> I have used,
>
> http://www.freebasic.net/about
>
> to do exactly what you are trying BUT with Excel. I may be worth
> looking at the FreeBASIC forums for your specific answer...
>
> Regards,
>
> On 14/01/2012 5:48 AM, YES NOPE9 wrote:
>> There is a Linux version of RealBasic that is free.
>> It handles PC asynch COM ports.  Displaying results is easy.
>> I could help you with that as I have done this some time ago.
>>
>> For XP check this out  
>> www.thefreecountry.com/compilers/basic.shtml
>> I amy also be able to dig up my old copies of VisualBasic for XP
>>
>> Liberty Basic has a free trial  ( costs $60 )
>> http://lbpe.wikispaces.com/AccessingSerialPort
>>
>> I will look around a little more.
>> 99guspuppet
>>
>>
>>> On Jan 13, 2012, at 7:25 AM, Carl Denk wrote:
>>>
>>> I am wanting to make a test setup for a PIC PCB that has 2 pressure
>>> sensors and a temperature sensor with RS-232 communications output. The
>>> Pic responds to a control string (the RS-232 goes to RS-485 down the
>>> wire), responding with a string of the values. I have available
>>> preferably a XP home laptop, or could lug a Ubuntu Lucid desktop to the
>>> workshop.  Thinking is use Open Office Calc to display the data,
>>> including unpacking the string. Would need to send the request string,
>>> say 1/second to have updated data without having to hit some keys. I
>>> have searched for a way to communicate with the Com ports, but come up
>>> blank. Also have  looked at RealTerm, which I have used previously, but
>>> hitting the keys is an issue since I can't find away to do a delay, and
>>> resend. Downloading and installing some application (Free) is not a
>>> problem.
>>>
>>> At the moment, I'm wiring up some new pressure sensors, and want to
>>> verify the readings before putting them into backup stock. :)
>>>
>>> Thanking in advance for comments. :)