Virtual Comm Port Software That Works with SmartCAT & Windows

Rick

Overtime using various versions of SSDR and SmartCAT I've learned how Windows doesn't  play nice with Virtual Serial Port Emulator. This usually isn't a problem until you introduce SmartCAT to the mix which apparently is unaware of any ports added by VSPE because of a Windows Issue. Has anyone found that this problem doesn't exist with either VSPManager or Comm0Comm or some other virtual serial port application that I'm unaware of? If so I'd love to know! The work arround is a nusinance that I'd like to avoid as it trips me up at least once a day. 
Tnx
73
Rick, W2JAZ

Marty VK2VCC

i run a flex3k and had similar issues. i now run a combination of VSPmanager and VSPE with no issues. this combined with Log4OM and fldigi , wsjt and option of another 2 ext programs if i wish. i found running vspmanager on its own couldnt handle the traffic. Vspe was required to create a split port and it works but yes its virtual creations are hidden in the background. vspmanager places port emulation within windows always. another thing to watch is the baud rates .i run max of 57600 . i have read other guys here use 114000 !! when you say yours trips you up , can you give me a better example of your use. cheers. ps i have spent many hrs on this stuff, and mine seems stable atm. i do have a diagram of my setup somewhere (xls file).i will try and find it or dropbox it.

Rick

But are you running SmartCAT at the same time as the other virtual serial apps?

Jay Nation

Rick

vspManager , and SmartCAT, are co-existing fine, on my Win10 box.
You do have to be careful when creating the ports, that either vspM or SmartCAT don't ever assign any ports used by the other. And also you need to watch out for any ghost ports and remove them in Dev Manager. The two apps can't see the port assignments the other app makes, and will often try to assign port numbers the other has already assigned. When removing Virtual port always first try to use the app that created them.

My guess is, anyone trying to run both a Legacy Flexradio, and a 6xxx series Flexradio,from the same PC has had to figure this out, so that both PowerSDR and SmartSDR will have Com Ports to use with digital apps.

And vspManager is also the only option for creating shared ports, that will probably be needed. SmartCAT no longer has that ability.   

  SDRgadgets

#FlexRadio IRC chat

  73, Jay - NO5J

Marty VK2VCC

im sure you could using Vspe with a splitter port

Rick

But I wonder if they would coexist in a windows 7 environment which is what I have. I've run VSPManager before and I seem to recall I had the same issue, but maybe not. I know that VSP Manager ports do actually show up in Device Manager which probably means they are Windows signed.  I hate to do it but maybe I should upgrade to Win 10. Too bad I missed the free window!
73
Rick

Marty VK2VCC

zoom in on this xls.. it may give you insight to fix port issues. do you have a direct email? my xls file will not send here.

Rick

rjlawn at gmail dot com

Jay Nation