CoolTerm

Windows makes it easy to execute all sorts of actions on a computer, but it does not help you with much, when it comes to controlling external hardware. CoolTerm allows you to exchange data with devices that are connected to your computer via serial ports. You can use this application as a terminal, to issue commands to servo controllers, robotic kits, GPS receivers and many other devices.

The application is designed for Windows, but you can use it on Mac OS X and Linux as well. Its files can be extracted directly from a ZIP archive, so you don't have to go through an installation process. Besides that, it is worth mentioning that CoolTerm is distributed as a freeware application.

If you have one or more serial ports available, you can establish a connection right away, by clicking the appropriate option, on CoolTerm's interface. Ports can be selected in the general settings panel, where you can make other adjustments as well, like selecting different values for baudrate, data bits and stop bits, parity and others.

The software supports multiple concurrent connections. You may launch separate CoolTerm instances and connect to different ports. Received data is displayed as plain text, in the central region of the interface, but you can display it in hexadecimal format as well. The application is also capable of sending data to a text file automatically. If you turn on this feature and specify an output path, the received data will be saved in plain text file, without any user intervention.

ASCII and Hex strings can be typed and issued on a separate window. It is also possible to send text files. Other options, located in the Connection menu, allow you to send brakes, reset or flush serial ports.