ComChan: A Blazingly Fast Minimal Serial Monitor for Embedded Systems

ComChan is a high-performance serial monitor designed for streamlined communication with embedded systems. Offering both a minimal interface and advanced features, this tool enhances the way users engage with serial communication protocols.

Key Features

• Read & Write Serial Data: Directly monitor incoming data and send commands to connected devices seamlessly.
• Terminal-Based Serial Plotter: Visualize multiple sensor values in real-time, facilitating data analysis and interpretation using the --plot flag.
• 3D Spatial Telemetry: Render real-time IMU data (Pitch, Yaw, Roll) on a 3D dashboard, enhancing the depth of data representation within terminal environments.
• Hardware-Accelerated Capabilities: Leverage the Ratty terminal for advanced 3D graphics, with fallback options for standard terminals using a Braille wireframe rendering engine. Users can specify custom 3D models or choose from built-in options.
• Session Replay: Analyze previously recorded sessions in real-time, which aids in identifying anomalies without the need for physical hardware.
• CSV Streaming: Automatically parse and log sensor data into clean, well-structured CSV files while streaming.
• Hex Dump View: Inspect raw binary payloads, useful for troubleshooting fragmented USB communications or protocols like Modbus RTU.
• Hardware Simulation Mode: Test features without needing physical hardware connected, making it more versatile for development and testing scenarios in various environments.
• Zephyr Shell Support: Dedicated interaction mode for users working with the Zephyr RTOS, enhancing usability.
• Configuration File Usage: Simplify command execution by utilizing .toml configuration files, minimizing the need for lengthy command-line entries.

Usage Examples

Basic Serial Monitoring

comchan -p <port> -r <baud_rate>

CSV Data Streaming

comchan --auto --baud 115200 --csv sensor_data.csv

3D Model Rendering

comchan --plot --auto --obj spaceship.obj

Replay Previous Session

comchan --replay test.log

With its robust suite of features and capabilities, ComChan serves as an invaluable tool for engineers, developers, and hobbyists engaged in serial communication tasks. Whether for data visualization, logging, or debugging, ComChan significantly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of monitoring embedded systems.