Hi,
normally a Trackscan is connected to the COM Port of the Widget-Designer Computer.
A lot of times this is not practical, in those cases you can use Com-Servers and install Virtual-Com-Ports on the Widget-Designer PC.
We have tested a couple of COM-Servers
B&B Electronics (http://www.bb-electronics.com)
ESP411 - 1 COM Port
ESP412 - 2 COM Ports
ESP414 - 4 COM Ports
Tested under Windows XP32. Very easy to install.
perle (http://www.perle.com)
IOLAN DS1 - 1 COM Port
IOLAN TS2 - 2 COM Ports over RJ45 Connectors
Tested under WIndows XP32 and Windows 7 64Bit.
Configuration is a little bit more complicated.
Virtual Com-Software needs to be server (establish connection). Box needs to be Client (listen for connection).
Booth need to be set to "Optimize Network Throughput", otherwise the Trackscan will not work properly.
We have also successfully tested extending the M12 Sensor cable up to 20m. The connectors are called M12 5 Pin.
Daniel