32: Sscom
Here’s a quick guide for SSCOM 32 (a popular serial port debugging tool, especially in embedded/electronics work).
Case 3: Reverse Engineering a Protocol
- Connect a logic analyzer? No. Use SSCOM32's "DTR/RTS manual control."
- Manually toggle DTR pin (often tied to MCU reset) to reset the device without pulling the plug.
- Use HEX display to sniff an unknown device.
2. The "Multi-String Send" Panel (Live Debugging)
This is SSCOM32's killer feature.
- Locate the panel with buttons labeled
String 1 to String 8.
- Right-click a button or find the editing panel below.
- Example:
- String 1:
AT (Check "New line" for \r\n)
- String 2:
AT+CWMODE=1
- String 3:
AT+CWJAP="MyWiFi","Password"
- Now you can click buttons sequentially to configure an ESP8266 without typing.
Common Use Cases
- ESP8266/ESP32 Debugging: Because it handles the AT command set well and supports transparent transmission.
- GPS Module Testing: Viewing raw NMEA sentences alongside hex data to verify checksums.
- Industrial PLCs: Quick checks on RS485/RS232 converters without installing heavy SCADA software.
Why Choose SSCOM32 Over Putty or Arduino Serial Monitor?
While Putty is great for SSH, it is clumsy for binary data. The Arduino Serial Monitor is fine for simple Serial.print() statements but fails at high-speed, bidirectional, or hex-based communication. Here is why SSCOM32 wins: sscom 32
- Multi-Send & Command Lists: Pre-program up to 8 (or 16, depending on version) buttons with custom commands.
- Automatic Reply (Echo Mode): Automatically respond to incoming data (perfect for simulation and automated testing).
- File Transmission: Send binary files (
.bin, .hex) directly via serial without writing a host script.
- Macro Support: Record and replay complex sequences.
- Flow Control: Full support for RTS/CTS and DTR/DSR.
- Timing Stamps: Accurate millisecond-level timestamps for measuring response times.
User Interface (UI)
The UI is functional but dated. It typically features: Here’s a quick guide for SSCOM 32 (a
- A large receive window.
- Quick-access buttons for standard baud rates (9600, 115200, etc.).
- "Send" and "Clear" buttons that are large and easy to click quickly during debugging.
A. Multiple Pre-defined Strings (Shortcuts)
You will see a list of numbered lines (often labeled 1 through 10 or more). Connect a logic analyzer
- Purpose: You can save common commands you type frequently.
- Usage:
- Type a command in the input box next to a number (e.g.,
AT+RST).
- Check the Hex box if it's a hex command.
- When ready, click that specific Send button next to the number.
- This is excellent for debugging Modbus or AT commands where you repeat the same query constantly.
Error 3: Missing Data / Overrun Errors
- Cause: The receive buffer overflowed or a slow USB hub.
- Fix:
- Increase the receive buffer size in settings (SSCOM32 lets you allocate up to 16MB).
- Uncheck "Auto-line feed" to speed up display.
- Use a shorter USB cable.