USB485 issue

[eurbani]

I purchased a used USB485.  The computer recognizes and assigned it as comm5.  I can see comm5 on the LOR hardware utility software.  However, when I plug a controller in, the hardware utility does not see the controller (indeed, the controller doesn't see the network as it is still flashing).

 

I have two other USB485 adapters.   They work fine on this computer.  Here is what i know:

 

1) The controller is fine (it works with another USB485)

2) The drivers for both USB 485 are the same (FTDI, 7/12/13, 2.8.30.0)

3) I am running windows 7

4) I rebooted the computer after installing the hardware

5) The cat 5 cable is the same that I used for the other USB485

 

Suggestions?

 

 

(I understand that it is quite possible that the USB485 is not functioning.  I just want to make sure that I've tested everything first.)

Edited August 2, 2014 by eurbani

[Don]

Is it at all possible that somehow when you connect that USB485 device it is getting assigned to a COM port that is set to 500k? If so, and it's an older controller (pre-G3) then that might be an issue.

[eurbani]

Is it at all possible that somehow when you connect that USB485 device it is getting assigned to a COM port that is set to 500k? If so, and it's an older controller (pre-G3) then that might be an issue.

The port settings are identical.  Both are set to 9600bps.

[Don]

What about the port speeds set in the LOR Network Preferences section? 9600 isn't an option there.

[eurbani]

What about the port speeds set in the LOR Network Preferences section? 9600 isn't an option there.

It is set to 57.6K (recommended).

[Max-Paul]

Can you say that you got taken? If the cable is the same and the controller is the same and all you are doing is swapping the adapter. Then you got taken.

[Orville]

Depending which controller, V1,V2 boards, or newer G3, to do a reset is a bit different, but have you tried resetting the new controller?   At least that is what it sounds like to me, the controller needs to have a hard reset to make it work.   Once you find what controller type and how to reset it, documentation on how to do that should be able to be found on the forums and the LOR website somewhere, then if that doesn't work, then like Max-Paul says, you may have got taken with a bad controller, but I'd look into resetting it first, because other than the reset, what all you've done, the controller should be seen and work.

 

I've had to reset my controllers a time or two because something happened somewhere, somehow and once I reset it, worked fine.

 

So I'd at least try that option before saying their is a problem with the controller.  And even though the cable may be the same one, try a different cable, just to be sure.  I had one cable that would work with one controller, but would not play well with others, so you still want to swap out cables, just to be sure that it's not a cable issue.

 

But I'm thinking a hard reset of the controller would be more likely needed.  And this is done manually, can't do this with it connected or plugged into  power, unplug from power and computer connections, remove a jumper, plug in to power, put jumper back in place, reconnect to computer, plug in to power and test via Hardware Utility {At least for G1 and G2 controllers}.  

 

This would all be covered in the documentation for the type controller you're using, and again, should be able to be found here on the forums or LOR Website.

 

But not knowing which controller it is, I can't give you specifics on how the reset is handled, again, the newer G3 controllers are a little different and I only have PRE Gen3 controllers {G2 controllers} and know how to reset them.

[eurbani]

Depending which controller, V1,V2 boards, or newer G3, to do a reset is a bit different, but have you tried resetting the new controller? At least that is what it sounds like to me, the controller needs to have a hard reset to make it work. Once you find what controller type and how to reset it, documentation on how to do that should be able to be found on the forums and the LOR website somewhere, then if that doesn't work, then like Max-Paul says, you may have got taken with a bad controller, but I'd look into resetting it first, because other than the reset, what all you've done, the controller should be seen and work.

I've had to reset my controllers a time or two because something happened somewhere, somehow and once I reset it, worked fine.

So I'd at least try that option before saying their is a problem with the controller. And even though the cable may be the same one, try a different cable, just to be sure. I had one cable that would work with one controller, but would not play well with others, so you still want to swap out cables, just to be sure that it's not a cable issue.

But I'm thinking a hard reset of the controller would be more likely needed. And this is done manually, can't do this with it connected or plugged into power, unplug from power and computer connections, remove a jumper, plug in to power, put jumper back in place, reconnect to computer, plug in to power and test via Hardware Utility {At least for G1 and G2 controllers}.

This would all be covered in the documentation for the type controller you're using, and again, should be able to be found here on the forums or LOR Website.

But not knowing which controller it is, I can't give you specifics on how the reset is handled, again, the newer G3 controllers are a little different and I only have PRE Gen3 controllers {G2 controllers} and know how to reset them.

The controllers are fine. Just having an issue with the USB485

[eurbani]

Can you say that you got taken? If the cable is the same and the controller is the same and all you are doing is swapping the adapter. Then you got taken.

Well, yes and no. Someone actually included it with a used controller that I purchased for $125. So, I don't feel taken.

[Max-Paul]

Well you didn't say that. That it was a bonus. One thought does come to mind. Look at the RJ-45 socket on both adapters. Does the one that does not work have those spring wire like contacts taht appear to be lower in the socket. Many people have noted in the past that they have had problems with the socket and it turns out that the wire contacts appear to be flattened in the socket. I have hear that some have the skill to lift back up those wires and make good contact again. Have you by chance taken a look at this?

[james campbell]

Sounds like its junk

[Orville]

If it is the contact fingers that are flattened, a small flat blade jewelers screwdriver, one found in eyeglass kits will work, but the smaller the better here, that's what will work for pulling them back up and also separating them if they're touching any of the fingers next to it, doing this will help them make good contact with the cat5 plug.   Again, providing the USB485 electronics are working.    

 

You also might want to ask LOR though if it turns out to be the electronics, they may be able to repair for little to no cost, depending on the problem.