Serial (COM) Ports

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Serial (COM) Ports

Serial ports on computers are called COM1, COM2, COM3, and so on. If your computer has only one serial port, it is probably COM1. Some modern computers don't have serial ports, and you need to use a USB-to-serial converter; in this case, your communications port might be COM3, COM5, or some other designation other than COM1. If you are having trouble communicating with your GPS receiver, consult your computer's configuration or documentation to determine what to choose for this field.

Use these instructions to identify your serial port for Windows operating systems:

Windows 95/98: Start Þ Settings Þ Control Panel Þ System. Choose the Device Manager tab. Click the "+" sign next to Ports (COM & LPT). Look for entries like "Communications Port (COMx)". The x will be 1, 2, 3, and so on.

Windows Me: Start Þ Settings Þ Control Panel. Click the all Control Panel icons link at the left. Double-click the System icon. Click the "+" sign next to Ports (COM & LPT). Look for entries like "Communications Port (COMx)". The x will be 1, 2, 3, and so on.

Windows 2000: Start Þ Settings Þ Control Panel Þ System. Choose the Hardware tab, and click the Device Manager button. Click the "+" sign next to Ports (COM & LPT). Look for entries like "Communications Port (COMx)". The x will be 1, 2, 3, and so on.

Windows XP (Category View in Control Panel): Start Þ Control Panel Þ Performance and Maintenance Þ System. Choose the Hardware tab, and click the Device Manager button. Click the "+" sign next to Ports (COM & LPT). Look for entries like "Communications Port (COMx)". The x will be 1, 2, 3, and so on.

Windows XP (Classic View in Control Panel): Start Þ Control Panel Þ System. Choose the Hardware tab, and click the Device Manager button. Click the "+" sign next to Ports (COM & LPT). Look for entries like "Communications Port (COMx)". The x will be 1, 2, 3, and so on.