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Windows/.NET way to monitor/debug the serial port?


I have an application which is .NET 2.0, running on Windows XP Professional. This app uses the Serial Port to communicate with some custom devices.

For some reason, a few of our custom built PCs have an issue with the Serial Port, where it will stop functioning after a few weeks of use. Other that auto-reboots, which won't work in my scenario, are there any utilities out there which can debug/diagnose the serial port? Is there any .NET library which can help with this (can I write my own utility to debug the port)?

Also, has anyone had any experience with the following library: Sax CommStudio


Solution

  • I've used Sax CommStudio in the past, but now I just use System.IO.Ports.SerialPort.

    By any chance are you using a USB serial port? I've had problems with those going BSOD and whatnot. If that's the case, you have a driver problem, not a software problem.

    If you want to do some troubleshooting outside of your app, you might have a look at HHD's serial monitor. I think they have a free trial, but if you're doing any serious RS232 development it's really worth buying.