USB/Serial Connection Problem

[Labrie]

This is my 3rd season with robotics, and luckily have had no problems until now. We recently updated to easyC V2.9.3.2 then 2.9.3.3 and Master Code 10 and the Prolific Driver PL2303 (I’m not sure about the #, but I think that is it.) I’ve tried this on 6 robots, with 3 orange cables and 4 computers all running XP. I’ve had the same scattered results described below with any/all combinations so I’ve eliminated a hardware problem.

Since then, downloading a program is a nightmare. On occasion it works without a problem, but this typically seems to be after reinstalling the driver and then rebooting. After being successful once it will not download again if the orange cable is unplugged or I have to reboot.

Usually, the easyC locks up after I being downloading the program. It doesn’t start erasing or writing the program. Alternatively, it will ask if the serial port is connected and if the power is on.

I’m trying to avoid reformatting the hard drives on 15 computers to start from scratch. Does anyone have any ideas that may be fix the issue or see a problem with compatibility?

Is it necessary to upgrade to Master code 10? I’m tempted to go back down to master code 9 and the older version of EasyC, but I don’t know if that will cause problems at competitions. Is a downgrade an option that may work?

A call to Intelitek resulted in the suggestion to redownload the master code and default program. I have yet to do this, but I’m thinking it won’t resolve my problem. I also read this thread

One problem is that I’m unable to run in administrator mode. I did have our IT guy come and login and do it though, with the same scattered results.

I’m obviously very frustrated and trying to be patient, but when we’re about to take 6 robots to 3 different competitions I can see the nightmare that awaits if I can’t get the issues resolved.

Thanks for any help in advance.

[Labrie]

One other piece on information. We are still using crystals. I would imagine that is not an issue, but I just wanted to throw it into the mix as well.

[MarkO]

@Labrie

This is my 3rd season with robotics, and luckily have had no problems until now. We recently updated to easyC V2.9.3.2 then 2.9.3.3 and Master Code 10 and the Prolific Driver PL2303 (I’m not sure about the #, but I think that is it.) I’ve tried this on 6 robots, with 3 orange cables and 4 computers all running XP. I’ve had the same scattered results described below with any/all combinations so I’ve eliminated a hardware problem.

Since then, downloading a program is a nightmare. On occasion it works without a problem, but this typically seems to be after reinstalling the driver and then rebooting. After being successful once it will not download again if the orange cable is unplugged or I have to reboot.

The Orange Cable from the Computer, or the Orange Cable from the Vex Dongle, or the Vex Dongle from the Vex Controller???

When plugging in USB devices, you can monitor some information from the Device Manger, or better yet, use USBVIEW.

(USBView available for download as a .zip file. (FTDI Site))

See what The Device Manager or USBVIEW says for the Prolific USB to Serial Device while it is working and then after it stops working… Record your findings and report them here…

Usually, the easyC locks up after I being downloading the program. It doesn’t start erasing or writing the program. Alternatively, it will ask if the serial port is connected and if the power is on.

I wonder if the Auto Com Port detection is finding the Com Port, and Saving it, and then somehow the Com Port changes and the Downloader program then locks up???

I’m trying to avoid reformatting the hard drives on 15 computers to start from scratch. Does anyone have any ideas that may be fix the issue or see a problem with compatibility?

Is it necessary to upgrade to Master code 10? I’m tempted to go back down to master code 9 and the older version of EasyC, but I don’t know if that will cause problems at competitions. Is a downgrade an option that may work?

IIRC, you only need Master Code 10 for VexNet… Does everything work fine with Master Code 9 and the current version of EasyC you have installed??

A call to Intelitek resulted in the suggestion to redownload the master code and default program. I have yet to do this, but I’m thinking it won’t resolve my problem. I also read this thread

One problem is that I’m unable to run in administrator mode. I did have our IT guy come and login and do it though, with the same scattered results.

You might see if your IT guy will let you be Administrator (Temporally) on one PC, so that you can do more accelerated Testing… You will need to be Administrator for Driver Updates.

I’m obviously very frustrated and trying to be patient, but when we’re about to take 6 robots to 3 different competitions I can see the nightmare that awaits if I can’t get the issues resolved.

Thanks for any help in advance.

These issues could be from the “USB to Serial driver”, the Intelitek Loader, the Master Code or the individual PC’s.

Download the latest Prolific Drivers, the latest EasyC, and the Latest Master Code. Have on hand, an older version of the Prolific Drivers, EasyC, and Master Code. If you have issues locating these, I can provide you with them…

If you can get Administrator Access on 3 or 4 Computer for an afternoon, setup a matrix and see what versions of the Prolific Driver, the EasyC/Intelitek Downloaded and Master Code work together…

[Labrie]

MarkO -

Thanks for the help. I followed your other thread’s advice that I referenced and had some success. I uninstalled easyC and the driver, restarted, ran C Cleaner, restarted, and reinstalled EasyC 2.9.3.3 with the driver that came with the program (I figured it is working for most people so go back to it again). So far, it is back to normal - no problems.

I did this on 2 laptops today and I should be good for my competition this saturday

Then I’ll do the same thing on the next 13 computers :eek: My IT guy was happy that he doesn’t have to reformat. There were many registry errors that CCleaner resolved and I’m thinking that was my problem. Additionally, one of my robots that I was testing with still wouldn’t work but redownloading MC 10 fixed the issue on that one.

I’m happy it is working to say the least and hopefully whatever got screwy doesn’t happen again.

[MarkO]

@Labrie

MarkO -

Thanks for the help. I followed your other thread’s advice that I referenced and had some success. I uninstalled easyC and the driver, restarted, ran C Cleaner, restarted, and reinstalled EasyC 2.9.3.3 with the driver that came with the program (I figured it is working for most people so go back to it again). So far, it is back to normal - no problems.

I did this on 2 laptops today and I should be good for my competition this saturday

Then I’ll do the same thing on the next 13 computers :eek: My IT guy was happy that he doesn’t have to reformat. There were many registry errors that CCleaner resolved and I’m thinking that was my problem. Additionally, one of my robots that I was testing with still wouldn’t work but redownloading MC 10 fixed the issue on that one.

I’m happy it is working to say the least and hopefully whatever got screwy doesn’t happen again.

Excellent!!!

Glad to hear that you got a working system with minimal effort (I know it seems like a lot, but try reloading a system from scratch)…

Remember that you can make a Registry Backup before the Cleaning, but I have never needed to restore after a Cleaning… CCleaner just seems to work, and with little “Baggage”.

If you have issues in the future, try the CCleaner first, before un-installing and re-installing.

Good Luck at you competition this Saturday…