Connecting Devices to the Chromeleon Server PC
Connecting Devices via RS-232

Many chromatography devices are controlled via the RS-232 interface. You can connect the device directly to a server PC, to a hub, or to an interface, such as the UCI Universal Chromatography Interface. Several serial interfaces and thus a large number of chromatography instruments can be controlled from the PC. If more ports are required, additional interface cards can be installed. (For more information, refer to  Installing PC Plug-In Cards.)

Drawbacks of this type of data transmission are the relatively short range (< 10m) and limited speed. Transmission of large quantities of data, for example from the Dionex UVD 340S Photodiode Array Detector, requires the use of special interface cards.

Pin Assignments of RS232 Cables

Most connections are made with 9-pin or 25-pin Modem Cables or Null Modem Cables. The pin assignments are as follows (only the most important pins are mentioned):

The pin numbering (order for plug) is as follows:

For historic reasons, many manufacturers use their own cables, some of them with a completely different pin assignment (see  Cables and Pin Assignments in the Appendix of the Hardware Installation section). For information which connectors are required for a particular instrument, refer to

 Installing and Controlling Third-Party Devices.

 Table: Connecting Dionex Devices.

 Tip:

The UVD-3000 provides an RS-232 port on the rear panel, but it is connected to the USB port on the PC or to another module of the UltiMate 3000 system. To do this, use the RS-232/USB interface cable from the detector's accessories kit. For installation details, refer to  UVD-3000 UV Detector: Installation.