INSYS VCom 4.

Manual

Virtual COM Port

Copyright August 2016 INSYS MICROELECTRONICS GmbH

Any duplication of this manual is prohibited. All rights on this documentation and
the devices are with INSYS MICROELECTRONICS GmbH Regensburg.
Trademarks
The use of a trademark not shown below is not an indication that it is freely available for use.
MNP is a registered trademark of Microcom Inc.
IBM PC, AT, XT are registered trademarks of International Business Machine Corporation.
INSYS, VCom, e-Mobility LSG and e-Mobility PLC are registered trademarks of
INSYS MICROELECTRONICS GmbH.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Publisher:
INSYS MICROELECTRONICS GmbH
Hermann-Khl-Str. 22
D-93049 Regensburg, Germany
Phone:
+49 941 58692 0
Fax:
+49 941 58692 45
E-mail:
info@insys-icom.com
Internet:
http://www.insys-icom.com
Date: Aug-16
Item: 10001096
Version: 1.3
Language: EN

Content

General Information ............................................................................... 5

Overview ............................................................................................... 6
2.1

Function Overview .............................................................................................. 6

2.1.1
2.1.2

2.2

Installation Requirements .................................................................................... 8

2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3

Meaning of the Symbols and the Formatting in this Manual ................. 10

Installation ........................................................................................... 11
4.1

Installation Process ........................................................................................... 11

4.2

Installed Files .................................................................................................... 14

4.3

Result of the Installation .................................................................................... 15

Short Description of the User Interface ................................................ 18

5.1

Overview ........................................................................................................... 18

5.2

Description of the User Interface Areas ............................................................. 19

5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.2.5
5.2.6

Info ......................................................................................................... 19
Service .................................................................................................... 19
Error ........................................................................................................ 20
Configuration .......................................................................................... 20
Log ......................................................................................................... 20
Virtual COM Ports .................................................................................. 21

Commissioning .................................................................................... 23
6.1

Outgoing Connection ........................................................................................ 23

6.2

Incoming Connection ........................................................................................ 24

AT Command Reference ...................................................................... 26

7.1

Aug-16

Supported Operating System ................................................................... 8

Firewall Configuration .............................................................................. 9
User Rights ............................................................................................... 9

Overview .................................................................................................. 6
Functions .................................................................................................. 7

Summary .......................................................................................................... 26

Structure of the Configuration File ....................................................... 30

Uninstalling .......................................................................................... 34

10

Index.................................................................................................... 35

INSYS VCom 4.x

General Information

General Information

The present user manual applies for the Windows software INSYS VCom 4.x from
version 4.3.0. The user manual is directed to technical personnel, especially programmers and commissioning technicians. General knowledge of communication
technology is required to understand.

Overview

INSYS VCom 4.x

Overview

The virtual COM port driver INSYS VCom 4.x is a software enables to replace
serial communication with IP-based communication without modifying the PC
application.
INSYS VCom 4.x has especially been developed for the use in connection with the
following INSYS products:

2.1

INSYS Ethernet and i-modul Ethernet

INSYS WLAN serial and i-modul WLAN serial
INSYS GPRS/EDGE 5.x serial and i-modul GPRS/EDGE 3.x serial
MoRoS 2.1 / 2.2, MLR 3G 2.0 and IMON fault monitor
INSYS SDSL 1.x
MRX equipped with MRXcard SI

Function Overview

2.1.1 Overview

The virtual COM port driver INSYS VCom 4.x simulates a serial interface at the PC.
The data that are sent to this serial interface from any application will be forwarded
to a connected INSYS IP device via a TCP/IP connection as if a serial connection
would be present.
This allows to bridge any distance via existing networks without having to modify
existing systems (readout software, configuration software, etc.).
The application does only "see" a usual modem connection or even a serial
connection, but communicates via a TCP/IP network.
The connection establishment can be initiated by the device or by the VCom
service with this.
6

INSYS VCom 4.x

Overview

2.1.2 Functions

Windows applications that usually communicate directly via a COM interface or a

remote data transmission modem, are now connected indirectly via COM interfaces
that have been created by the virtual COM port driver INSYS VCom 4.x. The COM
port driver is connected to the VCom service via the virtual serial bus driver. The
service takes over the bidirectional conversion of serial data and TCP data streams.
Connections can be established outgoing or incoming. The connection will be
authenticated before via UDP or TCP. All system results will permanently be written
to a log file.
The VCom configuration interface is connected to the service via a separate TCP
port. The configuration program controls the status of the service and allows a
comfortable adaptation of the server configuration file.

