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Error when trying to load program to BS2 board. — Parallax Forums

Error when trying to load program to BS2 board.

Sposht42weSposht42we Posts: 6
edited 2013-08-16 08:31 in General Discussion
I am trying to download a program to my Basic Stamp 2 board but the following error message prevents the download: "Hardware Communication Failure! Check Programming cable and Power source." I complete a syntax check multiple times, and I used several different USB cords. Also, I replaced the battery many of times. I even changed computers to download the program. As far as I can tell, everything from the board to the computer is picking up. The battery Is on, the USB connector is green and ready to go, and the computer is picking up the board. I need help ASAP.

Comments

  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2013-08-15 07:34
    The message is correct. The only reasons that can cause this error are the ones mentioned ... no power to the Stamp or a problem with the serial connection (or a broken Stamp or Stamp board ... not likely ... they're tested before shipping). Have you ever gotten this to work before? If not, try re-installing the Stamp Editor and USB to serial adapter driver on your PC. The default Windows driver won't work for programming the Stamp. You have to have the adapter manufacturer's driver. Is the USB adapter built into the Stamp board? If not, the adapter may be a cheap one that can't be used for programming.
  • Sposht42weSposht42we Posts: 6
    edited 2013-08-16 05:53
    Yes I have downloaded many programs prior to this problem. Also I received the USB adapter with the board, however I had to connect it.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2013-08-16 06:33
    Well, since you are using a USB to RS232 adapt, you might try eliminating that in seeing what a direct RS232 connection does.

    Also, you should check the voltage on the BS2 board to verify you haven't grounded or shorted something to create a low voltage condition.

    Do the easiest of the above first... sequence is not as important as getting clear on what is working and what is not.

    With the old-style RS232 connection, you can also do a Null Modem check to verify the cable is working right up to the BS2 board.

    I suppose that you need not check the USB port at the computer with a memory stick, but that is another option.

    Most of the time... people are using a battery that is just too low for communications and programing... especially if they use the 9VDC batteries for power. They run out quickly.
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2013-08-16 08:31
    I suggest you call Parallax Tech Support. As mentioned, the main causes of this sort of failure are inadequate power or a serial connection failure and you seem to have ruled those out. Anything else is beyond what we can help you with via a forum and, for some reason, you may have a broken board or adapter.
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