Real-life Case Stories

Virtual Serial Port Driver Pro helped to Split Serial Port and made work easier

Electronic Team — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:21:18 +0000

One of our clients from Nexevolve Pty Ltd. came to us recently with a problem that was simple to describe but tricky to solve. They had just finished developing a custom .NET application designed to push critical data to a hardware device through a COM port. Everything worked perfectly in testing—until they tried to run it in the real-world environment. That’s when they discovered the COM port they needed was already being used by another essential third-party application.

On Windows, there’s a strict rule: a single physical COM port can only be accessed by one application at a time. It doesn’t matter how much you need both programs to get the same data—they simply can’t share it. For our client, this meant a direct conflict. Their brand-new application couldn’t connect to the device unless the existing application was shut down, which wasn’t an option. Both were mission-critical.

You can imagine the frustration. They were staring at a major roadblock that threatened to delay their project, increase costs, and possibly require a redesign of their hardware setup. The need was clear: find a way for both applications to access the same data stream from the COM port, without interfering with each other.

After exploring potential workarounds, they found Virtual Serial Port Driver Pro—our software solution for exactly this type of challenge. The feature that changed everything was Split COM Port. It works by taking one physical COM port and creating multiple virtual copies of it. These virtual ports act just like the original, carrying the same data stream, but each can be accessed independently by a separate application.

Here’s how it played out. We helped the client set up VSPD Pro to take their single physical COM port and split it into two virtual ports. The original third-party application connected to one virtual port, while their new .NET application connected to the other. Both received identical, real-time data from the hardware device. No more port conflicts. No need to rewrite software. No risk of data loss.

The change was instant. As soon as they activated the Split COM Port setup, both applications ran smoothly in parallel. Data flowed exactly as it should, without lag, errors, or corruption. The client was relieved—and impressed by how straightforward the solution was.

One of the biggest advantages of VSPD Pro is that it solves problems like this without requiring any hardware changes. There’s no need to install new boards, add more ports, or rewire anything. Everything is handled at the software level, which saves time, money, and effort. Our client was able to implement the fix in minutes, rather than spending days or weeks on complex alternatives.

In the end, our client not only solved their immediate issue but also gained a long-term advantage. They summed it up: “VSPD Pro saved our project. The Split COM Port feature worked perfectly right out of the box, letting both applications run without conflicts or data loss. We couldn’t have asked for an easier or more reliable fix.”

The post Virtual Serial Port Driver Pro helped to Split Serial Port and made work easier appeared first on Electronic Team Blog.

Case Study: How Simbruini Soccorso Optimized EMS Operations with FlexiHub

Electronic Team — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:49:59 +0000

At Simbruini Soccorso, a volunteer EMS team based in the remote mountains of Lazio and Abruzzo, Italy, effective communication is vital for successful emergency response. Their mission is to assist Italian EMS services by providing medical aid, disaster relief, and coordination for large events in areas where a rapid response is crucial.

Marco Bogino, a representative of Simbruini Soccorso, shared their experience regarding how FlexiHub helped solve a significant operational challenge.

The Challenge

Simbruini Soccorso works in remote locations, often far from their headquarters. A vital part of their emergency response system is their radio communication network, which needs frequent updates and reprogramming.

In the past, updating these radios required physical access to a central server at headquarters. As a result, teams had to return to base for modifications. This time-consuming process hindered operations, and during emergencies, such delays could negatively impact response efficiency and potentially endanger lives.

The Solution: FlexiHub for Remote Radio Management

To overcome this challenge, Simbruini Soccorso integrated FlexiHub, a solution that enables remote access to USB and COM devices over a network. By using FlexiHub, the team was able to:

Remotely program and update their radios from any location.
Access communication devices instantly, ensuring seamless team coordination.
Eliminate downtime caused by the need for physical equipment access, thereby improving response times.

Now, field teams can connect to the headquarters’ server via FlexiHub, allowing them to update radio frequencies and adjust settings in real-time—without needing to return to base.