Overview

INSYS VCom 4.x

Component

Function

VCom service

Application runs as Windows service

Up to 255 virtual COM ports configurable
Dynamic creation and removal of virtual COM ports possible
without restarting the computer
Detailed log function for troubleshooting
Support of AT commands

Interface

Incoming and outgoing TCP connections (also as leased line)

possible
Simple server administration via separate configuration program
Display of log information
Display of status information of the virtual COM port

2.2

Installation Requirements

2.2.1 Supported Operating System

In principle, an operation is possible under the following operating systems:
Windows 2000 SP5
Windows XP SP3
Windows 7 32/64-Bit
Windows 8.1 32/64-Bit
Windows 10 32/64-Bit
Windows Server 2012 R2
In addition, Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 must be installed.

Note
Conflicts with virtual COM port drivers!
Conflicts with other virtual COM port drivers may affect
the operation.
If virtual COM port drivers of INSYS or other
manufacturers (Bluetooth, USB modem, etc.) are already
installed on your computer, a proper operation cannot be
ensured any more. It is therefore recommended to
uninstall all other virtual COM port drivers before installing
INSYS VCom 4.x.

INSYS VCom 4.x

Overview

2.2.2 Firewall Configuration

The VCom service installs itself as Windows service. To be able to accept
incoming connections from INSYS devices, the firewall of the computer must be
configured such that a TCP and/or UDP port are/is opened for incoming
connections.
To be able to configure the VCom service using the graphical user interface, it is
required to open another TCP port for incoming connections.
The used ports are queried during the installation of the VCom service and can be
modified later using the graphical user interface.

2.2.3 User Rights

The installation of the VCom service requires administrator rights.
The operation of the software is independent of the login of a user, because the
application is installed as Windows service. You can configure the VCom service
such that the service will be activated automatically with system start without a
certain user being logged on.

Meaning of Symbols and Formatting in this Manual

INSYS VCom 4.x

Meaning of Symbols and Formatting in this

Manual

This section describes the definition, formatting and symbols used in this manual.
The various symbols are meant to help you read and find the information relevant
to you. The following text is structured like a typical operating instruction of this
manual.
Bold print: This will tell you what the following steps will result in
After that, there will be a detailed explanation why you could perform the
following steps to be able to reach the objective indicated first. You can
decide whether the section is relevant for you or not.

An arrow will indicate prerequisites which must be fulfilled to be able to

process the subsequent steps in a meaningful way. You will also learn
which software or which equipment you will need.

1.

One individual action step: This tells you what you need to do at this
point. The steps are numbered for better orientation.

10

A result which you will receive after performing a step will be marked
with a check mark. At this point, you can check if the previous steps
were successful.

Additional information which you should consider are marked with a

circled "i". At this point, we will indicate possible error sources and tell
you how to avoid them.

Alternative results and steps are marked with an arrow. This will tell
you how to reach the same results performing different steps, or what
you could do if you didn't reach the expected results at this point.

INSYS VCom 4.x

Installation

Installation
This section explains how to install the INSYS VCom 4.x software on your
computer, into which directories the program data will be stored, and how
you can test the successful installation.

4.1

Installation Process

Downloading the installation file

How to download the installation file of the INSYS VCom 4.x software.

You will need a computer with Internet connection or the Support CD.

1.

Open in the "Support and Downloads" menu the "Driver" page on the
website (http://www.insys-icom.com/driver/) or Support CD.

2.

Right-click in the "Virtual COM Port" section onto the "VComSetup"

file and select "Save target as" in the context menu.

3.

Save the file on your computer.

You have downloaded the installation file successfully with this.

Installing INSYS VCom 4.x

How to install the INSYS VCom 4.x software on your computer.

You have downloaded the installation file of the INSYS VCom 4.x software.

The installation requirements (see page 8) are fulfilled.

1.

Open the directory where the installation file is located and doubleclick the installation file.

A Windows Vista or Windows 7 computer may require to right-click

the installation file and select "Run as administrator" in the contexct
menu.

2.

