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lisa2
Associate II
November 13, 2012
Question

Easiest Interface to Use With a Windows PC.

  • November 13, 2012
  • 20 replies
  • 3416 views
Posted on November 13, 2012 at 14:37

Hi,

I am using the MCBSTM32E evaluation board to control some motors. I want to use my PC (Windows XP) to drive/record test data. Does anyone have an opinion on which interface is easiest to set up for communicating with a Windows PC? (e.g. USART, CAN, USB, etc.)

Thanks for any info!

#weakest-link #use-a-com-port
    This topic has been closed for replies.

    20 replies

    jj2
    Associate
    November 14, 2012
    Posted on November 14, 2012 at 04:15

    Russel: ''You could have data running back and forth in no time!''

    and

    Gen. Custer: ''Indians are not known to gather @ the Little Big Horn!''

    ''famous last words'' - somehow comes to mind...

    lisa2
    lisa2Author
    Associate II
    November 14, 2012
    Posted on November 14, 2012 at 12:52

    Yea, the MCBSTM32E evaluation board has a CAN interface on it and comes with some sample code to run it with supporting libraries.

    Seems complicated though to set up on the PC end so will probably go with the USART connection.

    Thanks very much,

    Lisa

    Andrew Neil
    Super User
    November 14, 2012
    Posted on November 14, 2012 at 15:29

    ''Yea, the MCBSTM32E evaluation board has a CAN interface on it''

    I think the question/surprise was more that you had a PC with CAN interface & drivers?

    A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.
    jj2
    Associate
    November 14, 2012
    Posted on November 14, 2012 at 15:38

    ''question/surprise was more that you had a PC with CAN''

     

    Wager 100 pounds sterling that she does not!

    Andrew Neil
    Super User
    November 14, 2012
    Posted on November 14, 2012 at 18:28

    ''Wager 100 pounds sterling that she does not!''

    Hence the surprise!

    A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.
    lisa2
    lisa2Author
    Associate II
    November 15, 2012
    Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:38

    Sorry, my misunderstanding - yes, you win £100; I do NOT have a CAN interface on my PC. :)

    Lisa

    russdx
    Associate III
    November 17, 2012
    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 15:11

    '

    ''famous last words'' - somehow comes to mind...

    '

    hehe, in my defence i was able to have my stm32f4 talking to libusb in a few minutes using the cdc example found here, once you get it working you just tailor it to do what you want :)

    stm code

    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/56124886/stm32f4-discovery/stm32f4-discovery-usb-cdc-example.zip

    pc libusb code

    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/56124886/stm32f4-discovery/usbTest.zip

    in your case you will have to make a few other changes as your using a different stm32 chip.
    lisa2
    lisa2Author
    Associate II
    May 24, 2013
    Posted on May 24, 2013 at 10:14

    Hi All,

    Although a little late, I just wanted to follow up: I did use the serial port with a serial to USB adapter and the Hyperterminal feature in Windows. As Clive, Neil, and John all wisely advised, it was pretty painless and worked fine.

    Thanks everyone,

    Lisa

    embedelektrik
    Associate
    June 10, 2015
    Posted on June 10, 2015 at 08:47

    Could you please share that code. Because old links are non relevant now. Tnx.

    Tesla DeLorean
    Guru
    June 10, 2015
    Posted on June 10, 2015 at 11:17

    2.5 year old thread, I think you're clutching at straws here.

    Tips, Buy me a coffee, or three.. PayPal Venmo (See Profile) Up vote any posts that you find helpful, it shows what's working..