Topic: Computer can't find VP2 - serial port problem.

[superduty]

I previously had my VP2 running very efficiently with my computer and even had the data uploaded to a www site.   Anyhow, I had a problem with some bad sectors on my C drive (where XP was installed), so my computer wouldnt boot up.  The computer was 4 yrs old, so I figured it was time to build a new computer.  So I did.

Anyhow, I installed a new MOBO which has a serial port header and installed a serial port.  I installed the VP2 to the computer.  I installed WX Link software and it can't find my VP2 as being attached.

Now, I am not convinced my serial port is even working.  I want to test it.  WX Link has a loopback test function, only problem is I have no clue where I put the loopback RJ11 plug that came with the data logger.  Can I make the loopback RJ11 plug with a length of telephone wire?  Anyone know how?

Anyone want to send me their loopback tester and I will send it back to you?

Any other ways to test the serial port?

Thanks.

[Weather Display]

Can I make the loopback RJ11 plug with a length of telephone wire?

yes
see here for info
http://www.airborn.com.au/rs232.html

[superduty]

Thanks for the info GBW, but that was a little too technicaly for me.  I need something easier to understand.  I would like to test it using the RJ11 (phone plug) similar to what Davis supplies with the data logger (which I now cant find).

Thanks

[ocala]

Try unplugging it and plug it back in.

[WeatherHost]

Did you load the drivers for the port?  What shows in the device manager?

[aeroclown]

If all you had where headers and not actual ports on the Mother Board, then the serial ports will not be enabled by default within the bios. You need to verify this first by entering the bios of you new motherboard. Look through the menus for the configuration of your serial ports and lpt ports.

[superduty]

I did not load any specific drivers.

I did look in the BIOS and it shows com1 and it shows and IRQ, so I assume it is enabled in the bios.

In device manager it shows COM1 and it shows this device is working properly.

I have plugged and unplugged numerous times with no success.

This stinks....very frustrating.

[Weather Display]

have you tried to auto detect function in wlink?
as sometimes windows assigns different port numbers

[superduty]

I have tried auto detect and test function in WLink - still no work.

I think I may have found the problem.  I wont be sure until I get a new serial port/cable.  I found this thread  - http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?board_id=1&model=P5B&id=20060821002246183&page=1&SLanguage=en-us

What I gather is for some god foresaken reason there is NO standard by which the serial port pinouts and motherboard header connector pinouts are designed.  I guess it is each company for itself.  I have checked the serial port that I purchased at Fry's and the pinouts are not set up as recommended on the above thread.  I have a different mobo model, but I do have an Asus.  I suspect Asus uses the same pinouts on all their mobos. 

Thankfully, I didnt fry the whole mobo when installing the serial port (with likely the wrong pinouts).  Hopefully I didnt cause any damage to the serial port header?

I will post back when I install a serial port with the different pinouts.


Thanks for all the suggestions.

[WeatherHost]

Not all serial cables are created equal.  Some only have 2 or 3 wires internally connected to the typical pinouts.  Others have all 9 wires connected pin-for-pin straight through.

[superduty]

Yes, that it what I have found out.  And as mentioned above, there should be a standard for it, but for some reason there is NOT.

[superduty]

I ordered this part http://estore.asus.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=235&catid=317   I installed it, fired up the computer with my VP2 plugged into the serial port....voila, everything works fine.  Computer found my VP2 and then proceeded to upload a few weeks worth of data. 

Data logger is cool to have when you have a situation where your computer is down or power outage....or you decide to turn off your computer while on vacation or something.

Anyhow, hopefully my dillema will help someone else out in the future.

[ncpilot]

...Data logger is cool to have when you have a situation where your computer is down or power outage....or you decide to turn off your computer while on vacation or something.
...

We need to sticky this quote for all those that bitch and moan about paying so much "just to connect" to the computer... 

[superduty]

Due to my computer crash none of my WX data was being saved....luckily the data logger was able to save all my data while I was building a new computer.  The data logger may seem expensive, but it is really a very cool item.  I am happy to have it.

My guess is if there was no data logger, ppl would be frustrated about losing data.