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How to test serial port RS232 Connection step-by-step?

This is call a loop back test method. NO NEED Any Software Install on your Computer!!!.NO NEED any Hardware Interface on your Computer.

What is "Loop back test Method" ?

"Loop Back tests can be performed by connecting the transmitter on the device to the receiver on the same device"

How to work this mothod?

Start up the computer and Run Hyper Terminal Software Note : Start Menu > Program > Accessoires > Communication > Hyper Terminal

Why we should to do this method?

When the interface hardware device have some problem occors or hardware function not properly.You can't test your Hardware because you don't sure computer port working properly.This method is Easy way to Troubleshooting by yourself.

What is requirement?

Basic skill and something in your home can test this method.

Hardware Requirement (Nothing)
Software Requirement (HyperTerminal - Include in Window XP Version)
Skill Requirement (Basic Skill)
Accessoires (Bunch , Paper clip or anything can connect DB9 pin)

Begin to Test your Com port

- Step one - Prepare

Find something connect (Short or Link) your target com port (DB9 Pin) somebody call Serial Port Pin 2-3. Shutdown your Computer Use it short Pin 2-3 (Pin 2-3 only

- Be careful short other Pin Use a bunch, or Paper clip).

- Step Two - Prepare

Start up the computer and Run Hyper Terminal Software

Note : Start Menu > Program > Accessoires > Communication > Hyper Terminal Program) If you don't see HyperTermnal Program got to Microsoft download and download it.

- Step Three - Configuration

Configuration Hyper Terminal Connection Setting
Enter Connection name (may be use "test my com port)
Select target com port to test (com1,com2,com...n)
Properties Connection Below
Band rate 9600
Data bits 8
Parity None
Stop 1
Flow Control None

then Click "Restore to Defaults"

- Step Four * Test

Perform a loopback test Press any Key... On Keyboard - Send data out to com port

If you see any character on the screen Hyper Terminal * comport was normally.

If you don't see any character on Hyperminal Screen.

Shutdown the computer and Check your Comport Pin 2-3 must connect it.(Don't short other pin).and test this method again.

For more information and resources see =>http://interface.centraltreasure.comComputer Hardware PC Interface Knowledge Base Site