# Rhopoint COM Agent

> Section of the Rhopoint Instruments Manual.

This file bundles all 11 pages of this section as Markdown.

# Rhopoint COM Agent

Rhopoint COM Agent is a Windows application that captures measurement data sent over a serial (COM) connection by Rhopoint instruments — such as the FT3 film thickness gauge — and turns it into something useful: structured files on disk, or values typed straight into another program.

Whenever the instrument prints a result, COM Agent reads it, recognises the data format, and writes it out in the format you choose: a raw **TXT** file, a structured **CSV** file, or by **emulating keystrokes** so the values appear directly in whatever field currently has focus (a spreadsheet cell, a QA database, an ERP form, …).

<!-- docshot: main-screen -->
![](../_images/com-agent-main-screen.png)

## What you can do with COM Agent

1. [Install COM Agent](rhopoint-com-agent-install-com-agent.md) — download, install and start the application.
2. [Connecting an Instrument](rhopoint-com-agent-connecting-an-instrument.md) — choose the COM port and baud rate and confirm data is arriving.
3. [Output Formats](rhopoint-com-agent-output-formats.md) — write each measurement to TXT and/or CSV files.
4. [Keyboard Emulation](rhopoint-com-agent-keyboard-emulation.md) — type measured values straight into another application, with configurable separators.
5. [Capturing Measurements](rhopoint-com-agent-capturing-measurements.md) — start and stop capture and follow the live activity.
6. [Demo Mode](rhopoint-com-agent-demo-mode.md) — try the application without an instrument connected.
7. [Licensing](rhopoint-com-agent-licensing.md) — unlock live capture by adding a licence; demo mode always works without one.
8. [Settings and Language](rhopoint-com-agent-settings-and-language.md) — your configuration is remembered, and the interface is available in thirteen languages.
9. [Command-Line Launch](rhopoint-com-agent-command-line-launch.md) — start pre-configured and capture automatically (for automation).
10. [Updating COM Agent](rhopoint-com-agent-updating-com-agent.md) — keep the application up to date.

## Supported instruments

COM Agent reads the serial output of Rhopoint instruments, including:

- **FT3** Film Thickness Gauge

> [!info] COM Agent currently provides full structured (CSV) parsing for the FT3 *"print all samples"* thickness format. Other instruments are captured as raw text; structured parsing is added as sample data becomes available. Keyboard and TXT output work for every instrument.

> [!info] COM Agent runs on Windows only. It is distributed as a self-contained application — no separate .NET installation is required — and keeps itself up to date automatically.


---

# Install COM Agent

Rhopoint COM Agent is a lightweight Windows application. The installer sets up everything it needs and keeps the application up to date automatically.

## Download

Download the latest version of COM Agent from [download.rhopointservice.net/com-agent](https://download.rhopointservice.net/com-agent).

## Installation

1. Download the COM Agent installer from the link above.
2. Double-click the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Launch **Rhopoint COM Agent** from the Start menu.

> [!info] COM Agent is self-contained — it does not require a separate .NET runtime installation. The installer also checks for updates and installs them automatically in the background, so you always run the latest version.

## System requirements

- **OS:** Windows 10 (build 19041 / 20H1) or newer
- **CPU:** x64 or ARM64
- **A free serial (COM) port** — either a built-in port or a USB-to-serial adapter — to connect your instrument. Some instruments require a special cable (see [the overview](rhopoint-com-agent.md)).

## First start

When COM Agent starts, the main window is divided into two areas:

- On the **left**, the configuration: connection settings and output options.
- On the **right**, the live activity: status, the number of measurements received, the last measurement and an activity log.

The **Start / Stop** button sits at the top right, above the measurement counter, and is always visible.

<!-- docshot: main-screen -->
![](../_images/com-agent-main-screen.png)

[Next: connect your instrument](rhopoint-com-agent-connecting-an-instrument.md)


---

# Connecting an Instrument

In **Live** mode, COM Agent reads measurement data directly from an instrument over a serial (COM) connection.

<!-- docshot: connection crop=.config -->
![](../_images/com-agent-connection.png)

## 1. Connect the hardware

1. Connect the instrument to the PC using its serial cable or USB-to-serial adapter. Some instruments (CBT1.2, NovoHaze TX) require a special cable — see the [overview](rhopoint-com-agent.md).
2. Switch the instrument on.

