A device I wrote code for a while back required a serial code download from a Windows based download program. I developed the Windows program too, in Delphi. The device "acknowledges" each line of Intel hex with a '.' . It all worked fine until trying to move it to XP. On a PC with a 'native' serial port running XP, the Windows program does not see the '.' It doesn't work using a usb -> serial setup either.
Here's a summary of the desperate poking at it that I have done so far.....
I have run the cabling through a breakout box and can see the character headed off to the PC with my scope.
I have changed the Windows program to disregard the '.' and send the next line after a delay, and the the whole process completes without the PC receiving even a single char. (should have seen over a thousand). This is hokey, I can't leave it this way.
I minimalized the size of the receive buffer for the port on the PC.
Strange thing - If the XP machine is a laptop that has a serial port by virtue of the fact that it is in a docking station, It works fine. ( this is what I am told, haven't seen this one)
Oh yeah, and I googled for any XP serial port info that looked like it might apply.
THIS IS TEE_ING ME OFF AND GETTING IN MY WAY!!!! I want to get back to reading Lewin's book (