Cant get usb > serial convertor to work on vista or xp!!

[richiem]

Hi guys.

I use to have a laptop that had a serial output on the rear, and it was a bliss to download with using the gtloader.
That laptop now is bust, and i have 2 new ones ( one vista / one xp)
None of these have a serial output.
I have bought a usb>> serial adaptor lead and this is the issue.
I cannot get it to work on either laptop
Vista laptop says its working, but it will not( keep getting flash failed message/ ( using com 4 with correct 115200 setting)
Xp laptop does the same .
Ive tried everything, but i cannot get these usb> serial leads to work
Anyone give me any pointers??
Have got both set to use coms 1 > 4
Cheers

[varnez]

I just got one today, it didn't work until I ran a little program on the drivers disk, cant remember what it was called, basically my usb was on com9 and the program changed it to com1 then it worked.

[richiem]

Got mine set to com port 1 on my laptop and it says its working ok, but it keeps dropping out as soon as i try download..
Just says " software transfer failed"

[mrcraig]

are you 100% positive your using a RS-232C null modem cable?you may be using a normal RS-232C serial cable in which case wont work

[larryoke]

Originally Posted by richiem

Hi guys.

I use to have a laptop that had a serial output on the rear, and it was a bliss to download with using the gtloader.
That laptop now is bust, and i have 2 new ones ( one vista / one xp)
None of these have a serial output.
I have bought a usb>> serial adaptor lead and this is the issue.
I cannot get it to work on either laptop
Vista laptop says its working, but it will not( keep getting flash failed message/ ( using com 4 with correct 115200 setting)
Xp laptop does the same .
Ive tried everything, but i cannot get these usb> serial leads to work
Anyone give me any pointers??
Have got both set to use coms 1 > 4
Cheers

Don't know whether this will help, I am by no way an expert but I had the same problem with vista laptop and managed to flash by pressing download and then the power on the box, you might have to try a couple of times but hopefully it will work, good luck

[richiem]

Managed to load software onto my box using another laptop with null cable adaptor.
I have several pals that need to have flash done and relie on me to do , so i think ill just do a sw transfer from my one

[mrcraig]

Originally Posted by richiem

Managed to load software onto my box using another laptop with null cable adaptor.
I have several pals that need to have flash done and relie on me to do , so i think ill just do a sw transfer from my one

glad your all sorted mate

[richiem]

Right, i found out what i was doin wrong!
I was using the convertor cable only and goin usb to laptop and the serial end straight into the stv bx with a gender changer on the end..
Seems you need to add the null cable to the end of the convertor cable then connect the null cable to the bx...
I was goin mental trying to do this earlier...

[bluenose2008]

Originally Posted by richiem

Right, i found out what i was doin wrong!
I was using the convertor cable only and goin usb to laptop and the serial end straight into the stv bx with a gender changer on the end..
Seems you need to add the null cable to the end of the convertor cable then connect the null cable to the bx...
I was goin mental trying to do this earlier...

I'm having the same trouble- My lead is from Maplin-USB to Serial (RS232) with female converter on the end. Does this mean I need a Null Modem aswell?

[richiem]

Same lead from maplins!
You will need to attach a null modem cable to the end, and connect the other end of the null cable to the bx to make it work matey!
Took me all day to work that one out..