[Dxbase] for you guys without enough comports

[FireBrick]

http://com0com.sourceforge.net/

com0com is a virtual com port program
IT'S FREE

For you guys who need com ports here is a great way to supply your radio and 
control software.

com0com creates null modem pairs.
Took me a while to get my head around it but basically it creates virtual 
null modems.

it works in pairs

you would create a pair that works like this
com6<>com7

You would assign your rotor software to com 6 and then your logging software 
to com 7
you could do this for as many pairs as you want.
I have 7 pairs or in other words, I can control 7 devices
rotors
auto tuner
auto amp
antenna switches
etc.

Takes a bit of setup and preplanning so you don't accidentally duplicate 
numbers.
Just a two devices can't use the same com port at the same time
you can't have two virtual com ports using the same numbers.

There is a EXCELLENT step by step .pdf file
I managed to make it work on the first try.

There is one gotcha. Few software give the options of more than com 16.
DxBase limits the options thusly.
So you have to design you pairs so that the programs/devices can use numbers 
that the software allows.

I'm suggesting a wishlist item for DXBase 2008 to not have proprogrammed 
drop down lists as currently implemented but instead allow us to enter a com 
port number.
Not sure which is easier for the programmer, a infinet list of numbers or 
allow user number entry.

Sort of like Bill Gates famous 65K is more than anyone will ever need.

16 possiblities is no longer enough, not with all the computer controlled 
devices on the market

I presently use 5 devices, and 2 lpt ports to run
SDR radio
Quadra Amp
DXBase and rotor
WinWarbler
Writelog and rotor
AutoTuner
LP-1000 vector analyzer

Sweet 16 don't make it no more...

Did I mention that com0com is GNU which as Yogi says, "Is the same as FREE"