No Computer COM Port? A Solution

The information provided is for help with Commtest Instruments products:

vbSeries® instruments, MMS data loggers, Profiler instrument

QUESTION

I have no COM ports on my computer. How can I communicate with the instrument?

ANSWER

Use a USB-to-serial adaptor or COM port PCMCIA card to add a serial COM port to your computer. The easiest (and cheapest) solution we found is to use a USB-to-serial adaptor.

Commtest Instruments have tested and approved the BAFO Technologies BF-810 adaptor with our software and instruments.

(Click the image below to visit the BAFO Technologies website.)

The BF-810 has a DB9 (9 pin) RS-232 serial interface that connects directly with the instrument's download cable (no other adaptors required). The BF-810 can be obtained from www.pcwebshopper.com for around US $20.00.

Compatibility

The BF-810 is compatible with Windows 98/98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

Installation

Installation is straightforward as USB devices generally install themselves on any operating system that supports them. For full instructions, select your operating system from the list below.

Disclaimer: Commtest does not officially support Windows 98 or ME legacy operating systems.

MORE INFORMATION

There are many USB-serial adaptors on the market, most of which have DB25 (25 pin) connectors which will require another adaptor to the DB9 (9 pin) connector of the download cable. Feel free to use any adaptor that you want to use; technically they all should work with our instruments but only the BF-810 has been tested and approved to work with our products.

For more information about the BF-810 adaptor visit the BAFO Technologies website.

FAQ ID: 11643 Last Reviewed: 22 September 2005