Installing the "new blue" USB to Serial converter cable (Fall 2007)

Last Updated = Monday, 05-Nov-2007 21:30:51 EST

Your laptop or tablet PC might not have a serial port - in that case, we have a USB-to-SERIAL converter cable that you will need to sign out (and exchange an ID for) with your Lab instructor.

In October 2007, the LTU campus was hit by a virus - and we initially had "locked down" machines - this would not allow us to install drivers without using the admin password. As of 11/06/07, that situation has changed, they have released the Admin password (and the steps to put yourself into the administrators group - thus you can install any programs you want).

BEFORE YOU RUN THE STEPS BELOW - MAKE SURE YOU RUN THE ADMIN PROCEDURE. The steps might have been sent to you via email - you can also find a copy here - follow these steps FIRST, and ON CAMPUS - and then continue with installing the USB driver for the NEW BLUE USB cable.

This refers to the "new blue usb cable" directions (for use in lab room S203) - it needs special software to install, so follow the directions below carefully. If you are in S211, looking for the "old grey usb cable" instructions - follow this link.

1) First - install the drivers for the USB cable. Download the file from the Blackboard Page - or right-click on this link and choose "save as" to download the drivers.

Run that driver file (it should just install drivers and then "go away").

Then you can plug in the "new blue usb cable" (as shown to the right).

2) You should see the Found New Hardware popup.

3) The Install Software Automatically should be checked by default (if not, check it) and click NEXT

4) It should find the drivers you just installed - when it is done, click the FINISH button.

Note: this is an older screenshot, your USB driver will probably have a different name to it.

5) Just to double-check (and to learn what the "magic" COM port number is) - follow these steps

  • Go to the START menu.
  • Select the SETTINGS option.
  • Select CONTROL PANEL .
  • Double-click the SYSTEM icon
  • Click the HARDWARE tab
  • Select DEVICE MANAGER
  • Scroll down until you see the PORTS link - click the + icon and remember what your "magic" number is (in this case it is COM4).

In Logger Pro - you need to tell the program which COM port you are using - DataStudio will seem to scan and find it.


What if my COMM Port comes up as COM5 or higher? Neither DataStudio or LoggerPro will be able to find it - you'll have to reset the COM port number as shown in these directions!

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