Select the desired installation language from the drop-down list and
click on OK .

3.

Click in the Setup Wizard on Next > .

4.

Accept the license agreement and click on Next > .

5.

Specify a destination folder for the installation and click on Next > .

6.

Specify a start menu folder and click on Next > .

7.

Click Install to start the installation.

11

Installation

INSYS VCom 4.x

8.

Enter the TCP port into the "TCP Port" entry field.

9.

A dialogue window for specifying TCP port, remote management port,

and COM port appears.

A port must be entered here that is opened for incoming connections

by your firewall or your router. It is important for the router
configuration that the respective port is forwarded for both, UDP and
TCP. The port entered here can still be changed later.

Enter the Remote management port into the "Remote Management

Port" entry field.

This TCP port is only used for the internal communication between the
VCom service and the user interface and can be adjusted, if the
default port is already used by another application.

10. Enter the designation of the first virtual COM port into the "Name of
initial virtual COM Port" entry field.

You can enter the port designation here, for which a virtual COM port
will be created after installation when starting the service. You can
change this port later or add further ports; however, for the start of the
VCom service, it is necessary that at least one virtual COM port is
created.

11. Click on Next > .

12

INSYS VCom 4.x

Installation

12. Confirm the message about the successful driver installation

with OK .
13. Click Finish to complete the installation.

You have installed the INSYS VCom 4.x software successfully on your
computer with this.

13

Installation

4.2

INSYS VCom 4.x

Installed Files

Several files will be copied to the hard drive and settings will be made in the system registry during installation. The following table shows the installed files with
storage location and function.
File
Storage location
Description
Vsb.inf

\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

Vsb.sys
Vsbsetup.exe

\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers
Installation directory

Vserial.inf

\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

Vserial.sys

\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers
Installation directory

VSPort.dll

VCOM_Server.exe
Installation directory
VCOM_Server.exe.con- Installation directory
fig
VCOMServer.conf
Installation directory

14

VcomConf.exe
VcomConf.exe.config

Installation directory
Installation directory

Logfile.txt

Installation directory

Unins000.exe

Installation directory

Further DLLs and language files

Installation directory

.INF file, necessary for

the installation of the
virtual serial bus device
driver
Virtual serial bus device
driver
Application for installing
and registering the device drivers in the operating system
.INF file, necessary for
the installation of the
virtual serial port device
driver
Virtual serial port device
driver
Virtual serial port ActiveX control
VCom Server service
Configuration of the log
function of the service
Main configuration file
of the VCom service
User interface
Configuration of the
user interface
Log file of the VCom
service
Uninstallation of the
VCom service

INSYS VCom 4.x

4.3

Installation

Result of the Installation

You can verify the success of the installation in different ways.

Displaying the Windows services
How to display the Windows services to verify a successful installation.
1.

Select Start Control Panel.

2.

Double-click "Administrative Tools".

3.

Double-click "Services".

The "Services" window is displayed.

If the "VCom Server" service is displayed, you have installed INSYS

VCom 4.x successfully.

If you double-click the "VCom Server service, you can configure the
service such that it starts automatically when starting the computer by
selecting the "Automatic" startup type.

15

Installation

INSYS VCom 4.x

Checking the virtual COM port access

How to check the access to the virtual COM port.
1.

Open a terminal program, like PuTTY.

2.

Connect to the configured COM port.

3.

Enter ati and confirm with the Enter key.

16

If the "VCom Server" service returns its version, you have installed
INSYS VCom 4.x successfully.

INSYS VCom 4.x

Installation

Checking the operation via user interface

How to check the status of the VCom service using the user interface.
1.

Select Start All programs INSYS VCom VComConfiguration.

2.

The INSYS VCom 4.x user interface is displayed.

If required, start the service using the Start button in the "Service"
panel.

If "Running" is displayed as status of the service, you have installed

INSYS VCom 4.x successfully.

17

Short Description of the User Interface

Short Description of the User Interface

5.1

Overview

INSYS VCom 4.x

The most important settings of the VCom service can be made comfortably via the
user interface. The user interface identifies the configuration file settings via the
VCom service. Changes of the configuration can be made via the user interface.
The new configuration will be stored as a file (VcomServer.conf_tmp) in the
installation directory of the server after saving. When the server is started the next
time, it will be checked, whether a new configuration is present, and, if yes, this
will be loaded. The modified old configuration will be saved as
VcomServer.conf_old. The user interface is divided into different areas with
different functions.

