Linux Setup Guide

Linux Setup Guide for Serial Communication

The following has been tested using Ubuntu 15.10 and will probably work for all Debian based distributions of Linux.

Linux Applications Tested

• BCProgTool

Windows Applications Tested Using Wine

• FreeScan doesn't connect to the RadioReference Database after Username and Password are entered.

• ProScan Full Function Trial version connects nicely with the RR DB, doesn't find its User Manual from the toolbar. $50 after 30 day trial.

• ScanControl last updated 2009. No import option.

• ARC-XT Demo tested, no virtual control with it or the Basic Version, $39.95. Pro version $69.95.

Wine Installation Process and Serial Configuration

1) Install Wine 1.6.2:

Using the Package Manager install the latest version of wine.

2) Create a 32 bit wine prefix:

Delete the directory ~/.wine (If created in step 1 above) and create the new prefix.

rm ~/.wine
WINEARCH=win32 WINEPREFIX=~/.wine winecfg

Close Wine Configuration window by selecting “OK”.

3) Install winetricks:

Run: wget http://www.kegel.com/wine/winetricks

(Run the above "wget + The URL". Don't go to the site)

Make it executable, run: chmod +x winetricks

4) Install .NET Framework v4.5:

Note: If .NET FW 3.0 or XML Parser are not found in the respective ~/.cache directories the 4.5 install will fail.

Download .NET Framework 3.0 from: http://www.oldversion.com/windows/download/net-framework-3-0

Copy netframework3.exe to ~/.cache/winetricks/dotnet30

Download MS XML Parser 3.0 SP 7 here: http://download.cnet.com/Microsoft-XML-Parser-MSXML-3-0-Service-Pack-7-SP7/3000-7241_4-10731613.html

Copy msxml3.msi to ~/.cache/winetricks/msxml3/

Run: bash winetricks -q dotnet45 corefonts

Note: The actual install takes ~10 minutes. Wait until it finishes with a command prompt.

5) Check the .NET Framework v4.5 (Optional Step)

Download the tool from here:

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/astebner/2008/10/13/net-framework-setup-verification-tool-users-guide/

Run: wine ~/Downloads/netfx_setupverifier_new/netfx_setupverifier.exe

6) Add current use to the dialout group:

sudo adduser <You_User_Name_Here> dialout

Logout then back in to complete the user group addition.

7) Create symbolic link to the serial port:

For RS-232 Run: ln -s /dev/ttyS0 ~/.wine/dosdevices/com1

For USB to RS-232 Run: ln -s /dev/ttyUSB0 ~/.wine/dosdevices/com1

8) Add serial port to the registry:

Run: gedit ~/.wine/system.reg

Add to the file under the line “#arch=win32”:

[Hardware\\Devicemap\\Serialcomm] 1131331688

"COM1"="COM1"

Note: This was the trick to get FreeScan and ProScan operational but didn't solve the problems with BCTool+ which has it's Com fields populated where as the other 2 programs do not. Something else is needed here for BCTool+.

9) Reboot after connecting your serial cable.