The Result

Faster Deployments: Teams no longer need to return to headquarters for updates.
Reliable Communication: Ensures seamless coordination in remote areas.
Improved Efficiency: Reduces equipment-related delays and enhances operational workflow.

"FlexiHub is a handy tool for sharing local devices with remote computers. It is perfect for those who need to work with remote machines using devices physically attached to the client."

— Marco Bogino, Simbruini Soccorso

With FlexiHub, Simbruini Soccorso has successfully streamlined its radio management process, allowing it to focus on its core mission: saving lives and providing critical emergency services in remote areas.

For organizations that rely on remote device management, FlexiHub offers a powerful and efficient solution.

The post Case Study: How Simbruini Soccorso Optimized EMS Operations with FlexiHub appeared first on Electronic Team Blog.

Enhancing Geodetic Education with Serial Port Monitor: A Use Case from Germany

Electronic Team — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:40:43 +0000

This case study highlights how Serial Port Monitor can bridge the gap between theory and practice, empowering students to excel in technical fields. At Hochschule Neubrandenburg – University of Applied Sciences, the Geodetic and Measurement Engineering department has been utilizing Serial Port Monitor to give students a deeper understanding of communication protocols in geodetic instruments. Here’s a glimpse into how this innovative tool has transformed learning in the geodetic field.

Martin Kiskemper, a faculty member at Hochschule Neubrandenburg, explains:

“Most of our surveying instruments have a serial port to communicate with a field controller or PC. I show our students the commands and responses between these two components. Serial Port Monitor works perfectly for this purpose.”

Serial Port Monitor has proven indispensable in classroom demonstrations, helping students visualize and comprehend the flow of commands and responses between devices. The setup includes projecting the software’s interface onto a beamer (projector) in the classroom, allowing students to follow the live communication streams in real time.

This hands-on demonstration not only makes lectures more engaging but also prepares students to troubleshoot real-world scenarios they may encounter in their careers.

Beyond the Classroom: Practical Applications

In addition to classroom demonstrations, Serial Port Monitor was integrated into a project for fifth-semester students. The assignment required students to:

Write a Python script to communicate with a leveling instrument.
Record the staff readings in an Excel file.
Analyze the facade expansion of a building due to temperature changes.

The Serial Port Monitor played a critical role in the project. It allowed students to verify communication between the devices and troubleshoot issues in their scripts. This practical experience gave students confidence and real-world skills in serial communication and programming.

Martin Kiskemper reflects on the software’s impact:

“Serial Port Monitor allowed our students to better understand communication protocols. From classroom demonstrations to hands-on projects, it’s an essential tool for teaching geodetics.”

We want to thank Martin for the case study and wish his students good luck in their professional lives!

The post Enhancing Geodetic Education with Serial Port Monitor: A Use Case from Germany appeared first on Electronic Team Blog.

Enhancing Efficiency and Security with FlexiHub for CNC Machine Manufacturers

Electronic Team — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:17:29 +0000

When it comes to cutting-edge technology, the tools we choose can make or break our workflow. One of our clients from Poland, LF sp. z o.o. sp. K., recently shared how they applied FlexiHub to address critical challenges in their operations, especially when working with the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Wireless, a crucial device for precise 3D design and navigation. Here's how this powerful combination transformed their workflow.

Before integrating FlexiHub, the team faced several challenges:

Limited Access: Device maintenance and testing could only be performed on-site, leading to frequent and costly travel. This caused delays and increased operational costs.
Security Concerns: Previous remote access tools lacked security, putting sensitive project data at risk.
Device Compatibility: The team struggled to find remote access solutions compatible with all their hardware, including their specialized input devices.

These challenges significantly hindered their ability to meet deadlines and maintain high-security standards.

Integrating FlexiHub

To tackle these issues, the team adopted FlexiHub, a secure and versatile remote access solution. FlexiHub stood out by addressing all their pain points while integrating seamlessly with their 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Wireless. The implementation of FlexiHub alongside the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Wireless led to significant improvements:

80% Reduction in Travel Costs: Engineers could remotely access and test the devices, eliminating the need for costly on-site visits.
25% Faster Project Timelines: Remote testing and maintenance allowed the team to minimize downtime, accelerating project delivery.
Enhanced Security: Encrypted connections ensured critical data was safe from breaches during transmission.

