how do I check the signals from my RS232 cable?

Posted on August 31st, 2011 by admin in links and networking | 2 Comments »

How do I check and see if the correct signals are communicating between my DCE and DTE on a SCADA network. I’m talking about the ring, RTS, CTS, DTR, ect…. I would like to view each one. Is there a software program or a tool? I know the obvious thing is to check each end to see if they register each other, but I’d like to disect the network link a little. Thanks.

The web page at:
http://www.piclist.com/techref/io/serial/rs232.htm has a few RS232 monitor programs for PC’s (look under "RS232 Monitor Programs" and some information on cables to attach to those signals.

I’ve always just used an oscilloscope. A digital with triggering does a fine job of showing you want is actually going on. I’m not sure if a meter would be useful if the lines are change state quickly, and an analog scope is useless if the data isn’t repeating very consistently and often.

2 Responses

  1. Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Says:

    Errr… Try using fluke network tools, its harware but works very well

    I think cisco ios12+ has debugging mode you can enable
    References :

  2. James Newton Says:

    The web page at:
    http://www.piclist.com/techref/io/serial/rs232.htm has a few RS232 monitor programs for PC’s (look under "RS232 Monitor Programs" and some information on cables to attach to those signals.

    I’ve always just used an oscilloscope. A digital with triggering does a fine job of showing you want is actually going on. I’m not sure if a meter would be useful if the lines are change state quickly, and an analog scope is useless if the data isn’t repeating very consistently and often.
    References :

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