Laptop without RS-232!

[cassius]

Hi All,
I recently upgraded my laptop, and now I have a new smaller unit - the problem is there is no RS-232 DB9 port on it. I have a Keyspan USB-Serial adapter. When I configure it, it maps to COMM8.

Problem is, the new Dynon Support Program doesn't seem to scan up to COMM8, so I can't use my laptop to configure the EMS or EFIS at this point. And, we'd really like those new features available!

Is there a patch or workaround for this problem? Sorry if this is not posted in the right place; I couldn't find anywhere that seemed fully appropriate.

Thanks
Cassius Smith
http://www.golfsierra.org/

 

[dynonsupport]

The support program should scan up to port 99. If it isn't finding your port, there's a chance that it's in use by something else, or it's not installed right. Also, the support program needs to be started after the USB cable is fully installed and plugged in.

If you'd like to try, you can go into control panel -> system -> hardware -> ports you can change the comm port that the USB adapter uses.

 

[cassius]

Thanks for the reply. However, when we watch the support program screen, it shows it's attempting to use comm4, then comm5, and then it gives up and displays an error. That's why I thought I was out of luck.

I guess my next question: is there any indication that it's really scanning up to port 99?

 

[dynonsupport]

It only scans ports that it sees in the computer. So you won't just see it go 1-99 unless you actually had 99 ports.

If it never scans 8, it means it doesn't see the port for some reason. Technically it should use it no problem.

If you watch the corner of the screen before you start an upgrade or version check, it should scan each port it finds then say "connected" which means it found an instrument on that port (assuming the instrument is on).

 

[cassius]

Still having issues. I tried another PC; usb adapter maps to Comm4. DSP 2.14 still won't see it. Error and status windows are at http://www.golfsierra.org/images/DynonErrors.jpg .

Any help/suggestions most welcome. Too bad you can't select the Comm port from the software.

 

[cassius]

Crumb! I fat-fingered the upload file name for the link in the post above. The link works now -
http://www.golfsierra.org/images/DynonErrors.jpg

Sorry!

 

[dynonsupport]

It looks like this converter isn't exposing it to the PC like most do. If it were, the Dynon Support Program would find at least the com port, even if it didn't find the instrument.

I note that that USB-converter seems to be PDA-oriented. Most of them don't have any configuration like what you've shown in your screenshots. You might consider trying another brand - you can find them for $20 (our price) or under (from your local HugeComputerStore. )

 

[dynonsupport]

Another thought - it's possible that that "PDA adapter assistant program" is actually the culprit and is hogging com4 for its evil purposes. I'm not sure what that "delete all keyspan..." button does, but it might be worth a shot.

**Note that we disclaim any responsibility for computers that spontaneously combust as a result of "delete all keyspan..." button pushes.

 

[cassius]

Whew! Finally got to the next step. I used a Radio Shack USB adapter and was able to get past the previous problems.

HOWEVER
Now I'm getting "Unable to communicate with Chip #2" errors on it. I have done all three suggestions listed in the dialog.

Do we have a bad unit?
http://www.golfsierra.org/images/DynonErrorChip2-1.jpg shows the error dialog.

Thanks
Cassius Smith

 

[dynonsupport]

Given that error - double check the wiring (which it sounds like you've already done). We've seen intermittent connections on on of the 3 serial wires cause this error in the past.

Also, try fully power cycling the unit. The best way is to remove/replace the big 37 pin connector.

If you don't have any success with either of the above, we may have to have your unit back here for a look. Please email support@dynonavionics.com for further assistance.