Problem with the serial port

  • Thread starter Thread starter points
  • Start date Start date
P

points

I have to connect my satellite receiver via COM port, with a null modem
cable (to upgrade the firmware). but it doesn't work on XP! it just cant
detect a device connected.
It says in device manager 'working properly' for com ports, but it doesn't
work for me.
What do I have to do?
Do I maybe have to change some settings or what?

Help!
Thx
 
points said:
I have to connect my satellite receiver via COM port, with a null modem
cable (to upgrade the firmware). but it doesn't work on XP! it just cant
detect a device connected.
It says in device manager 'working properly' for com ports, but it doesn't
work for me.
What do I have to do?
Do I maybe have to change some settings or what?

Help!
Thx
Click to expand...

What is probably happening is that the firmware update utility wants
to control the serial port hardware directly rather than using
operating system function calls. Windows XP totally prohibits this -
all hardware access must be done via the operating system.

For the purposes of updating the firmware it should be possible to
boot your computer with a Windows 98 bootable diskette and then run
the firmware update utility.

You can download a disk image file to create a Windows 98 Boot Disk
from www.bootdisk.com

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
 
Ron Martell said:
What is probably happening is that the firmware update utility wants
to control the serial port hardware directly rather than using
operating system function calls. Windows XP totally prohibits this -
all hardware access must be done via the operating system.

For the purposes of updating the firmware it should be possible to
boot your computer with a Windows 98 bootable diskette and then run
the firmware update utility.

You can download a disk image file to create a Windows 98 Boot Disk
from www.bootdisk.com

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
Click to expand...

Thanx, I'll try to do this.
 
You sure about the cable. A serial null modem cable is also considered a
serial printer cable.
Most external serial com port modems use a serial cable, but does not fit
either description above.
 
Jonny said:
You sure about the cable. A serial null modem cable is also considered a
serial printer cable.
Most external serial com port modems use a serial cable, but does not fit
either description above.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure actually! In fact, I have serious doubts about the cable I've
got. I ordered a real null-modem cable for these purposes, and I hope it's
going to work.
 
Let's just say a null modem cable will provide no communcation between PC
and an external modem connected to a serial port. Suggest you check into
the cable requirement before proceeding.
 
Jonny said:
Let's just say a null modem cable will provide no communcation between PC
and an external modem connected to a serial port. Suggest you check into
the cable requirement before proceeding.
Click to expand...

Who said that I use an external modem? I have wireless internet. I need the
cable for connecting a digital satellite receiver with the pc.
 
points said:
Who said that I use an external modem? I have wireless internet. I need the
cable for connecting a digital satellite receiver with the pc.
Click to expand...

What does the satellite company say regarding the cable specs? Do
they provide a pin-out diagram?

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
 
Ron Martell said:
What does the satellite company say regarding the cable specs? Do
they provide a pin-out diagram?
Click to expand...
something like this

Receive Data 2 3 Transmit Data

Transmit Data 3 2 Receive Data

System Ground 5 5 System Ground
 
ignore my last post, it goes like this:

Receive Data 2 3 Transmit Data Transmit Data 3 2 Receive Data Data Terminal
Ready 4 6+1 Data Set Ready + Carrier Detect System Ground 5 5 System Ground
Data Set Ready + Carrier Detect 6+1 4 Data Terminal Ready Request to Send 7
8 Clear to Send Clear to Send 8 7 Request to Send

Whatever that means...
 
points said:
ignore my last post, it goes like this:

Receive Data 2 3
Transmit Data Transmit Data 3 2
Receive Data Data Terminal Ready 4 6+1
Data Set Ready + Carrier Detect System Ground 5 5
System Ground Data Set Ready + Carrier Detect 6+1 4
Data Terminal Ready Request to Send 7 8
Clear to Send Clear to Send 8 7 Request to Send
Click to expand...


You need a "null modem" serial cable with DB9 (9 pin) connectors on
both ends

http://www.loop-back.com/null-mod.html

Good luck
Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
 
Ron Martell said:
You need a "null modem" serial cable with DB9 (9 pin) connectors on
both ends

http://www.loop-back.com/null-mod.html

Good luck
Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
Click to expand...

well, yeah, I already said that.
anyway, is there a chance of an existance of a cable that looks the same as
I need, but that it's not a null modem? I think i have a non apropriate
cable but it looks like the one I need. Anyway, I think I'm gonna order the
null modem one and try.
 
points said:
well, yeah, I already said that.
anyway, is there a chance of an existance of a cable that looks the same as
I need, but that it's not a null modem? I think i have a non apropriate
cable but it looks like the one I need. Anyway, I think I'm gonna order the
null modem one and try.
Click to expand...

Yes, there could be many different serial cables that appear the same
but have different pinout connections between the two ends.

Years ago, when serial devices were much more common, I used to have a
device that allowed detection of the pin connections in a serial
cable. But it disappeared long ago and I haven't really missed it.

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
 
Ron Martell said:
Yes, there could be many different serial cables that appear the same
but have different pinout connections between the two ends.

Years ago, when serial devices were much more common, I used to have a
device that allowed detection of the pin connections in a serial
cable. But it disappeared long ago and I haven't really missed it.
Click to expand...


Okay, thanks again and cheers.
I'm definitely going to order the real cable tomorrow :)
 
Back
Top