Why wont my laptop connect to my traction contol unit?

[bren]

When I run the tc software I only get the option of Com 3. I dont even know which port Com 3 is.

When I plug our tc into the laptop it doesnt connect to the unit.

Im using the exact same set up as I sucessfully used to set up the tc before our car went to Rods but now its wont connect.

Ive tried uninstalling and reinstaling the software but to no avail.

I dont have a clue where to start :(

Can anyone help?

[Draven]

com3 is (typically) a virtual com port
odd that its suddenly decided to ditch com1 and 2
do you have any other serial devices that can be used to test the functionality of your com ports? a serial mouse or anything
check the bios and make sure that the com ports are enabled, usually under integrated peripherals

[Jezz_S13]

use this software...

http://bagpuss.swan.ac.uk/200sx/rltc/RLTCSettingsv0-9b.exe

and set the drop down to com1

You can check waht com port 1 your laptop has by looking in the device manager.

I'd guess it's 1 though.

You may have to set the baud rate too but should say in the manual what to use.

[bren]

The USB ports defo work as the laptop lives on the front room coffee table with a plug in mouse. Wireless networks are sweet ;)

Cheers for that Jezz. Ill try it tommorrow :)

[j_veitch]

F.Y.I

USB = Univeral Serial Bus. This is not the same as a COM port (old EIA-TIA-232 standard, formally RS-232).

New laptops quite often don't have any COM ports built in, however you can get USB to COM adapters. I have seen these be funny and require either connection, before power up or after power up, to work properly.

Mice come in (typically) 3 varients, USB, PS2 and Serial (COM).

What version of windows do you use? You can check in control panel / device manager and see if it is showing COM ports (and what is plugged into them).