## 2. Choose the connection settings

In the **Connection** section on the left:

| Setting | Description |
| --- | --- |
| **Mode** | Set to **Live** to read from a serial port. (Use **Demo** to try the app without hardware — see [Demo Mode](rhopoint-com-agent-demo-mode.md).) |
| **COM Port** | Select the port your instrument is connected to. Click the **refresh** button to re-scan for ports after plugging in an adapter. |
| **Baud Rate** | The serial speed. The default for Rhopoint instruments is **19200**. |
| **Part Marker** | The character the instrument prints to mark each part of a complete data set. The default is **^**. |
| **Part Count** | How many part markers make up one complete data set. The default is **4**. |

> [!info] **Part Marker** and **Part Count** tell COM Agent when a measurement is complete. A data set is written out only once the expected number of markers has been received and the line ends — this prevents half-received measurements from being saved. The defaults match Rhopoint instruments; only change them if advised by Rhopoint Support.

## 3. Choose what to do with the data

Decide how each measurement should be saved or forwarded:

- Write files — see [Output Formats](rhopoint-com-agent-output-formats.md).
- Type values into another application — see [Keyboard Emulation](rhopoint-com-agent-keyboard-emulation.md).

You can combine these (for example, write a CSV file *and* type the mean into a spreadsheet).

## 4. Start capturing

Press **Start** (top right) and take a measurement on the instrument. The activity log on the right confirms data is arriving. See [Capturing Measurements](rhopoint-com-agent-capturing-measurements.md) for details.

> [!warning] If the selected COM port cannot be opened (for example, because another program is already using it), COM Agent shows an error. Close the other program or pick a different port, then try again.

[Next: choose your output format](rhopoint-com-agent-output-formats.md)


---

# Output Formats

COM Agent can write each completed measurement to a file. Choose an **Output Folder** and tick one or more **Output Formats**. The formats can be combined freely.

<!-- docshot: output-formats crop=.config -->
![](../_images/com-agent-output-formats.png)

## Output folder

Click **Browse…** next to *Output Folder* and choose where files should be written. Every measurement creates a new file with a unique, timestamped name, so nothing is ever overwritten:

```
2025-10-11T11-03-56Z-00007-3f9c1a2b-….csv
```

The name contains the UTC timestamp, a running counter and a unique identifier.

## Formats

| Format | What it produces |
| --- | --- |
| **Text file (.txt)** | The raw data exactly as received from the instrument, with no processing. Works for every instrument. |
| **CSV file (.csv)** | A structured spreadsheet file with named columns and metric units. Requires a recognised data format (currently the FT3 *"print all samples"* thickness format). |
| **Keyboard emulation** | Types the values into another application instead of writing a file — see [Keyboard Emulation](rhopoint-com-agent-keyboard-emulation.md). |

> [!info] You can enable several formats at once. For example, tick **Text** and **CSV** to keep a raw archive alongside a structured file, or tick **CSV** and **Keyboard** to file the data *and* type a value into your QA system.

## CSV export options

<!-- docshot: csv-options crop=.csv-options -->
![](../_images/com-agent-csv-options.png)

When **CSV** is enabled, a **CSV Options** panel appears with four settings that control how the file is written. COM Agent chooses sensible defaults from your language and region, so in most cases you can leave them as they are.

| Option | Choices | Effect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Delimiter** | Comma "," · Semicolon ";" · Tab "→" | The character placed between columns. |
| **Time Format** | ISO 8601, UTC · ISO 8601, Local | Format of the *Timestamp* column: UTC (e.g. `2025-10-11T11:03:56Z`) or local time with offset (e.g. `2025-10-11T13:03:56+02:00`). |
| **Decimal Separator** | Dot "." · Comma "," | The decimal mark used for numeric values. Dates and identifiers are never changed. |
| **File Encoding** | UTF-8 · UTF-8 with BOM | Whether a byte-order mark is written at the start of the file. A BOM helps some spreadsheet programs (for example Excel) detect UTF-8 and show the µm headers correctly. |

> [!tip] **Delimiter** and **Decimal Separator** default to your region's convention: regions that separate list values with a semicolon (most of Europe) start with **Semicolon + comma decimal**, others (for example English) with **Comma + dot decimal**. This lets the file open cleanly in your local spreadsheet program with a double-click. Once you change a setting, your choice is remembered.

