The Serial Port Monitor ActiveX component, often referred to as a tool for monitoring RS232 activity, is a software component designed for developers to integrate serial port monitoring directly into their applications. It allows applications to sniff, analyze, and record all communication between a PC and serial devices (RS232, RS485, RS422). Key Features and Functionality
Monitor Opened Ports: The tool can connect to and monitor serial ports that are already in use by another application.
Comprehensive Data Capture: It allows capturing all data sent and received via the serial port, including control signal lines (e.g., DTR, RTS, DCD, Ring).
Data Visualization: Captured serial data can be viewed in various formats, including Table, Dump, Line, Terminal, and Modbus views.
Integration: It provides a set of methods, events, and properties that enable developers to customize how data is monitored and displayed within their own software.
Settings Control: Enables monitoring and changing of port settings such as baudrate, data bits, parity, stop bits, and flow control. How to Use the Serial Port Monitor
Download and Install: Install the software on your Windows PC.
Start Session: Open the program and create a new session (Session > New session). Select Ports: Choose the COM ports you wish to monitor.
Configure View: Select a visualizer mode (e.g., Table, Dump) and set up the events to capture.
Start Monitoring: Initiate the session to begin sniffing data. Technical Details & Pricing
Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows 2000 up to Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit).
Pricing: As of a previous report, the tool was priced starting at $199.95.
Limitations: Older versions (e.g., v4.0.245) had limitations, such as a “Nag screen” when the Open() method is invoked and a lack of a 64-bit DLL, per this older, archived info.
If you are looking for the latest version, you would typically seek the official Eltima Serial Port ActiveX Control page or Electronic.us Serial Port Monitor. If you’d like, I can help you find: The most current pricing for this tool. Alternatives if you need a 64-bit compatible solution. Alternatives that are open-source or free.
Serial Port ActiveX Control – read and control serial ports – Eltima