Downloading from IT1000

[AndyM]

Hi
I'm new to the forum having recently purchased a s/h IT1000 for my first foray into PAT testing. I am a recently retired electrical engineer (MIET) wishing to supplement my retirement income. I have taken the competence training and have equipped myself with the IET CoP.

My question is whether the IT1000 requires a driver to download the test data to a PC. I have the necessary null modem cable, which I am able to plug into the tester and PC, but am unsure how to interrogate/download the actual data. I realise that I can purchase the PATguard software, but I wondered if there was a simple way of downloading the raw data. The IT1000 does its job when asked but I don't know how to display the downloaded data.

Thanks in anticipation

[Alan Freeman]

I do not know this machine, but assuming it downloads to a PC, I use an RS232 data logger software. FREE!!

This takes the data from the serial port and converts it to text. Crude, but effective.

[AndyM]

Thanks for your prompt reply Alan. Could I ask which logger software you use? I have tried downloading the Eltima Software RS232 Freeware and had no problem installing the software itself. I have set up the baud rate, parity check, stop bit etc to match the o/p from the tester, but am still not reading the data on the PC. Any guidance would be appreciated.

[Patnik]

Are you quite sure your serial cable is wired correctly? Long time since I've used our old PAT1000 but I have a dedicated download cable for it and I don't think it's a straight null-modem. There is some data on various tester pin-outs here (not my page so not my fault if it's wrong

http://www.simplypats.co.uk/pat_testing_software/wiring_the_download_cable.htm

[Grizzly]

Here is the pinout, quoted directly from the IT1000 manual:

DATA INPUT/OUTPUT

A 9 pin D type connector is located at the lower right corner of the lid panel
The data output uses RS232 levels using +/- 5VDC

**diagram of 9-pin D connector**

Pin 5 Ground, Earth
Pin 3 Data out
Pin 2 Busy/Data in
Pin 4,6-9 No connection

For a printer/computer the set up data is as follows:-
Baud Rate 9600 (computer) 1200 (printer)
Start Bits 1
Stop Bits 2
Data Bits 8
No Parity

Hope that's helpful

[AndyM]

Thanks for the help guys. I've buzzed out the RS232 cable I've got and it's a straight through cable. Assuming the link that Patnik provided is correct, showing the connections for each end, then I'm going to have to either make up a custom cable or shell out for the real deal. The only confusing issue with the info you've supplied is that the Seaward manual quotes that pin 6 is 'not connected', whilst the simply PATs info appears to have pins 4, 6 and 7 commoned out at the PC end. There doesn't seem to be much sense in commoning pin 6 at the PC end if it's not connected to anything at the other (IT1000) end? Other than that I'll have to see how I get on. Thanks again.

[AndyM]

OK Guys, thanks for all the help. I've made up a lead with the required crossovers (omitting all cores not called up on the SimplyPATs website and IT1000 manual) and bingo....data downloaded successfully into a text file on the PC. Exactly what I wanted to prove before spending a fortune on specialist leads and PATS software.