Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Can't Open Port — Parallax Forums

Can't Open Port

T2T2 Posts: 7
edited 2007-11-19 16:43 in BASIC Stamp
I have a Dell Inspiron 8200. When I try to load a program into a BS1 or BS2, it says it can't open the port. When I try the same thing on my wife's laptop everything works fine. Anyone run into an issue like this before. Windows says the port is working fine. The Stamp Editor is set to AUTO to select the ports. I have uninistalled and reinstalled the software. Any help appreciated.

Terry

Comments

  • TechnoRobboTechnoRobbo Posts: 323
    edited 2007-10-06 19:21
    try updating the bios - file should be available at Dell

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Have Fun


    TR
  • sdysdy Posts: 40
    edited 2007-10-06 22:29
    Sure you've got the right port #? I use a USB to serial adapter and it shows up as com6. Go to the Device Manager under My Computer (in Windows) to see what com port # is used.
  • T2T2 Posts: 7
    edited 2007-10-07 13:10
    Thanks for the suggestions. I have the same bios as my wife's laptop. Her's is the same laptop. Rechecked Device Manager. My communications port is COM1. I have manually selected the COM1 port in the Stamp Editor and let it AUTO select. When it AUTO selects, it does say "Scanning" but then can't open the port.
  • jmassonijmassoni Posts: 7
    edited 2007-10-07 14:20
    First of all make sure you download the most recent Basic Stamp Editor. I have found that the latest version is more rebust with communications whether they are USB or serial.

    One big known problem is with cetrain SYNC progams like Microsoft Activesync or Palm Desktop. Thses programs run and keep the com port open all the time not allowing other programs to open them. This will be reported back as IN USE or NOT FOUND. If you are not using any sync programs look for other stuff that may be holding the port. Also, if your computer has builtin modem it is probably reporting on COM1. Look in your control panel under modems to see if one exists.

    You don't say whether you are using serial or USB Stamp board or if you are using the Parallax USB-> serial converter. In any case if USB is in the picture anywhere make sure you download and install the current FTDI USB drivers. If you are using serial the suspect has to always start witht the cable connection from the Stamp board to the computer. If you are using a parallax supplied cable you are probably OK. If you are using some other combination make sure the cable is a straight through DCE->DTE cable. No gender benders or null modem. Also make sure the cables are completely seated in jacks. Some cables have nuts that protrude and do not allow the plug to be completely seated.
  • TechnoRobboTechnoRobbo Posts: 323
    edited 2007-10-07 18:02
    Since your bios is OK (the A07 bios revision had a serial port fix)· run the following batch file to get your com ports status.

    In notepad type in the following
    del c:\coms.txt
    FOR /L %%a IN (1,1,255) DO Mode COM%%a: >>c:\coms.txt
    pause See results in c:\coms.txt file



    Save as "commcheck.cmd"

    double click on the file "commcheck.cmd" and it will run and create the "c:\coms.txt" file.
    Open the coms.txt file and it will tell you if a port:
    does not exists

    ·······Illegal device name - COM2

    is in use

    ······ Device COM1 is not currently available.

    or available.
    ·Status for device COM3:
    ·
    ··· ·Baud:··········· 9600
    ··· ·Parity:········· None
    ··· ·Data Bits:······ 8
    ··· ·Stop Bits:······ 1
    ··· ·Timeout:········ ON
    ··· ·XON/XOFF:······· OFF
    ··· ·CTS handshaking: OFF
    ··· ·DSR handshaking: OFF
    ··· ·DSR sensitivity: OFF
    ··· ·DTR circuit:···· OFF
    ··· ·RTS circuit:···· OFF

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Have Fun


    TR

    Post Edited (TechnoRobbo) : 10/7/2007 8:46:50 PM GMT
    cmd
    cmd
    commcheck.cmd
    114B
  • T2T2 Posts: 7
    edited 2007-11-17 22:57
    Got really tied up getting ready for Halloween with a number of props that needed to be finished. Used my wife's computer for program them. Thanks for the file. Running the file shows that I have a COM4 available. See below:

    Device COM1 is not currently available.
    Illegal device name - COM2
    Illegal device name - COM3

    Status for device COM4:
    Baud: 115200
    Parity: None
    Data Bits: 8
    Stop Bits: 2
    Timeout: OFF
    XON/XOFF: OFF
    CTS handshaking: OFF
    DSR handshaking: OFF
    DSR sensitivity: OFF
    DTR circuit: OFF
    RTS circuit: OFF

    When I look in Device Manager, it doesn't show a COM4. It only shows a COM1 and says it is working fine, however I can't access it. Any ideas why COM4 doesn't show in device manager? Thanks.

    Terry
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2007-11-19 16:43
    Are you using a USB to Serial Adapter and if so, what is the brand?

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Chris Savage
    Parallax Tech Support
Sign In or Register to comment.