RS232 to Excel. Four methods to send data from RS232 to Excel
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Problem scenario:
I want to receive my data from an RS232 (COM) port and send it to Microsoft Excel to further process and analyze.
Requirements:
It is assumed that:
You've configured communication parameters (baud rate, the number of data
bits, flow control, etc.) in the data logger and can receive any data without communication
errors.
Solution:
Our software allows you to send your data from RS232 (COM port) to Excel in followings ways:
Connect RS232 to Excel with the help of the Local database plugin.
Advantages:
- Doesn't require installing Excel on a production computer;
- Possibility to create Excel files in the background.
Disadvantages:
- Re-creates an Excel file every time and therefore requires rather more computer's resources if your data flow is fast;
- Unable to export data from several RS232 ports to one file.
Read the tutorial about this method.
Link RS232 to Excel with the help of the Direct Excel connection plugin.
Advantages:
- Allows you to place parsed data to any columns and rows;
- It is handy if you want to watch your RS232 data in a real-time environment.
Disadvantages:
- Requires Excel on the production computer, if you add charts and formulas to Excel files, this link will be very slow.
Read the tutorial about this method.
Send data from RS232 to Excel with the help of the DDE interface.
Advantages:
- Allows you to place parsed data to any columns and rows;
- Is very useful if you want to watch your RS232 data in a real-time environment;
- Excel automatically starts the data logger software;
- Allows you to use the data logger on a remote computer (in this case, DDE works over a network);
- It will enable you to process data from RS232 in Excel with the help of a VBA code.
Disadvantages:
- Requires Excel on a production computer, if you add charts and formulas to Excel files, this link become slower;
- This way requires some VBA knowledge.
Read the tutorial about this method.
Receive data from RS232 to Excel with the help of our ActiveX control.
Advantages:
- Allows you to process data as you want;
- Will enable you to receive unparsed binary RAW data from RS232 to Excel;
- Allows you to receive notifications about program events;
- Allows you to send data from Excel to RS232;
- Excel automatically starts the data logger software;
- Is very useful if you want to watch your RS232 data in a real-time environment
- It allows you to process data from RS232 in Excel with the help of a VBA code.
Disadvantages:
- Requires Excel on a production computer;
- Requires in-depth VBA knowledge;
- ActiveX control isn't free and requires an additional license.
Download the necessary ActiveX control from our site. An example and the help file will be installed with the ActiveX control.
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