HP 48SX Connectivity?

[rprosperi]

(04-26-2018 02:46 PM)DavidM Wrote:  

(04-26-2018 01:46 PM)SamE Wrote:  Is there any software for modern computers that will interface with a 48SX? I have a 48 to USB adapter, but haven't found any software for it.

I use a program called HPComm on my Win7 laptop, available here. I've linked to the version I use with the 48sx. I no longer remember why, but I couldn't use the newer version of the program. While the interface of version 2.4 is dated, it is at least still functional on my system.

The biggest issue I'm aware of with this version of HPComm is that it appears to only support COM ports 1-4. This works OK for me, as I have a real serial port on my laptop's docking station that shows up as COM1. The USB/serial adapter I have shows up as COM9, so it's not accessible from HPComm with my setup.

There's probably other solutions as well, this is just the particular setup I use to communicate with the 48sx.

The older (v3) version of HP's Connkit also supports the 48SX, and can be found here:

https://www.educalc.net/1047482.page

In addition, the 3rd-party program "Transfile Win 48" does as well, and can be found for sale on eBay. I've also seen this included in some collections of '48 freeware' though I don't know for sure if it actually is free to distribute, so I recommend the purchase, it is not expensive.

@DavidM - regarding the COM port number for USB connections; you can typically assign the COM port number in the USB driver settings page, accessed via Win-7 Device Manager. Though details can vary among chipsets, on mine current PIL-Box setup (FTDI chipset), this is accessed in Device Manager as follows:

Right-click on "USB Serial Port (COM5)" under Ports
Click Properties in the menu that opens
Click on Port Settings tab
Click "Advanced" button
Choose COM PORT number from the drop-down list

On FTDI settings, it will allow setting the port number up to 256, and will also show you the ports currently "in use", which really means that drivers are installed, and not necessarily actively being used.