Hi everyone,

I've had this analog Tenma 72-6644 function generator for years and just now wanted to figure out the DB9 serial connector. Although I do have the user manual, it doesn't explain anything about the DB9 connector pin-outs and what software I need to use with the waveform generator?

If anyone is familiar with the Tenma 72-6644 function generator can you share with me some info about how to use its serial port?

Thank you
~B

 

I would imagine it is a standard serial port. Google "RS232 pinout" and follow that.

You can probably just plug it into your PC and talk to it with no issues, assuming your PC still has a serial port. If not you'll need a USB to serial converter.

 

Hi everyone,

I've had this analog Tenma 72-6644 function generator for years and just now wanted to figure out the DB9 serial connector. Although I do have the user manual, it doesn't explain anything about the DB9 connector pin-outs and what software I need to use with the waveform generator?

If anyone is familiar with the Tenma 72-6644 function generator can you share with me some info about how to use its serial port?

Thank you
~B

As a standard, mostly all serial ports use these three connections.... pin2(transmit) - Pin3(Receive) and pin5(ground).... Although Pins 7 and 8 are used sometimes too. Also, some devices will require the pins 2 and 3 be swapped on one side of the 9pin. Hope that helps.

 

I would imagine it is a standard serial port. Google "RS232 pinout" and follow that.

Thanks ErnieM, not standard, probed all pins; proper rs232 voltages present but there is not sign of any data so I guess the software is supposed to trigger commands and then the data shows up on the pins. Or else the thing is shot but it does look good with +/- 12v so I am puzzled.

I've seen the same behavior with Yaskawa servo drives; without the software constantly interrogating the servo drive there is no serial data present. I made a little Y-serial connector to spoof the serial stream and as soon as I close the software all communication stops. Not even a ping from the servo drive. I assume that may be the case here but what software do I use with this Tenma thing?

 

it could be a case of hardware streamlining. The manf. builds the hsrdware completely out, but only higher end models get the chips needed for RS-232 communicstion operation. You may be able to view the board where the wires terminate and see if there are any unpopulated places for chips and components there.

 

... I guess the software is supposed to trigger commands and then the data shows up on the pins.

I couldn't find Tenma's website perhaps you will have more luck. See if you can download any other manuals (a programmer's guide would be wonderful).

I would agree this thing would just sit there until some command is written in over the serial lines. That's how every other piece of test equipment I've ever used works.