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Checkered Flag in Hand
Posted 12 June 2023 - 02:22 PM
I've had this issue before... still can't solve it.
I have a refurb/reconditioned laptop. I downloaded the new Trackmate Drag Pairing software. When I plug the trackmate system up... the USB port won't see it or be assigned to it.
Does anyone know an easy way for me to clear out the USB Port so I can plug the drag track in and have it recognized so they can talk?
Grand Champion Poster
Posted 12 June 2023 - 02:38 PM
While I'm not a PC expert I Googled up this article: Windows Serial Ports.
Click HERE to contact Sonic Products. The messenger feature on my Slotblog account has been disabled.
Race Leader
Posted 12 June 2023 - 04:42 PM
Well, I kinda know a thing or two about computers and such.
The trackmate controller is a serial interface, db9.
the computer has a USB port.
You need an adapter, commonly called a USB-Serial adapter to connect the two.
The USB Serial adapter needs to have a driver installed (do not assume it is natively driven by windows). This is why I now ONLY buy one brand of these (tripp lite).
(NOTE: https://www.amazon.c...22-d605505c9d1e)
You install the driver for the adapter, then the adapter will have a serial port number (com1, com2, etc) assigned to it.
Several years ago, I had some projects with USB's and there's a thing called USB serial port enumeration - BASICALLY - pick one port to plug the adapter in, and KEEP IT IN THAT PORT. It will then always get the same serial port number. if you plug it in a differnt port, it will change numbers.. If you use USB hubs and change ports on them, or change hubs, it will get different numbers. (This is not fun, so avoid it).
To see what serial port it is, go into Device Manager, under the section marked "Ports (COM & LPT)" and you should have something that says "communications port (comX) [where X is a number] That is your com port.
Once you've done that, in the drag software, I believe it's in the setup or options, set the com port to that number.
You may have to restart the software, but you should be in business.
Still Half-Fast After All These Years
Posted 12 June 2023 - 07:48 PM
Long ago, computer race directors used the serial port (DB9 or DB25 connector), often labeled "COM(some number)" but this interface went obsolete years ago and is no longer included on very many computers. It required more setup than the USB protocol that replaced it. Today, computers use USB which is an entirely different animal although it still is technically a serial bus. Trackmate today uses USB, and I assume the Trackmate box you have has the appropriate USB connector that plugs into the computer's USB port. Usually the USB device and the port handshake automatically when the device is plugged in and nothing further is required, one of the beauties of this newer interface protocol. Turning the USB ports on or off is done in the BIOS which is usually accessed with a specific key-press during the boot-up. However, I would not expect this to be required; plugging in the USB cable to the port should be all that's required. USB problems are usually a bad cable/connector.
Something you might try is to turn off the computer, plug in the Trackmate, and then turn the computer on. During the boot-up, the computer searches all the ports for devices and generally will connect to any it finds. This might be a solution to your problem. If that's not successful, I have had USB ports go bad, so try another USB port if there is one, another device connected to the port to make sure it's working, and then try another cable.
Checkered Flag in Hand
Posted 13 June 2023 - 06:22 AM
Mike Reibman,
Thanks for such a complete answer. I ordered the adapter you suggested since it works for you and I will swap with the one I currently have attached.
Before I ask a question.... I realize it can be frustrating for you and other guys who think in terms of data, computers, electrical circuits and flow. i mean, we have guys making controllers from scratch and building tracks on this forum so yes, those of us without those skill struggle with simple stuff and have to fight through problems that most of our peers on here don't even thing about. I have overspent untold dollars buying redundant parts and wasted months trying to resolve fairly simple issues. So, again, thanks for the patient reply you provided.
About the drivers. I am going to exchange my adapter for the one you linked to in your post. Once plugged in, can I then assume that if I am connected to the internet via my hotspot phone, the computer ought to find and download the necessary drivers or do I need to go and get them, download them myself and install?
Race Leader
Posted 13 June 2023 - 11:10 AM
Mike Reibman,
Thanks for such a complete answer. I ordered the adapter you suggested since it works for you and I will swap with the one I currently have attached.
Before I ask a question.... I realize it can be frustrating for you and other guys who think in terms of data, computers, electrical circuits and flow. i mean, we have guys making controllers from scratch and building tracks on this forum so yes, those of us without those skill struggle with simple stuff and have to fight through problems that most of our peers on here don't even thing about. I have overspent untold dollars buying redundant parts and wasted months trying to resolve fairly simple issues. So, again, thanks for the patient reply you provided.
About the drivers. I am going to exchange my adapter for the one you linked to in your post. Once plugged in, can I then assume that if I am connected to the internet via my hotspot phone, the computer ought to find and download the necessary drivers or do I need to go and get them, download them myself and install?
Here's the manual: https://tripplite.ea...s-manual/907820
Get the latest drivers here: https://tripplite.ea...are&kw=U209000R
For best results, download and install the drivers BEFORE you plug the cable in.
If you run into issues, send me a PM and we'll set up a time to talk.
I'm not spinning wheels here, I have something on 30 years in the field. On top of that, I race slot cars and have set up trackmate controllers for drag and for road course. Glad to help.
