- Wed Oct 26, 2005 5:41 pm
#7495
Yes, there is no problem for PC software written by myself. I use Delphi and 'PortController' for VCP comms- In the 'Read portcontroller' port function a variable can be included to perform a time-out, and if using FTDI's DLL then there is a simple time-out function if port data is not available.
There are other functions to test for an open port. either VCP or DLL.
The problem arises from commercial software. For example I have several GPS diagnostics to test the Lassen GPS module.Some have a 'select COM port' menu, others don't. So old problem have to go to control panel, system,device manager to see what port and change it if required.
Looks like Microsoft got it wrong since there is no easy way to interrogate and change the COMport.Of course not having any 'old' RS232 COM ports on all new PC's/Laptops doesn't help and I have to continually resort to USB/RS232 bridges and virtual ports.
'SerialWatcher' is a simple terminal program (From port to PC) was easy enuf to test which port is being used but no way to change the COM port of the PC.
Methinks this is an unsoluble problem,
BRING BACK THE RS232 PORT!
or maybe just like the old BBC microcomputer have an 8-bit user port sticking out of the PC (optically-isolated of course) connected to the system bus! ha ha
Regards,Riki