The Elster Unicom III USB Optical Probe (COM5) driver enables Windows to recognize the USB probe and make its communication interface available to compatible meter-reading software. It provides the connection layer needed for applications to exchange data with supported metering equipment through the probe’s optical interface.

Key Features

• USB device recognition: Helps Windows identify the connected probe so compatible software can access it.
• COM-port communication: Makes the probe available through a serial communication interface. COM5 is the port shown in this device name, but Windows may assign a different number on another computer.
• Metering application connectivity: Supports the communication path between the optical probe and compatible reading or configuration tools. The driver does not replace the metering application itself.
• Windows compatibility: Intended for use with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 when the appropriate manufacturer-supplied driver package is selected. Check the package requirements for your Windows version and system architecture before installing.

How to Install

1. Check your Windows configuration. Confirm your Windows version and whether the system uses a 32-bit or 64-bit architecture. Download the matching Elster Unicom III USB Optical Probe driver package supplied by the manufacturer.

1. Prepare the driver files. Extract the download if it is compressed, then review any included instructions. Close meter-reading applications to prevent them from accessing the probe during installation.

1. Install the driver. Run the included setup program, if available, and follow its prompts. If the package contains driver files without an installer, connect the probe, open Device Manager, locate the device, and select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers. Choose the extracted folder.

1. Confirm the port assignment. Connect or reconnect the probe as directed, then check Device Manager. Look under Ports (COM & LPT) for the probe’s assigned COM number and confirm that no warning icon appears.

1. Configure your metering software. Select the same COM port in your compatible application, position the probe correctly on the supported meter, and test communication. If the connection fails, check the port selection, optical alignment, and application settings before reinstalling the driver.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Driver install fails or rolls back: Run the installer as administrator, temporarily pause antivirus, and confirm the driver package matches your Windows version and is digitally signed. Reboot before retrying.
• Device not detected / no COM5: Check Device Manager under Ports and USB devices. Try a different USB port and cable, confirm the probe LED is lit, remove hidden/old COM ports, then rescan hardware and reinstall the vendor driver.
• COM port or version conflict: Uninstall previous Elster/optical-probe or USB-serial drivers and delete their driver software, then install the latest manufacturer package. If another device holds COM5, reassign the probe to a free COM port in Device Manager.