CAT and COM problems with digital software

[Buck]

I've had some problems today with virtual ports. I've got them working again, but when the Anan starts, it complains that it cannot open COM5 (used for PTT), then it works anyway. If I disable COM5, it complains about COM0, instead! Worse, if I start the radio before the digital software, it complains about the COM channels, then won't work. I used com0com to rebuild the ports, and they don't show in Device Manager even though they work (if I follow the right order of start-up). Any ideas?

Buck

[w-u-2-o]

Virtual COM ports will not show in device manager. This is normal, and occurs with all three major virtual serial port applications: com0com, VSPM and VSPE, so don't worry about that.

With VSPE I never have any problems. I have experienced many different problems with com0com and VSPM. On the other hand many people experience perfectly adequate performance from all three choices, so it's hard to say if it is worth trying something different. However, since the definition of insanity is to continue to do the same thing and expecting different results, it might be worth trying one of the other choices

The only other suggestion is to completely delete the database.xml file (or rename it so you can save it, just in case you want to go back) and let PowerSDR build an entirely new one from scratch.

73,

Scott

[Buck]

Curiously, the virtual ports did decide to show up in Device Manager, late in the day. I think you might be right about the database. Tomorrow, I'll wipe it and rebuild. It doesn't take long.

[SM3PZG]

Andromeda, NUCi7 PC WIN11 and Thetis v2.10.3.6

I have CAT2 control a Microham Station Master for antenna switching and CAT3 control for SPE Expert 1.3K-FA. This have been working fine for 2 years. Also use Microham USB router for virtual COM ports. Now for some reason Thetis cant connect to the 2 USB-SERIAL CH340 interface cables. I have tried to remove and reinstall the USB drivers, Change COM port numbers, reinstalled Microham USB router and reinstalled Thetis without any luck. I even made a fresh Thetis install with a fresh database but for some reason Thetis still tries to connect to COM0 witch does not exist. Have been searching for hidden COM ports but they can be found.

Have previously had com0com installed but has been removed but I suspect that might be part of the problem. I just cant figure out why Thetis wont connect to the 2 USB-SERIAL interface cables. If I chose another COM port for CAT2 or CAT3 that works fine.

I am running out of options and hope someone on the forum can guide me in the right direction.

73/Sam SM3PZG

[w-u-2-o]

Would you post a screenshot of Windows Device Manager with the Ports category expanded and the Show hidden devices option (in the View menu) enabled?

[SM3PZG]

Sure here it is. Have checked for hidden files. Even ran a program called Ghostbuster to remove hidden ghosts. In setup/Multi Meter I/O there is a "Add Serial" button. If I chose COM4 or COM5 Thetis say ports are probably in use. But they are not. If I choose any other COM thats OK.

[w-u-2-o]

Please describe what each of those COM ports is used for/connected to.

[SM3PZG]

Sure, COM4 controls Microham Station Master for antenna switching. COM5 controls SPE Expert 1.3K-FA. Have worked fine for 2 years.

I just installed PuTTY to check the COM ports. Connecting to COM4 I get error 31. If I change COM4 to COM30 PuTTY connects to COM30. If I then start Thetis and in CAT2 Control activate COM30 I get CAT2 error enabling CAT2 on COM0. I dont know why Thetis is trying to connect to COM0 that does not exist.

[w-u-2-o]

Try deleting the entire folder structure for Thetis, followed by a fresh reinstall. See this topic:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=4707

[SM3PZG]

Well the solution turned out to be quite easy. I took a drive to the local computer store and bought NEW 2 USB-SERIAL adapter cables from a different manufacture (Prolific). Plugged them in and they popped up as COM6 and COM7. Thetis connected right away. I only wish buying new adapter cables would have been my first chose of action, not the last

Thanks for trying to help Scott.

73/Sam SM3PZG