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Toshiba Laptop and BS-2 Problem — Parallax Forums

Toshiba Laptop and BS-2 Problem

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2003-04-18 15:05 in General Discussion
HI Gang:

I have a problem communicating with my BS-2 with my Toshiba Tecra 8100
laptop. I get the dreaded "No Basic Stamp found" message. It is running
windows 2000 Professional. My BS-2 is fine since I can program it with my
Dell P-3 computer running windows 2000 Pro also. I have checked the serial
port settings on both computers and they are identical. Any suggestions??

Thanks,

Al Sines, W3AL

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-17 18:00
    Al:

    You seem to be having the same problems a nephew of mine is having, except
    his is on a Dell 2500 Desktop. I can communicate with his Stamp 2 using
    either my Compaq (Older one) laptop or my Packard Bell Desktop, or my Dell
    4500 desktop, but he cannot seem to get his Dell to communicate with it. It
    would appear that the problem is not computer brand related. If I find the
    solution I will, of course, let the list know and please if you find it first
    let the list know. It is strange.

    Randy


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-17 18:12
    In a message dated 4/17/2003 10:04:06 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    cnc002@a... writes:

    >
    > Al:
    >
    > You seem to be having the same problems a nephew of mine is having, except
    > his is on a Dell 2500 Desktop. I can communicate with his Stamp 2 using
    > either my Compaq (Older one) laptop or my Packard Bell Desktop, or my Dell
    > 4500 desktop, but he cannot seem to get his Dell to communicate with it.
    > It
    > would appear that the problem is not computer brand related. If I find the
    >
    > solution I will, of course, let the list know and please if you find it
    > first
    > let the list know. It is strange.
    >
    > Randy
    >

    Dont have this laptop for problem, but I remember reading posts about the
    problem. I believe you have to disable FIFO on your lap top. There is
    information at the Parallax web sight.


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-17 18:24
    The bs-2 is not true RS232. it was designed to expect +/-12v from
    the PC. Newer computers and laptops have +/-5V on the RS232.

    If it were designed to be truely compatible with rs232 it would work
    down to the +/-3V levels.

    The problem is related to newer computers in general. I suspect most
    manufacturers have switched to lower voltages for power savings
    resons (never to return); however, the problem lies in the bs-2
    design. It will have to change.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-17 19:24
    Yes I had the same problem with a Toshiba Laptop too.
    Seems the voltages on the RS232 chip are not exactly
    true levels. Try plugging it in. It may work, it may not.


    Original Message
    From: "Al Sines" <sasines@c...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2003 16:31
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Toshiba Laptop and BS-2 Problem


    > HI Gang:
    >
    > I have a problem communicating with my BS-2 with my Toshiba Tecra 8100
    > laptop. I get the dreaded "No Basic Stamp found" message. It is running
    > windows 2000 Professional. My BS-2 is fine since I can program it with my
    > Dell P-3 computer running windows 2000 Pro also. I have checked the
    serial
    > port settings on both computers and they are identical. Any suggestions??
    >
    > Thanks,
    >
    > Al Sines, W3AL
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-17 22:58
    Yes, disable the FIFO buffers and it should work.

    Jonathan

    Original Message
    From: <smartdim@a...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2003 10:12 AM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Toshiba Laptop and BS-2 Problem


    > In a message dated 4/17/2003 10:04:06 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    > cnc002@a... writes:
    >
    > >
    > > Al:
    > >
    > > You seem to be having the same problems a nephew of mine is having,
    except
    > > his is on a Dell 2500 Desktop. I can communicate with his Stamp 2 using
    > > either my Compaq (Older one) laptop or my Packard Bell Desktop, or my
    Dell
    > > 4500 desktop, but he cannot seem to get his Dell to communicate with it.
    > > It
    > > would appear that the problem is not computer brand related. If I find
    the
    > >
    > > solution I will, of course, let the list know and please if you find it
    > > first
    > > let the list know. It is strange.
    > >
    > > Randy
    > >
    >
    > Dont have this laptop for problem, but I remember reading posts about the
    > problem. I believe you have to disable FIFO on your lap top. There is
    > information at the Parallax web sight.
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-17 23:48
    If thats the case, then perhaps you could make a simple booster using a
    max233 rs232 driver, I use one with bs2 to make true rs232 from 0-5v out of
    my stamp. It requires no external caps etc, and will boost the voltages to
    around 12 to -12 volts.

    Jan Axelsons book "Serial port complete" has all the schematics etc.

    Cheers,
    Chris


    Original Message
    From: "r4c3rx" <mjbarnes@b...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Friday, April 18, 2003 1:24 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Toshiba Laptop and BS-2 Problem


    > The bs-2 is not true RS232. it was designed to expect +/-12v from
    > the PC. Newer computers and laptops have +/-5V on the RS232.
    >
    > If it were designed to be truely compatible with rs232 it would work
    > down to the +/-3V levels.
    >
    > The problem is related to newer computers in general. I suspect most
    > manufacturers have switched to lower voltages for power savings
    > resons (never to return); however, the problem lies in the bs-2
    > design. It will have to change.
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-18 00:33
    Hi,
    I have been using Toshiba Laptops to talk to Stamps since they were invented.
    I started with a 486, and three Satellite models, and now have a PIII 700 MHz
    Satellite without a serial port. I had to buy a Keyspan USB to Serial adapter
    for this computer. All have worked fine with the Stamp II's and a 25 foot
    serial cable, in a welding shop.

