Oximeter- CMS-50F- Software issue-COM 4 error

[Razorback]

Just got my Contec CMS-50F oximeter. Recorded data last night and am now trying to upload the data to my computer using the software provided by the manufacturer. When I enter my info I get the pop up "Can't open COM 4". Anyone have any suggestions? I've been searching the forum and found a few hits, but none that had any answers to resolve. Thanks so much!

[LoQ]

Just got my Contec CMS-50F oximeter. Recorded data last night and am now trying to upload the data to my computer using the software provided by the manufacturer. When I enter my info I get the pop up "Can't open COM 4". Anyone have any suggestions? I've been searching the forum and found a few hits, but none that had any answers to resolve. Thanks so much!

I don't have that device, but with any problem of this sort, I would start with either shutting down the program and restarting it, then shutting down the machine and rebooting it, then checking the device manager to see what it says about the status of COM port 4.

Are you connecting via a USB cable? If so, try shutting down the program and then connecting the USB cable in the opposite order--either before you bring up the program or after you bring up the program; in other words, try both ways. Normally it's best to bring up the software first, especially if it has a command to start a download, then plug in the USB cable, wait 15 seconds, and then issue the download command.

[Razorback]

LoQ-
thanks so much for your response! I've tried numerous approaches to launching the software in different sequences etc...still no luck : (
The SpO2 software in live view mode via the USB cable works fine, via the same COM4 port. Anyone else have any thoughts or suggestions? I've tried the software on a PC running VISTA, and am now experimenting on my Mac (via Parallels running Windows 7).

[M.D.Hosehead]

Razor, you may already know this, but you have to use the USB cord that was supplied by Contec.

[Razorback]

Hosehead-
Thanks for the suggestion, I'm using the cable they provided. Getting frustrated....paid a lot of money for an oximeter to read stored data that I can't retrieve. Purchased off ebay direct from China....may have made a big mistake.

[Slinky]

Search the members here for ..... was it Ken Cooper? or thepulseoxstore?? He was pretty good about answering these type of questions, even contacting the ConTec company for answers and I didn't buy my ConTec CMS-50D+ from him which he was aware of.

[echo]

Try changing the COM port and/or updating the drivers. Mine was working fine for a while then stopped until i installed some new drivers for the usb bridge (pesky windows updates, probably). I find it strange that it works in live mode.

Did you make sure to select "upload: YES" in the CMS menu first (on the device itself)?

[M.D.Hosehead]

The SpO2 software in live view mode via the USB cable works fine, via the same COM4 port. Anyone else have any thoughts or suggestions? I've tried the software on a PC running VISTA, and am now experimenting on my Mac (via Parallels running Windows 7).

Sorry I didn't notice earlier the detail about the live view working.


I had a similar problem with a 50D+. The live view (with the red icon) worked, but the but the machine wouldn't send recorded data to the application with the green icon (can't remember its name). I did not get the com 4 error message, though. I use Windows XP on Mac with Boot Camp.

Since I bought the unit from Kevin Cooper, I contacted him. Kevin, in turn, contacted the company rep. who contacted an engineer in China. The engineer said the unit is defective and to return it for exchange. The replacement unit works fine. The software was not at fault.

You could contact Kevin at:

http://www.pulseoxstore.com/

[Razorback]

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone! Looks like Kevin has a download help section on his page that specifically talks to the COM port error....he references an older version of the software which he has available for download on this site as well. Haven't had the opportunity to try this yet, but hope to later today. Here is the direct link for any one else that may need them as reference in the future- and again, I will follow up with my conclusion asap.

Older version of software at the top of page, and a download PDF tip sheet is at the bottom. If this resolves the issue, I will be shopping at the pulseoxstore in the future (probably will anyway just because they obviously care enough to help everyone)...online customer service like this is awesome!

http://www.pulseoxstore.com/Manuals-Downloads.html

Thanks again team!

[Razorback]

UPDATE! Older version of software did in fact correct the COM port error!!!! YIPPPPEEEEEE! Now I get to learn about reading all the graphs- which I know there are plenty of post on here about that topic! Thanks again to everyone!!

Razorback

[echo]

Glad it works! Post them graphs when you get a chance! Well, I hope there will be nothing interesting to see

[pulseoxstore]

Hi everyone. Sorry I didnt come across this post earlier but it looks like you got it working. I just wanted to let everyone know that if you have any questions about the Contec oximeters, feel free to contact me. I will be glad to help whether I sold it or not. I am new with these too and am trying to learn the ins and outs as well. Answering any questions will help me learn more about them. If I don't know the answer, I will find it for you.
These oximeters have had a few quirks, like the software issue, but overall are great units. And they are priced right too. I understand that you can get these off of ebay a little cheaper. Unfortunately, if you have an issue with the unit, or don't receive it, you will have little recourse. I have worked with several vendors and have received bad units, damaged shipments etc and it cost more to return the unit than it was worth. I want to offer an inexpensive way to help my customers feel more comfortable about purchasing an oximeter. I am also working on getting other brand names in stock, but for now Contec oximeters have been great units.
Thanks,
Kevin

[Razorback]

Kevin- now that I know about your biz (and your GREAT customer service) I look forward to spending my money at your store in the future. Luckily this time, you saved me from learning an expensive lesson from buying off ebay that doesn't offer the service you do. Thanks again for all you do for the followers of this forum.

Can anyone give me tips on how to save the graphs to pdf files and/or jpg....or do I have to print them out and scan them?

[echo]

For printing graphs, I use the PrimoPDF program. It installs itself like a standard printer so when you hit print within a program, you can choose to print to the pdf converter instead of a normal printer. It works great for me, I assume you can still find the free version.

[brain_cloud]

Just got my Contec CMS-50F oximeter. Recorded data last night and am now trying to upload the data to my computer using the software provided by the manufacturer. When I enter my info I get the pop up "Can't open COM 4". Anyone have any suggestions? I've been searching the forum and found a few hits, but none that had any answers to resolve. Thanks so much!

I had that error when I first got mine too. I contacted Contec and they gave me a link to the latest software version. I downloaded it and had no further problems. I will PM you the link, but it might not still be valid. That was about 11 months ago.