I am new to .NET and have tried to convert an existing working VB6 application over to 2008 VB.NET. For the most part, everything is OK and workable but the fundamental COM object is totally different. I need to write a series of Bytes from a buffer using "SerialPort". I have an instance of the object on a form and have checked the instance's properties (called SerialPort1) to be correct - 9600 Baud, 8 bit characters, no handshaking. I am using the following command to send 9 bytes from a command button on the form

SerialPort1.Open()
SerialPort1.Write(OutputBuffer, Offset, 9)
SerialPort1.Close()

The Write routine contains:
Public Sub Write(ByVal buffer As Byte(), ByVal offset As Integer _
ByVal count As Integer)

I am establishing Byte values within the OutputBuffer array that contain numeric values and in debug mode they are there correctly for transmission. It is pretty straightforward but not working. I know the hardware is good as the same app running in VB6 runs fine to the same board on the same PC with the same cable. My .NET code does not generate any errors in design time or run time, but I get no output on the target hardware. the string should light a series of LEDs on the I/O board.

Does anybody have experience in fundamental non-handshaking RS232C serial communications that is doing this or can point me in the right direction?

GMan

GMan,

You verified instance's properties are all populated with right values, the object looks in good health.

But tell me is there any specific reason you are using Write instead of WriteLine, you see WriteLine also takes care of the encoding bit of work for you.

Secondly, try calling Close at a later event like at form closing.
Also try making this object global, at times these problems occur cos the object you are calling methods on has already gone out of scope, a case where the handle stays, but application's reference pointer to it is lost.

If nothing works write back with the code snippets from your VB6 app that did work.

Regards
Ankur

As usual, if I had another brain, it would be lonesome. I appreciate your help, but found out I made two fundamental mistakes that prevented the routine from working.

1) Whereas I thought the proper sequence consisted of 9 bytes, it needed 10

2) I had an offset value set incorrectly so the bytes sent to SerialPort1 were not proper.

Once these were fixed, the routine worked fine.

Thanks again for taking the time to care enough and respond!!!

Gordon

....or that :)

That was quite an expression ;)

You are welcome.

Regards
Ankur