Software and Web Applications

[da_crusher]

Hello Everyone,

I have a client that had an old pb system that was connected to the server via serial port - this system sent it's logs to an application called Data Exchange which my client uses for billing.  All of this was installed prior to me working for them.

They just received a DM300C and I have connected it to the server via USB and installed the PC Meter app.  Everything looks fine at this point.

The issue is that Data Exchange only sees meters connected via COM ports - Does anyone know if Data Exchange is compatible with the 300C and if not, which application has replaced it?

Thanks in advance!!!

[PB-Jeremy]

da_crusher,

Data Exchange is compatible with the DM300C machine.  Could you launch the data exchange program, make sure the USB is connected to both the meter and PC, turn the meter on, and select Query Meter.  Can you let me know what happens?

Certain meters, such as the DM200 and DM300 have a COM port, so the cable would be COM on the meter to USB into the PC.  However, other meters, such as the DM300C do not have a COM port, so instead you would use a cable with USB on both ends.  There are USB ports on the back of the DM300C mail machine.  It is also helpful to make sure the USB ports on your PC are 2.0, not 1.0 ports.

Thanks,

Jeremy

[da_crusher]

Hello PB-Jeremy,

Thanks for the reply.

I am relieved to hear that Data Exchange works with the new mailer!

Unfortunately, I am not onsite to see the error, as part of my troubleshooting steps, I did exactly as you stated - Query Meter - and I believe it came back with something to the effect of 'No meter found' or something like that.  So under Ports, should I just leave it as COM1?

You are correct in that the DM300C is connected to my machine via USB.  Is it possible that I missed some config?  Actually all I did was connect the meter, install PC Meter utility and that was it  -

Thanks again!!

[da_crusher]

Hi Jeremy,

I also wanted to note that the PC meter (?) software does detect the meter properly just not Data Exchange.  Just wanted to confirm that the pc is able to see the meter...

Best Regards,

Darrell

[PB-Jeremy]

Darrell,

Because USB to USB is not working, let's try COM to USB.  On the meter, you can lift the scale platform off and there will be a COM port.  Hopefully you still have the COM to USB cable.  I would keep the port at COM1.  Then, let's try to Query Meter.  I'm sure it will recognize the meter now.  Can you let me know the outcome?

Thanks,

Jeremy

[da_crusher]

Jeremy,

I only have the USB to USB cable and a cat 5 to USB cable that came with the new unit.  The old unit was serial to serial. 

More details - the error when I select Query Meter:  Communication error - no device present on Com 1. 

Data Exchange Version: 2.0.0

Thanks again,

Darrell

[da_crusher]

Hi Jeremy,

I also wanted to add that my old serial cable is M/M and the connector on under the scale is also M so I can't use my old cables either.

Just curious is there a way to get a hold of you or an advanced level support via phone?

Best Regards,

Darrell

[PB-Jeremy]

Darrell,

Alright, it sounds like the best solution then would be to get you a COM to USB Cable.  Sometimes a service representative will have these handy (maybe an extra in their vehicle), so I would say it would be best to place a service request:

How to Place a Service Request Online

Other than placing the service request online, you can also call our technical support department at 1-800-522-0020.  We just always suggest the online service request option, because we realize that a person interested in posting on the forum is probably also a person who would be interested in using our website to place the service request.  I am always happy to help on the forum here.

Thank you,

Jeremy

[da_crusher]

Jeremy,

Thanks very much for your patience on this.

Since Data Exchange only offers a COM port option, should I instead get a F/M serial cable instead or if I do get the cable you mention, will v 2.0.0 recognize USB as COM1?

Will this be a second connection or the only connection?  If it is the only connection, will it affect the PC Meter Connect app?

Additionally, if this works, I take it that an external scale will have to be used as well?

Best Regards,

Darrell 

[PB-Jeremy]

Darrell,

I may have misunderstood a bit, I was under the impression that you would definitely be using a USB port on your PC tower.  If you will be using a COM port on your PC tower, then yes, a F/M serial cable would work just fine.  This should be the only connection, COM on the PC tower to COM on the meter.

As for the scale, what I would recommend is just removing the scale platform and using the COM port on the meter below this platform when you need to run Data Exchange.  Then, replace the scale platform onto the meter, so that you can use the scale.

Hopefully were on the same page now (at least were reading the same book )

Thanks,

Jeremy