FAQ: Using MicroBase Professional With USB Ports
   
 

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, you must use a computer which is equipped with an RS-232 Serial Port, designated as COMX, where "X" is the port number 1-9.

If your computer is not equipped with a native (built-in) RS-232 Serial Port, you will probably be able to add a Virtual Serial Port through the use of an available USB port and the addition of a special adapter called a USB to Serial Port Adapter.

Note: It is always preferable to use a native RS-232 Serial Port so if your computer is already equipped with one, this page does not apply to you.

 
 

Where Can I Find A USB To 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 $20 to $40.

 
  What USB To Serial Port Adapters Have Been Successfully Tested With MicroBase Pro?

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

These units produced excellent results when tested on WinXP/WinVista/Win7 32 bit operating systems.

These units produced good results when tested on WinXP 32 bit operating systems.

  • KEYSPAN - Model USA-19H USB Serial Adapter
  • SIIG - USB to Serial Adapter

DSS strongly recommends that customers needing to purchase a USB To RS-232 Adapter, select the CommFront unit since it provides excellent performance and works with virtually all Windows OS variants.

 
  What USB To Serial Port Adapter Failed To Work With MicroBase Pro?

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

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

 

How Do I Install My USB To Serial Port Adapter?

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

  • 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.
	Note: The CommFront unit needs to have TWO drivers installed, so the above behavior will occur twice.

 

How Do I Configure MicroBase Professional To Use My USB to Serial Port Adapter?

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

  • Open the Windows device manager (Control Panel - System - Hardware - Device Manager) and select Ports (COM & LPT). Look for the entry that corresponds to the adapter you have just installed and note the virtual Com Port which the adapter is assigned to use.
  • If a corresponding Com Port entry does not appear under Ports (COM & LPT) when your USB to RS-232 adapter is plugged into a working USB port, then you probably don't have the appropriate driver installed. Try installing the driver again.
  • If you are not sure which Com Port entry corresponds to your USB to RS-232 adapter, disconnect the adapter from your USB port, the related Com Port entry will disappear from the list. Reconnect the adapter and the related entry will re-appear.
  • The Com Port number must be in the range of 1-9. If you see a number outside of this range, try opening the properties of the driver and then using the advanced configuration to obtain an unused Com Port number in the range of 1-9.
  • 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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