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USB to Serial Adapter Problem — Parallax Forums

USB to Serial Adapter Problem

JiasJias Posts: 4
edited 2008-01-14 21:12 in BASIC Stamp
Hi,
I just got a BASIC Stamp Homework Board and i have it hooked up to my computer with a USB to Serial Adapter and when try to identify in the BASIC Stamp editor it doesn't detect the Homework Board. Is there any software I need to install? If some one could point me in the right direction and help a noob out that would be great.
Thanks,
Jias

Comments

  • allanlane5allanlane5 Posts: 3,815
    edited 2008-01-14 19:21
    The default Windows USB to Serial drivers typically are NOT what you want. You usually need to insert the vendor's CD and load the drivers for the particular unit you've got, BEFORE you insert the USB to Serial adapter in your computer's USB port.

    If it's installed properly, even if your board has no power, the "loopback" and "echo" tests should pass.
  • JiasJias Posts: 4
    edited 2008-01-14 19:45
    So are you saying that I should one of these:
    parallax.com/Store/Accessories/CablesConverters/tabid/166/CategoryID/40/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/379/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductName
    instead of just a random USB Serial Adapter?
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2008-01-14 20:18
    He's saying:
    1) The default USB to serial adapter drivers in Windows may not work properly. You have to install the manufacturer's drivers.

    2) Not all USB to serial adapters will work with the Stamps or the Propeller or the SX processors. The main issue is that many USB to serial adapters only provide the transmit data and receive data signals and do not provide the control lines (DTR / RTS / RI / CTS / DSR). Parallax's products require that DTR work.
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2008-01-14 20:46
    Hello,

    What brand is your adapter? Some, such as Belkin do not work properly with our hardware. You would only install our driver if you’re using our USB to Serial adapter based on the FT232 IC.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Tech Support
  • JiasJias Posts: 4
    edited 2008-01-14 20:55
    This is the adapter i bought:
    www.emtcompany.com/products/adapters/dxubdb9-usb-to-serial-db9-adapter-cable.htm?gclid=CKz9lInM9pACFQJ-lgodKhUU2g
    It didn't come with a disc or anything to install. Would it work?
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2008-01-14 21:06
    Hello,

    Without the correct drivers for the device there’s no way to determine if it will work properly. Perhaps you can return it and purchase a known working unit, such as our 28031 for under $20.00. Take care.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Tech Support
  • JiasJias Posts: 4
    edited 2008-01-14 21:09
    I think I will do that. Thanks for the help.
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2008-01-14 21:12
    Based on the price and lack of details, I suspect this is one of those that only implements receive data and transmit data.

    I've used FTDI's adapters, Parallax's adapters, and Keyspan's High Speed Serial Adapter with the Mac OS and Windows with the current manufacturer's drivers and all have worked fine.
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