    I would look for other problems, or it may be a problem with your particular
    computer.

    Hope this is not redundant information, I did not see the first part of the
    message.

    Alan Bradford
    Plasma Technologies



    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-18 01:17
    I have a Toshiba Libretto 50CT that will "only" talk to a particular
    datalogger if it is set to high power mode. It works fine with everything
    else, including Stamps.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-18 01:20
    Alan,

    Odd, I have a Satellite Pro which needed the FIFOs disabled, and a friend
    experienced the same thing on another Toshiba, not sure of the model.

    Several other members have found this fix to work as well. Wonder why your's
    are ok?

    Jonathan

    www.madlabs.info


    Original Message
    From: <plasmastamp@a...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2003 4:33 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Toshiba Laptop and BS-2 Problem


    > Hi,
    > I have been using Toshiba Laptops to talk to Stamps since they were
    invented.
    > I started with a 486, and three Satellite models, and now have a PIII 700
    MHz
    > Satellite without a serial port. I had to buy a Keyspan USB to Serial
    adapter
    > for this computer. All have worked fine with the Stamp II's and a 25 foot
    > serial cable, in a welding shop.
    >
    > I would look for other problems, or it may be a problem with your
    particular
    > computer.
    >
    > Hope this is not redundant information, I did not see the first part of
    the
    > message.
    >
    > Alan Bradford
    > Plasma Technologies
    >
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-18 04:07
    To: Jon and all of you that responded, thank you very much!

    My Toshiba laptop is now talking to my BS-2 and BS-2p. It was the FIFO that
    had to be disabled. I goofed initially and failed to uncheck the "automatic
    configuration" once that was done and set to "use current settings" (current
    settings with FIFO disabled) it worked perfectly.

    Again, thanks to all.

    Al Sines, W3AL

    Original Message
    From: "Jonathan Peakall" <jpeakall@m...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2003 20:20 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Toshiba Laptop and BS-2 Problem


    > Alan,
    >
    > Odd, I have a Satellite Pro which needed the FIFOs disabled, and a friend
    > experienced the same thing on another Toshiba, not sure of the model.
    >
    > Several other members have found this fix to work as well. Wonder why
    your's
    > are ok?
    >
    > Jonathan
    >
    > www.madlabs.info
    >
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: <plasmastamp@a...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2003 4:33 PM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Toshiba Laptop and BS-2 Problem
    >
    >
    > > Hi,
    > > I have been using Toshiba Laptops to talk to Stamps since they were
    > invented.
    > > I started with a 486, and three Satellite models, and now have a PIII
    700
    > MHz
    > > Satellite without a serial port. I had to buy a Keyspan USB to Serial
    > adapter
    > > for this computer. All have worked fine with the Stamp II's and a 25
    foot
    > > serial cable, in a welding shop.
    > >
    > > I would look for other problems, or it may be a problem with your
    > particular
    > > computer.
    > >
    > > Hope this is not redundant information, I did not see the first part of
    > the
    > > message.
    > >
    > > Alan Bradford
    > > Plasma Technologies
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-18 15:05
    Yes, I have this problem with my Toshiba at home
    (Sorry, forgot the model number).
    "232 settings" usually means something like
    baud rate, parity, stop-bits. It doesn't usually
    include FIFO buffer setting -- BUT my Toshiba
    REALLY complains if you try to program a BS2 with
    FIFO turned on (and it won't program it).

    Win 2000 Easiest fix:
    Click Start, Settings, Control Panel.
    Select System, Hardware Tab, Device Manager button.
    Click 'Ports' entry. Double-click the Com port you want.
    Click 'Port Settings' Tab. Click 'Advanced' button.
    -- Finally, you are on the right page!
    -- Thanks Microsoft.
    Click on the 'Use Fifo buffers...' check box, so it
    is CLEAR. Click 'OK'.

    You don't need to reboot your PC for this to work.
    You COULD lower the 'Transmit Buffer' and 'Receive Buffer'
    settings to 0 to get the same effect -- but clicking the
    'Use Fifo buffers...' box is easier to undo.

    Good luck! AllanL






    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, plasmastamp@a... wrote:
    > Hi,
    > I have been using Toshiba Laptops to talk to Stamps since they were
    invented.
    > I started with a 486, and three Satellite models, and now have a
    PIII 700 MHz
    > Satellite without a serial port. I had to buy a Keyspan USB to
    Serial adapter
    > for this computer. All have worked fine with the Stamp II's and a
    25 foot
    > serial cable, in a welding shop.
    >
    > I would look for other problems, or it may be a problem with your
    particular
    > computer.
    >
    > Hope this is not redundant information, I did not see the first
    part of the
    > message.
    >
    > Alan Bradford
    > Plasma Technologies
    >
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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