Reading data into your PC from the ARG5410

Introduction
The PA1 Printer Adaptor allows stored data to be printed out from the ARG5410 using a
printer with an RS232 serial input. This document gives guidance on reading the data
into a PC, so that the data may be stored on disk, or printed out using the PC’s own
printer.

Physical connection
The PA1 comes with a 25-way D-type plug, using pin 3 for data, pin 7 for ground.

If your PC has a 25-way D-type plug (often COM2), you need to either swap the
connector for a 25-way socket (the same pins are used), or use a “gender bender” which
is just a pin-to-pin adaptor that allows two plugs to be connected together.

If your PC has only a 9-way D-type plug, you will again need to either change the
connector on the PA1 cable, or use an adaptor. For the 9-way connector, the data from
the PA1 needs to go to pin 3 as before, but the ground connection is pin 5.

Software connection
The easiest option is to use Hyperterminal, which is supplied with Windows, and can be
found under Programs – Accessories. Follow these steps to set up the connection
parameters:

1. Start hyperterminal by clicking on START – PROGRAMS – ACCESSORIES –

HYPERTERMINAL. (There are some variations in the menus used on different
Windows versions. Hyperterminal may be found under COMMUNICATIONS)
2. When you first run Hyperterminal, a “New Connection” dialogue box appears (If
not, click on New Connection under the File menu.)
3. Enter a name for the new connection – e.g. “5410” and press OK.
4. The next box assumes you are making a dial-up connection. Ignore the boxes to
do with phone numbers and select the appropriate COM port from the “Connect
Using” options. Press OK.
5. You are now invited to set up the Port Settings. The defaults (2400, 8, None, 1,
Hardware) should work fine, provided that the 5410 is set to 2400 baud (set using
the Output menu). Press OK.
6. You should now be connected, and any data sent from the 5410 should appear on
the screen. You can send the data to disk or to printer as it comes in, by using the
“Transfer” menu. Alternatively you can select any text on the screen and send it
to disk or printer.
7. When you quit, you have the option to save your “5410” session. This will avoid
the need to go through the setup procedure next time – just invoke 5410 from the
Hyperterminal menu, or drag the 5410 icon to the desktop for a shortcut.