On the COM port not working, make sure you're using a null modem cable to connect to your computer, a standard serial cable won't work. At least, a serial cable doesn't work on mine. Mine is an old one, it could be different now with the newer ASC1's.
The ASC1's are more sensitive/not as tolerant to any problems in the system than vboxes, but the ASC1 is more complex also, more precise. I've thought mine was screwed up a few times because it was acting up but a vbox would still work and it ended up being motor/sensor wiring problems.
The ASC1's are more sensitive/not as tolerant to any problems in the system than vboxes, but the ASC1 is more complex also, more precise. I've thought mine was screwed up a few times because it was acting up but a vbox would still work and it ended up being motor/sensor wiring problems.