Hi
Sorry I only just saw this thread on the way into work today, these days I only seem to have time to browse the BB on my commute I'm afraid.
I wonder if you have tried erasing the FTDI drivers with their utility and re-installing them?
In addition, to check the FTDI COM port is working, I generally open up a terminal emulator like Hyperterminal or Teraterm, set it to 9600, N, 8, 1 on the appropriate COM port (use Device Manager - devmgmt.msc, Ports (COM & LPT) to determine the COM port number). Once conneted, hit enter a couple of times and you shout get the question mark prompt. That will prove connectivity without the complexity of having to figure out your tracking program too.
Version 0.9 of the tracker firmware is the most up to date version.
http://www.g6lvb.com/Articles/LVBTracker/LVBTrack.hex
When programming, you should use the PICPROG.EXE v0.2 program http://www.g6lvb.com/Articles/LVBTracker/PicProg.exe with the PIC in situ on the board using a hardware (not USB virtual) serial port.
If, for some reason, you choose not to use PICPROG.EXE, you can use MPLAB instead with a compatible programmer. Configure->Select Device as 16F876 or 16F876A device as appropriate, File->Import the hex file, and set Configure->Configuration bits like this:
// Default config bits... // Osc=XT, WDT off, PUT on, BOD off, LVP off, FPW on, DBG off, data EE prot off, CodeProt off au16Data[0x2007]=0x3F31;
73, Howard G6LVB
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Knut Sent: 14 September 2010 06:28 To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] LVB Tracker / 5500 rotor / USB-Serial Port coversion
I am struggling trying to establish a proper USB - Serial port conversion on my laptop. Can someone tell me which software is best for this conversion and what are the pitfalls. I have tried the FTDI Drivers as described in the LVB Tracker Box Manual without success. With so many LVB Trackers in use I am sure there is a way, but I have not found it yet. I may be doing something wrong during the installation of this software and I can not figure it out. Any suggestion will really be appreciated and tried.
Newbe Knut / N6BNP SoCAL _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb