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LIS middleware on the same PC
We are developing custom LIS middleware for a Beckman Coulter Access 2.
The Access 2 software runs on its Windows 10 PC and uses COM2 (RS-232) for LIS communication. The same PC has additional physical COM ports.
We are considering:
Access 2 software ? COM2 ? physical null-modem cable ? another COM port on the same PC ? our LIS middleware
Has anyone used this configuration specifically with an Access 2?
Is there any Beckman-specific reason why the LIS middleware should not run on the same PC?
Equipment: Beckman Coulter Access 2
Reply bylabotronics.mary4575
Yes, this can work in principle, but the key issue is that the Access 2 LIS interface is a standard RS-232 DTE connection on COM2, and Beckman specifies only RX, TX, and signal ground (pins 2, 3, and 5); a null-modem connection is normally required to another DTE port. Running your middleware on the same Windows PC is not specifically prohibited in the Beckman LIS documentation, but I would avoid inserting unnecessary serial-port hardware and first verify that the additional COM port and cable provide the correct TX/RX crossover. Also ensure your middleware implements the required ASTM E1381/E1394 protocol and uses the Access 2 serial settings. My suggestion is to test the COM2-to-secondary-COM connection with a serial terminal/logger first, before connecting the middleware, so you can confirm that the Access 2 communication remains stable.