Reviving an old Rainin system, redux

[jkositarut]

Disclaimer: Yes, I know this equipment is really, REALLY, REALLLLLLLLLY old. However, I'm a chem undergrad at a small university that lacks the budget/need ratio to justify a prep HPLC from this geological epoch. Also, I'm a recovering IT consultant so computer hardware and software are not new to me.

Equipment:
2 x SD-200
1 x FC-1
1 x UV-1
1 x Original iMac ("Bondi Blue") running Rainin Dynamax Method Manager 1.4
1 x Keyspan USA-28XG USB->Serial adapter

The hardware all works (well, as of 1.5 years ago when it was turned off and not touched) but I'm having trouble getting the serial communications going between the computer and the instrument(s).

DMM apps run and captures the "modem" port (port 2 on the USA-28XG). I can verify that traffic is flowing in both directions across the USB/serial interface (the counters increment). In the DA "Device Status" window, I get "Err: -16990" for all ID's that correspond with attached devices. I configured the 9-pin ribbon cable (Pump A is at the end, B is second from end, on the third connector) and assigned ID's per the manual.

If I disconnect a device, it shows as offline. Reconnecting the device gives me the -16990 error again.

I've connected just one device at a time and the results are the same.

I'd appreciate any advice that anyone can give.

[Peter Skelton]

A shot in the dark, but have you got the serial communication baud rate correct? I've got an HPLC system which connects to the PC by RS232 and if the baud rate is not correct then it refuses to work.

[jkositarut]

A shot in the dark, but have you got the serial communication baud rate correct? I've got an HPLC system which connects to the PC by RS232 and if the baud rate is not correct then it refuses to work.

Thanks for the reply.

Sadly, there's no baud rate control on the Keyspan. The driver reports 9600 baud when DMM opens the port but who knows what it should be.

My next two steps are going to be to verify that the pumps can talk to each other sans computer and try an even older system with built-in serial ports (there's an old PowerMac 6500 hanging out, just need to find a DB-15->VGA adapter and ADB keyboard/mouse).

[ScottHorn]

I have a suggestion that may also be a shot in the dark, but it's worked for me in the past. Once you determine the correct settings for the serial port (baud rate, parity, flow control, stop bits, etc) open hyperterminal (if you're running windows that is) and set up a connection using the serial port assigned to the instrument with all the settings the instrument requires. Open the connection, and then immediately close it. Then try to run your instrument software. I have one particular USB/Serial adapter that will not work unless I do this. Configuring it in the device manager does nothing, but opening and closing a connection in hyperterminal before sending commands to the instrument works every time. I only have to repeat the procedure when I reboot. I don't know why it works, but it does.

[jkositarut]

I have a suggestion that may also be a shot in the dark, but it's worked for me in the past. Once you determine the correct settings for the serial port (baud rate, parity, flow control, stop bits, etc) open hyperterminal (if you're running windows that is) and set up a connection using the serial port assigned to the instrument with all the settings the instrument requires. Open the connection, and then immediately close it. Then try to run your instrument software. I have one particular USB/Serial adapter that will not work unless I do this. Configuring it in the device manager does nothing, but opening and closing a connection in hyperterminal before sending commands to the instrument works every time. I only have to repeat the procedure when I reboot. I don't know why it works, but it does.

I remember having to do that with some old HP and Cisco products and an employer supplied laptop.

Thanks for the responses. I managed to get an old Power Macintosh 6500 with integrated serial ports up and running and it's talking to the pumps and CIM perfectly.

So, for future reference, Keyspan USA-28XG USB --> Serial adapters will NOT work with these units.

Also, worth noting: in the Power Mac 6500 and similar, the integrated modem disables the "modem" serial port and the Dynamax software will NOT select the "printer" serial port. You have to physically remove the modem (and pry the "blank" cover off of the "modem" port) for things to work.

Now, I just need to find some documentation on the software...

[Chris0000]

Hello

there is another option:
All devices can be run with varian star software under Win XP
You just need the star software (Ebay, as the star-software, was discontinued 5 years ago)
and a Interface cable (RS424/RS232)converter (I recommend the original varian one)

Best regards
Chris

[jkositarut]

Now that the quarter is over and I have free time again, I'm resurrecting this thread just in case somebody else is desperate (or stupid) enough attempt something similar.

Thanks for the info. I'm an old Mac guy but I'd rather not have to support a 16-year-old Mac if it means I can support a 10-year-old WinXP box (wait, did I just say that?!?).

We actually have a copy of Star Workstation 6.2 in our department but don't have a key for the LC module (only the workstation, GC module and Star Finder). I'm going to hunt around to see if I can procure a key for that.

By happenstance, I have a bunch of parts for making serial cables (DIN8 and DB9) so I'm going to try my hand at an adapter before going on the hunt for the Rainin/Varian part.

[danl]

I am trying to control a Rainin Dynamax SD-1 from custom software using an FTDI USB-RS422. The Rainin manual lists 3 pairs of signals. I have connected the out +/- to the rxd +/- and the in +/- to the txd +-. The USB-RS422 does not provide a clock out +/-. The SD-1 manual states that "the pump will communicate at rates up to 19200 baud if the computer supplies the clock".

What rate will it communicate at if the computer does not supply the clock? Must the computer supply the clock?