Comm Port problems

italiano

I am using the Basic2 Stamp software with a target board connected to the serial cable. Whenever
I start up the I must also go to my Palm Desktop software, start the program and then exit Palm.

This procedure allows the Basic Stamp to be ID'd. It usually works most of the time but there
are times that it does not. Then I am stuck with a com port problem. It seems to me that the
only way to solve it is to assign a different com port to the Palm. But this causes problems in
getting on line.

I am running XP home edition.

Should I get a USB to serial interface that is offered by Parallax? Would this solve my
problem?

Thanks,
Andy

Mike Green

What you describe seems to be a common problem with people who also have Palm Desktop.

Getting another serial port should fix this. Parallax's USB to serial adapters all use the FTDI chip.
You could certainly get Parallax's adapter and they (Parallax) support it. You could also get an
adapter with a different physical form from FTDI and those would work the same.

I've also used a Keyspan High Speed Serial Adapter and that has always worked for me.

italiano

Thanks, Mike, for your reply. I plan to order the USB to Serial adapter Monday.
Andy

italiano

Hi,
Well, I purchased the USB-to-Serial adapter and was totally amazed at how it worked immediately.· I just plugged it into my INEX-100 DOWNLOAD connector, plugged in the USB cable and, bam, the computer recognized it and off I went programming the Basic Stamp.· I did not even have to download any software.·
Man, Electronics is amazing!
Andy