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USB to RS232 adapter problem


mrstrellis

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Hello,

I am in the process of connecting my EQ6 to my laptop, initally to update the firmware, but eventually to start controlling the mount from my PC.

As my laptop does not have an RS232 serial port, I am using a USB to serial port adapter.

My first attempt to update the firmware using the SynScan Firmware Loader resulted in a failure to connect. I got a "Cannot connect to Synscan hand control" message.

I then tried to connect to my desktop PC, thinking maybe i had a problem with my laptop. I got the same failure to connect message, but as my desktop PC does have a RS232 serial port connection, I tried connecting directly with that, and hey-presto I got connection and was able to update the firmware. :grin:

So, I'm OK with the firware update, but still want to start controlling my EQ6 with my laptop.

I then started investigating why the adapter cable was apparently not working. Back with my laptop again, i tried a second adapter that i own. That did not work either, ruling out a possible damaged cable issue.

I have checked that my Device Manager recognises the USB port connection. Device manager does recognise it and gives me a USB-SERIAL CH340 (COM4) entry, and does not display any errors. It says it is working properly and enabled. My USB adapter cable came with a driver disk, which i have installed.

I am now out of ideas! Has anyone had a similar issue? :embarrassed:

Neil

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I had cause to use a USB to RS232 adaptor recently for a device that did not have USB. I found two, one came from a car boot sale and the other from eBay, both worked fine. I did have to select the correct COM port (as philhas pointed out), which may be COM4 or higher depending on what your operating system assigns to the USB adaptor (it is a virtual port at this point, but works just the same as a real one). Also make sure that the RS232 comm settings are the same on the laptop (for that COM port) and the EQ6.

You should be able to tell from Windows what chip is inside the adaptor, mine both were this manufacturer - http://www.ftdichip..../ICs/FT232R.htm

On that page are links to drivers for every operating system, I just installed these drivers and it worked a treat. You may just need to install the correct drivers to make your USB to RS232 adaptor work, I think Windows actually showed me the manufacturer / model when I plugged it in. I used the VCP drivers - Virtual Com Port.

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FWIW My experience of USB-RS232 adaptor are that some work, some dont - with particular bitsof kit.

As folk have replied, check the port you are using is set right. (And/or reassign the port number is the hardware devices).

At work we had to reort to PC-Card / PCI card RS232 solutions, and found that the Brainboxes cards for that seemed to work with everything.

Best wishes... Merry Christmas

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