Termie: A Simple RS232 Terminal

• Download source - 67.31 KB
• Download binary - 53.85 KB

Introduction

Termie opens a serial port and logs data received to a window. It is useful for embedded software development. It can also send data so it is actually a RS232 terminal with a chat-like interface.

An embedded system is a special-purpose computer such as a Wii, MP3 player, or cell phone. To develop for such a system, you need a development "kit" which allows you to download software and debug. Communication between your PC and the embedded system is often a serial cable (RS-232).

In my case, I get output from the embedded system (a game console) via an RS-232 cable. So if I want to see my printfs, I need a program that will display anything that comes in the COM port on my PC.

Background

Termie is an open source clone of Termite from ITB CompuPhase.

What I liked about Termite is that it is simple and fast. Hyperterminal is clunky. I wanted something similar to Termite that was open source. Writing it in C# turned out to be easy; a weekend project. Once done, I can add new features as needed and get great suggestions here!

Settings

Settings are stored in an INI file in the application startup folder:

Features

• Multiple select, select all, and copy to the clipboard
• Hex Output (not in Termite)
• Output filter (not in Termite)
• Partial line output (so you can see "..." one dot at a time)
• Click status to close/open with current port settings
• Toggle Scrolling button
• Send File button
• Color coded lines (green=received, blue=sent)
• Send escape sequences (\n, \x7f)
• Send history

Using the Code

System.IO.Ports has a SerialPort class that does everything we want. I wrapped it in a singleton class with delegates for status and data events.

History

• February-2008: Original submission
• March-2008: Added clipboard, output filter, hex output, monospace font, and all settings
• May-2008: Added read thread, partial output, color coding, and "send file"
• October-2008: Fixed thread bug, added history and escape sequences to send (\n, \x7f), and upgraded project files to Visual C# 2008 Express