fluke-45 rs232 data-logging (from a regular 'terminal emulator' window)

build cable to connect usb/db9 on your pc to the db9 on the back of the fluke meter. its a female-female crossover with pin 2,3 swapped.

 

run a terminal program (screen /dev/ttyUSB0 9600) and hit return.

 

you can send queries in for values (its a dual display so it has 2 readings you can take at once) and you can control the output format to some degree.

 

this is a mostly standardized test equipment control language and exists on GPIB, HPIB and serial connectors for lots of better test equipment.

 

 

more info: see www.flickr.com/photos/linux-works/6941346695/

 

copy of fluke45 manual (see chapter 5):

 

www2.ensc.sfu.ca/~ljilja/ENSC220/Labs/Lab_writeups/fluke_...

 

 

simple use: set the modes and then keep mousing the whole string (or pressing the letters one by one and then hitting return) val?. you'll get the current values on 1 or 2 of the display sections. to see only display1's value type val1? and to see the one on display2 type val2?

 

this is known as SCPI and is sometimes pronounced "skippy" ;)

 

oh, and yes, I think there may be a future arduino 'angle' to this (lol). stay tuned.

Done