can a QComboBox notify when clicked?

mzimmers

Hi - I'm using a combo box to give the user a choice of COM ports available. I'd like to update the available list when the user plugs in or unplugs a device, but this probably is fairly difficult (and unnecessary).

I'd settle for updating the list when the user clicks on the box, but the activated() signal doesn't trigger until a selection is made. Any ideas how I can get notified on a click?

If the QComboBox isn't the best object for this, I'd welcome alternatives. Thanks...

Charlie_Hdz

@mzimmers

You know, there is a list of signals you can use in QComboBox:
http://doc.qt.io/qt-5/qcombobox.html

Anyway I couldn't find a signal that is useful for this case.

If the QComboBox isn't the best object for this, I'd welcome alternatives. Thanks..

IMO, I would like to create a function that is called periodically, (QTime) to refresh the list.

Joel Bodenmann

I'd recommend you to create a subclass of QComboBox in which you overwrite QComboBox::showPopup(). It's a virtual function. Just update the list and then call the default implementation.

mzimmers

@Joel-Bodenmann that sounds like a good approach. Having given this some more thought, though, I'm going to try to find a solution that notifies me on a hardware event (plug-in or unplug). Failing that, I'll probably go your route. Thanks.

mzimmers

I tried using libusb...fails a test and returns this message:

Hotplug capabilites are not supported on this platform

I could build my own copy so I could step through the debugger, but I think I'll just punt and go with Joel's idea, unless anyone has another suggestions.

mrjj

@mzimmers

Hi does the hotplug usb-serials show up in
http://doc.qt.io/qt-5/qtserialport-enumerator-example.html

mzimmers

No, the ports displayed don't update while the program is running. I'm sure there's a hook somewhere in the bowels of .NET for this, but honestly, for this application, it's really not worth the trouble.

mrjj

@mzimmers
Nope. But they are shown if you run it after?
There is no hotplug support as that is very system dependant.
But its easy to run rescan at a good time IF they are registered by the class.

mzimmers

@mrjj I'm not sure I understand your question. The output of the enumerator example doesn't change. Whatever it shows on startup is it.

aha_1980

@mzimmers I have solved exactly this problem multiple times as @Joel-Bodenmann suggested. The only drawback I have found so far is when you unplug the currently selected device, as the UI does not reflect this. This could be solved by a QTimer polling the available devices every 5 seconds, though. (if the port is open while disconnecting, you should notice anyway)

mrjj

@mzimmers
There is no hotplug detection.
I was asking if the devices could be enumerated.
if yes, its easy to do as aha_1980 suggests.

mzimmers

I was able to get something of a dynamic list using this logic (CD_ComboBox is my custom class based on QComboBox):

void CD_ComboBox::findPorts()
{
    QList<QSerialPortInfo> list = QSerialPortInfo::availablePorts();
    QList<QSerialPortInfo>::iterator p;

    // clear the list first.
    clear();

    // add the "title" to the combo box.
    addItem("Select Port");

    for (p = list.begin(); p != list.end(); ++p)
    {
        addItem(p->portName());
    }
}