I heard a rumor today that there are issues with running Vola on Windows 10. Sorry, no clue on the complete configuration. Anyone confirm they are having issues? What's your config? Thanks...
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Just ordered a new Windows 10 consumer laptop from Dell/ Staples to try this out.
Most indications from the pro timers are that Vola works best on Windows 7 and 8.
So we shall see as more and more races happen.
One thing is for certain. Make sure that the USB drivers for the serials adapters are up to date. The single biggest issue that has always been faced is in trying to get the timers and scoreboards talking through the serial adapters.
Most indications from the pro timers are that Vola works best on Windows 7 and 8.
So we shall see as more and more races happen.
One thing is for certain. Make sure that the USB drivers for the serials adapters are up to date. The single biggest issue that has always been faced is in trying to get the timers and scoreboards talking through the serial adapters.
I just connected my TIMY3 to Vola ver.09 via USB with no issues on a DELL Inspiron 15 series 3000 model 3552 that I got from Staples for $200.00
No issues connecting and testing. No time tonight for running a race
No issues connecting and testing. No time tonight for running a race
I am running Vola on a Surface Pro 4 with Windows 10. It seems to work correctly. Fred is correct when he says that you have to check the USB to Serial drivers. My older Prolific cables have some issues in Windows 10. Windows 10 updated the driver to the latest version but that version did not work. I found an older driver which does work but I have to roll back the version each time I start the computer. A new usb to serial cable with a newer driver solved the problem.
Thanks for the replies. I'm using a Lenovo laptop and a Dell laptop with a TAG 545. No problems so far, but I'm nervous that the issue(s) will only appear when I'm timing a real race. Damn you Murphy's law! I'll let you know if I run into anything...
VOLA does not like my USB to serial adapters from I/O Gear / ATEN. on the Windows 10 Dell described above
These adapters have been VERY stable for several years and install quickly with Windows 10.
For some reason I am getting the equivalent of the "blue screen of death" when trying to interface with Microgate scoreboards. It appears that VOLA sends out some data or commands that cause the adapter to crash and the system to shut down.
We have not seen this yet with anything other than the Microgate output.
We can get the Microgate to work and stay stable with an older Dell with native serial port.
These adapters have been VERY stable for several years and install quickly with Windows 10.
For some reason I am getting the equivalent of the "blue screen of death" when trying to interface with Microgate scoreboards. It appears that VOLA sends out some data or commands that cause the adapter to crash and the system to shut down.
We have not seen this yet with anything other than the Microgate output.
We can get the Microgate to work and stay stable with an older Dell with native serial port.
ATEN is basically the same as Prolific PL2303.
FTDI RS-232 converters is a very reliable alternative to Prolific. A bit more expensive, but witout any of the Prolific latency and compatibility issues.
And it is always handy to have converters with different chipsets available.
FTDI RS-232 converters is a very reliable alternative to Prolific. A bit more expensive, but witout any of the Prolific latency and compatibility issues.
And it is always handy to have converters with different chipsets available.
Is this the unit you propose?
http://www.digikey.com/product.../768-1084-ND/2441372
There is still something amiss with the software. Never had ANY problems with FinishLynx, SST, Skunkware with these adapters for years with several operating systems either sending or receiving data from serial devices.
http://www.digikey.com/product.../768-1084-ND/2441372
There is still something amiss with the software. Never had ANY problems with FinishLynx, SST, Skunkware with these adapters for years with several operating systems either sending or receiving data from serial devices.
Franconia Ski Club found the "Plugable USB to serial converter with PL-2303HX Rev D chipset" works. Windows 10 driver from Plugable website.
The 232-converter from digikey is the right stuff.
Be aware of the short units, they are opposite with sockets - not screws.
We also use wire end units like USB-RS232-WE-1800-BT-0.0 for USB direct to (GND/TX) banana plugs for displays. They are available in a wide range of 232 and 485 converters.
Be aware of the short units, they are opposite with sockets - not screws.
We also use wire end units like USB-RS232-WE-1800-BT-0.0 for USB direct to (GND/TX) banana plugs for displays. They are available in a wide range of 232 and 485 converters.
Well, under ideal conditions, Vola is working well with Windows 10. I have learned how to create system recover points JUST in case a Windows update kills the driver for the dongle (which happened once). First race in a week. Fingers crossed all works as well on the hill as it does in my basement...
You can't blame Vola on this issue.
Seems like Prolific have introduced a chip validity check from Win10, leaving most of the old PL2303 converters obsolete.
Downgrade the driver to 3.3.3.114 (2009) or buy a decent converter (FTDI).
(Yep, its the Vista version; finally some good news from those days.)
Seems like Prolific have introduced a chip validity check from Win10, leaving most of the old PL2303 converters obsolete.
Downgrade the driver to 3.3.3.114 (2009) or buy a decent converter (FTDI).
(Yep, its the Vista version; finally some good news from those days.)
newton- I took your advice and purchased a couple FTDI USB-RS232 to bare wire cables. I'm very pleased with their performance. Thanks for the info.