title: How to access my 9-data bit serial port on a PC?
body: <p>I have developed an embedded solution which communicates over a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multidrop_bus" rel="nofollow">Multi Drop Bus</a> and now I would like to develop a PC based application which monitors traffic on the bus. </p>
  
  <p><code>MDB supports true 9 data bits (plus start/stop/parity - and *no fudging* by using the parity bit as a 9th data bit)</code> whereas standard Windows and Linux libraries offer a maximum of 8 data bits.</p>
  
  <p>I have a <a href="http://intrl.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/Serial-Cards-Adapters/2-Port-16950-Serial-PCI-Card~PCI2S950" rel="nofollow">StarTech PCI2S950</a> PC serial port card which supports 9-data bits, but am not sure how to code my monitoring app &amp; have googled a lot to no great avail.</p>
  
  <p>I would prefer to code in C (or Delphi, or C++). I have a slight preference for Cygwn, but am willing to use straightforward Windows or Linux.</p>
  
  <p>Just anything to read/write 9 data bits over that PC serial port card.</p>
  
  <p>Can anyone help?</p>