Devices That Connect to a Serial Port

VCM Scanner includes support for external sensors that connect directly to a computer's RS-232 serial port.

Years ago, most laptops included such a port. But, the majority of laptops built today no longer have them. If your laptop does not have a built in serial port, you will need a USB to serial port adapter such as: TRENDnet TU-S9 USB to Serial Converter.

NOTE: Support is limited to specific external sensors that are predefined in the software. If your device has a serial output and you'd like us to add VCM Scanner support for it, please contact us.

Before You Begin

It is important that your computer has the most recent serial port drivers and drivers for the USB to serial port adapter. Be sure that it has the latest updates installed.

Connecting a Sensor

1.

If your computer does not have a serial port that fits the cable from the device, connect the USB to Serial Port adapter to your PC.

2.

Connect your sensor's serial output to the Serial Port connector on your PC or USB adapter.

3.

Open VCM Scanner and connect to the vehicle.

4.

If the Channels display is not already open, click the tab on the left edge of the screen to display it.

5.

Click the icon in the Channels display. The Channel Selector window appears.

6.

Go to External Inputs > Serial Port. The folders in this group list supported sensors by manufacturer.

7.

Double click on the sensor that you want to configure.

8.

The selected input should now appear in the Channels list. Right-click on it and select Transform. The Transform Selector window appears. This window specifies how the raw serial data received must be transformed to get usable sensor data. If an appropriate transform appears in the list, select it and click OK

If the sensor does not appear in the list or you need to customize a transform to account for a signal/noise offset, you can define the appropriate transform manually. See Defining Your Own Transform to complete channel setup.

Channel setup is now complete. It can now be added to gauges, graphs, charts, etc. just like any other channel. When selecting the parameter to include, use the transform you chose in Step 8.