Serial Port Communications 1

[TerryUrb]

We are having problems with Foxpro 2.5 software (using a utility developed by SiverFox) talking to the serial ports on some computers. This software worked well in the past (8 years now) but as computers have changed, we are having problems with our software not recognizing the serial port.

1. Is there a fix?

If not, and we have to re-write, can we use visual Foxpro as I understand most of our code should work and do any venders support serial port communications with Visual Foxpro?

2. Do we need to look at using another programming language?

 

[ezopaci]

What version (Dos or Windows) of foxpro do you use ? What OS ?

Tomas

 

[JRB-Bldr]

I assume that the workstations on which you are having problems are running Win 2000 or Win XP.

SilverFox was a great product when used in Win 3.1, Win 95, or Win 98 since all of those allowed direct usage of the COM ports. But Win 2000/XP does not support that.

If you only needed to support printing to a serial port, you could most likely modify your existing code by eliminating any specific reference to COM ports and allow Windows to handle the "port" communication.

But I am guessing that you are using SilverFox routines to do more than merely sent printouts. (I know because when I have used SilverFox in the past I used it for more complicated functions like Modem communications, etc. over a serial port.)

My first recommendation is to use the Search function of this forum to see if anyone else has posted any recommendations already.

If you do not find anything in the Search, you might want to consider a Visual Foxpro "conversion". Yes, most of your existing code will run in Visual Foxpro. You will most likely need to re-write your user Screens/Forms.

Note - if you do decide to change to VFP, take the opportunity to critically review the existing code and see if a partial or complete re-design at this time could be of benefit to you.

Good Luck,



JRB-Bldr
VisionQuest Consulting
Business Analyst & CIO Consulting Services
CIOServices@yahoo.com

 

[TerryUrb]

Hi JRB-Bldr,
Thanks for the input.
We wrote this in 96 with some additions to the software as new as 3 years ago. I have been getting some complaints that some users need to find an "Older Machine" to commuinicate on the serial port. Because there are many variables out there, and I am busy, I ignored the issue until I tried to talk to my controller with my laptop that runs Windows 98 and it can't talk to the port. So I thought maybe the issue is bigger than I am told, thus the questions.

I am a bit concerned about using VFP as I am uncertain if we can communicate with the serial port with VFP without a serial port utility like SilverFox. ?? If you would not mind comment on this issue, I would appreciate it.

If I can communicate on the serial port with VFP, then I think it would be best to rework the VFP software.

Thank you,
TerryUrb

 

[JRB-Bldr]

Before I can tell you if VFP can communicate with the serial port or not, it depends on what type of communications you are wanting to support:
1. Unidirectional Serial communication to a POS display
2. Bi-directional Serial transfer of data to a bar code reader/scanner
3. Communications with an external serial Modem
4. Etc.

In general, the answer is YES serial port communication is supported (typically by using Windows tools - see thread184-497610), but the specific approach may differ on your needs.

You might want to do a Search within the following forums for "serial port" to see if someone else has asked a question close to your needs regarding VFP utilization.

Microsoft: VFP -General Coding Issues Forum
forum184
Microsoft: VFP - Forms, Classes and Controls Forum
forum1254
Microsoft: VFP - Databases, SQL&VFP, and Reports Forum
forum1252
Microsoft: VFP - Automation, Mail & 3rd Party Svcs Forum
forum1251

Good Luck,

JRB-Bldr
VisionQuest Consulting
Business Analyst & CIO Consulting Services
CIOServices@yahoo.com

 

[TerryUrb]

Hi JRB-Bldr,
I am communicating to my controllers though a serial modem.
So, it sounds positive to use VFP and I will look at the threads you have suggested.
Thanks for you help.
TerryUrb

 

[DSummZZZ]

Maybe as an interim alternative, you could use a different library.
Take a look here:

http://www.hallogram.com/commdrv/

and here:

http://www.hallogram.com/commtool/

-Dave Summers-

Even more Fox stuff at:

http://www.davesummers.net/foxprolinks.htm

 

[TerryUrb]

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the input on the utility provided by Hallogram. It looks very simular to the SilverFox software for 2.5

Regards,
TerryUrb