Arduino serial monitor timeout/freeze? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ECEdesign
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 11:38:37 pm
content: I am working on a project using a TI ADS1220 24bit ADC and have the voltage output sent to the serial monitor. This seems to work fine (the voltage measurements are quite accurate compared to my 34401A) but after a few minutes it will keep updating but the value will be stuck (i.e instead of small changes due to noise the exact same value is repeated). The time that is required before it goes into this timeout seems to vary. It is interfaced over SPI, I'm not sure what would cause something like this. Any ideas?

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 12:18:56 am
content: I would suggest you test it again but with using an independent serial terminal program rather then the Arduino IDE serial monitor. Many free ones are available, I use brey terminal.

author: ECEdesign
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 03:02:43 pm
content: Interesting, Ill give it a go.

author: obiwanjacobi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 05:57:17 am
content: Could be a SPI error that freeze up the ADC?Could be a program error (SPI)?

author: HwAoRrDk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 02:56:50 pm
content: I noticed with a quick skim read of the datasheet for the ADS1220 that it can be configured in either 'single-shot' or 'continuous' mode. Could it perhaps be that it is somehow accidentally entering 'single-shot' mode? That could explain the same value being read from it over-and-over. I also note that single-shot mode is the power-on default config. Would be good to check the chip is not somehow being reset.By the way, if you're on Windows,PuTTYmakes for a good serial terminal. I use it with Arduinos for monitoring serial output when I don't feel like firing up the IDE.

author: Aodhan145
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2016, 12:59:22 pm
content: Quote from: HwAoRrDk on May 28, 2016, 02:56:50 pmAhahahah is that a joke it is the biggest pile of shit I have ever went near. It is unresponsive to the serial if you have it in the background for too long. It has no decent options. Hterm is the best serial terminal I used. It is useful for debugging things with micros as well as it has all the needed options.

author: HwAoRrDk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2016, 03:27:42 pm
content: Quote from: Aodhan145 on May 29, 2016, 12:59:22 pmNever had any problems like that myself. I only suggested PuTTY because it's free, quick and convenient to use. I'm sure it isn't particularly fully-featured for serial terminal use, as it is after all primarily an SSH client. For the OP's purposes - eliminating the Arduino IDE's serial monitor as source of problem - it will serve well.Assuming you're talking aboutthis HTerm(and not the multitude of similar-named software); it looks interesting. Sort of a cross between a terminal and a hex editor.

author: ECEdesign
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2016, 04:29:31 pm
content: I think Hwaorrdk might be right with the ADC being put into single shot mode. Since the the "timeout" seems to occur with different time intervals sometimes very short and sometimes longer time. Maybe the SPI lines are excessively noisy causing it to think a single shot command was sent. Im using the recommended 47ohm resistors to the Arduino input though.