Serialtest Serial RS-232, RS-485, RS232 & RS485 Protocol Analyzer
and Packet Sniffer

For Synchronous Serial Communications, please click here.
 
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Designed by Engineers for Engineers
Once you’ve used Serialtest, you will never want to work on another serial communication problem without it. Serialtest will help you quickly and easily find and fix even the most obscure problems and save countless hours of troubleshooting time. It is portable and easy-to-use with power and flexibility. No matter what the industry, Serialtest is an indispensable troubleshooting tool.

Serialtest Async is an indispensable test tool for data communication product developers, network integrators, network troubleshooters and field service technicians. This streamlined and enhanced protocol analyzer software enables shorter and less costly development intervals for data communication equipment and applications, faster and more efficient network installations, and improved mean-time-to-repair following equipment and network outages.

View, Capture, & Decode In Three Comprehensive Operating Modes
  • Monitor Mode Shows exactly what is flowing between ANY two serial devices (bytes, control signals, and protocols). View live, capture, decode, filter & find errors fast.
  • Source Mode Transmit DTE or DCE data in user-defined data strings to interactively test any serial device with the included customized source cable.
  • Spy Mode Monitors internal serial port communications. Run and troubleshoot your datacom application on a single PC. No need for a second PC.
Time-tested Frame Display Drills Down
to Show Errors in Finest Detail

Solve Com Problems Fast with Serialtest Protocol Analyzing Software
Serialtest Async is a PC-based analyzer for passively monitoring or actively testing serial asynchronous (async) communication circuits and networked equipment, at speeds up to 921.6 Kbps. The product offers an economical solution for debugging, testing, and troubleshooting equipment, circuits and software applications on serial data communication networks. Typical test application areas include utility meter reading, railroad signal and switch monitoring, PC-based control, lottery and gaming, credit authorization, and the Internet.

Serialtest Async captures and analyzes data bytes, control signals (modem leads), and data communication protocol information—all the information required to troubleshoot data errors, protocol problems, control signal problems, byte errors, and timing problems. It also transmits data bytes, strings, and files, which enables users to simulate a "live" operating environment.

Serialtest Async includes decoders for PPP, SLIP, and TCP/IP protocols. Data is decoded at the frame, byte and bit levels, thus enabling users to rapidly detect and isolate even the most minute and intermittent communication protocol related problems associated with data communication products, applications, and networks.

Speed, Versatility, and Stability: Built-In
Spy mode, included with Serialtest Async, is a software-only component that monitors asynchronous (async) serial data communication traffic to/from a PC’s internal serial port or modem at speeds up to 921.6 Kbps. Spy mode provides a complete solution for debugging and testing both internal serial communication components and communication application software within the host PC -- there is no requirement for external cables, additional computers, or additional protocol analysis equipment.

Serialtest Async is supported on any Windows XP compatible PC. The custom RS-232 cable set (included with the product) connects the host PC, via one or two serial ports (two ports are required for bi-directional analysis), with the circuit under test. Spy mode has the ability to monitor any device that uses the standard Microsoft serial driver. RS-422, RS-485, RS-530, and other specialized interfaces are supported through the use of optional converters. Frontline offers PCI and PCMCIA cards that add ports to desktop and notebook PCs. (Note: Support for USB is not currently provided.) Contact Sales with any questions on Operating System Support, 1-800-359-8570.

Serialtest Async includes software, including our FrameDecoder custom protocol decode writing tool, a Quick Start guide, custom RS-232 cable set, and 1 year of Premium Maintenance on the software. Premium Maintenance entitles you to free software upgrades and complete tech support with a personal touch during the maintenance period.

Troubleshoot Serial Data Communications Live

  • High-speed, real-time data analysis.
  • Use on RS-232/422/485 with your serial ports (built-in, PCMCIA and PCI).
  • Modbus RTU & ASCII decoders included for enhanced support of industrial applications.
  • Also decodes: Async PPP, SLIP, TCP/IP.
  • View & capture live data, control signals and error conditions: Display, decode, & filter; Errors shown in red.

Trusted Worldwide by:

  • Field Engineers.
  • Communications Specialists.
  • Software & Hardware Developers.
  • Network Supervisors.

Isolate Problems Fast in Three Powerful Modes

  • Monitor, Source, & Spy
  • Work externally or from inside your PC to catch hard-to-find bugs.
  • Store data in RAM or to any size disk file on the same PC running Serialtest. Or use a second PC.
  • Analyze control signals using live Signal Display and Breakout Box.
  • View raw Hex Data using the Event Display window.
  • Create your own decode with time-tested FrameDecoder® tool.
  • Use the standard cable set that covers most configurations. Optional hardware in stock.
  • Statistics Display summarizes DTE and DCE totals for bytes, frames, events, errors, characters and frames per second, utilization, and frame sizes.

Write Custom Decodes
with FrameDecoder

  • FrameDecoder comes standard to build your own custom decodes. Enables users to quickly create custom decoders for proprietary protocols and extensions to existing protocol decoders using DecoderScript, Frontline's intuitive, high-level scripting language. A $500 value!