Troi Serial Plugin on Mac OS via USB

We were recently contracted to investigate methods for connecting FileMaker Pro to a livestock weighing unit.

After some brief discussion with the client we downloaded the latest version of the Troi Serial Plugin and started testing. Initially we connected a Window 10 desktop to the weighing unit via a USB to RS232 DB9 cable from a generic supplier. Windows 10 automatically installed the relevant drivers and the weighing unit was accessible via the port COM 5.

We tried to repeat the process on a MacBook Pro running macOS Sierra (10.12.1) however the only ports listed when using the Serial_GetPortNames function were Bluetooth and WIFI - as defined in System Preferences > Network.

After a bit of Googling around we discovered the following article that explained that a driver needed to be installed on Mac OS.

http://plugable.com/2011/07/12/installing-a-usb-serial-adapter-on-mac-os-x/

After a quick download and install process a new serial port option was available - usbserial.

If you're trying to connect a Mac OS computer via USB/RS232 serial cable hopefully this article will point you in the right direction.

If you need assistance integrating your FileMaker database with external hardware devices please contact the team at Insightful Systems. We'd love to help make your FileMaker dreams a reality.