Rick, the current SatPC32 version still uses the old MSComm32.OCX component to manage the serial ports. The component supports only the port numbers 1 to 16. (It is possible to expand the numbers up to 255 by changing a single byte in the binaray code of the component. However, I don't know whether that would be legal.)

Meanwhile I have a new component from another manufacturer without that limitation for a future version and I will probalby soon upload a patch file.

I have mentioned the issue with the current component and how to fix it in the FAQs file, see below.

73s Erich, DK1TB

Here the section from the FAQs file: ....... L. Error message: Can't Open COMxx, Invalid Port number or similar This error message appears if 1 .... 2. ... 3. the chosen Port has a port number > 16. The tool used by SatPC32 to manage the serial ports supports only port numbers up to 16. The system, however, increases the port numbers with each installation of a new port (i.e. a new USB-to-Serial adapter or if you connect the adapter to another USB port). So, port numbers can be 17 or higher. To fix the problem, you can decrease the number of the port you want to use to be 16 or less. To do this, do the following: aa. In the Device Manager check which ports are available on the PC. bb. Right click on the port number (> 16) you want to change. cc. Choose Properties - Port settings - Advanced. dd. Open the list of possible COM ports (click on the control to the right of the port number). ee. The port numbers 1 - 16 (or at least most of them) will be marked as "in use". Only the ports listed in the Device Manager are actually in use, however. Choose one of the port numbers not actually in use. Ignore the marking "in use" and the Windows warning. The change might require you to reboot the PC to take effect. Choose the new port number also in SatPC32 and restart the program.

----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Lawn" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2013 1:13 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 Problems Connecting to TS2000

I've had intermittent problems with connecting SatPC32 to my TS2000 via CAT. I finally determined I thought that the Keyspan 4-port USB-Serial hub was the problem. I've had problems with it in the past so this wasn't a surprise. I dug out another single Keyspan USB-serial converter, plugged it in, had to reset the Com port to something higher (17) and tested it first with Ham Radio Deluxe. Whalla it worked connecting at 57600 baud rate. But I try to connect to the radio using the same parameters in SatPC32 and no dice. It tells me that com 17 isn't available. What am I missing. I am using VSP and could it be that I need to set up a pair. The ultimate goal is to control both the TS2000 for uplink and my Flex5KA with downconverters with SatPC32. It worked just fine including the Keyspan hub with my FT847 but not with the Kenwood. What am I missing?

Rick W2JAZ _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb