Eltima Serial Port ActiveX Review: Optimizing Your Serial Communications with Eltima Serial Port ActiveX

Introduction:

Video Tutorial:


With the rapid advancement of technology, communication equipment is gradually becoming the backbone of modern industries. In particular, serial communication is an essential component of industrial control systems. From industrial automation, CNC machines, medical equipment, and numerous other devices require a reliable and high-speed serial communication interface. However, serial communication protocols and hardware interfaces can be challenging to handle without the appropriate software tool.

This is where Eltima Serial Port ActiveX comes in. Eltima Serial Port ActiveX simplifies the process of developing software that communicates with serial ports by providing a comprehensive set of APIs. In this review, we will highlight the features and benefits of Eltima Serial Port ActiveX, its advantages, and its limitations.

What is Eltima Serial Port ActiveX?

Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is a developer’s tool that enables the creation of communication interfaces between software applications and serial ports. It is a software component that gives access to serial ports and its properties (such as parity, stop bits, baud rate, etc.). Eltima Serial Port ActiveX provides a variety of methods and events that make it easy to read and write data to and from serial ports.

Price:

Eltima Serial Port ActiveX offers a free trial version with recommended features and limitations. The full price of the software is $129.95 (USD) with a one-time payment requirement. This software package includes all services and features with no hidden costs. The license includes upgrades and technical support with no additional fees.

Basics:

Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is a software tool that enables the creation of serial communication in various programming languages, including Visual Basic, C#, C++, Delphi, and VB.NET. It includes a comprehensive set of methods and events, making it easy to read and write data to and from serial ports. With its active-X interface, Eltima Serial Port ActiveX quickly integrates into the development environment.

Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is well documented, providing samples and examples of how to use its features. Developers can easily integrate Eltima Serial Port ActiveX into their existing projects by following the provided sample codes.

Pros:

1. Easy to use and integrate: Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is integrated into the development environment through active-X methods and events, making it easier for developers to create serial communication links.
2. Comprehensive Features: Eltima Serial Port ActiveX supports various protocols, such as RS422, RS232, and RS485, enabling it to be used with a diverse range of communication devices.
3. Excellent Technical Support: Eltima provides fantastic customer support, including detailed documentation, samples, and technical support on their website, which may help resolve any issues that arise when working with the software.

Cons:

1. Limited compatibility: Eltima Serial Port ActiveX may not be compatible with all operating systems. Developers must confirm the compatibility of the operating system with the software.
2. Limited platform support: Although Eltima Serial Port ActiveX works with several programming languages, it doesn’t support all platforms. Developers can only use it with the Windows operating system.
3. High Initial Purchase cost: For small-developing firms, Eltima Serial Port ActiveX may seem expensive. However, the benefits are greater than the purchasing price.

Our Thoughts on Eltima Serial Port ActiveX:

Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is an excellent tool for developers, offering various features that enable them to create communication links with serial devices. It simplifies the process of developing software that communicates with serial ports through a comprehensive set of APIs, which makes it a valuable addition for companies that require reliable serial communication.

Eltima Serial Port ActiveX has its limitations, such as compatibility on other operating systems, limited platform support, and its initial purchase cost. However, given its benefits, such as ease of use, comprehensive features, and excellent technical support, Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is worth every penny, especially for industrial firms that require reliable and robust serial communication.

What Eltima Serial Port ActiveX Identifies:

Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is an essential tool for developers. It provides various features that allow developers to build efficient and robust serial communication links. Some of the significant benefits of using Eltima Serial Port ActiveX include:

1. Comprehensive support for various protocols such as RS232, RS422, and RS485.
2. Easy to use and integrate into the development environment.
3. 24/7 technical support.
4. High speed and reliable serial communication.
5. No additional cost for upgrades and support.

How to Use Eltima Serial Port ActiveX?

Using Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is relatively easy and straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Eltima Serial Port ActiveX in a Visual Basic project:

1. Create a new project in Visual Basic or open an existing one.

2. In the Project tab, click "Components," then click "Browse."

3. In the "Browse" window, select "eltima_serial_port_ax.dll" and then click "Open."

4. The Eltima Serial Port ActiveX control will appear in the "Components" window. Drag-and-drop the control onto the form.

5. Double-click the Eltima Serial Port ActiveX control.

6. In the Eltima Serial Port Properties window, select the appropriate settings for the serial port, such as Baud rate, Parity, Stop bits, and Data bits.

7. In the "Event" tab, locate the DataReceived event and double-click it. A sub-procedure will be created automatically.

8. Inside the sub-procedure, write the code to receive the data from the connected device, such as:

Dim str As String
str = sp.ReceiveData

9. Similarly, create a sub-procedure for sending data to the device by defining the "sp" object and calling the "SendData" method.

10. After completing the code, run the program to initiate the serial communication link with the connected device.

Alternatives to Eltima Serial Port ActiveX:

1. WinWedge: WinWedge is a shareware serial communication tool that allows developers to communicate with serial devices and applications easily. WinWedge supports various platforms, including Windows, DOS, and Unix. The software provides comprehensive features, including data parsing, data filtering, and data editing options.

2. Zoc Terminal: Zoc Terminal is an advanced serial communication tool that enables developers to communicate with serial devices using numerous protocols, including SSH and Telnet. Zoc Terminal is compatible with the Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

3. TALtech Serial-IP: TALtech Serial-IP is a professional-grade serial communication tool that enables developers to integrate serial communication with network devices. The software works on the Windows operating system and supports various programming languages, including C#, C++, and Visual Basic.

FAQs about Eltima Serial Port ActiveX:

Q1: Is Eltima Serial Port ActiveX compatible with other operating systems besides Windows?

A: No, Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is only compatible with the Windows operating system.

Q2: Can Eltima Serial Port ActiveX work with non-standard baud rates?

A: Yes, Eltima Serial Port ActiveX supports non-standard baud rates.

Q3: Can Eltima Serial Port ActiveX be used with devices that use unusual parity, stop bits, or data bits?

A: Yes, Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is flexible enough to support unusual parity, stop bits, and data bits.

Q4: Are there any limitations to the number of ports Eltima Serial Port ActiveX can handle?

A: Eltima Serial Port ActiveX can handle up to 255 serial ports.

Q5: Can Eltima Serial Port ActiveX be used for establishing communication with RS422 and RS485 devices?

A: Yes, Eltima Serial Port ActiveX supports RS422 and RS485 protocols.

In Conclusion:

Eltima Serial Port ActiveX is an essential tool for developers that provides comprehensive features for reliable and efficient serial communication. Its integration into various programming languages using active-X methods and events makes it a convenient tool for developers. Although Eltima Serial Port ActiveX has its limitations, such as a limited platform and compatibility to Windows, it is still worth the price given its features, including technical support, ease of use, and high-speed communication. If serial communication is essential for your next project, consider trying Eltima Serial Port ActiveX.