I am trying to run a TC08 temperature datalogger
on a laptop with Windows XP, however it appears to
be missing a driver (error: TC08 Driver V2.6, TC08 not
found) and wont work. Com 1 is not opening.
The device works fine on another PC running Windows
2000.
I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing this problem.
The error message is not telling you that the driver is missing, but it cannot open or find the unit. It is possible that the laptop is not able to power the PC via the serial port. This can be checked by testing the voltage in Pins 4, 7 and 5 where the voltage should be -7volts, +7 volts and gnd respectively.
Start Picolog up with the unit connected then disconnect the serial cable from the TC-08 and test the voltage with a metre. If the voltage is close or below this then the likelyhood is that the voltage is dropping and the TC-08 cannot be powered. If this is the case please send a email to:
Pin 4 should be a negative voltage. If as your post suggests, it is not, then this is why it is not working. If you therefore email us at tech@picotech.com and request the TC-08 external power diagram then we can send you a diagram showing how to power the unit externally - to get around this problem.
Thank you for your post, I am soryr ot hear that you have been seeing problems.
The easiest way to get rid of the problem is to use a USB to Serial adaptor as this will enable you to use the unit on USB. We sell an adaptor which know is compatible with our products.
TBH, buying the lead is likely to be cheaper than building some box of bits for the external power alternative.
I have been able to run my TC-08 on an NT machine without problem in the past, but since an upgrade to Win2K its been a no-go'er. I then pestered our I.T dept for WinXP to overcome the com port voltage problem mentioned here, XP was installed but still nothing. I've tried it on other PC's - nothing.
Maybe its time to grab a thermometer and notebook, find a comfortable chair and a large cup of coffee.
Thank you for your post, I am sorry to hear that you have been seeing problems.
Is your COM port giving incorrect voltages? If the unit will not work anywhere, even on port that are giving the correct voltages then you are welcome to return it to us for repair if you believe there is a fault. If you wish to return it to us then please contact us for a returns number first.
Thought I'd come back and let you know the outcome.
I was still seeing incorrect voltages despite the move to XP.
I bought a USB / Serial converter (RS 450-3228) and I'm back in business.
Thanks for the promt advice.