We use the serial TC-08 with a USB converter to monitor/log temperatures for a small smokehouse operation. PicoLog 5.10.7 runs under Win98 on a 366mhz celeron with 96mb ram.
When the computer is rebooted with all connections intact, Windows fails to recognize the the usb converter and the TC-08. During the boot process Windows believes it has found new hardware and tries to install a driver for an HID (human interface device). The system will not recognize the unit until I go through the following song and dance:
If I have to reboot the computer I unplug the converter from the usb port, and I unplug the TC-08 from the converter... Then - once the computer has fully booted into Windows - I first replug the usb converter into the usb port, and then plug the TC-08 into the converter...... and everything is fine.
I wouldn't think that PicoTech intends things to work this way....
but, as a linux user at home, I suspect this is one of Bill Gates nefarious plots.
I believe there is no way to overcome this "issue" when using USB/232 converters. You will need to unplug the USB converter and the TC-08 each time.
You may want to try looking for an updated driver for the USB converter on the manufacturers website.
Perhaps consider purchasing a serial port card for your PC if you require the TC-08 to be permanently attached.
The serial port is in use for a label printer for some of our packaging needs - and with the age of the computer.. it may make more sense to deal with the replugging than to add another I/O card.
"...no way to overcome this "issue" when using USB/232 converters."
Since you specify the converter, would I be right in assuming that the newer USB-only TC-08 does not have this "issue."
First, you need to install the software for the adapter following the installation instructions provided with the adapter or, follow the instructions from the self starting installation CD.
Once the software is correctly installed, you will need to find out which COM port has been assigned to the device from within device manager, and then use that assignment when configuring the serial TC-08 in PicoLog.
Should you still have difficulties, then please email us at support@picotech.com