MicroLog Technical Bulletin
IDENTIFY SERIAL PORT NUMBER FOR
MICROSTATION COMMUNICATION
Introduction
The Biolog software for the MicroStation is called MicroLog 3. It uses the ComPort of the
computer to control the MicroStation. The most common ComPort in use is a RS232
connector is shown in Figure 1. Your MicroStation included
this type of cable
connector
for
your
computer.
New
computers are now using
the USB connectors for
serial port connections
and communications. A
commonly used USB
connector
for
the
Figure 1: RS232 connector
computer is shown in
Figure
2.
The Figure 2: USB connector
MicroStation requires a special connector for USB
connection to your computer. Use a RS232-USB adaptor from BioTek Instruments, part
number 75104 or equivalent. The adaptor will convert the RS232 cable to a USB connector.
The convention for assigning ComPort numbers is to reserve Com 1 for the RS232 port built
into the computer hardware and Com 2 for the first RS232 serial card. Try these port
numbers first when establishing communication with the MicroStation. Use the Windows
Device Manager to identify the numbers assigned to the USB ports.
Open Windows Device Manager
Open the Control Panel window. The
window shown here presents the
Control Panel contents as icons.
Locate the System icon and double
click to open the System Properties
window. If you set the presentation to
List or Details then double click on the
name System.
OmniLog is a registered trademark, MicroStation, MicroLog, MicroPlate are trademarks of Biolog, and all other trademarks are
the property of their respective holders. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc.
TAS 036 Rev A
April 2009
Biolog, Inc.
21124 Cabot Blvd
Hayward, CA 94545 USA
Tel: +1.510.785.2564
Fax: + 1.510.782.4639
www.biolog.com
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Select the Hardware tab in the
System Properties window.
Now click on the Device Manager
button in the Hardware tab of the
System Properties window.
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A Device Manager window will
open. This window will display
different hardware and peripherals of
your computer. Locate and click on
the plus (+) symbol in front of Ports
(Com & LPT) found in the list of
devices.
A list of all ports will now be shown
below Ports (Com & LPT). The
ComPort number is displayed next to
the port name. Use these numbers to
select or identify the computer port
that connects to the MicroStation.
The convention is to reserve Com 1
for the RS232 port built into the
computer hardware and Com 2 for the
first RS232 serial card.
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