VB and Opto-22

Does anyone have experience in communicating with Opto-22 controllers via Visual Basic? I have some Opto-22 controllers, a copy of VB6, and a USB-to-RS485 converter. The Opto-22 controllers are older, non-ethernet versions that communicate via RS485. I am a novice at VB witn very little mscomm experience. I just want to know if this is possible or am I too hopelessly wishful.

Your USB to RS-485 adapter should appear to VB6 as a Comm Port so you should be able to use the MSComm control to establish communications. Rs485 is a slightly unique animal in that it is half duplex and can only send or receive at any one time so you need to take that into account. Next step would be to comprehend the serial packet protocol for the OPTO-22 motherboard. For that you may need to visit a manufacturer web site.

mkaras