Flash Magic Forum

In-System Programming Support => General => Topic started by: Andy Ayre on July 10, 2009, 10:00:02 AM

Title: My PC Doesn't Have a COM Port
Post by: Andy Ayre on July 10, 2009, 10:00:02 AM
It is becoming increasingly common for PCs to not be provided with a COM port, especially laptops/notebooks.

It is possible to buy cables that convert USB to a COM port. When connected these cables act as a virtual COM port and from the point of view of software running on the PC they are a real COM port.


However note that some of these cables don't appear to work well when used for reprogramming microcontrollers. The cause is unknown but is probably related to the timing of data on the USB side. It may be PC dependent or cable dependent. If you find that you can't program the device then try other cables.

In general we recommend using a PC with a built-in COM port or getting a PCI card with COM ports, until the situation with the USB to COM port cables improves.