## CSV structure

For the FT3 thickness format, COM Agent produces one row per individual sample, together with the summary statistics and instrument metadata. Units are given in micrometres (µm).

| Column | Example | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Index | 1 | Sample number within the set |
| Measurement (µm) | 1090.9 | The individual sample reading |
| Min (µm) | 1088.4 | Minimum of the set |
| Max (µm) | 1090.9 | Maximum of the set |
| Mean (µm) | 1089.4 | Mean of the set |
| StdDev (µm) | 0.990 | Standard deviation of the set |
| Template | 10 | The instrument data format |
| Device_ID | FTG38041012H | Instrument serial / ID |
| Test_Date | 2025-10-07 | Date of test (ISO 8601) |
| Calibration_Date | 2025-10-11 | Last calibration date |
| Test_Time | 11:03:56 | Time of test |
| Sample_Count | 5 | Number of samples in the set |
| Timestamp | 2025-10-11T11:03:56Z | When COM Agent received the set, in the chosen *Time Format* |

> [!info] The instrument's own *Test_Date* / *Test_Time* come from the device clock and have no time zone. The **Timestamp** column is the moment your PC received the set, so it reflects the *Time Format* option (UTC or local).

> [!info] If COM Agent receives data it does not recognise as a structured format, the CSV file is skipped for that measurement and a note appears in the activity log. The raw **TXT** output (if enabled) is always written regardless of format.

[Next: type values into another application](rhopoint-com-agent-keyboard-emulation.md)


---

# Keyboard Emulation

Keyboard emulation lets COM Agent **type measured values directly into another program** — exactly as if you had typed them on the keyboard. This is ideal for entering readings into a spreadsheet, a QA database, an ERP screen or any other application, without copying and pasting.

When a measurement completes, COM Agent types the selected value(s) into **whichever window and field currently has keyboard focus**.

<!-- docshot: keyboard-options crop=.kb-options -->
![](../_images/com-agent-keyboard-options.png)

## Enable it

Tick **Keyboard emulation** under [Output Formats](rhopoint-com-agent-output-formats.md). The **Keyboard Options** appear below.

## Values

Tick one or more values to type. **Mean** is selected by default.

| Value | Types |
| --- | --- |
| **Mean** | The mean of the measurement set |
| **Minimum** | The smallest reading |
| **Maximum** | The largest reading |
| **Std Dev** | The standard deviation |
| **Measurements** | Every individual sample reading |
| **Raw** | The complete raw data as received from the instrument |

When several values are selected, they are typed in the order shown above, each separated by the chosen **Separator**.

## Separator and suffix

| Option | Purpose |
| --- | --- |
| **Separator** | The key pressed *between* values (and between individual measurements). Choose **Tab**, **Enter** or **None**. |
| **Suffix** | The key pressed *after the last* value. Choose **Tab**, **Enter** or **None**. |

> [!info] Use **Tab** to move to the next cell or field, or **Enter** to confirm an entry / move to the next row. For example, *Separator = Tab* and *Suffix = Enter* fills a row of cells and then moves to the next row — perfect for spreadsheets.

## Decimal separator

Set the **Decimal Separator** to match the target application — typically a full stop (`.`) for English locales or a comma (`,`) for German/French locales.

## Keyboard delay

The **Keyboard Delay** sets a short pause after each emulated keystroke.

> [!warning] If typed values arrive **garbled or with repeated characters**, increase the Keyboard Delay. Some applications and PCs accept injected keystrokes more slowly than others. Start at the default and raise it (for example to 100 ms) until values appear correctly. The setting is saved per PC.

## Example

With **Mean** and **Minimum** selected, *Separator = Tab*, *Suffix = Enter*, typing into a spreadsheet produces:

```
1089.4 ⇥ 1088.4 ⏎
```

The mean lands in the first cell, the minimum in the next, and the cursor moves to the following row — ready for the next measurement.

> [!info] Keyboard emulation does not write a file. To keep a record *and* type values, also tick **Text** or **CSV** under [Output Formats](rhopoint-com-agent-output-formats.md).

[Next: capture measurements](rhopoint-com-agent-capturing-measurements.md)


---

# Capturing Measurements

Once you have configured the [connection](rhopoint-com-agent-connecting-an-instrument.md) and chosen your [output](rhopoint-com-agent-output-formats.md), you are ready to capture.

## Start and stop

Press **Start** (top right). COM Agent opens the serial port and begins listening. The button turns into **Stop**; press it to end the session and release the port.

While capture is running, the configuration on the left is **locked** so it cannot be changed mid-session.

