Controlling Arduino via serial port on laptop

Projects Programming
1

Hey guys, Not to sure if this topic fits this category, if not can someone point me to the correct topic.

I own a Toshiba T3100/40 laptop it has 2 serial ports and is running stock dos3.2, I was wondering is there anyway i can control the arduino via one of its serialports using commands or a piece of software i can load form a floppy?

I am basically wanting to at the moment just turn a light on and off, i can modify the code from there on for what i need.

I got the idea from playing fallout and the terminals that control the turrets.

Cheers Shmoe

2

No longer familiar with DOS, it's been too long, is this a setup that has a serial console program like putty built in?

3

I'm not to sure, as i have only just started messing about with dos, i wouldn't have a clue if it has a serial monitor built in, Ill see if there is a putty replacement for dos

4

I googled that Toshiba - amazing bit of retro there. Be fab when you get this working!

Unfortunately there was nothing like Putty built in to DOS. (There was hardly anything built into DOS tbh).

Wikipedia has a short list of DOS terminal emulators. Qmodem (abandonware) seems like a good bet.

DOS 3.2 was old, even when I was into DOS, so you might have to go back a few versions to find something compatible.

5

You can use the echo and copy commands.

My DOS knowledge is rusty, but this might work

echo ON > COM1:

It should send the word ON to the Arduino.

6

Your Laptop most likely has a genuine RS232 serial port and, if so, you will need a MAX232 to convert the RS232 voltage levels to the TTL levels used by an Arduino. RS232 voltage levels directly connected to an Arduino will not work and may damage it.

If your laptop has Basic you could write a simple program to send data to and receive data from an Arduino.

...R

7

Robin2:
Your Laptop most likely has a genuine RS232 serial port and, if so, you will need a MAX232 to convert the RS232 voltage levels to the TTL levels used by an Arduino. RS232 voltage levels directly connected to an Arduino will not work and may damage it.

Good point :wink: