3. Installation
35
The installed driver creates a virtual COM port which is used by the applications similar to a
normal (hardware) COM port.
To find out which number the virtual COM port has beed assigned to, you have to look into the
Device Manager of your computer!
Select: Start
ĺ
Control Panel
ĺ
System
ĺ
Hardware
ĺ
Device Manager. Expand the node
by clicking the small "plus"- sign next to "Ports (COM & LPT)" to see all the connections on
your PC. Look for the entry "USB Serial Port", right besides you will find a COM
numberEnter this COM number into all programs you want to use with the PTC-IIIusb.
3.3
Bluetooth
The PTC-IIIusb is available with optional
Bluetooth
. Bluetooth is a low power high frequency
(2.4 GHz) radio link which serves as a cable replacement for short distances. In the
interference susceptible shortwave environment of the PTC-IIIusb, the USB cable connection
between the modem and the PC can be eliminated.
Advantage:
The data stream signal of a USB interface is located in the middle of the shortwave bands.
Therefore, the USB data signal cannot be separated from the shortwave signal being
transmitted or received by simply filtering. Mutual interference is possible, especially where
the antenna is located close to the modem/PC setup (ship borne installations). Mutual
interference in this case means that the transmitted HF-signal can disturb the USB data stream
between PC and modem, as well the USB data stream can disturb the radio reception of
shortwaves. Bluetooth can help solve this problem, as Bluetooth and shortwave radio signals
don’t interfere with one another. Additionally, eliminating the USB cable connection, the
danger of ground loops and parasitic currents distorting the radios signal modulation are
removed, which will lead to a better transmission quality.
Installation at the PC side:
Many modern laptop computers are already equipped with Bluetooth. In this case there is no
further installation required. Otherwise you will need to purchase a “Bluetooth stick” which is
plugged into a free USB-Port on your PC.
Bluetooth Sticks of various brands are available from computer stores. The installation should
be done in accordance with the instructions of the Bluetooth Stick vendor (driver and software,
etc.).
SCS
does not supply Bluetooth stick software on the
SCS
-CD. Please use the CD from
the Bluetooth Stick manufacturer for the installation!
After installation (or after the first connection with the PTC modem), a virtual COM port is
generated (just like with USB) which can be accessed by any terminal or PTC program.
Installation at the PTC-IIIusb side:
You can order the PTC-IIIusb with Bluetooth option already installed, or you can get an
existing PTC-IIIusb extended for Bluetooth by an authorized dealer or by
SCS
. For the prices
for both versions please refer to the price list or ask your dealer.
Getting started:
Disconnect the USB cable from your PTC-IIIusb and switch it on
afterwards
.
