Computer can't find connected homework board
fingerman
Posts: 3
I just recently got the 'What is a Microcontroller' kit from Radioshack. Pretty excited to learn this stuff, but I hit a snag
I had to order a serial card for my computer though (this one here: http://www.syba.com/Product/Info/Id/43) and after installing the latest drivers as well as the latest version of the Basic Stamp editor, the 'Identify' routine can't seem to find the homework board (with the built in bs2). The editor does see the serial port (COM1) but I don't know if this means much. Also, the board has a fresh 9 volt installed and the power led is lit up.
There are three drivers that install for the card. The first is for the serial port (COM1) which installs fine. The second one installs as 'unused parallel port' and the third one simply doesn't install properly. I know this driver is used for several models (others of which have more ports than this one), so I don't think this makes a difference, but I figured I'd provide the info.
Unfortunately, I don't own anything else that connects to a serial port, but I'd far sooner suspect the cheap serial card from a shady looking company. Before I send it back though, I want to check the forums.
Anyone experience a similar problem and find a way around it? If not, do you think it would be wiser to get a serial to USB adapter instead of a card?
I had to order a serial card for my computer though (this one here: http://www.syba.com/Product/Info/Id/43) and after installing the latest drivers as well as the latest version of the Basic Stamp editor, the 'Identify' routine can't seem to find the homework board (with the built in bs2). The editor does see the serial port (COM1) but I don't know if this means much. Also, the board has a fresh 9 volt installed and the power led is lit up.
There are three drivers that install for the card. The first is for the serial port (COM1) which installs fine. The second one installs as 'unused parallel port' and the third one simply doesn't install properly. I know this driver is used for several models (others of which have more ports than this one), so I don't think this makes a difference, but I figured I'd provide the info.
Unfortunately, I don't own anything else that connects to a serial port, but I'd far sooner suspect the cheap serial card from a shady looking company. Before I send it back though, I want to check the forums.
Anyone experience a similar problem and find a way around it? If not, do you think it would be wiser to get a serial to USB adapter instead of a card?
Comments
Parallax USB to Serial adapter
Edit: I think the other company is called Keyspan (also took out the word "only" since I didn't want to imply that nothing else would work).
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- Rick
Post Edited (RDL2004) : 12/1/2007 4:36:10 PM GMT
Test your new COM1 board by jumpering pins 2-3 on the 9-pin connector. Start Hyperterminal and set baud rate, etc. When you type on the keyboard you should see the characters echoed on the screen.
If that works, the problem is possibly the cable to the stamp. It should be a serial "straight-thru" cable.
If you go the USB route, get the Parallax unit.
Cheers,
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Tom Sisk
http://www.siskconsult.com
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