Sending Data to Serial Port through VB

i trying send information arduino board using vb.net script... only, have admit i'm bit of newbie in vb , little stuck.  i have set boolean toggle if toggle set true, should send 'h' board , set pin 13 high.  if toggle set false, script send 'l' board , turn pin off.  i can load physical pixel example board when receives either of these letters, either turn pin on or off... basically, need somehow send letter board... through vb.  but, i'm little lost on begin.  
this link suggested starting place (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823179/)... i'm not using visual studio or express.  i'm using plug-in (called grasshopper) 3d software package (called rhino).  you have ability write own custom components through vb, got idea send data directly plugin arudino.  if me basic instructions on begin, or how simple example... appreciate it.  cheers, andy

this code setup in plugin.  the message fed component either letter 'h' or 'l'.  this letter should sent when activate boolean value set true.

code: [select]

 sub runscript(byval message string, byval activate boolean)
   if activate then
     'if boolean set true, send message arduino...
   end if
   
 end sub

the info on second article of link still need do.

in routine need create serial port, , send data on it.

something should work. you'll have attach serial port arduino on.

code: [select]



     sub runscript(byval activate boolean)
           dim data string = string.empty

           if activate = true then
                 'if boolean set true, send message arduino...
                 data = "h"
           else
                 data = "l"

           end if

           using com1 io.ports.serialport = my.computer.ports.openserialport("com1")' change port
                 com1.writeline(data)
                 com1.close()
           end using

     end sub




on side note, if intent learn vb.net, far better off in visual studio. express versions free.

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