Connection Troubleshooting

This is the "triage" area for troubleshooting the programming connection between your computer and your BASIC Stamp development board.

Let's rule out the most common causes of communications failure first:

• 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.

Okay, if that didn't solve the problem, let's keep going:

• If you are able to program your USB-connected board sometimes, but it fails sometimes or requires several tries (and you are SURE the power supply is not the problem), you may need to change your computer's Latency Timer Settings.
• If you are using a Parallax BASIC Stamp development board (such as a Board of Education, HomeWork Board, or Professional Development Board), and your PC cannot communicate with your BASIC Stamp, go to the Run/Identify Test page.
• If you are using a USB-based board or USB to Serial Adapter, and repeated BASIC Stamp resets are interfering with your program, see the USB Resets BASIC Stamp page.
• If you are using a development board and/or BASIC Stamp OEM that you assembled yourself, there are a number of tests that can be performed best with the help of the Parallax Tech Support crew, and a voltmeter. Please Contact Parallax Tech Support.