They also got other benefits. FlexiHub is a cross-platform solution that fits any OS. Its data encryption keeps connections secure and protected. Furthermore, easy-to-configure user roles and permissions allowed team members to securely access devices remotely while restricting unauthorized access.

Conclusion

The team achieved a streamlined, secure, and highly efficient workflow by combining the precision of the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Wireless with the remote access capabilities of FlexiHub. Whether for 3D modeling, testing, or maintenance, this integration proved invaluable in overcoming logistical challenges and maintaining data integrity.

The post Enhancing Efficiency and Security with FlexiHub for CNC Machine Manufacturers appeared first on Electronic Team Blog.

How Virtual Serial Port Driver Helped a Hot Air Balloon Pilot in Competition

Electronic Team — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:33:16 +0000

At Electronic Team, we love hearing real-world stories about how our products are used. Recently, we received feedback from Etienne Mercier, a hot air balloon pilot who used our Virtual Serial Port Driver (VSPD) to enhance his navigation during the World Hot Air Balloon Championship. Here’s his story.

Challenge: Reliable Navigation Software for a Competitive Edge

Etienne, flying for the French national team, developed custom navigation software to assist him during flight. His setup required seamless communication between different applications, but he needed a stable solution to redirect data between them.

He reached out to us before the championship, asking for an extension of the VSPD trial period:

"I'm working on a program to help me navigate during competitions. Could you extend my trial? I’ll be participating in the next world championship."

Solution: Virtual Serial Port Driver

With VSPD, Etienne was able to establish virtual serial communication between his applications, allowing his homemade navigation software to work efficiently. After the FAI World Hot Air Balloon Championship in Hungary, he provided feedback:

"Your software was stable and helped establish communication between my application and another one. It worked quite well."

Thanks to VSPD, working as GPS splitter, Etienne's navigation system performed reliably during the event, helping him secure 20th place out of 120 competitors. The French national team finished as Vice-World Champions.

Future Plans

Etienne expressed interest in continuing with VSPD but needed a tailored solution due to the occasional use:

"I’m willing to make a deal for a discount, as I only need it for one or two competitions a year."

We’re excited to support Etienne and other professionals with customized solutions. Whether you’re working on niche projects or large-scale operations, the Virtual Serial Port Driver offers the flexibility and stability needed for success.

Good luck to Etienne and the French team in future competitions!

The post How Virtual Serial Port Driver Helped a Hot Air Balloon Pilot in Competition appeared first on Electronic Team Blog.

Using Serial Port Monitor for Home Automation Projects: A Case Study

Electronic Team — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:18:57 +0000

Home automation has become a popular hobby for tech enthusiasts looking to control various aspects of their homes with custom-built systems. Szczepan Staszak, one such enthusiast, shared his journey in creating an extensive home automation setup using multiple devices and communication protocols. His system integrates different components, including lights, heating, power meters, and more, all managed through wired connections. A crucial part of his setup is effective debugging and monitoring, which is where the Serial Port Monitor becomes an indispensable tool.

Home Automation Setup

Szczepan's DIY automation system spans three main areas of his home: a room, a garage, and a meter/root system. His setup relies on ESP32 microcontrollers and three Ethernet-to-gateway devices to connect and manage multiple systems. These include:

An OpenTherm gas heater
Relays to control lights

Buttons and switches connected via RS485
A power meter connected via an IR interface
A GPS module using RS232

All these devices are interconnected using wired connections — a deliberate choice by Szczepan to avoid wireless communication, ensuring stability and reliability.

In addition to these existing systems, Szczepan is continually expanding his automation setup. He plans to add more "rooms" and connect additional devices such as a home LiFe battery storage system (under development) and various wired temperature sensors.

