Using rs-232 in a java desktop application

Hello all:

 

I am fairly new to the Java world and would like some advice on how to handle rs-232 communications with a Java based GUI I am working on.  Several years ago I created a similar GUI with Visual Basic, but my coding skills are a bit rusty and I never got the communication thing completely figured out.  I could send command strings easy enough, but I had trouble getting responses and processing them quickly.

 

The current GUI is to control an RGB lighting system.  It has some sliders, some radio buttons, and a few check boxes.  When the sliders move a command string needs to be sent out.  It will have to happen quickly so that the change in light level is smooth.  When the radio buttons and check boxes are clicked, single commands will have to be sent out.

 

I would also like to be able to handle any responses sent back from the controller.  When the sliders are moved, there will be a lot of comm traffic coming back to the GUI.  I sure this will require a buffer of some kind, but I am not sure how to set it up.

 

Once I get the rs-232 option up and running, I need to look at communicating with the light controller via an Ethernet connection.

 

Any advise or assistance would be appreciated.

 

 

Paul Stearns

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Permalink Reply by Nemanja Nesic - NEM- on May 27, 2011 at 4:52pm

While I am not expert with java <> serial port communication I can give you a few reference links:

First I'd start with:  http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/index-jsp-141752.html

Then take a look at:  http://java.sun.com/products/javacomm/reference/docs/API_users_guid...

 

dont hesitate to ask if you get stuck.

 

-nem

 

Permalink Reply by Paul Stearns on May 27, 2011 at 5:00pm

Thanks Nem.  I will check those out.

 

Paul

Permalink Reply by Paul Stearns on June 1, 2011 at 5:44pm

I took a look at some of the documentation and it seems that RS-232 is not supported for Windows apps anymore.  If this is indeed the case, then I guess I need to look at sending communications via Ethernet and using a converter to get it to the RS-232 device.

 

Any guidance on how to proceed would be appreciated.

Permalink Reply by Nemanja Nesic - NEM- on June 9, 2011 at 9:57pm

While that is true for sun libraries and support for Win, there are other 3rd party that you can use:

hope this helps

 

nem

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