[DogParkList] resolving a puzzling "no connection" problem

[Don Agro]

Hi Lew,

On 23-Jan-07, at 1:05 PM, Lew Phelps K6LMP wrote:


> This is just a note that may help you resolve "no data" problems  

> with other users of MacLoggerDX

>

> Recently, my connection between my Mac and my Yaesu FT-897 quit  

> working.  MacLogger could "see" the Keyspan serial port converter,  

> but reported that it couldn't make a connection, and was receiving  

> no data.

>

> Thinking that something might have happened to my serial port  

> settings when I upgraded to the latest version, I tried every  

> combination of bit rate, stop bits, etc. known to man, with no  

> success.   Oddly, If I configured the Keyspan serial port as a  

> modem port (in Network Preferences) I MacLogger would say that it  

> was connected to the radio, but there was no data flowing, and no  

> control of the rig from the computer.

>

> I was right at my wits end and ready to send you a debug file when  

> it occurred to me that it might be a HARDWARE problem.  I checked  

> the Keyspan USA19 with other apps, and it appeared to be  

> functioning normally.  Then I took a look at the serial-->USB cable  

> that connects the Keyspan adapter to the CAT port on the rig.   

> Viola!  One of the pins in the DIN connector was bent, in such a  

> way that I actually had two pins touching and going into the same  

> socket on the female DIN connector on the rig.  The following  

> roughly simulates the pin configuration I discovered:

> ||

> ||

> | \

> |  |

>

> Note that with the pin bent in this way, you can actually insert to  

> DIN plug into the socket, although it won't go quite all the way  

> in.  It "felt" like it was fully inserted, however.  When I  

> straightened out the bent pin, suddenly everything was back to normal.

>

> Lesson learned: if previously functional software quits  

> functioning, assume a hardware problem first, not software -- that  

> is, first check the adapter and cable, and then check the rig itself.

>

> I hope this helps.  MacLoggerDX is a great product.  The more I use  

> it, the more impressed I am with it. It is hands-down better than  

> any comparable WinDoze logging program I( have seen.

>

>

> 73

>

> Lew K6LMP

>


Thanks Lew, I will post this to the lists in case it can help someone  
else.

73 Don Agro VE3VRW

D o g   P a r k   S o f t w a r e   L t d .

email: dagro at dogparksoftware.com
   www: http://www.dogparksoftware.com
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