Industrial and automation equipment
Controllers, meters, configuration ports, and installed equipment can be candidates when they use compatible standard 3-wire RS232.
// WiFi serial device server · RS232 over local TCP
Put 3-wire RS232 equipment on WiFi.
Keep the original device in service.
GhostBridge GB-01 is a compact local WiFi-to-RS232 TCP bridge for compatible standard 3-wire serial equipment. It creates its own WiFi access point, so a compatible host can connect without a router, cloud service, or internet connection.
// What a serial device server does
RS232 on the equipment side. TCP on the host side.
A serial device server gives legacy serial equipment a network path while leaving the equipment's application protocol unchanged.
RS232 equipmentTX · RX · GND
GhostBridgeRS232 ↔ TCP
Local WiFiNo cloud required
Host softwareTCP client or virtual COM layer
For a deeper technical explanation, read TCP to RS232: what a serial device server does.
// Where this approach fits
One transport problem appears in many industries.
Compatibility depends on the actual electrical interface, serial settings, cabling, timing, and host software—not the industry label on the equipment.
Test and measurement
Benchtop instruments, data loggers, laboratory equipment, and service tools may use RS232 even when the modern host no longer has a serial port.
Embedded and custom systems
Development systems and custom controllers that expose RS232 can use a network bridge when the host application supports the required TCP workflow.
Legacy software workflows
Older desktop applications that insist on a COM port may work through a compatible TCP-to-virtual-COM utility rather than connecting to TCP directly.
Automotive and diagnostics
Some ECUs and diagnostic devices use RS232. GhostTune with MicroSquirt hardware running MS2/Extra 3.4.4 remains the currently published verified Crux Resolve automotive configuration.
Repeat or OEM deployments
Projects needing application-specific defaults, firmware behavior, or repeat deployments should start with the OEM and custom serial path.
// Compatibility first
A DB9 connector alone is not enough.
A strong GB-01 candidate
- Uses true RS232 electrical signaling.
- Communicates using TX, RX, and ground.
- Does not require RTS/CTS, DTR/DSR, DCD, RI, or other modem-control lines.
- Uses serial settings supported by the installed GhostBridge firmware.
- Has a compatible DTE/DCE pinout or can use the appropriate crossover cable or adapter.
- Uses host software that can open TCP directly or work through a suitable virtual COM layer.
Current GhostBridge GB-01 interface
- DB9 male connector.
- Pin 2: RX into GhostBridge.
- Pin 3: TX out of GhostBridge.
- Pin 5: signal ground.
- USB-C power.
- Local TCP endpoint:
192.168.4.1:35000. - Current production hardware does not route hardware flow-control or modem-control lines.
Do not connect by connector shape alone. DB9 connectors can carry RS232, RS485, TTL serial, CAN, proprietary signaling, or nonstandard pinouts. Confirm the equipment documentation before connecting a bridge.
// TCP or virtual COM?
Match the bridge to the software you already use.
Your software can open a TCP socket
The simplest path is direct TCP. A compatible application connects to the bridge's local IP address and port and exchanges the serial byte stream through that connection.
Your software only opens COM ports
A compatible TCP-to-virtual-COM utility can present a COM-port interface to older software while forwarding traffic to the serial device server.
Not sure which applies? Read TCP serial vs virtual COM port.
// GhostBridge GB-01
Start with the device requirements, then choose the bridge.
GhostBridge GB-01 is available for compatible standard 3-wire RS232 applications. If your equipment is not already listed as verified, send the manufacturer, model, interface details, serial settings, and host software before ordering.
$89 product price + $8 U.S. shipping. Tax calculated at checkout.