Is Uni-T UT61A capable of data logging? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: escape
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 01:21:26 am
content: Hello,I know UT61E can log data using the provided serial cable. Can the UT61A log data as well if I purchase a UT-D02 RS232 Interface Cable? If so, is the PC software available for download somewhere?Also, can that serial cable be converted to USB using any one of those serial-to-USB generic adapters, or do I need something custom?Thanks!

author: gardner
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 04:39:45 am
content: My UT61E is a Chinese one that came with the RS232 cable. I use it with a USB-Serial adapter and it works okay. The RS232 cable has no power on its own and relies on the DTR, RTS and so forth from the powered USB adapter. The meter transmits continuously when it is on and logging is just a matter of catching the data and putting it in a file. I have used the log function of a terminal program, but there are loggers for the UT61E out there. When I put "ut-61e data logging" into the gargler, it found me some likely options.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 04:45:00 am
content: The computer runs software which interprets the serial data and does the logging.Let me know if you can't get it working, I've used the Uni-T program off the (mini CD) CD that comes with it with my UT61Ewithout issues.Ive had it working on Linux using Wine. (Not using Uni-T's USB cable, using the supplied serial cable, both a real serial port and a fake serial port)The way they do it, with an opto-isolator maintains the DMM's isolation which is nice.

author: escape
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 11:51:27 am
content: The reason I asked about UT61A specifically is because of the comparison table on this page:https://www.lelong.com.my/uni-t-ut61a-digital-multimeter-pc-data-logging-vmart126-168104245-2015-11-Sale-P.htmIt states that UT61A does not support USB data output. I don't know if that means that it can't send data or something totally different. UT61A is the only DMM in the series that supports NCV (EF) detection, and I wonder if that somehow interferes with its ability to push log data out. So, if you own a UT61A, can you please let me know before I spend money buying the cables?Thanks!

author: gardner
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 04:58:32 pm
content: The cheap serial cable that comes with the Chinese UT61E is exactly the UT-D02 and it definitely can be hooked to a Serial/USB adapter. There is a better quality version of the UT61E that is sold in Europe and I think that one comes with a USB cable. I haven't seen the USB cable as a separate buyable item though.This is a very popular meter for folks needing logging or data capture of one sort or another and there are numerous hacks documented for building your own USB interface using a USB/TTL serial module and numerous data logging approaches documented. I do recommend looking for info in Google because there is a lot out there.

author: escape
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 06:28:32 pm
content: Quote from: gardner on October 10, 2017, 04:58:32 pmRight. There is lots of info in Google about people using UT61E for data logging, but I haven't been able to find anything about UT61A, which is the DMM that I own. Hence I thought I'd ask here.

author: escape
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 07:09:36 pm
content: I found the following blurb in one of the owner manuals, which makes it sound as if UT61A cannot output data...But then, when I press and holdRELbutton on mine, the(S)symbol does appear on my display, which would mean that data outputting has been enabled.I sent a question to Uni-T on this, but I think I won't know for sure until I buy a cable and try it.Also, the PC software on Uni-T's website does not include anything for UT61A either. They show three versions of the software:UT61B_V3.03.exeUT61C_D_V3.03.exeUT61E_V4.01.exeSo who knows if any of them would work with 61A.

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 07:11:49 pm
content: http://www.uni-trend.com/productsdetail_1967_1105_1105.htmlno serial on the 61A

author: escape
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 07:13:47 pm
content: Quote from: stj on October 10, 2017, 07:11:49 pmBut it says "Equipped with RS-232C and USB standard interface". So what does that mean?

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 07:15:28 pm
content: Quote from: escape on October 10, 2017, 07:09:36 pmlook at the IR port with a digital camera or cellfone.if you see the led blinking then it's sending something.

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 07:17:01 pm
content: Quote from: escape on October 10, 2017, 07:13:47 pmit means they are a pain in the ass, because that contradicts the feature table just below it!!my advice, use a 61E because you will find more software for it.

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 07:18:58 pm
content: the A version is not listed at Sigrok.https://sigrok.org/wiki/Supported_hardware#Multimeters

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 07:19:37 pm
content: The UT61A does note have RS232 interface. The product page features the 61A and 61B. Only the 61B features RS232. Uni-T website needs to be read with care as many product pages refer to more than one sub-model.Regards,Vitor

author: escape
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 07:55:55 pm
content: Thanks.Does a UT61 without a serial interface look any different?Here is what mine looks like:

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 08:10:03 pm
content: Please look here:http://www.uni-trend.com/productsdetail_1967_1105_1105.htmlNo checkbox on the RS232 option for the A model, but the B model has the checkbox.I don't know what the A model looks like, but looking at the results on Google Picture Search, I assume that all product pictures are from the B model.Regards,Vitor

author: escape
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 08:23:08 pm
content: Quote from: Bicurico on October 10, 2017, 08:10:03 pmWhat I'm saying is that the one I have looks exactly like B or E on the back, and hence was wondering if they all look identical, even though the A has no serial interface...The one I have is actually Etekcity MSR-U1000, but it's basically a UT61A clone from what I understand.

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 08:28:07 pm
content: I did not understand that you actually have an A model.Should be easy to find out if you have the interface built-in: just hold it against the camera of your mobile phone and start the camera mode. If it is working, you should be seeing the IR leds flashing. I can try that later on on my E model.Regards,Vitor

author: escape
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 08:35:42 pm
content: Quote from: Bicurico on October 10, 2017, 08:28:07 pmThanks. No IR leds flashing, so I guess that confirms it. Appreciate the support.

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 08:41:09 pm
content: I just tested it on my UT61E and yes, the blinking LED can be seen through the mobile phone's camera. Not a bright light, but perfectly visible.I guess that settles it!Regards,Vitor

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 08:45:53 pm
content: maybe you can just add an led & resistor - if your lucky they used the same pcb.

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2017, 01:22:12 pm
content: I have both UT61A and UT61E.The 61A does not have any IR diode installed, only the windows in the back shell (I think that the case is the same in the whole 61x series)See photo below.Thus NO communication.Best regards