Using Interfaced Equipment in QEST Web App

Applies to QEST Web App

Contents

Overview

Laboratory equipment often allows for electronic data collection, typically via an RS-232 or USB port. The QEST Web App can communicate with the equipment for the collection of data that would otherwise need to be typed in manually by an operator.

This article explains how to use interfaced equipment in the QEST Web App when performing data entry such that measurements from such equipment do not have to be entered manually.

Prior to using this functionality, at least one piece of available, in-service, equipment must be appropriately configured to interface data as described in Configuring Equipment for Interfacing in the QEST Web App.

Equipment Selection and Connection

When selecting a piece of equipment that supports interfacing in a QEST Web App data entry page, the user will be shown a notification similar to the below:

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Clicking the Connect link will show a dialog to the user requesting that the appropriate COM port be selected. This should be the COM port that the equipment item is connected to.

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After selecting the appropriate COM port and clicking Connect any fields that support interfacing on the worksheet will show a thick blue bottom border:

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If the notification disappears or is no longer available, the connection can still be completed by clicking on the button above the equipment item and then clicking on the Connect button in the equipment information dialog.

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Interfacing Values

Navigating into any field that supports interfacing will cause the equipment interfacing workflow to take place. That is:

1. The request value, if any, is sent over the COM port

2. The QEST Web App waits for incoming data, which is indicated by the animation of the bottom border

If the equipment item is configured appropriately, sending data from the equipment item to the PC at this point should show the numeric value in the field.