The individual areas of the user interface and their function is explained in detail in
the following.

18

INSYS VCom 4.x

5.2

Short Description of the User Interface

Description of the User Interface Areas

5.2.1 Info

A help text to the control element actually being under the mouse pointer is
displayed here.

5.2.2 Service

The current status of the VCom service is displayed here:

Stopped: The VCom service is currently not active. It can be started using
the Start button.
Start Pending: The VCom service is being started.
Running: The VCom service is currently running. It can be stopped using
the Stop button.
Stop Pending: The VCom service is being stopped.
The current status of the VCom service can be retrieved manually using
the Refresh button.

19

Short Description of the User Interface

INSYS VCom 4.x

5.2.3 Error

Possible errors of the VCom service are displayed here.

5.2.4 Configuration

The loading condition of the configuration file is indicated here. If the configuration
has been changed in the meantime, the area appears red and the current settings
can be saved using the Save button. The current settings can be discarded using
the Cancel button

5.2.5 Log

The content of the log file is displayed here. The display will be updated
automatically.

20

INSYS VCom 4.x

Short Description of the User Interface

5.2.6 Virtual COM Ports

All information and settings of the virtual COM ports are displayed here. All settings
and their respective parameters in the configuration file are described in the
following.
5.2.6.1 Tree View
The already configured COM ports and their connection status are displayed here.
Another virtual COM port can be created using the Add button. A selected virtual
COM port can be deleted using the Delete button. The tree view be refreshed
using the Refresh button. If the "Auto" checkbox is checked, the tree view will be
refreshed automatically.
5.2.6.2 Server Settings
The communication settings of the VCom service can be configured here. The
interval for the dispatch of keep alive messages in seconds can be specifed in the
"Keep Alive Interval" field (parameter keepaliveinterval in the configuration
file). The remote management IP address for the internal communication between
VCom service and user interface can be specified in the "Host" field.. The remote
management port for the internal communication between VCom service and user
interface can be specified in the "Port" field (remoting_port). The TCP port used
by the VCom service for incoming connections can be specified in the "TCP" field
under "Incoming Listenport" (tcp_listen_port). The UDP port used by the
VCom service for incoming connections can be specified in the "UDP" field
(udp_listen_port).
21

Short Description of the User Interface

INSYS VCom 4.x

5.2.6.3 General
General settings for the selected virtual COM port can be made here. The
designation of the virtual COM port can be selected in the "COM name" drop-down
list field (name). If the "Disconnect TCP connection at DTR drop" checkbox is
checked, an existing TCP connection will be disconnected, as soon as the DTR
signal is disabled (disconnonclosedport). If the "TCP-Keep-Alive" checkbox is
checked, a connection check using keep alive packets will be performed
(keepalive). If the "Response" checkbox is checked, the VCom service will send
typical modem responses (liek OK, CONNECT, NO CARRIER, etc.) to the serial
interface (response). If the "Echo" checkbox is checked, the VCom service will
issue a local echo (echo). If the "Keyabort" checkbox is checked, data at the serial
interface during the connection establishment will lead to an abort (keyabort).
5.2.6.4 Outgoing connections
The settings for outgoing connections can be made here. If the "Enable" checkbox
is checked, outgoing connections will be allowed (allowoutgoing). If the
"Autodial" checkbox is checked, an automatic connection establishment to a
configured address can be made (autodial). The IP address for the automatic
connection establishment can be entered into the "Target" field (autodial). The
associated port can be entered into the "Port" field (autodial). If the "Leased
Line" checkbox is checked, the VCom service will automatically re-establish a
connection upon a connection loss without being initiated again (leasedline). If
the "Establish outgoing connection on closed port" checkbox is checked, an
automatic connection establishment will be made directly upon start of the VCom
service (connonclosedport_out). The authentication protocol can be selected
under "Authentication" using the "UDP" and "TCP" radiobuttons (authoutgoing).
5.2.6.5 Incoming connections
The settings for incoming connections can be made here. If the "Enable" checkbox
is checked, incoming connections can be accepted (allowincoming). A unique
identifier (IMEI number or MAC address) cann be entered for every virtual COM
port into the "COM ID" field (id). If the "Accept incoming connections on closed
port" checkbox is checked, incoming connections can also be accepted in case of a
closed COM port (connonclosedport_in). The authentication protocol can be
selected under "Authentication" using the "UDP" and "TCP" radiobuttons
(authincoming).

