Hi Joe,

>I have to decide if I should get the newest version of CommTools, and the newest version of whatever software operates the footpedal... and fix the existing code...

If you are familar with Commtools and like it, upgrade and stay with it.

>OR utilize any new or existing FoxPro 7 functionality that may be better to control/read from Serial devices....

None that I know of.

>Lets say that I focus just on the footpedal for now... I was considering using drivers from zealsoftstudio.com which enables Win32 applications real-time direct access to PC I/O ports without using the Windows Drivers Development Kit(DDK). I don't know if this is an advantage or not.. or if it will make my life easier..

If your target PC has a spare serial port, I would use the foot pedal to strap RTS to CTS (or DTR to DSR) and let Commtools detect the transition. No timers, no 3rd party hardware or software. I like things simple :-)