Support

Getting help with Serial Terminal

Frequently Asked Questions

My USB-to-serial adapter isn't showing up.

Open System Information → USB and confirm the adapter is enumerated. Most adapters (FT232, CP2102) are class-compliant on macOS. CH340/CH341 based cables need the WCH driver installed. The port appears as /dev/tty.usbserial-* or /dev/tty.wch* — re-plug the adapter and restart the app if it does not appear in the port list.

Data is garbled or unreadable.

This is almost always a baud-rate or framing mismatch. Confirm the baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits match the device (common: 9600 8N1 or 115200 8N1). For RS485 multi-drop buses, also verify termination resistors and that only one device is driving the line.

I see no data at all.

Double-check the port is selected (not just listed) and that the correct serial pins are connected — RS232 crossover vs. null-modem matters. For 3.3V/5V TTL adapters, confirm logic-level and ground are common with the device. Toggle the line and watch the hex view; a flat line means no electrical signal.

How do I view raw bytes in hex?

Switch the display mode to Hex to see every byte in hexadecimal alongside an ASCII column. Mixed mode shows both. Hex mode is required for binary protocols (Modbus RTU, custom frames) where control bytes are not printable.

My license key doesn't work.

Enter the full key including dashes (format: VOLTRUS-SERIAL-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX). An internet connection is required during first activation so the app can validate the key once. After activation, the app works offline. If it still fails, contact support below.

I bought from the Mac App Store. Do I need a license key?

No. The Mac App Store version is automatically licensed through your Apple ID. No license key needed. The paywall only appears in the direct-download (DMG) version.

I bought via Polar.sh but want to switch to the Mac App Store.

Purchases through Polar.sh and the Mac App Store are separate. We cannot transfer purchases between platforms. Both versions are identical in features.

The app crashes or freezes.

Make sure you're running macOS 13 (Ventura) or later. Unplug and replug the adapter, then reconnect the port. If the issue persists, contact support with your macOS version, the app version, and the adapter chipset (FT232, CH340, CP2102, etc.).

Contact Support

Email

For bug reports, feature requests, license issues, or general questions.

support@voltrus.id

Please include:

  • Serial Terminal version (find in app → Info)
  • macOS version
  • Mac model (Intel or Apple Silicon)
  • Adapter chipset and the device/protocol you are talking to
  • Steps to reproduce the issue

Response Time

We aim to respond within 24 hours on business days. Complex issues may take longer. License-related questions are typically answered within a few hours.

Refund Policy

Mac App Store purchases: Refunds are handled by Apple through your App Store account settings.

Polar.sh purchases: Contact us at the email above within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. No questions asked.