Serial Port

1. Go into Device Manager.   You can find it by right clicking on the My Computer desktop icon and choosing ‘Properties' and then ‘Hardware'. 
2. Under Ports, you will find one called Communications Port (COM1).   Double click on this to open it.
3. Choose the tab for Port Settings.   Check to see that the port is set to 19200 for baud rate, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and Xon/XOff for data flow control.   Make sure to save these settings.
4. Open HyperTerminal.   It will prompt you for making a new connection.    Choose a name for it.
5. When it comes up with screen that says ‘Connect To', choose the COM that you setup under Device Manager.
6. Make sure the settings are the same for HyperTerminal as what you setup in (3).
7. You are now configured to start communicating with the DAQ.   Make sure to save the HyperTerminal connection; it might be worthwhile to move a shortcut to the desktop for ease in collecting data.

USB Port

1. If you are using a USB-Serial converter, it is slightly different.
2. Plug the converter into a USB port and follow the instructions that come on the screen.   Make sure that you have the correct driver CD for the adapter.
3. Once the device is installed, go into Device Manager.   You will find the adapter listed as a Communication Port – probably COM4 or COM5.
4. Make the necessary changes to the settings as in (3), and then follow instructions 4 through 7.