The Role of Serial Port Monitor in Home Automation

With such a complex network of devices, Szczepan relies heavily on Serial Port Monitor to debug, log, and manage the communication between these systems. As much of the system logic is handled within the ESP32 microcontrollers, effective serial communication monitoring is essential.

Here’s how Serial Port Monitor supports Szczepan’s home automation project:

Multi-Protocol Support Szczepan’s project involves various communication protocols, including RS232, RS485, and NMEA (used for GPS data). Serial Port Monitor’s ability to handle multiple protocols ensures smooth communication between devices and allows him to manage and debug each system from a single tool.

Real-time Data Logging and Debugging As the system constantly evolves, real-time debugging is critical for Szczepan. Using Serial Port Monitor, he can log and analyze serial data in real-time, ensuring his devices communicate as expected. This helps him quickly identify issues and make necessary adjustments. The ability to save logs and replay communication sessions also allows him to review system performance at different times and compare data for troubleshooting.

Windows Compatibility Having initially worked with Linux-based software, Szczepan recently switched to Windows for his home automation setup. Serial Port Monitor provides him with a user-friendly interface and the same level of functionality he was used to on Linux, allowing him to continue developing his project without missing a beat.

Future Expansion Support As Szczepan continues to expand his home automation system, he needs a solution that can grow with it. Serial Port Monitor offers support for multiple serial ports, enabling him to monitor additional devices as they come online—such as his planned LiFe battery storage system and temperature sensors—without compromising the monitoring process.

Conclusion

For Szczepan Staszak, Serial Port Monitor has proven to be a critical tool in managing and expanding his home automation system. With its multi-protocol support, real-time logging, and compatibility with Windows, it provides the robust functionality required for monitoring complex communication networks. Whether you’re controlling lights, heaters, or power meters, the Serial Port Monitor ensures reliable serial communication, making it an essential asset for DIY home automation projects.

The post Using Serial Port Monitor for Home Automation Projects: A Case Study appeared first on Electronic Team Blog.

Integrating Advanced Connectivity on a Yacht: A Sailing Use Case from Our Client

Electronic Team — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:41:22 +0000

In the realm of luxury yachting, integrating advanced technology seamlessly is not just a luxury—it's a necessity for safety and efficiency. This is exemplified in the experience of Michael Trilling, a yacht owner, who leveraged Serial to Ethernet Connector to enhance the navigation and communication systems onboard his vessel.

Michael's yacht is outfitted with two main bus systems. The first is an RS422 bus with the NMEA0183 protocol, which connects various sensors such as wind, depth, speed, AIS (Automatic Identification Systems), and GPS. The second is a CAN-bus that uses the SeaTalkNG protocol, crucial for the operation of the yacht's autopilot system. These systems are interconnected through a multiplexer that not only bridges the protocols for data translation but also disseminates this information via a Wi-Fi network it generates.

To manage and interact with this data, Michael uses a Panasonic FZ-G1 Toughbook running Windows 10. This durable device is connected to the multiplexer's Wi-Fi, hosting OpenCPN—a chartplotter software that displays detailed sea charts and sensor data.

The challenge Michael faced was sending routing commands directly to the autopilot through the Toughbook. While OpenCPN supports this feature via a plugin, it traditionally requires a wired connection through a serial COM port. To circumvent this, Michael implemented the Electronic Team's Serial to Ethernet Connector. This software allowed him to create a virtual COM port on Windows, enabling the routing of commands wirelessly to a designated IP address and UDP port on the multiplexer. The multiplexer then seamlessly transmitted these commands to the CAN-bus, directly to the autopilot.

This software solution effectively allowed Michael to bridge a critical technological gap without the need for physical wiring or alterations to the yacht's structure. Serial to Ethernet Connector not only simplified the integration but also preserved the integrity and aesthetics of the yacht’s design.

Michael’s use case is a prime example of how Electronic Team’s solutions can be pivotal in enhancing the functionality of sophisticated systems in challenging environments, providing reliability, flexibility, and cutting-edge technology integration where precision and efficiency are paramount. For yacht owners like Michael, such technological enhancements are indispensable for safe and enjoyable navigation experiences.

