Can I Use powerpoint to send commands out the serial port?

[Guest]

I'm not a programmer, but have a decent brain. I want to send commands to a
RS232 controlled relay pack by actuating command buttons on a ppt screen. Is
there a simple code to send these commands? I have code for the relay pack
i.e...

MSComm1.Output = Chr$(254) 'enters command mode
MSComm1.Output = Chr$(9) 'turns off any relays
MSComm1.Output = Chr$(1) 'enters single relay-on mode
MSComm1.Output = Chr$(relay - 1) 'selects relay to activate

I'd also like to have the program repeat the relay off command after 15
seconds and wait for the next button activation.

 

[Austin Myers]

Hmmm, simple? Not really but it is doable. You know, it might be simpler
than I first thought. You could write a small batch file that you activate
via a "Action Setting" and "Run Program".


Austin Myers
MS PowerPoint MVP Team

PowerPoint Video and PowerPoint Sound Solutions www.pfcmedia.com

 

[leef_me]

Hello bradiger,

I did it in Excel, for how see below.
Should be identical in PPT.

I noticed that I had to close the file in order to get the data to be
sent. Hence the 'Close' statement.

If at all possible, to start with, I suggest using some device so that
you can monitor the serial output port and use simple text strings, not
just Chr() . It can be highly frustrating when you get no results.

Sub send_to_com1_motor4()
Open "Com1:9600,n,8,1" For Output As #1
'Print #1, Chr(128); Chr(0); Chr(9); Chr(33);
Close #1
End Sub

HTH,
Leef_me

 

[Guest]

I found an EXE file for my device and wrote several strings in DOS. I
created a batch file for each of the 29 buttons on my powerpoint slide. It
works well. I even inserted a Sleep comand to turn the relays off after 15
seconds. Not bad for a techie with absolutely no programming background or
experience. I couldn't have done it without the WEB and folks like yourself
to point me in the right direction.

Once again, the world is safe.

Now, for the side effects... Every time a batch file runs, the DOS screen
pops up until the command string is complete! Including the 15 second sleep
function!

Is there a way to keep the DOS screen invisible?

 

[Austin Myers]

Going from memory here (it's been awhile since I played with DOS) I think
the first statement in your batch file should be "ECHO OFF".

DOS experts jump in here.

Austin Myers
MS PowerPoint MVP Team

PowerPoint Video and PowerPoint Sound Solutions www.pfcmedia.com

 

[Michael Koerner]

It should read
@echo off

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Michael Koerner [MS PPT MVP]


Going from memory here (it's been awhile since I played with DOS) I think
the first statement in your batch file should be "ECHO OFF".

DOS experts jump in here.

Austin Myers
MS PowerPoint MVP Team

PowerPoint Video and PowerPoint Sound Solutions www.pfcmedia.com