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Computer Can't Find BOE via USB Connection (Computer at Work) — Parallax Forums

Computer Can't Find BOE via USB Connection (Computer at Work)

ScopeScope Posts: 417
edited 2012-10-20 09:50 in General Discussion
Hello

I have a laptop I brought home from work.
It's using XP version 3
I can install programs, access Task Mgr, create directories, install software, . . .
The Basic Stamp Editor software is installed and appears to be working fine
I downloaded the most recent version of the USB drivers
I installed the drivers (message indicates drivers were installed correctly)
The computer doesn't recognize the Parallax board of education when plugged into any of the four USB ports
LED's on the BOE do flash when the USB cable connects the BOE to the laptop
The Stamp Editor software doesn't recognize there is a Stamp

I'm guessing there is some "protective" software on this machine that prohibits me from using the USB ports - perhaps it's even part of the customized BIOS created by Dell

I'm putting together a mechatronics project for my students:
Phase I - review first 8 chapters of the book using the kit BASIC Stamp Activity Kit - USB Version
Phase II - create a simple mechatronics project
Phase III - present the projects to the Mechatronics students at SPSU (working with a mechatronics professor there on this joint project - his students will be guiding and grading my students: http://www.spsu.edu/mechatronics/

Any help in getting me access to the BOE via USB with this laptop from work would be ultra-mega-super phenomenally appreciated! :)

Thank you!

Comments

  • Mike GMike G Posts: 2,702
    edited 2012-10-20 05:11
    Plug in the USB cable then open the device manager. Right click "My Computer" -> Properties -> Device Manager.

    Do you have the Ports Com and LTP node?
    If so, expand the node. Is there conflict on the node? Yellow exclamation mark.
    How are you powering the BOE?
  • ScopeScope Posts: 417
    edited 2012-10-20 06:03
    I have the following:

    [-] Ports (COM & LPT)
    ____Communications Port (COM1)
    ____USB Serial Port (COM5)

    I am guessing COM1 is my mouse and COM5 is the BOE

    There is no yellow exclamation mark

    Right now, the BOE is being powered only by the USB connector and the on/off switch is at zero (off)

    When using the BASIC Stamp GUI and selecting "CTRL + I", COM5 Device Type indicates "can't open port; in use"

    Thank you
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2012-10-20 06:24
    You mention that the on/off switch is off. You must turn it on (to either on position). The Stamp must be powered and running for it to be recognized by the Stamp Editor. It actively participates in the recognition process.
  • ScopeScope Posts: 417
    edited 2012-10-20 07:01
    Ok - thank you

    Prior to my last attempt to successfully connect the BOE w/the laptop, I . . . renamed . . . the directory containing the anti-bad-stuff software (McAfee) and rebooted the machine. This time when I used the Stamp GUI, it actually "saw" the port so, I'm going to try it again with the power switch set to "1" and see how that goes

    Thanks very much again!!!
    :)
  • ScopeScope Posts: 417
    edited 2012-10-20 07:49
    I tossed on a brand new 9V battery and then connected the USB cable, then I turned the 3 position switch from "0" to "1" and same story . . . no connection . . . :( . . .
  • Mike GMike G Posts: 2,702
    edited 2012-10-20 08:14
    [-] Ports (COM & LPT)
    ____Communications Port (COM1)
    ____USB Serial Port (COM5)

    I am guessing COM1 is my mouse and COM5 is the BOE
    COM1 is probably a physical serial port. COM5 is a virtual port connected to the BOE through USB.

    Open the device manager. Plug plug the USB cable into the BOE you should see a virtual COM port pop up. Unplug the cable and the virtual COM port should go away. If that works the driver is functioning. You now know which COM port the BOE is using.

    Assuming the BOE functions on another system means the STAMP good. Next, troubleshoot your connections. Try another USB cable. Preferably a known good cable.

    Is the STAMP connected to an external circuit? If so, disconnect the circuit.

    Are you sure the battery is good? No or low power is the most common "No Connection" issue with the STAMP/BOE.
  • ScopeScope Posts: 417
    edited 2012-10-20 09:50
    OK!

    I got it!

    I went to Device Manager
    Set the BOE power switch to "0"
    Installed a 9V battery (the same one I used before - fresh out of the package this morning)
    Set the BOE power switch to "1"
    Plugged in the USB cable from the BOE to the computer
    Noticed the COM5 port showed up with Device Manager
    Used Device Mgr to "RIGHT CLICK" then selected "Update Driver"
    . . . "No not at this time" --> Next
    . . . Install from a list or specific location --> Next
    . . . Don't search, I will choose the driver to install --> Next
    [ ] Show compatible hardware (disable - no check in box)
    . . . Manufacturer --> Parallax . . . Model --> USB to Serial Adapter --> Next
    . . . Yes (when prompted with the warning about blah, blah, blah)
    . . . Finish

    When I went back to the BASIC Stamp GUI, everything worked great!!!

    Woo hoo!!!

    :)
    :)
    :)

    THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
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