<!-- docshot: running -->
![](../_images/com-agent-running.png)

## The live panel

The right-hand side shows what is happening in real time:

| Element | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| **Status badge** | **Idle** before you start, **Listening** while capturing, **Error** if the connection fails. |
| **Received Sets** | A running count of complete measurements captured in this session. |
| **Last Measurement** | The Mean, Minimum, Maximum and Std Dev of the most recent measurement (for recognised formats). |
| **Activity Log** | A scrolling list of events: data received, files written (with their full path), keyboard output, and any warnings. Use **Clear** to empty it. |

## Taking a measurement

1. Press **Start** in COM Agent.
2. Trigger a measurement on the instrument as you normally would.
3. The activity log shows *"Receiving data…"* followed by the path of each file written, or a *"[Keyboard]"* entry if keyboard emulation is enabled.
4. The **Received Sets** counter increases and **Last Measurement** updates.

> [!info] Each completed measurement is handled independently — you can take as many as you like in one session. There is no need to stop and start between measurements.

> [!warning] If the status changes to **Error** (for example, the cable is unplugged or the instrument is switched off), stop the session, check the connection, and start again.

[Next: try it without an instrument](rhopoint-com-agent-demo-mode.md)


---

# Demo Mode

Demo mode lets you try COM Agent **without an instrument connected**. Instead of reading from a serial port, COM Agent generates a realistic demo measurement on demand — useful for learning the application, testing your output folder or keyboard setup, or giving a demonstration.

<!-- docshot: demo-mode -->
![](../_images/com-agent-demo-mode.png)

## Using demo mode

1. Set **Mode** to **Demo** in the Connection section. The COM port and baud settings disappear — they are not needed.
2. Choose your [output formats](rhopoint-com-agent-output-formats.md) and, if desired, [keyboard options](rhopoint-com-agent-keyboard-emulation.md), exactly as in live mode.
3. Press **Start**.
4. Press the **Right Alt** key anywhere — even in another application — to inject a demo measurement.

Each press of Right Alt produces one complete demo measurement, which is then written and/or typed according to your output settings, just like a real reading.

> [!info] Demo mode is the quickest way to verify your **keyboard emulation** setup: set Mode to Demo, enable keyboard output, click into a spreadsheet, press Start, and tap Right Alt — the values appear in the cells.

> [!info] The demo data uses the FT3 thickness format, so it works with CSV output and all keyboard values (Mean, Min, Max, Std Dev, Measurements).

[Next: licensing](rhopoint-com-agent-licensing.md)


---

# Licensing

COM Agent needs a valid licence to **capture live measurements** from an instrument. [Demo mode](rhopoint-com-agent-demo-mode.md) always works without a licence, so you can explore the application and test your output and keyboard setup at any time.

Your licence status is always visible in the top-right of the window:

- A green **Active licences: N** badge means live capture is unlocked.
- A red **No active licences** badge means only demo mode is available.

<!-- docshot: licence-manager crop=.modal -->
![](../_images/com-agent-licence-manager.png)

## How licences work

A COM Agent licence can be bound in one of two ways:

- **To this computer (Host ID)** — unlocks live capture on this PC, for any connected instrument.
- **To a device serial number** — unlocks only the measurements coming from that specific instrument, on any PC. Use this when a licence should follow an instrument rather than a computer.

## Requesting a licence

1. Click the licence badge (or **Add licence**) in the top-right to open the **Licence Manager**.
2. Copy your **Host ID** with the copy button next to it. For a device-bound licence, note your instrument's serial number instead.
3. Send the Host ID (or serial number) to Rhopoint Instruments to obtain your licence file.

> [!info] The Host ID identifies this specific computer. A host-bound licence only unlocks live capture on the machine whose Host ID it was issued for.

## Importing a licence

1. Open the **Licence Manager** and click **Import Licence…**.
2. Select the licence file you received (`.lic`, `.txt` or `.json`). You can select several files at once.
3. The licence appears in the list and the badge turns green — live capture is now unlocked.

## Managing licences

The Licence Manager lists every installed licence with:

- **What it is bound to** — *This machine*, *Device serial: …*, or *Any machine*.
- **Its status and expiry** — for example *Valid · Expires 2027-01-31*.

Use the **trash** icon next to a licence to remove it.

> [!info] A licence bound to a device serial only processes measurements whose Device ID matches it. Other instruments connected to the same PC are ignored unless they are licensed too.

> [!warning] If you press **Start** for live capture without a valid licence, COM Agent shows a message and does not start. Either import a licence, or switch **Mode** to **Demo**.

[Next: settings and language](rhopoint-com-agent-settings-and-language.md)


---

# Settings and Language

## Your settings are remembered

COM Agent saves your configuration automatically — mode, COM port, baud rate, part marker and count, output folder, output formats and all keyboard options. The next time you start the application, everything is exactly as you left it, so you can simply press **Start**.

