APPNOTE: Recommended baud rates for different Loggers

Article ID: 030711sab
Last Reviewed: August 09, 2022

The information in this article applies to:

  • Pronto for Windows all releases.

Target Audience

This Article is aimed at:

Summary

The recommended rate should give the most reliable communication between a Logger and a computer. In some cases a slower rate will give more reliable results, particularly in electrically noisy environments.

Which type of Logger do you have ?

How is your Logger connected to the computer ?

If using a serial cable, serial to USB converter or serial to Ethernet converter.

  • For second generation Loggers use a rate of 115200.
    • For USB connected Loggers.

      • For the PM7000 select a rate of 921600.
      • For the PM4000 select a rate of 921600.
      • For the PM3000 select a rate of 115200.
      • For the PM1000 select a rate of 115200.

For Ethernet connected Loggers.

      • For the PM7000 select a rate of 921600.

Notes for second generation Loggers

Some serial ports particularly those on laptops do not correctly support 115200 baud.

Rates of 115200 and higher are prone to data errors particularly in electrically noisy environments or with cables longer than a few meters.

Standard serial ports do not support 230400 baud. You may select this rate when using a USB to serial converter, serial to Ethernet converter or an after-market serial plug in card that supports it.

It has been noticed that some serial to USB converters allow selection of 230400 baud but the output drivers distort the data waveform and prevent reliable communication.

Notes for first generation Loggers

These Loggers are no longer supported although Pronto will still download and configure these Loggers.
The information below has been left here for reference.
Logger

Types of first generation Logger

first generation Ranger Logger (without enhanced serial communications firmware) (obsolete).
Ranger II with firmware 4.56 or earlier.
Meter Socket Logger (1530 series)
Scout (10xx series)
Qualitrol
Power Logger (1230 series) with firmware 4.56 or earlier

Enhanced first generation Ranger Logger (with enhanced serial communications firmware).
Ranger II with firmware 4.57 or later.
Ranger III
Ranger 4 series
Harmonics Power Logger (1250 & 1280 series)
Harmonics Analyzer (HA5000 series)
Power Logger (1230 series) with firmware 4.57 or later

If using a serial cable, serial to USB converter or serial to Ethernet converter.

  • Standard first generation Ranger Loggers use a rate of 9600.
  • Enhanced first generation Ranger Loggers use a rate of 38400 or 9600.

If using a modem.

  • Standard first generation Ranger Loggers use a rate of 9600.
  • Enhanced first generation Ranger Loggers use a rate of 19200 or 9600.
  • For second generation Loggers use a rate of 115200 or 57600.

If you are not sure that a first generation Logger has enhanced serial communications firmware, select 38400 baud anyway. Pronto still talks to the Logger at 9600 and during download the rate is increased to38400 but only if the Logger supports it.

You may select 19200 baud with a first generation Logger but experience has shown this rate is often unreliable.

You cannot use 38400 baud for a first generation Logger when using a modem.