FAQ: MicroBase Pro - How To Add A Serial Port

   
 

1. Can I Use MicroBase Pro With A Computer Which Does Not Have An RS-232 Serial Port?

No, in order for MicroBase Pro to communicate with your MicroVib II, your computer must be equipped with an RS-232 Serial Port, designated as COMX, where "X" is the port number 1-9.

If you don't know if your computer has an RS-232 Serial Port, click here to find out.
 
 

2. My Computer Does Not Have an RS-232 Serial Port - Can I Add One?

If your computer is not equipped with a native (built-in) RS-232 Serial Port, you may be able to add one using one of the following methods described below:

  • Utilize a USB to RS-232 Serial Port Adapter.
  • Install an add-on card containing one or more RS-232 Ports

Important Note: It is always preferable to use a native (built-in) RS-232 Serial Port. If your computer is already equipped with a built-in and functioning RS-232 Serial Port, this page does not apply to you.
 
 

3. Where Can I Find An Add-On RS-232 Serial Port Card Or USB To RS-232 Serial Port Adapter?

There are a variety of models available in computer stores and on the Internet. Be sure to select a model which is compatible with your computer's hardware and software operating system. Prices range from $10 to $60. The CommFront unit described below is available from DSS Headquarters.
 
  4. What USB To RS-232 Serial Port Adapters Have Been Tested With MicroBase Pro?

These FTDI Chipset based units produced excellent results when tested on WinXP/WinVista/Win7/Win8 - Both 32 Bit and 64 bit operating systems.

NOTE: DSS strongly recommends that customers wishing to purchase a USB To RS-232 Serial Port Adapter, select either the CommFront, Valley Enterprises, Sabrent, L-COM, Tera Grand or another unit which utilizes the FTDI Chipset. Units equipped with the FTDI Chipset provide excellent performance and work with virtually all current Windows OS variants.

The following older units utilizing the Prolific chipset produced reasonable results when tested on WinXP 32 bit operating systems.

  • IOGEAR - Model GUC232A USB to Serial Adapter
  • BAFO Technologies - Model 810 USB to Serial Adapter
  • CablesToGo - Model 26886 USB to Serial Adapter
  • TRENDnet - Model TU-S9 USB to Serial Converter
  • KEYSPAN - Model USA-19H USB Serial Adapter
  • SIIG - USB to Serial Adapter

This unit failed to work properly when tested on WinXP 32 bit operating systems.

  • GigaWare - 6-Ft USB-A to Serial Cable (Radio Shack SKU:26-949)

5. How Do I Install My USB To Serial Port Adapter (Win Vista and earlier)?

You can use the following procedure to install most USB to Serial adapters under Windows XP and Windows Vista:

  • Log-in with administrator privileges.
  • Connect the USB to Serial adapter to one of the computer's USB ports.
  • Windows should respond with the "New Hardware Found" dialog. Insert the driver disk that came with your adapter and select the option for automatic installation.
  • When installation is complete, click finish and remove the driver install disk.
  • Open Windows Device Manager and look for your new COM port shown under category Ports (COM and LPT).
  • Open MicroBase Pro and select the new COM port number under Options - Connect Settings - Serial Port.
	Note: Some units with the FDTI chipset need to have TWO drivers installed, so the above behavior will occur twice.
6. How Do I Install My USB To Serial Port Adapter (Win 7 and Later)?
 
With Windows 7 or later, installation is quite simple. Most USB to Serial Adapter drivers will be automatically installed when Windows detects the device. Use the following steps to install your adapter's driver:
  • Make sure that your computer has an Internet connection.
  • Connect the USB to RS-232 adapter to your computer. Windows should automatically install the driver. This may take a few minutes.
  • Open Windows Device Manager and look for your new COM port shown under category Ports (COM and LPT).
  • Open MicroBase Pro and select the new COM Port under Options - Connect Settings - Serial Port.
In the event that Windows does not automatically install the needed driver, use the following steps:
  • Open the Windows Device Manager and look for an entry under Other Devices which relates to your adapter.
  • Right click on the entry and select the option to install a driver for that device.
  • When prompted, direct Windows to search automatically for the appropriate driver (be patient).
  • After driver installation is complete, open Windows Device Manager and note your new COM port shown under the category Ports (COM and LPT).
  • Open MicroBase Pro and select the new COM Port number under Options - Connect Settings - Serial Port.

If Windows is unable to locate and install the correct driver for your FTDI based adapter, try one of the following methods to install the driver:

  • Install the driver from your Driver Installation Disk that came with your FTDI based adapter.
  • Download and Install the Universal FTDI driver which can be found here.
7. What Add-On RS-232 Serial Port Cards Have Been Tested With MicroBase Pro?

This unit produced excellent results when tested on Win7/Win8 64 bit operating systems.

  • StarTech - PEX2S952 - Two Serial Port PCI Express Card

8. How Do I Install My Add-On RS-232 Serial Port Card?

You can use the following procedure to install most Add-On RS-232 Serial Port Cards:

  • Select a product which has a compatible interface with your computer's motherboard (for example, PCI Express Interface)
  • Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord.
  • Open your computer's case and install the Add-On card to an available slot.
  • Close your computer's case and re-attach the power cord.
  • Start your computer's and Log-in with administrator privileges.
  • Follow the mfr instructions for installing the drivers for your new card
  • When installation is complete, restart your computer.

9. How Do I Configure MicroBase Professional To Use My New RS-232 Serial Port?

Before use, you will need to configure MicroBase Professional to use the adapter:

  • Open the Windows device manager and determine what Native or Virtual COM Port is used by your adapter. For more information on this, see the FAQ, Serial Port Settings In Windows Device Manager.
  • When you are satisfied that you know the appropriate Com Port number, open MicroBase Professional and select Options - Connect Settings.  Select the appropriate Com port for use. Click OK when finished.

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