22

INSYS VCom 4.x

Commissioning

Commissioning
This section explains the connection establishment between a PC with INSYS
VCom 4.x and a PC with a connected INSYS GPRS 5.x serial as an example.
The commissioning with other suitable communication devices from INSYS is
performed in a similar way.

6.1

Outgoing Connection

Establishing an outgoing connection from PC1

How to establish an outgoing connection from a PC with INSYS VCom 4.x
to an INSYS GPRS 5.x serial.

The INSYS GPRS 5.x serial has been put into operation and the
establishment of a test connection to the Internet from PC2 was successful
(see respective user manual).

The VCom service is installed on PC1.

1.

Open on PC1 the configuration interface via

Start (All) Programs INSYS VCom VComConfiguration.

The INSYS VCom 4.x user interface is displayed.

2.

If required, start the VCom service using the Start button in the
"Service" panel.

3.

Select a COM port in the tree view.

4.

Check in the "Outgoing connections" panel the "Enable" checkbox.

5.

Check the "Autodial" checkbox and enter IP address and port of the
INSYS GPRS 5.x serial.

6.

Save your settings using the Save button.

You have configured the INSYS VCom 4.x for an outgoing connection
to the INSYS GPRS 5.x serial with this.

23

Commissioning

INSYS VCom 4.x

7.

Open on PC2 HSComm GPRS via

Start (All) Programs INSYS HSComm HSComm GPRS.

8.

Check on the "Serial/VCom" tab in the "Virtual COM Port" panel the
"Authentication on incoming TCP connection" checkbox.

9.

Check on the "Connections" tab in the "Incoming" panel the "Activate

GPRS and accept TCP/IP connections on port" checkbox and enter the
port for accepting the connections into the following field.

10. Click on Send settings to transfer the settings to the INSYS GPRS 5.x
serial.
11. Start on PC1 a terminal program and open the virtual COM port.

6.2

Opening the COM port establishes a connection to the INSYS GPRS

5.x serial.
The successful connection establishment is indicated in the terminal
program by the CONNECT message and in the configuration interface
in the tree view and the log. You have established an outgoing
connection from a PC with INSYS VCom 4.x to an INSYS GPRS 5.x
serial with this.

Incoming Connection

Establishing an incoming connection from PC1

How to establish an incoming connection to a PC with INSYS VCom 4.x
from an INSYS GPRS 5.x serial.

The INSYS GPRS 5.x serial has been put into operation and the
establishment of a test connection to the Internet from PC2 was successful
(see respective user manual).

The VCom service is installed on PC1.

Incoming TCP and UDP connections can be accepted by PC1. If required,

appropriate firewall/router settings must be made in advance. A port must
be forwarded to PC1 by the Internet router for both, TCP and UDP.

1.

Open on PC1 the configuration interface via

Start (All) Programs INSYS VCom VComConfiguration.

24

The INSYS VCom 4.x user interface is displayed.

2.

If required, start the VCom service using the Start button in the
"Service" panel.

3.

Select a COM port in the tree view.

INSYS VCom 4.x

Commissioning

4.

Check in the "Incoming connections" panel the "Enable" checkbox.

5.

Enter the IMEI of the INSYS GPRS 5.x serial into the "COM ID" field.

6.

The IMEI is on the housing label and can also be read out with
AT**IMEI?.

Save your settings using the Save button.

You have configured the INSYS VCom 4.x for an incoming

connection from the INSYS GPRS 5.x serial with this.

7.

Open on PC2 HSComm GPRS via

Start (All) Programs INSYS HSComm HSComm GPRS.

8.

Select on the "Serial/VCom" tab in the "Virtual COM Port" panel under
"Authentication on outgoing TCP connection" the "Authentication via
UDP" radiobutton.

9.

Check on the "Connections" tab in the "Outgoing (leased line)" panel

under "Standard destination" the "AutoDial IP address" radiobutton.

