Windows Serial Port Terminal Program: A Comprehensive Guide

When working with microcontrollers like the Photon or Electron, it is essential to have a reliable terminal program that can facilitate communication between your device and computer. In this article, we will explore the various options available for Windows users, including PuTTY, CoolTerm, and Particle Workbench.

PuTTY is a popular open-source terminal emulator that allows you to establish connections with your Photon or Electron using the serial port. To configure PuTTY, follow these steps: Click on 'Serial' (1) and enter the COM port number (2). Finally, click 'Open' (3) to initiate the connection.

Alternatively, you can use CoolTerm, another popular terminal program that supports serial communication. CoolTerm offers advanced features like data logging and scripting, making it a powerful tool for debugging and development.

In addition to these third-party solutions, Particle Workbench (VS Code) also provides a built-in Serial Monitor. To access this feature, open the command palette (Command-Shift-P on Mac or Ctrl-Shift-P on Windows/Linux) and select 'Particle: Serial Monitor.' This will allow you to view serial messages and debug your code.

Another common method for viewing debug serial messages is the Particle CLI. The CLI is a powerful tool that can be used to send commands, upload firmware, and monitor serial output. To use the CLI, simply open a terminal window and type 'particle serial monitor' followed by the COM port number.

When working with the USB serial port, it's essential to understand how baud rates work. The Serial.begin() function initializes the serial port at a specified speed, but in most cases, you can omit the baud rate entirely and use Serial.begin(). This is because the USB serial port operates at a fixed speed regardless of the baud rate.

The Serial.printlnf() function is often used for debugging messages and can be formatted to include variables. For example, Serial.printlnf('testing %d', ++counter) prints a formatted string with an incrementing counter value.

In conclusion, Windows users have several options for terminal programs that support serial communication with the Photon or Electron. Whether you choose PuTTY, CoolTerm, or Particle Workbench, understanding how to use these tools is essential for effective debugging and development. With this guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of serial communication.

Windows serial port terminal program