Settings are stored per Windows user.

## Language

COM Agent is available in thirteen languages: **English**, **Czech**, **German**, **Spanish**, **French**, **Italian**, **Dutch**, **Polish**, **Portuguese**, **Turkish**, **Korean**, **Japanese** and **Chinese**. Choose your language from the dropdown in the top-left of the window, next to the logo. The interface switches immediately, and your choice is remembered for next time.

<!-- docshot: language crop=.topbar -->
![](../_images/com-agent-language.png)

[Next: command-line launch](rhopoint-com-agent-command-line-launch.md)


---

# Command-Line Launch

COM Agent can be started pre-configured from the command line and begin capturing immediately. This
is handy for automation — launching it from another program, a desktop shortcut, or a startup script
with a fixed configuration.

The application window still opens as normal; the parameters simply fill in the settings for you and
capture starts automatically.

```
RhopointComAgent.exe --mode live --port COM3 --output "C:\Data" --file-extension csv+txt
```

## Options

The option names match the settings in the window. Any option you omit keeps its saved value.

| Option | Values / example | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `--mode` | `live` or `demo` | Capture mode. `demo` needs no COM port. |
| `--port` | `COM3` | Serial port (required for live capture). |
| `--baud` | `19200` | Baud rate. |
| `--part-marker` | `^` | Marker that delimits a complete measurement set. |
| `--part-count` | `4` | Number of parts that make up a complete set. |
| `--output` | `"C:\Data"` | Output folder for TXT/CSV files. |
| `--file-extension` | `txt`, `csv`, `csv+txt`, `keyboard` | Output format(s); combine several with `+`. |
| `--csv-delimiter` | `comma`, `semicolon`, `tab` | CSV column delimiter. |
| `--csv-decimal` | `dot`, `comma` | Decimal separator for CSV numbers. |
| `--csv-time-format` | `utc`, `local` | Format of the CSV *Timestamp* column. |
| `--csv-encoding` | `utf8`, `utf8-bom` | CSV file encoding (with or without a byte-order mark). |
| `--keyboard-value` | `mean`, `min`, `max`, `stddev`, `measurements`, `raw` | Value(s) to type; combine several with `+`. |
| `--keyboard-separator` | `tab`, `enter`, `none` | Key pressed between typed values. |
| `--keyboard-suffix` | `tab`, `enter`, `none` | Key pressed after the last value. |
| `--keyboard-decimal` | `.` or `,` | Decimal separator for typed values. |
| `--keyboard-delay` | `40` | Pause in milliseconds after each keystroke. |
| `--start` | *(no value)* | Start with the saved settings when no other parameters are given. |

Capture starts automatically whenever any parameter is given (or `--start` on its own).

## Examples

Capture from COM3 into CSV and TXT files:

```
RhopointComAgent.exe --port COM3 --output "C:\QA\Thickness" --file-extension csv+txt
```

Type the mean and minimum into the focused application, tab-separated:

```
RhopointComAgent.exe --port COM3 --file-extension keyboard --keyboard-value mean+min --keyboard-separator tab
```

Start in demo mode (no instrument needed):

```
RhopointComAgent.exe --mode demo --output "C:\Data" --file-extension txt
```

> [!info] The window opens as usual, so you can still watch the live activity and stop capture at any time. Put quotes around paths that contain spaces.

> [!warning] Live capture still requires a valid [licence](rhopoint-com-agent-licensing.md). If the launch configuration is incomplete or invalid (for example, the output folder does not exist), COM Agent shows the same message it would for a manual start.

[Next: keeping COM Agent up to date](rhopoint-com-agent-updating-com-agent.md)


---

# Updating COM Agent

COM Agent keeps itself up to date automatically.

## Automatic updates

When COM Agent starts, it checks for a new version in the background. If one is available, a small notification appears in the top-right corner of the window.

<!-- docshot: update-notification crop=.update-notification -->
![](../_images/com-agent-update-notification.png)

- Click **Update Now** to download and install the update. COM Agent downloads the new version, shows a progress bar, then restarts itself on the new version.
- Click the **✕** to dismiss the notification and keep working on the current version. You will be reminded again next time you start the application.

> [!info] Updates are optional and only applied when you choose to. COM Agent never interrupts a capture session to update.

## Checking your version

The current version is shown in the window title bar (for example *Rhopoint COM Agent 1.2.3*).