How do I identify COM port, please

[1eyedjack]

The machine is a Sony Vaio VGN-AR71J running Windows Vista Premium

I have installed an application software called "HeavyWeather" which is supposed to receive and display meteorological data from an external base station which is connected to the PC via a "COM" port. The setup options on the application software prompt for me to choose between "COM1", "COM2", "COM3" and "COM4". None of these selections appear to create a connection to the external unit, which remains undetected by the PC.

As far as I can tell, the only socket on the PC which physically fits the cable supplied for connection is described as a "modem port", on the right hand side of the PC, the first socket from the rear (item 13 per the illustration on page 19 of the user guide).

I searched the PDF user guide for several variations on "COM Port", "COM 1", "COM1" etc without any hits.

Any idea what I should try next? (As you can tell I DID try the manual before resorting to you guys!)

Thanks.

[Blencogo]

Hi 1eyedjack.

Most of these types of scientific equipment connect to PCs using an almost obsolete RS-232 serial interface - which is usually only found on desktop computers and has largely been dispensed with by notebook manufacturers. A lot of American scientific and medical equipment still uses it.

You will need a PCMCIA serial card something like this one. Maplin also did one and there are also Expresscard versions - try Google.

You will also need a RS-232 9 pin to the RS-232 six pin cable (looks like this ) to connect from the serial card to the weatherstation. (This is usually supplied with the equipment)

Sorry it's not that easy!! Good Luck.