10. Enter in the "AutoDial destinations" panel under "Standard

destination" the IP address of PC1 into the "IP address" field and the
port for accepting the connection into the "Port" field.
11. Click on Send settings to transfer the settings to the INSYS GPRS 5.x
serial.
12. Click on Reset to restart the INSYS GPRS 5.x serial.

The INSYS GPRS 5.x serial establishes a connection to the specified

destination after the restart.
The successful connection establishment is indicated in the
configuration interface in the tree view and the log. You have
established an incoming connection to a PC with INSYS VCom 4.x
from an INSYS GPRS 5.x serial with this.

25

AT Command Reference

INSYS VCom 4.x

AT Command Reference

7.1

Summary

INSYS VCom 4.x supports the AT commands listed in the following.

Command

Description

ATD<IP Ad-

Dialling remote terminal

dress>:<Port>

Remote terminal is an IP address:

or

The remote terminal is specified in the form IP number:port.

ATD<Domain

Example:

Name>:<Port>

ATD192.168.1.23:2345 establishes a direct TCP connection

(instead of period and colon, it is also possible to use comma and double comma, e.g. ATD192,168,1,23,,2345)
ATDwww.google.de:80 dials the domain www.Google.de on port 80
after resolving the name.

AT&D<n>

Behaviour on DTR drop

If the DTR line is disabled during an existing connection, the function
specified by AT&D will be executed.

ATE<n>

ATH

AT&D0

Ignore DTR drop (for operation with applications that

do not use the DTR line).

AT&D1

A DTR drop causes the VCom service to terminate the

TCP connection.

Enabling/disabling echo
ATE0

Incoming characters at the COM port will not be sent

back again.

ATE1

Incoming characters at the COM port will be sent back

again (default).

Establishing the TCP connection

An existing TCP connection will be closed immediately.
The command is only effective in AT command mode.

ATI<n>

Displaying the device identification

ATI

26

The version designation (e.g. VCOM_SERVER_v4.3.0)

will be output.

INSYS VCom 4.x

AT Command Reference

Command

Description

AT&K<n>

Data flow control

ATO

AT&K0

No data flow control will be used.

AT&K3

Hardware data flow control RTS/CTS will be used (default).

AT&K4

Software data flow control will be used.

Changing to connection mode

If the COM port is in online AT command mode, ATO will initiate the
change to connection mode. Subsequently incoming data at the COM
port will be transferred to the remote terminal.

<Pause>+++

Changing to online AT command mode

If the escape sequence +++ is entered after a pause of 1s within a
period of 1s, the VCom port will change from connection state to
online AT command mode. All following data currently sent via the
COM port will be interpreted as AT commands.
Data that is sent by the remote terminal during online AT command
mode, will be buffered and output after changing to connection mode.

ATQ<n>

ATV<n>

Enabling/disabling quiet mode

ATQ0

The VCom service sends typical modem responses to

the serial interface (default).

ATQ1

The VCom service does not send typical modem

responses to the serial interface.

Format of modem messages

ATV0

The modem messages will be sent in short form (only

numbers) (default).

ATV1

The modem messages will be sent in long form (text)

and the quiet mode will be disabled (ATQ0).

27

AT Command Reference

INSYS VCom 4.x

Command

Description

ATX<n>

Extended result messages and dial tone detection

The command determines, which message group is sent to the serial interface by the VCom service.

AT**STATUS?

ATX0

No detection of the dialling tone, i.e. an unsuccessful

dialling attempt leads to the message NO CARRIER.
No detection of the busy signal, i.e. when calling a busy
line the message NO CARRIER. The message is displayed
without specifying the speed.

ATX1

Like ATX0, but the CONNECT message contains the baud

rate information

ATX2

Dialling tone detection is active, i.e. a dialling attempt

without the presence of a dialling tone leads to the
message NO DIALTONE.
No detection of the busy signal, i.e. when calling a busy
line the message NO CARRIER.

ATX3

No detection of the dialling tone, i.e. an unsuccessful

dialling attempt leads to the message NO CARRIER.
Busy signal detection active, i.e. when calling a busy line
the message BUSY is displayed.

ATX4

Dialing tone detection is active, i.e. a dialing attempt

without the presence of a dialing tone leads to the
message NO DIALTONE (default).
Busy signal detection active, i.e. when calling a busy line
the message BUSY is displayed.

