USB adapter notes:
This can be the most frustrating aspect of interfacing the displays. In general the rule of thumb is the adapter HAS to be recognized in Windows Device Manager in order to work with software.
Split Second has a link to the Windows Device manager in “Setup and Test” for exactly that purpose.
Basic install concepts
1. Open package and place CD in PC. Do not plug adapter in until drivers are ready!!!!!!!!!
2. Insert USB to serial adapter and the Windows Install Wizard will appear.
3. Attempt to allow the Install Wizard to automatically find the CD and complete the install.
4. You may have to help point the wizard to the location of the files needed for your operating system
5. New computers running 64 bit systems are at the leading edge of compatibility and you may need to involve the tech support for PC, Microsoft, and the adapter manufacturer.
6. Immediately check the install of the USB adapter in device manager BEFORE starting Split Second.
7. Make sure the COM port number assigned to this device is less than 9. Com 9 is the highest com number currently supported.
8. Start SST and you should see the available Com ports listed. USB to serial adapters tend to try to use COM 3 for desktops and COM 4 for notebooks on their initial install.
9. Plugging a USB to serial adapter into a new port or through a HUB will almost always force a new install with a new Com number assignment.
10. Try to always go out and get a 4 port USB hub to use from the beginning. You will use up the ports quickly.
11. 1 port – SST Key
12. 1 port – mouse
13. 1 port – keypad
14. 1 port – Printer (try to plug in direct, not through hub)
15. 1 port – Timy in or another serial adapter for signal input (try to plug in direct, not through hub)
16. 1 port – Serial adapter out to display
17. 1 port – flash drive
Once again plan ahead and make sure that you are testing these adapters and so for well before the event. Make sure you bring the driver cd for this and all other devices with you. Having internet access at all times helps let you find the drivers if you need them again.
In a worse case scenario you will need to uninstall the drivers. Reboot the PC and then reinstall again.
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