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Sharing Serial Port possible?

Discussion in 'Microsoft Windows' started by mikehende, May 22, 2005.

  1. mikehende

    mikehende Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2005
    Messages:
    324
    Location:
    NYC
    Operating System:
    Windows 8
    I need to use my 1 serial port for 2 separate things but at the same time, is it possible to "share" this one port? If not, then sdo I have any other options?
     
  2. GavinO

    GavinO Distinguished Long Term member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2004
    Messages:
    310
    Serial ports can only be in use by one device at one time. You can get a switchbox that will allow you to not have to play with cables to switch devices, but there is no real-time sharing system. There are a variety of serial/parallel addin cards, or USB dongles. From an ease-of-use perspective, I have had poor luck getting my USB dongle to supply ports with sane com numbers (COM6 anyone?), while my 80's-vintage ISA card can happily supply those low com numbers that legacy apps have the best support for.
     

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