Level Developments LCH-45, LCH-360 Use Manual

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A First Use Guide for LCH Inclinometers Using the RS232 Serial Interface.

Hello Angles...

A First Use Guide for LCH-45 & LCH-360 Inclinometers:

RS232 Interface with

LD Standard Communication Protocol.

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A First Use Guide for LCH Inclinometers Using the RS232 Serial Interface.

Who Is This Guide For?

The purpose of this guide is to show the correct procedure for connecting and using digital LCH
inclinometers with a Windows PC for the first time.

This document can be followed by users of all skill levels including absolute beginners.

Preface:

Take care while making all connections. To avoid damaging your product do not allow any wires to
make contact with anything you do not intend (especially a source of power).

Once your connections have been made and the unit is responding correctly, please refer to the product
datasheet for the full command list(s) and more information about the communication protocol.

Quick-start Guide for the LCH Series Inclinometer:

Step 1: Ensure You Have a Working COM Port (Hardware).

Many PCs and Laptops have a built-In1 COM (communication) port which looks like this:

The above connector is known as a DB-9 Male & shouldn’t be confused with “VGA” which looks like this:

If your PC or laptop doesn’t have this connection you can buy a separate2 USB to COM adapter. For this
guide we have used the “StarTech ICUSB232DB25” which is inexpensively available online:

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A First Use Guide for LCH Inclinometers Using the RS232 Serial Interface.

Step 2: Ensure You Have a Working COM Port (Software):

On your computer go to “Device Manager” which can be accessed via the control panel:

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For Built-In COM ports:

In most cases the driver will be installed and working already. Typically this will be called “Communications
Port (COM1)” meaning that “COM1” is the port we would use to communicate with the inclinometer.

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If you have bought a separate USB to COM Port:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install your driver and check that it has installed properly.