PowerBuilder 12.6 Classic 64-bit .exe and MSCOMM32.OCX

[Former Member]

Hi,

I am using PB 12.6 Classic (Build 4098). We have several applications that use handheld scanners (Honeywell 4800 and 1910). The scanners connect via USB port, but emulate Serial communication, assigned to whatever COM # that is defined. Our current code relies on the MSCOMM32.OCX ActiveX control on various window object(s), as well as it's "MSCommLib.MSComm" ID when dynamically creating an OLEObject (using the ConnectToNewObject() function). Everything works fine when deploying to a 32-bit .exe. Unfortunately, the scanners are not recognized / ConnectToNewObject() is failing (-3 Object not created) when we deploy the same code to a 64-bit .exe. We need a 64-bit .exe.

After some research, it appears that the mscomm32.ocx is limited to 32-bit .exe only. Is anyone aware of a different ActiveX control that I could refer to instead that is 64-bit .exe compatible? I did find a 3rd party tool called SuperCom by adontec.com. Not sure if anyone has had any success with this control, or any other suggestions. Hoping that I don't have to refactor a bunch of code, or rewrite a ton.

I did see in an older post that Chris P. suggested the use of FileOpen() for COM#, but haven't experimented yet, nor am I sure how I would accommodate all other specific properties/functions associated with the current code. Still hoping for a control to rely on vs. a rewrite effort!

We do have a PB .net version of our applications that rely on the System.IO.Ports.SerialPort class. This works fine for 64-bit exe. But, we're getting away from the .NET version and need to stay with 12.6 Classic generating 64-bit .exe.

Any suggestions or input pertaining to an ActiveX / OCX / OLE object allowing for Serial communications with 64-bit .exe is welcome.

Thanks,

Jason

[Former Member]

We use a 3rd Party product which includes both 32 bit and 64 bit controls.

https://www.eltima.com/products/serial-activex/