The post Integrating Advanced Connectivity on a Yacht: A Sailing Use Case from Our Client appeared first on Electronic Team Blog.

Enhancing Your Ham Radio Setup: Virtual Serial Port Driver (VSPD) for ICOM IC7300 Users

Electronic Team — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:26:42 +0000

For amateur radio enthusiasts, having a versatile and reliable setup is essential for optimal performance. One of the challenges faced by many radio amateurs, particularly those using the ICOM IC7300 transceiver, is the limitation of having only one virtual serial COM port available. This limitation can restrict the simultaneous use of multiple software applications that require access to the same COM port. Let’s see the usage scenario of the Virtual Serial Port Driver from our client Dominique Comet.

The Challenge of Limited Serial Ports with ICOM IC7300

The ICOM IC7300 is a popular choice among ham radio operators due to its robust features and ease of use. It offers a virtual serial COM port, specifically the Silicom Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge set as COM5. While this setup is functional for basic operations, it quickly becomes a bottleneck when multiple applications need to communicate with the transceiver via the same COM port.

For instance, users who wish to run ICOM's RS-BA1 v2 remote software for controlling the transceiver remotely, along with other software applications such as logbooks or digital decoders (e.g., WSJTX, JTDX for FT8 communication), face a significant challenge. All these applications require access to COM5, leading to conflicts and making it impossible to run them simultaneously.

Exploring Software Solutions for Virtual COM Port Expansion

To overcome this hurdle, many users have turned to virtual serial port solutions. Dominique tried to resolve this using various free and paid virtual COM port applications, including the null-modem emulator by com0com, Virtual Serial Port Tools by HHD, and the Serial Port Splitter.

While these tools can create virtual serial ports to mimic the physical port, they often fall short in a multi-application environment, leading to errors or inconsistent performance.

Dominique Comet, F4BWJ, shared his experience with these tools, noting that while they offered some functionality, they frequently resulted in errors or failed to work correctly with all ham radio applications, particularly during transmit (TX) operations. A recurring issue was the inability of the system to switch back to receive (RX) mode after transmitting, necessitating manual disconnection and reconnection of the RS-BA1 software to regain control.

Virtual Serial Port Driver (VSPD): A Promising Solution

Faced with these persistent challenges, Dominique turned to Virtual Serial Port Driver (VSPD) as a potential solution. VSPD stands out because it offers a "Share" bundle feature, enabling multiple applications to share a single physical COM port virtually. This is particularly useful for ham radio operators who need to run several programs simultaneously without encountering port conflicts.

“And I've finally tried Electronic Team's Virtual Serial Port Driver and the Share bundle in particular. With this software, I'm now able to connect RS-BA1 and my various applications, including Omnirig, at the same time. For example, I can use RS-BA1 on a distant remote PC, Log4OM, and JTDX via Omnirig at the same time without problem on the radio station PC.”

Dominique Comet

In testing, VSPD has proven to be a reliable choice for those using the ICOM IC7300. The software allows seamless operation across multiple applications, significantly reducing the errors and conflicts experienced with other virtual port solutions. The "Share" bundle feature effectively enables simultaneous control of the transceiver with various software programs, providing a smooth and error-free experience.

Conclusion

For ham radio operators looking to expand their setup's capabilities, especially those using the ICOM IC7300, the Virtual Serial Port Driver (VSPD) offers a compelling solution. Its ability to create shared virtual serial ports allows multiple applications to run concurrently without the conflicts typically associated with limited COM ports. While some minor issues and compatibility considerations exist, VSPD's overall performance makes it a strong contender for those looking to enhance their ham radio experience.

If you're facing similar challenges with your ham radio setup and want to explore how VSPD could work for you, it might be worth visiting eHam.net for more reviews and insights from other users. With the right configuration, VSPD could be the key to unlocking a more versatile and efficient amateur radio operation.

The post Enhancing Your Ham Radio Setup: Virtual Serial Port Driver (VSPD) for ICOM IC7300 Users appeared first on Electronic Team Blog.

