Appendix 15: Identifying COM Ports

Appendix 15: Identifying COM Ports

SERIAL PORTS

Usually desktop computers have 1 or 2 Serial 9-pin ports. Laptops and newer desktops might not have any 9-pin Serial ports. If there is one 9-pin port, it is generally identified as COM1. If two, the upper- or left-most port is usually COM1 and the other COM2. If a 9-pin Serial port is not available, you can use a USB-Serial adapter to connect the amplifier or cable to the computer. USB port numbers are generally a higher number than COM2 and usually a different number is assigned each time a device is attached.

Note: You cannot substitute a USB-USB cable for the Serial null modem cable. If you're using a ProComp and only one 9-pin port is available, it is preferable to use that port for the amplifier.

IDENTIFYING COMMUNICATIONS PORTS

COM port settings can be determined by viewing the Windows Device Manager. For systems using USB ports, especially with XP, unplugging or moving devices can cause the COM port number to change.

To confirm the COM port being used in the Device Manager.

WINXP:

Click Start.
Right-click My Computer and select Properties.
Click the Hardware tab.
Click the Device Manager button.
Click the + next to "Ports (COM & LPT)" to expand the list. (List is alphabetical).
Write down the numbers of the COM ports available. (USB-Serial adapters appear as under a brand name. For example, "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port")

Note: If you have more than one device, you can unplug one to see which is removed from the list. Then plug it back it to make sure the list is refreshed with both devices.

COMMUNICATION PORT LIMITATIONS:

For EEGer, the connections must be COM32 or lower.

To FORCE the port setting for the USB-Serial adapter (ADVANCED USERS!):

1. Find the adapter in the Device Manager.

2. Right-click on the device and select Properties.

3. Click the Port Settings tab.

4. Click the Advanced button.

5. Change the COM port setting to the desired number. CAUTION: Change to a number you are certain is not in use by another device.

6. Click OK and respond to prompts to complete.

7. Set the correct port in EEGer software:

a. Therapist: Return to EEGer, Preferences | Configuration to change the appropriate COM port to the forced number.

b. Game: On the game list menu, press F3 until the correct port is displayed in the upper-left corner of the menu display.