The BalanceLink software allows direct transfer of data from a microbalance to an Excel spreadsheet. It connects the balance to the designated computer via an RS232-USB cable. The BalanceLink program downloads a trial version to facilitate the transfer. Key steps include setting up the Excel file, configuring BalanceLink for the desired data format and cursor movement, checking the COM port connection, weighing samples which will then transfer to Excel, and saving the file. Troubleshooting assistance is available through Mettler Toledo.
The BalanceLink software allows direct transfer of data from a microbalance to an Excel spreadsheet. It connects the balance to the designated computer via an RS232-USB cable. The BalanceLink program downloads a trial version to facilitate the transfer. Key steps include setting up the Excel file, configuring BalanceLink for the desired data format and cursor movement, checking the COM port connection, weighing samples which will then transfer to Excel, and saving the file. Troubleshooting assistance is available through Mettler Toledo.
Original Description:
Tutorial of balance link
Original Title
BalanceLink Software Protocol_Microbalance to Excel
The BalanceLink software allows direct transfer of data from a microbalance to an Excel spreadsheet. It connects the balance to the designated computer via an RS232-USB cable. The BalanceLink program downloads a trial version to facilitate the transfer. Key steps include setting up the Excel file, configuring BalanceLink for the desired data format and cursor movement, checking the COM port connection, weighing samples which will then transfer to Excel, and saving the file. Troubleshooting assistance is available through Mettler Toledo.
The BalanceLink software allows direct transfer of data from a microbalance to an Excel spreadsheet. It connects the balance to the designated computer via an RS232-USB cable. The BalanceLink program downloads a trial version to facilitate the transfer. Key steps include setting up the Excel file, configuring BalanceLink for the desired data format and cursor movement, checking the COM port connection, weighing samples which will then transfer to Excel, and saving the file. Troubleshooting assistance is available through Mettler Toledo.
Direct connect of data between the microbalance and Excel
LLS 5/19/2012 beta version
General Info The microbalance is connected to the Dell computer through a RS232 USB cable. This computer does not have internet connection, and should only be accessed with USB thumb drives. The balance will print data to a text file or to Excel. Directions for sending data to an Excel file are listed below.
Program Info The first program we received to transfer data was called LabX Direct. There is a disk for it in the drawer under the balance. It was having trouble working on this computer because there was no internet connection. However we still have the software should we ever need it in this drawer.
The second program we received and the one that will be used to convert the balance data to Excel is called BalanceLink. A free trial was downloaded from www.mt.com under BalanceLink 4.0.2 and the registration number given to us by Dan Yaconis (x4821) for the software is 244804577. This should only be used on the Dell computer in the Harpole lab.
HOW TO SEND DATA FROM THE BALANCE TO EXCEL 1. Turn on the computer 2. EXCEL SETUP a. Open Excel (link located on desktop) b. Set up your Excel file with the desired column or row headings. c. Place your cursor in the cell where data should first be entered 3. BALANCELINK SETUP a. Open BalanceLink (link located on desktop) b. CONFIGURATION SETUP i. Setup a configuration for how you want the data to be entered into Excel 1. On menu click configuration device properties 2. The Format tab will tell Excel how the data should be inputted a. Macro1 = how the cursor in Excel should move before a weight is entered b. Value = the mass value from the microbalance c. Macro2 = how the cursor in Excel should move after a weight is entered 3. You will want to hit modify and then make sure the boxes are checked according to how you want the cursor to move. Most frequently you will want to have the Value and Macro2 boxes checked. 4. The Macro2 tab gives you all sorts of options about how to have the cursor move after you send a weight. For example if you want the cursor to move down the column, you just click on the Down button so [Down] reads in the window. Or if you want it to enter across a row, you hit the Left or Right button. 5. The Value tab allows you to modify how many decimal places you want the balance to send to Excel. Standard for the general protocols will be X.XXX with a rounding value of 0.001. 6. Once you are satisfied with your configuration hit ok 7. If you want to save a configuration to use again, in the main menu screen, click on file-save configuration as. There is a folder under Program Files METTLER TOLEDO BalanceLink Configurations where you can save each configuration you use. Please save your files as either your name if it is very specific, or if it is a general command like down a column please save it with a specific name so others can use these common and general configurations. c. CONNECTION SETUP i. You will need to make sure the BalanceLink software on the computer is connecting to the correct port on the actual microbalance. The computer often reads the incorrect COM port so it is best to double check this every time you are weighing objects. 1. Click on the connection icon, a window labeled Interface Connection will open up. a. The appropriate settings should be Baudrate: 9600, Stop bit: 1, Data bit: 8, Parity: none, check the XOn/Xoff box, and Port: COM3 b. Hit ok. The program will connect to the balance, hit ok 4. SENDING WEIGHTS a. Make sure Excel is up and your cell where data should go first is highlighted. b. Hit the Print key on the right side of the balance. It looks like a little printer. If you cannot find it, look for the icon in the manuals in the drawers below the balance. c. While the balance is stabilizing there will be a circle in the upper left hand part of the screen. Once a weight is stabilized for about 3 seconds, the value will be sent to Excel and the cursor will move as specified in the configuration. d. Continue to weigh your samples 5. FINISHING UP a. Save your data in a file under the lab folders on the desktop. Please make yourself a folder for the lab you are working in. b. Save the data onto a flashdrive and take it to your personal or lab computer. c. Turn computer off
TROUBLESHOOTING
If all else fails, call 1-800-METTLER (638-8537), when the prompt answers hit 1, then enter extension 4821. This is Dan Yaconiss line. He has helped us in the past and can help you make sure the balance is set up properly and is connected to the computer.