Serial data research for education in computer science

Electronic Team — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 14:58:38 +0000

Industry: Education
Website: https://mes-dreieich.de/

The Max-Eyth-Schule is located in Germany in the federal state of Hessen. It is a major secondary and VET school serving the wider Frankfurt metropolitan area. It provides general education and vocational training in a variety of areas from automotive to administration, IT, and biotechnology. In high school, the Max-Eyth-Schule offers several subject areas.

One subject is computer science. One part of the curriculum is called “Data Communication” and requires communication with the serial port. The students have to implement protocols for communication with external hardware like RFID-reader and -scanner, weather station, or a digital scale.

The school is not able to buy different hardware for every student and we searched for another solution. We found the software with a Google search and used the trial version. The Virtual Serial Port Driver helps to simulate the connection of any hardware. The Virtual Serial Port Driver is easy to use and works without any problem.

With the software, the students define two serial ports which are connected by a null modem cable. They can test the pins of the serial port and learn why it is necessary that both sides use the same parameters. The students learn to use a hardware or a software handshake and make the experience to generate a data package and separate a package into different parts.

A classroom with computers

The benefits for the Max-Eyth-School:

We don’t have to buy different serial-based equipment.
The students must not read the operation manual of the hardware.
They must not learn to use the equipment.
The students don’t have to share the hardware with other students and every student has one computer to work on.
The Virtual Serial Port Driver is easy to use.
The software works without any problem.
We can implement any problem with older final exams to practice for the next final exam.
The Site License is the perfect solution for our school because we want use the software with a client-server-system in several classrooms.

Example for testing the hardware signal lines

What will happen, if the parameters are different? In this example, we have 8 and 5 data bits

The simulation of a problem in an older exam. A printer is connected with a serial port.

Advice:
The Virtual Serial Port Driver is the best solution if computers have no serial port and for developing and testing a serial protocol.

The post Serial data research for education in computer science appeared first on Electronic Team Blog.

Centralized Hospital Monitoring System – USB Network Gate

Electronic Team — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 12:56:25 +0000

Find out how Southwestern Vermont Medical Center managed to organize a centralized monitoring system with the help of USB Network Gate. Southwestern Vermont Health Care is a comprehensive health care system servicing Bennington and Windham Counties in Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties in New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts.

Industry: Healthcare
Number of employees: 1000+
Website: https://www.svhealthcare.org

We’d like to thank Tony Fawcett, a Desktop Support Specialist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for taking part in our survey and giving us an opportunity to share this use case.

What challenges made you search for this kind of software?

During the COVID-19 Pandemic we were requested to add cameras to the patient rooms for monitoring purposes. We needed software which allowed us to link a USB device (webcam) from multiple machines back to one central viewing station.

We’re using HD Logitech webcams and also built-in webcams on laptop devices. The webcams are connected to Computers on Wheels or (COWs) which have an internal PC and monitor for nurses to wheel around to patient rooms. The types of laptop devices we’re using currently are Lenovo Think Pad T490s.

How did you get to know about our software?

Our network security team searched online for a solution and found this to be the best option.

Did you try any similar product(s) before coming across ours?

We did not find another software that had the capabilities of USB over Ethernet, it works as it should and very well.

Why did you choose our product over competitors?
What made it stand out for you?

Simple install file works for both host and client machines. Software includes password Encryption which is very important to us working in a hospital environment as things need to be secure and HIPPA complaint.

How did you benefit from using our solution?

We were able to successfully link the webcams to a host machine and view the patients using surveillance software. This helps our nurses outside the COVID-19 negative pressure area monitor inside, which is extremely helpful and reduces the need to prepare PPE and go inside to check unnecessarily.

Are you happy with our software at this point? Why or why not?

Yes so far it is working as intended, very happy.

Do you feel our prices are: high – about right – low?

We purchased a company license at a very fair price, the sales representative was helpful.

Has our customer support system met your needs?

Customer support has been responsive and helped with an account email mistake on our part, which was resolved.

The post Centralized Hospital Monitoring System – USB Network Gate appeared first on Electronic Team Blog.