Last Change
25 May 2000

Simple Serial Port Software

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I created this program so I could easily send and receive serial commands with a windows computer. This accepts input in hexadecimal and string input to be sent, and returns characters received byte by byte listing their ascii value (in decimal, easy to change to hex if desired)

It isn't fancy, and doesn't try to be everything to everyone, and therefore is suitable to use as an example of how to use the MSCOMM control. It is created in Visual Basic 6, though it should not be difficult to use in VB5.

A few things to be noted about its operation. The hex input boxes should have two characters in them. If you put one character in it may assume it is the high nibble of the byte (ie, "F" = "F0") There are notes in the source to improve this, but I haven't had time to implement them and test it. Malcom Kemp added the ability to change the port settings (port, speed, data bits, parity and stop bits) via menu. The connect menu is nothing more than a button. When connected, it displays 'Disconnect'. When not connected it displays 'Connect'. Click it to change the port's state.

There are two versions now. The old version, and the new version. There is no reason to continue using the older version, so please update yours.

bc1.gif (4431 bytes)
bc2.gif (5211 bytes)

You can download the entire program (including required DLLs, runtimes, ocx's, etc) by getting these two zip files. These are the complete setup and installation program for the older version. Download the new bcexe.zip, and put the new EXE file into the hat directory, and use it instead:
disk1.zip (1341KB) Older version
disk2.zip (1044KB) Older version
Unzip these into a single directory (or onto two disks) and run setup.exe.

You can download JUST the source code and EXE file. You must have the VB6 runtime DLL, and MSCOMM control OCX and their various dependencies. If you are unsure, download and install the above files (disk1 and disk2)
bcsource.zip (20KB) Newer Version

Or you can download JUST the EXE file. Again, you must have the VB6 runtime DLL and MSCOMM control OCX and their various dependencies. If you've already installed the first package (disk1 & disk2) then you can download this exe for the latest version.
bcexe.zip (13KB) Newer Version

I am currently using the older version, as it suits my needs. I do not plan on updating or upgrading this program at this time, though I undoubtedly will in the future for other projects. Therefore please make any changes you wish to this program. If they don't conflict with the ease of use and simple nature of it, then I will be happy to update this page with your changes and source. If you have suggestions for improvement, but do not have the time or desire to make the changes yourself, please email me. If there is enough interest I will maintain the code.

Everything on/in this site is copyright Adam Davis, 1999, except where otherwise noted
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