Serial Ports are
Legacy
Revware recommends against using serial communication. This
information is included for legacy purposes for those users with no other
option.
To make a COM port available, you should disconnect any occasional-use external serial device, such as a modem, if you are using one. If you are using an external serial device, it is very easy to disconnect and reconnect your MicroScribe device.
Many users also employ an inexpensive switch box to switch between external serial devices connected to the PC.
Change the IRQ and
COM Port of the Modem
If you are using a serial mouse or other device on
COM1, move it to COM2 and move your modem, if you have one, to COM3 (consult
your device manual for instructions on reconfiguring its connection to your PC).
You may then be able to use COM1 for your connection between the MicroScribe 3D
or G2 and your 3D digitizing/modeling software. You will need to turn off any
device connected to COM3 while MicroScribe communications are in progress to
avoid IRQ conflicts between COM1 and COM3, or COM2 and COM4 if yo connect your
MicroScribe to COM2.
Some after-market processor upgrades for older systems leave the PC with only one COM port turned on. This is not true for current PC's. If you determine that this is the case, you can go into the PC's setup and turn on the second COM port if the PC is so equipped. Follow the instructions included with your hardware on performing this adjustment.
When in doubt, please consult your hardware documentation, PC vendor, or your Systems Administrator for additional information on configuring your communications ports.
Unplug the Network
Connection
On systems which have a network connection attached to a COM
port socket, you may be able to disable the network software and remove the
connection in order to plug in the cable for your MicroScribe. Check with your
network system administrator.
Add a Serial Port
Card
You may be able to add an additional serial port card to your PC
which contains one or two additional ports and sockets. Assign a unique IRQ
value (less than 16) to the COM port on this board if possible. You will have to
use a diagnostic program to determine what IRQ values are available.
A Note for Laptop
Users
Most current laptops are no longer equipped with external COM
ports. Though USB to serial converters are available, they are not support for
MicroScribe serial communications. Older Laptops and portables with external
docking stations are particularly susceptible to COM port configuration
difficulties. Review your laptop's documentation carefully to determine what COM
ports you have and what ports are available. If your laptop has an infrared (IR)
port you may first need to disable the infrared port before enabling the COM
port that you wish to use then rebooting. Some laptop owners have needed to
lower the speed at which they connect to their laptop's COM port.
A Note on PCMCIA
Slots
PCMCIA modems count as serial devices. If you are having serial
port conflicts try unplugging your modem and rebooting your PC.