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USB-Serial adapter works until reboot

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15 replies

by charliespencer

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I've got a Dell desktop with a single serial port. I want to use it to replace a much older Compaq system running Pitney Bowes SendSuite shipping software. The software runs fine on the Dell, it's the weight scale that's giving me problems.

If I connect the scale to the serial port, the software doesn't communicate with the scale. (There's a built-in comm test in the application; it reports "serial port timed out".) I updated the BIOS, made sure the COM port settings matched between the Compaq and Dell, etc; no change.

In desperation I tried a USB-serial adapter. Initially the connection initially failed the test. If I adjust any setting, (change the COM port number, change the timeout period, toggle FIFO on or off) the software and scale begin talking. It doesn't matter what COM port settings I change or what I change them to as long as the settings match in all applicable places (Hardware Manager, USB-serial driver, application setting for the port to monitor, etc.) Everything is fine and I can log off and on without problem. But if I reboot or cold boot, the software reports commo problems until I tweak a setting. Then everything is fine until the next reboot.

Anybody had similar problems with USB-Serial adapters? Any advice? I know it's too much to hope that someone else out there is working with P-B scales on a Dell.

15 replies

by larryd4

We use the PB scales but not on a PC, they are attached directly to the giant mail sorting monster. I did have issues though, we upgraded the monster and the new monster had USP ports instead of serial ports. So we had to upgrade the scale to a USB scale from PB..

Maybe you can look in to the same, just get a usb scale?

by charliespencer

Inside the software is a setting for what communications port to monitor. It lists 10 COM ports, but no settings for USB, parallel, SCSI, or other input type. I'll ask PB but I'm not optimistic.

by willcomp

Does the On-board Serial Port have an IRQ set in BIOS or is it set to Auto?

PnP BIOSes and XP will try to share IRQs. Ensure that serial port has a dedicated IRQ and address. I'd recommend IRQ4 and 3F8 -- the standard Com1 settings.

by charliespencer

The BIOS has settings for Auto, COM1 (IRQ4, 3F8), COM3, and Disabled. I tried each of the first three with no difference in results when I was still playing with the on-board COM port. When I started working with the USB adapter I set the port to Disabled; the setting didn't appear to make any difference as long as I made sure the USB didn't try to use 1 or 3.

by willcomp

Did you check resources by connection in Device Manager?

by tonythetiger

look like a new device every time you reboot. Especially if you don't plug it into the same USB port every time. Next time you reboot, check Device Manager and see if you have a "Com15" :)

You might need to get a different adapter. We've had good luck with the Radio Shack one.

by charliespencer

The device remains present in Device Manager after a reboot, with the correct settings.

I suspect you're correct about a different adapter. I was a bit surprised when the scales worked with the adapter when the physical COM1 when nowhere. Hey, these things are cheap and I don't expect to have much trouble getting a green light to order half a dozen different ones. The one I borrowed for testing is from a work cell with relatively new laptops and no serial ports. The person I got it from mentioned they had seen infrequent connectivity issues with this model but it's all they had at the time.

by arujammer

In most cases, you have to install the drivers first and then after a restart you can finally plug in the adapter.
Then windows will automaticly "see" the new hardware and you can proceed with the installation.

If still no work, try to change the com poort in the hardware management

by charliespencer

No conflicts, and the assigned resources match what's specified in the BIOS.

by oh smeg

One is terrible and the other works a treat. I think it depends on who makes them as one brand that I have run across just is unreliable and the other is brilliant.

I use them on Netbooks with companies who have large amounts of money to transfer around through Dial Up Banking. The idea is that with an external Modem the Device can be stolen but no access to the companies bank accounts gained as the USB Com Port and Modem are at work and these Netbooks are a 1 use device for the banking.

The Banks System requires the Modem to be on Com Port 1-3 and one brand just fails to hold these settings on a reboot while the other just works.

I think if you try another brand you'll solve this issue you are having with the scales not being able to communicate after a reboot. As I buy from a Major Electronics Whole Sailer they don't have a Brand on any of these items as such so sorry I can not point you to a Brand Name to try but the units that I use have a transparent green covering over the DB9 Plug and associated circuity if that is of any help.

Col

by charliespencer

The only other device that has the required software is the outgoing Compaq. The scale works when connected to it.

by charliespencer

Drivers were the first thing I did when I started testing the adapter. I've changed the COM port several times; no difference. The adapter is still unusable after a reboot until I alter a setting.

by arujammer

Also depends on the adapter.

Some of them will only work on the usb interface you connected first.

Tip.
Connect the usb/serial cable first to the PC and then the Serial cable to the usb/serial cable

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