USB to RS232 Converter Problem

[Mike741]

This seems to be common with Rabbit equipment.
I'm using (well trying to) a BL2000
Have paid for 2 different USB-RS232 Converters, and neither work.
Both do the same, give comms problem notice.
Yes, I've tried un-checking the "Enable Processor Verification"
(and every other combination of options I can )

I note that the green 'power' light keeps blinking which I see
by the schematic is really the processor RST line.
Down loaded latest Dynamic C 9.52, no change.
The Rabbit guys have really failed on this one, they should
put out a global notice and let people know before they buy a rabbit system
"warning will not work with USB"
I've lost hours of time trying to nut this one out.
Has anyone found a reliable fix yet ?

[JimHarrigan]

In the driver properties page in Device Manager (Windows XP) I noticed my driver was from 2003. Since the manufacturer name was also on that page I searched for a new driver and after installing one from 2007 it works!

The manufacturer of mine was Prolific (although the device itself says iConcepts).

My new RCM4400W dev kit came with a USB cable (really a USB extension cable with a USB to serial converter shrunk wrapped to the end of it). That also works with DC 9.52 and my RCM3700 if I configure for NOT using a USB to serial converter. The manufacturer of that shows up as "FTDI" so their retail converters may work as well.

[Mike741]

Thanks for that Jim, I hadn't thought of that angle.
By an amazing coincidence, one of my cables shows up as Prolific, and the driver is 2003 as well, however I haven't been successful in finding where to download the 2007 driver as yet.
If possible, could you point me in the right direction ?
Cheers and thanks, regardless.
- Mike

[JimHarrigan]

I used "wd_pl2303_v20019v2028.zip" from http://www.prolific.com.tw/eng/downloads.asp?ID=31 Some other page on the site led me to believe it was the only one they had for USB to Serial.

[Mike741]

Jim you're a life saver.
All working fine now, thanks heaps.
if you're ever in Hobart Tasmania, I owe you a beer !
- Mike

[John_Groot]

Hello.
I've got a little problem.
I just have a RCM1 Rabbit controller and I was wondering if i need 2 serial -> usb converters. One for programming and one for an rs232 connection for the sample "Samples\Serial\Cof_EchoBlk"
I just have one serial -> usb converter and think i need two.
can you tell me if I'm wright?
can't see a picture anywhere for a complete overview.

[Mike741]

Hi John,
Surely you'd only need one.
I don't know the rcm1 or that program, but I imagine it just uses
the programming serial port like most of the samples do. (?)

[John_Groot]

thanx.
I needed 2 usb -> rs232 converters.

[lgimenez]

Hi everyone,

I have the same problem as you guys, but the difference is that I am using a USB -> 2 serial adapter from Manhatan (But the chipset is from Prolific) so I can program and receive data wuth a laptop using different serial port.

Well, the problem is that I can´t program the core (I also tried downloading the new driver and didn´t work).

Does anyone know why? could it be a fan-out problem? (I am thinking that mayme the hardware used in the adapter is not compatible with the electronic embedded in the programing cable).

Regards,
Luciano

[ionymous]

I bought a cheap usb to rs232 converter cable from newegg.
"PPA 3312 USB to Serial Converter "
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812149115
It has the prolific chipset.

I am running Vista on a laptop.
At first it wasn't looking good. I could not program the core.
I tried installing drivers from several different vendors... no luck.

Finally I left it with no drivers, and when I plugged the cable into the laptop Vista suggested it would use windows update to try to find a driver. Whatever driver it found... it worked!!!

Ion