Small Serial Port Program

I need a small program written in either Visual Basic 6.0 (or RealBasic) that does some serial port functions (and possibly USB). I do not want .NET for this project. You may alternatively write an .dll file that my VB or RB application can access. Description: I need a small program that reads data from certain medical/ophthalmic instruments attached to a user's computer. Some instruments send simple ascii data, which I can then easily import and parse. The problem I am having is that some instruments send data in formats I don't know how to get at. Most times I get a textbox full of gibberish. I'm not too familiar with serial port reading. I've attached a pdf file for a protypical instrument that might be connected (see pg 74). There are many out there and preferably I'd like a program that can auto-detect what the instrument is trying to send and then read that format. The data can be converted to a text file (or displayed in text box); from there I can do the data parsing. Required Functions: (1) allow the user to select standard serial port settings (baud rate, bits, etc) for connection (2) allow the user to have multiple serial ports connected to instruments (1 to 1 connections) (3) after user clicks a button, begin monitoring serial port(s) selected (4) continously monitor serial port until data is passed (5) convert data passed into a usable data format (e.g. text/ascii) (6) present the data in a textbox (or save to file) ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows? (depending on the nature? of the deliverables): a)? For web sites or? other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software? installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). ## Platform Visual Basic 6.0, RealBasic or low-level .dll that works with VB or RB.