Can't open COM port

aarb00 · Post by **aarb00** » Mon May 14, 2007 3:39 pm

I have been using EG for a couple of weeks and everything has been fine. I just started experiencing a problem with my COM port. I get two errors when EG starts.

Error Starting Plugin: Serial Port
Can't open COM port

I know that the COM port does work, if I use it with my receiver application, it controls my receiver. When I disconnect that application so EG can have access, EG won't control my receiver. Restarting the computer and immediately loading EG doesn't work either. Always the same error. I can launch the Yamaha app and get control every time.

Any ideas?

Bitmonster · Post by **Bitmonster** » Mon May 14, 2007 3:48 pm

I have just uploaded 0.3.6.975 beta. It should give a more detailed error report.

aarb00 · Post by **aarb00** » Mon May 14, 2007 3:59 pm

The additional error is:

SerialException: could not open port: (5, 'CreateFile', 'Access is denied.')

Bitmonster · Post by **Bitmonster** » Mon May 14, 2007 4:02 pm

Did you try HyperTerminal for example to get successful access to the port? Currently it simply looks like some other application is blocking the port or your user account has not enough rights to access it.

aarb00 · Post by **aarb00** » Mon May 14, 2007 4:28 pm

I agree, that is what it looks like. I do login as administrator, and my Yamaha application does work with the COM port. If the Yamaha were to keep running after an exit, EG doesn't work after a reboot. If something in startup accessed the COM port, then the Yamaha application wouldn't run.

I can try the HyperTerminal suggestion, but am not sure what to do.

I actually have many errors on EG startup. Perhaps another error is causing this one. Here is my entire startup log.

Welcome to EventGhost
Plugin: X10: SnapStream FireFly
Exclusive enable a folder/macro
Error in Action: "Exclusive enable a folder/macro"
Traceback (most recent call last) (975):
TypeError:_call_() takes exactly 2 arguments (1 given)
Plugin: Task Create/Switch Events
Plugin: Serial Port
Traceback (most recent call last) (975):
File "C:\Program Files\EventGhost\plugins\Serial\_init_.py", line 100, in_start_
File "C:\Program Files\EventGhost\eg\WinAPI\serial\serialutil.py", line 156 in_init_
File "C:\Program Files\EventGhost\eg\WinAPI\serial\serialwin32.py", line 55, in open
SerialException: could not open port: (5, 'CreateFile', 'Access is denied.')
Error starting plugin: Serial Port
Can't open COM port
Plugin: Serial Port #2

Serial Port 1 (COM1) is onboard.
Serial Port 2 (COM3) is a Belkin USB dongle, it works.

I realize after typing this, that COM1 and COM3 often conflict. I disabled the Belkin and EG now sees Serial 1. I am having a problem trying to get them both to work together. At least I know where to go to fix the problem.

What are the other errors?

The exclusive plugin seems to work even though I get errors.

Bitmonster · Post by **Bitmonster** » Mon May 14, 2007 4:34 pm

I would try to assign the usb-dongle to COM2 (if you don't have a real COM2 on your motherboard) or to assign it to a higher COM number like 5.

The "Exclusive enable a folder/macro" error seems to be a relict from a very old configuration session. It seems to have no target (or the root target that is useless). So I guess you can remove it.

aarb00 · Post by **aarb00** » Mon May 14, 2007 5:20 pm

No matter what port I set the USB dongle to, it works in EG. The built in COM port only seems to work in EG if the USB dongle is disabled. COM1 works in the Yamaha application irregardless of what the USB device is set to, and works when it is enabled or disabled.

Something is being a bit finicky. The only other thing I can think of doing is disabling the built in COM port and get another USB dongle. I'm out of ideas.

Bitmonster · Post by **Bitmonster** » Mon May 14, 2007 5:26 pm

Is this a "Prolific" chipset based dongle?

aarb00 · Post by **aarb00** » Mon May 14, 2007 5:36 pm

My best guess is no.

http://www.linux-usb.org/USB-guide/x555.html

I am using this adapter.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductP ... t_Id=91042

Bitmonster · Post by **Bitmonster** » Mon May 14, 2007 5:55 pm

To my experience nearly all USB-RS232 adapters are crap. The worst are the Prolific based ones. The Philips chipset of the Belkin is new to me. The only chipsets I really can recommend are the FT232 family from FTDI.

But since most resellers don't advertise the name of the chipset they are hard to find. Best way is to download their driver and look inside the .INI if you find any references to "FTDI".

aarb00 · Post by **aarb00** » Mon May 14, 2007 5:57 pm

The ironic thing, is that EG is working better with the USB then with the built in. I will try to use two USB's. I already have the other dongle. It's nearly impossible to find a modern motherboard with two onboard COM ports. I have a receiver and a plasma that I want to control.

aarb00 · Post by **aarb00** » Wed May 16, 2007 2:45 am

I connected a second USB dongle and disabled the internal COM port. All is working fine.