How to intercept & log data stream between APM & controller

[NeilP]

I would like to see and compare the data stream to and from the MCU from the Xlyte APM

The APM connects to the usual data header that we connect to for programming the MCU.

Wiring was going to be:
Tee in to the board Tx to APM line and connect this to the Rx of a USB data cable as used for programming.
Tee in to the board Rx to APM line and connect this to the Rx of a second USB data cable.
Tie the ground of the board to the ground of each cable


But using a windows machine what program do I use to log and capture the data coming via the USB to a Com port? and how to save the data etc.

I just want to see how the data is formatted and see if there is a way to create a small portable programmer, along the lines of the APM, really just to compare to the data from XPD etc

 

[mark5]

Don't know about all the Crystalyte acronyms but bottom line if you're going through a com port it sounds like you want a serial protocol analyzer. Below is a link to RealTerm, a free terminal program with such functions. There are other programs that you can pay for like 232analyzer below.

RealTerm
http://realterm.sourceforge.net/
in particular see http://realterm.sourceforge.net/index.html#Monitor_RX_and_TX_data:_Protocol
subheading: Monitor Mode
Monitor mode is useful to monitor communications between external devices by connecting to the RS232 cable.

CommFront 232Analyzer, free but very limited version
232Analyzer is an serial port protocol analyzer software to control, monitor and analyze serial port (RS232 / RS485 / RS422 / TTL, etc.) activities.
http://www.232analyzer.com/232default.htm

 

[NeilP]

Thanks, they seem exactly what I was looking for

On reading it, Hyperterminal was the app that I had in my mind from years ago, but could not think of, but realterm seems much bettet

Cheers

 

[mark5]

Also:

Aspycom 2.05
"Aspycom is a freeware for monitoring, analysing and debugging datas on serial port and USB. Operating Systems supported : win 95, win 98, win 2000, win XP."
cable diagram on web page is same as RealTerm's monitor mode wants
http://aspycom.free.fr/index_En.htm

TAL Serial Breakout Box Software, free
"Turn any PC or Laptop with two serial ports into a serial breakout box (serial line analyzer). Snoop in on data that is sent or received through an RS232 serial cable between any two devices or computers. This is an excellent tool for diagnosing serial communications problems as well as for figuring out what is being sent and received between two devices. This program can also be used as a simple terminal to display data received on a single serial port. Designed for 32 bit Windows."
http://taltech.com/files/breakout.exe
from http://www.taltech.com/downloads/serial

Lammert Bies: RS232 serial spy monitor cable diagrams
http://www.lammertbies.nl/comm/cable/RS-232-spy-monitor.html

 

[NeilP]

thanks mark...a lot of different options..sorry for taking long time to reply..spend the last week every day trying to repair a 'mates' dead headway pack...that he screwed

Am d/loading software now

If I get time today I will try and make up some cables and see what happens. I do not have a machine with serial ports, so will have to be using the RS232 prolific serial to USB data cables to tab in to the line between Xlyte APM and the controller board

The APM ( dashboard display for the Xlyte controller has a 5 ire connection, from memory:
Ground
Battery voltage
TX
RX
5v

So hopefully can tap in to the TX and RX with two separate RS232 to USB adapters and set the com ports in the software and see what happens

Will pop the controllers open today and check the wiring


Cheers

 

[NeilP]

Made up lead today and logging using Aspycom 2.05 seems to work fine, the two data streams being combined and displayed in time order..

now the hard work begins.

Thanks for the help Mark

 

[NeilP]

Been playing with it today, and it looks like jsut the act of connecting the RS232 to USB adapters to my T piece is enough to stop the APM from communicating with the controller