Minicom and Cutecom are two popular terminal emulator applications used for serial communication. They enable users to interact with devices like modems, routers, microcontrollers, and other serial-enabled hardware.
Minicom
Minicom is a text-based terminal emulator for Unix-like operating systems, similar to the classic MS-DOS program “Telix”. It is widely used for serial communication, especially in embedded systems development.
Features
Text-Based Interface: Minicom operates in the terminal and provides a text-based interface for serial communication.
Configuration Files: Configuration settings can be saved in files, allowing for quick setup and reuse.
Script Support: Minicom supports scripting, enabling automation of repetitive tasks.
Logging: It can log session data to a file for later analysis.
File Transfer: Supports protocols like Xmodem, Ymodem, and Zmodem for file transfer over serial connections.
Dialing Directory: Has a built-in phone book for storing connection details of frequently accessed devices.
Installation
To install Minicom on a Debian-based system, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install minicom
Basic Usage
Starting Minicom: To start Minicom, open a terminal and type:
minicom
Configuration: Configure Minicom by running:
sudo minicom -s
This opens the configuration menu where you can set parameters like serial port (e.g., /dev/ttyS0, /dev/ttyUSB0), baud rate, parity, and flow control.
Connecting: Once configured, you can start a session by running minicom without arguments or with specific configurations using the -c option to specify a configuration file. Basic Commands:
- Ctrl-A Z: Opens the help menu.
- Ctrl-A X: Exits Minicom.
- Ctrl-A L: Toggles logging.
Example Session
Launch Minicom with configuration: Configure the serial port settings according to your device specifications.
sudo minicom -s
Start a Minicom session: You should see the serial output from the connected device.
minicom
Cutecom
Cutecom is a graphical serial terminal for Linux, providing a more user-friendly interface compared to Minicom. It is based on the Qt library, offering easy configuration and usage through a graphical interface.
Features:
Graphical User Interface: Cutecom provides a GUI, making it easier for users to interact with serial devices without needing to remember keyboard shortcuts or commands.
Easy Configuration: Settings for the serial port, baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and parity can be easily configured through the GUI.
Logging: Cutecom can log session data to a file.
Command History: Provides a history of sent commands, allowing easy resending of previous commands.
Hex Mode: Supports viewing and sending data in hexadecimal format.
Scripting Support: Supports simple scripting for automating tasks.
Installation
To install Cutecom on a Debian-based system, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install cutecom
Basic Usage
Starting Cutecom: Launch Cutecom from the applications menu or by typing cutecom in the terminal.
Configuration: Select the appropriate serial port (e.g., /dev/ttyS0, /dev/ttyUSB0) from the dropdown menu. Set the baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits according to your device’s specifications.
Connecting: Click the “Open” button to start the serial communication session.
Sending Commands: Type commands into the input field and press Enter to send them to the connected device.
Logging: Enable logging by checking the “Log to file” option and specifying a file path.
Hex Mode: Enable hex mode if you need to view or send data in hexadecimal format.
Example Session
Launch Cutecom: Open Cutecom from the applications menu or by typing cutecom in the terminal.
Configure the Serial Port: Select the serial port (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0). Set the baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and parity according to your device.
Start Communication: Click “Open” to initiate the serial communication. Type commands into the input field and view the device’s response in the output area.
Minicom and Cutecom Comparison:
| Feature | Minicom | Cutecom |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Text-based | Graphical (GUI) |
| Configuration | Command-line and config files | GUI-based |
| Logging | Yes | Yes |
| File Transfer | Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem | No |
| Scripting | Yes | Limited |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (requires learning shortcuts) | High (intuitive GUI) |
| Hex Mode | Limited | Yes |
| Platform | Unix-like systems | Linux |
Conclusion
Minicom and Cutecom serve similar purposes but cater to different user preferences. Minicom, with its text-based interface, is powerful and flexible, making it suitable for users comfortable with command-line interfaces and scripting. Cutecom, on the other hand, offers a more user-friendly graphical interface, making it accessible for users who prefer a GUI for configuring and managing serial communication.