Outputting status information of the COM ports

The configuration settings of the currently used COM ports will be
output.
Example:
COMPort: COM9
Virtual COM identification: 0005B60007C3
Close TCP on DTR drop: False
Keep Connection after ATD: False
Accept TCP if COM is closed: True
AT command mode at incoming connections: False
Autodial: False
Leased Line: False
KeepAlive: False
Target IP:
Serial Read Delay 1
Tcp Read Delay 3

28

INSYS VCom 4.x

AT Command Reference

Command

Description

AT**SYSTEM?

Outputting system status information

Basic settings of the VCom service and active connections will be
output:
Example:
Number of Virtual Ports: 1
Port: COM9 ID: 0005B60007C3
Tcp listening port: 26862
Udp listening port: 2345
Remoting listening port: 9000
Udp authentication: true
Number of ServerThreads: 0

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Structure of the Configuration File

INSYS VCom 4.x

Structure of the Configuration File

You will see an example for a configuration file of the VCom service in the
following.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<vcom>
<configuration>
<app app_code="VCOM_SERVER_v4.2.0"
keepaliveinterval="1" tcp_listen_port="2345" udp_listen_port="2345"
remoting_port="9000" mtu= magic_key="lmr" MAX_RSREC_BUFFER="128"
MAX_TCPREC_BUFFER="512" SerialReadDelay="1" TcpReadDelay="3" />
<port name="COM9" id="" autodial="192.168.200.123:1234" keyabort=false
blocksize="10" connonclosedport_in="true" connonclosedport_out="false"
keeptcpwhenconnected="false" disconnonclosedport="false"
cmdmonincomingconn="false" leasedline="false" keepalive="false"
response="true" echo="true" baurate="" allowoutgoing="true"
allowincoming="false" authincoming="udp" authoutgoing="udp"
disablemodememulation="false" />
</configuration>
</vcom>

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Parameters in the configuration file that are not listed in the following
table, are not to be changed.

Parameter

Section

Type

Meaning

app_code

app

String

Version designation

keepaliveinterval

app

UInt

Duration between two subsequent TCP

keep alive packets in seconds

tcp_listen_port

app

UInt

TCP port for incoming connections

udp_listen_port

app

UInt

UDP port for incoming connections

remoting_port

app

UInt

TCP port for the communication with

the user interface

magic_key

app

String

Internal parameter

MAX_RSREC_BUFFER

app

UInt

Application constant (applies for all virtual COM interfaces) that specifies how
much bytes are read from the serial interface in one cycle.

MAX_TCPREC_BUFFER

app

UInt

Application constant (applies for all virtual COM interfaces) that specifies how
much bytes are read from the TCP
socket in one cycle.

SerialReadDelay

app

UInt

Application constant (applies for all virtual COM interfaces) that specifies the
time between two data read processes
from the serial interface in ms.

TcpReadDelay

app

UInt

Application constant (applies for all virtual COM interfaces) that specifies the
time between two data read processes
from a TCP socket connection in ms.

INSYS VCom 4.x

Structure of the Configuration File

Parameter

Section

Type

Meaning

name

port

String

Name of the virtual COM port

id

port

String

Identifier of the virtual COM port that is

used for the assignment to a certain
port in acse of incoming connections.

autodial

port

String

<IP address>|<domain>:<port>
A TCP connection to the specified destination will be established when opening
the COM port.
"false": Function is disabled.
Note: If a domain name is used instead
of an IP address, this must be enclosed
in single inverted commas.

Examples:
autodial="87.156.56.148:4567"
autodial="meineFirma.de:4567"
keyabort

port

Bool

"true": Data at the serial interface during

connection establishment lead to an
abort.
"false": Data at the serial interface during connection establishment do not
lead to an abort.

connonclosedport_in

port

Bool

"true": Incoming connections are also

accepted if the COM port is closed.
"false": Incoming connections are only
accepted if the COM port is open.

connonclosedport_out

port

Bool

"true": Outgoing connections are also

accepted if the COM port is closed.
"false": Outgoing connections are only
accepted if the COM port is open.

keeptcpwhenconnected

port

Bool

"true": En existing connection will not

be stopped by an ATD command. ATD
causes to exit the online AT command
mode.
"false": En existing connection will be
stopped by an ATD command. It will be
tried to establish a new connection to
the specified destination.

disconnonclosedport

port

Bool

"true": Closing the COM port leads to a

stop of a possibly active TCP connection.
"false": A possibly active TCP connection will be maintained after closing the
COM port.

