No Device Type

Before you do anything else....

Consider The Common Quick Fixes

• Loose connections: Double-check the connections between your computer and your programming cable, the Parallax USB to Serial Adapter if you are using one, and the development board.
• Misconnected BASIC Stamp: If you are using a Board of Education, double-check how to Insert the BASIC Stamp module in its socket.
• No power: double-check the power supply that you have connected to your board. (See Power Supplies for options). If your board has a power switch, make sure it is switched on and the power indicator is lit. If you are using a 9V battery, try a fresh one. If you are using a battery pack, make sure the batteries are all inserted into the pack correctly; try fresh batteries. If you are using a wall-mount supply, make sure the wall outlet is not turned off at a wall switch. If you have a voltmeter, use it to measure the voltage supplied by the battery pack or wall-mount to rule out defective power supply hardware.
• Software version: Make sure you are using the latest version of the BASIC Stamp Editor Software. You may check for a later version at www.parallax.com/basicstampsoftware.
• USB drivers: If you are using a Parallax USB connection, you may need to update your USB drivers. See the USB Drivers page for help.
• USB ports freeze after disconnecting from USB 3.0 port: USB 2.0 ports are recommended for BASIC Stamp boards. On some computers, the internal USB hub will freeze when disconnecting a USB 2.0 device from a USB 3.0 port. This may cause all USB ports on the computer to become unresponsive, requiring a reboot of the computer to remedy the situation. System updates from your computer manufacturer may correct the problem.USB 3.0 ports can sometimes be identified by a blue tab inside the socket.
  

• Beware of non-Parallax USB to Serial Adapters: Not every brand of USB to Serial Adapter supports the timing precision needed for BASIC Stamp programming. Some known-incompatible brands are Belkin and Gigaware. Keyspan #USA19-HS is known to be compatible. You can order an inexpensive Parallax USB to Serial Adapter (#28030) from www.parallax.com.

If the Run/Identify test shows no entry in the "Device Type" column, you can try these various fixes based on your Loopback and Echo results.

There is a "No" in Loopback, and "No" in Echo.

• If you are using a Parallax USB connection, the USB port may be using the wrong drivers. Go to the USB Drivers page for help.
• If you are using a serial connection, your serial cable may be at fault. You must use a standard straight-through serial cable, not a null modem or cross-over cable. If you have a multimeter, perform a continuity test of each pin to confirm you are using an undamaged standard straight-through serial cable.

There is a "Yes" in Loopback and "Yes" in Echo:

• If you are using a USB connection, try adjusting the COM port's Latency Timer Settings.
• If you are using a serial connection, try adjusting the COM port's FIFO Buffer Settings.
• It is possible that your BASIC Stamp module has been damaged. Please Contact Parallax Tech Support.

There is a "Yes" in Loopback and a "No" in Echo:

• If you have forgotten to install the BASIC Stamp into its socket on the Board of Education, or you may have plugged it in upside-down, review the directions on how to Insert the BASIC Stamp module.
• If you are using a USB connection, try adjusting the COM port's Latency Timer Settings.

There is a "No" in Loopback and a "Yes" in Echo:

• If you are using a USB connection, try adjusting the COM port's Latency Timer Settings.
• If you are using a serial connection, your serial cable may be at fault. You must use a standard straight-through serial cable, not a null modem or cross-over cable. If you have a multimeter, perform a continuity test of each pin to confirm you are using an undamaged standard straight-through serial cable.