Online Error Tracking by using MSComm control...HOW???

[Jesse]

Hello! I am currently a student, and i am now doing my Industrial Training. I need to write a Error Tracking Application/System by using Visual Basic. This application should be able to keep track of 4 machines inside production line, whereas the work station at another place(lab). The 4 machines will transmit their on-line error message to work station and my application will receieve this error message and store it respectively.
My question is: Is it possible to use MSComm control in VB so that the Comm Port able to communicate with those machines? If it is possible then how to make it?
By the way, do u guys know what is RS232? Can it related with this case? Hope u guys can help me, it would be grateful to get come comment from you and thanks a lot!!!!!
Regards, Jesse

[Dougz999]

Yea you can communicate with the machines, I have done a similar thing at work.

Add the mscomm control to your components.

Depending on the settings that the machine uses you will need to set the properties on the Comm Control. Eg Baud Rate, parity etc.

A good way to test it is to get a com lead and loop from one com port to another on your pc, then send sample strings from one to you application on the other.