A-D converters:    streaming serial

Note for all A-D converters:   Modern Macs lack built-in serial ports, so you'll need a USB to serial converter and driver software.    The units made by Keyspan (now, TrippLite), specifically the USA-19HS, function reliably with LabHelper.   Other brands have not worked well, or at all.
Other A-D converters:

•   A ‘serial stream’ output  on an instrument is a serial port that ‘streams’ data as simple text (ASCII) strings, i.e., without handshaking.    The data can contain up to 16 different variables, with the numeric values for each separated in the serial string by commas.    Typically the baud rate is 9600, but this can vary among instruments.    Things to keep in mind about serial streaming:

•   When you specify serial streaming during program startup, a window will open showing the output of the instrument, parsed into different variables.   Select the one(s) you want.   Also, you can enter a variable name here (or later, in Display Setup).

•   Reading and processing a serial stream keeps the computer busy, so responses to key presses and control strip clicks are often slow.   For example, to enter a marker, hold the key down until the marker appears.   Similarly, click and hold a toolbar icon until you get the response you want.

•   The window for setting up a serial streaming connection is on this page.

 
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