31

Structure of the Configuration File

INSYS VCom 4.x

Parameter

Section

Type

Meaning

cmdmonincomingconn

port

Bool

"true": It will not be changed to connection mode immediately in case of an incoming connection. Incoming serial
data are interpreted as AT command
until the AT command mode is left
again via ATO or ATD.
"false": It will immediately be changed
to connection mode after an incoming
TCP connection has been established.
Incoming serial data will be transferred
to the TCP remote terminal. Incoming
data via TCP will be output serially.

leasedline

port

Bool

"true": The destination specified by autodial will immediately be contacted

again after the connection has been
lost. The parameter will only be evaluated, if autodial is not set to "false".
"false": A connection loss does not lead
to a new connection establishment of
the server.

keepalive

port

Bool

"true": Keep alive packets are sent to

the remote terminal via TCP to check
the availability of the connection. If the
keep alive packets are not answered,
the connection will be closed by the
server.
The time between sending two keep
alive packets can be set to any value by
the Windows registry. Enter a new
DWORD value "KeepAliveTime" for
this1. The value of the key specifies then
the time in ms.
"false": No dispatch of keep alive packets to the remote terminal.

response

port

Bool

"true": The VCom service sends typical

modem responses to the serial interface.
"false": The VCom service does not
send typical modem responses to the
serial interface.

echo

port

Bool

"true": The VCom service issues a local

echo.
"false": The VCom service does not issue a local echo.

Registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters

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INSYS VCom 4.x

Structure of the Configuration File

Parameter

Section

Type

Meaning

allowoutgoing

port

Bool

"true": Establishing outgoing connections is permitted.

"false": Establishing outgoing connections is not permitted.

allowincoming

port

Bool

"true": Accepting incoming connections

is permitted.
"false": Accepting incoming connections is not permitted.

authincoming

port

String

"udp": Incoming connections will be authenticated via UDP.

"tcp": Incoming connections will be authenticated via TCP.

authoutgoing

port

String

"udp": Outgoing connections will be authenticated via UDP.

"tcp": Outgoing connections will be authenticated via TCP.

disablemodememulation

port

Bool

"true": The modem emulation is disabled. The parameters keyabort and

echo will be set to "false" and the parameter response will be set to "true"
regardless of the parameter setting.
"false": The modem emulation is enabled.

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Uninstalling

INSYS VCom 4.x

Uninstalling
This section explains how to uninstall the INSYS VCom 4.x software from
your computer.
Uninstalling INSYS VCom 4.x
How to uninstall the INSYS VCom 4.x software from your computer.

INSYS VCom 4.x is installed on your PC.

1.

Select Start All programs INSYSVCom Uninstall.

2.

Confirm the safety query with the OK button.

3.

Select the OK button to restart your computer.

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A dialogue window appears and informs about the uninstallation

process.

You have uninstalled INSYS VCom 4.x successfully with this.

INSYS VCom 4.x

10

Index

Index

Additional information ..................... 10

Alternative results ........................... 10
AT command ................................... 26
Authentication ................................. 22
Checkmark ...................................... 10
COM interface ................................... 7
COM port ........................................ 12
Commissioning ............................... 23
Configuration file ....................... 21, 30
Connection Establishment .............. 23
DTR signal ....................................... 22
Firewall ............................................ 12
Formatting ....................................... 10
Incoming Connection ...................... 24
Incoming connections ..................... 22
Installation file ................................. 11
IP-based communication................... 6
Leased line operation ...................... 22
Outgoing connection....................... 23

Outgoing connections ..................... 22

Port .................................................. 12
Prerequisites.................................... 10
Remote management port .............. 12
Router.............................................. 12
Serial interface .................................. 6
Support CD...................................... 11
Symbol ............................................ 10
TCP ............................................ 12, 22
TCP port ...................................... 9, 12
TCP/IP connection ............................. 6
UDP ........................................... 12, 22
UDP port ........................................... 9
User interface .................................. 18
VCom service....................... 7, 12, 18
Virtual COM port ............................. 21
Virtual COM port driver ..................... 6
Windows 7 ...................................... 11
Windows Vista ................................ 11

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