EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Electronic transfer of data from NIBP monitor

Hello,
I would like to be able to automatically transmit data collected from a NIBP monitor (such as a dinamap or accutorr) to a computer. I presume this would be through the "data interface connector" on the back panel (for dinamap), and it specifies in operators manuals that this is possible. But I have never seen any information for how exactly it is accomplished. Beyond a cable, what kind of driver does one need, and is there information about the pin assignments for these units? I am in the process of considering different machines to purchase and whether or not I can electronically transmit the data will factor into that decision. So far I have mainly been looking into dinapmaps, including older models (1846, XL). Any information would be much appreciated.
Thank you. Max

Hello Max, and welcome to the forum.

The pin designations should be given in relevant service manuals. Otherwise it sounds like you need to get up to speed with RS-232.

Thanks Geoff for the suggestion and link,

But after I determine the pin designations and get an appropriate cable, how complicated is it to get set up to transfer the data? Would I need some sort of proprietary driver software? Or is there some software that is in the public domain that I can download for either older or newer dinamap monitors? Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to put much time (or money) into this effort. I was hoping that someone had done this sort of thing and could lead me through the steps... making it not too much more difficult for me than setting up any other peripheral device.

Also, don't some of the older dinamap "data interface connectors" have 15 pin sockets rather than the 9 or 25 referred to in the RS232 link you provided?

Max

Again, you need to refer to the service manual for the pin-out connections.

Regarding software, there used to be plenty of DOS-based comms software about. It must all be available on line these days.

Hopefully, someone will come on here shortly and help you out.

You might find ComCap useful, for instance.

My experience of getting data out of simple equipment via RS-232 is you send it a code effectively saying "what is XXXXX (the parameter you want)?" and it returns a number which sometimes needs decoding.
I am afraid without the manual and these codes you have little chance.
LabView is very good at getting data and then displaying it. But pricy.
Robert

"Pricey" doesn't cut the mustard, I'm afraid!

But it's an interesting topic, surely? Almost every bit of kit has some sort of serial connector on the back, does it not? Back in my younger (and, it must be said, more enthusiastic) days, I used to collect all those pin-outs in a notebook (long lost now, sadly).

You could, for instance, often check the voltage of batteries (eg, on infusion pumps) without opening up the unit concerned.

Perhaps I'll get around to making up a universal data capturing kit one of these fine days. You never know.

At least with RS232 once you had the interface lead made you could talk to the equipment - usually through Terminal. You did not have to have a driver disk.
I think this is why you still get RS232 on equipment rather than USB ports.
Robert

Why is it called RS232? Because that was the number of different combinations of cables and plugs Radio Spares stocked.

The EIA (Electronics Industries Association - or Alliance) Recommended Standard No. 232. Yes, boring I know, but there it is.

With the ubiquitous D-type serial connector, you can also get at each connection (you can't do that with a USB data stream). And, as I've already alluded to, some of those pins may be nothing to do with data at all, but simply battery voltage levels etc. Always check the service manual for details!

Hi From my knowledge it is possible depending on the device type, but it will need a specific communication protocol to do so and this will only be available from the manufacturer.