also. Really, I'd like too use my hardwired female usb connector (connected to the dtcr-01 cable usb) straight to arduino A0, or whatever to read it. Going straight to usb with this cable makes it overwrite any screen that's up at the time. For my project, I pretty much need it on an analog pin because there's so much going on.

Surely the RS232 stream has a demarcation characterL LF, CR, etc. Maybe check your terminal options?

It very well may. But I'd prefer to bring the data in through an analog pin with arduino. Capturing x and y from one screen and z (dial gauge) from another, is just another complexity I'd love to avoid.

I think the colloquial term used these days is, whatever.

Converting the gauge output D+/D- serial into analog to be digitalized by the A/D of the uC is, IMO, not smart. I do not think you have a grasp on the errors you are introducing into the system (in addition complexity), thus do whatever you want to do.

I assumed the cable was doing most of the leg work for me? I still new to what you can analog or not. I guess I didn't realize going straight into a usb port compared to separating the usb (hardwired) to get the desired result was a big deal. Wasn't sure if anybody had done it already.

Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

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