What's the big secret to getting UPStart to work?

[cornutt]

OK, guys, someone please tell me the magic word that you have to say to get UPStart to work. I've been working at it for days. I've tried two different computers, two different PIMs, two different serial cables, and two different versions of UPStart downloaded from two different places (PCS and HAI).

None of which has made the slightest bit of difference. In no case will UPStart acknowledge that there is a PIM connected. It's killing me. There must be some option somewhere that I need to set, but I can't find it. I've gone into Device Manager and tried every common combination of serial port settings I can think of, to no effect. It does not appear that the software ever actually sends anything out of the port; the light on the PIM never blinks. What am I missing?

 

[AnthonyZ]

Do you have any other programs that may be "grabbing" the serial port? Are you using serial or a USB to serial adapter? Have you reset the PIM (5 then 10 then 2 quick button presses)?

 

[fcwilt]

What choices does UPStart offer you when you try to configure it for your PIM?

 

[Brian Yokum]

If you are using a USB-to-serial converter, some do not work properly with UPStart. We've had good luck with the Keyspan USA-19HS.

What manufacturer's PIM are you using? If you are using HAI's, you need to use the 36A05-2 HLC PIM to PC Modular Adapter Kit. This includes a modular cable and the 36A05-1 HLC PIM to PC Modular Adapter.

 

[cornutt]

What manufacturer's PIM are you using? If you are using HAI's, you need to use the 36A05-2 HLC PIM to PC Modular Adapter Kit. This includes a modular cable and the 36A05-1 HLC PIM to PC Modular Adapter.

Hmm. I have an adapter, but I don't recall that being the model number on it (I don't have it here with me at work). IIRC it was 22-something. I'll have to look tonight. That is the only thing that I don't have two of. The PIMs are HAI; I tried it both with a USB adapter and with and older PC that has a real serial port, and I tried two cables. One of the PIMs and one of the cables are working with the OmniProII, so I know those are good.

 

[Brian Yokum]

I suspect you have the 21A05-1 adapter, which is used to hook up a PC to the serial port on the HAI controller. This adapter functions like a null modem, which allows the serial ports on two "computers" to connect to each other. The 36A05-1 adapter (or 36A05-2 kit) should solve your problem.

 

[PaulD]

I got bit by the adapter issue in my early days using UPStart and other serial devices. The adapters all look alike but they are wired differently. Some came with lables but some did not. After I got mine sorted out, I marked each one to make sure I picked up the right adapter when I was hooking something up.
I also had a USB PIM that I never could get to work right. I stick with the serial PIM's.

 

[chrisdias]

I suspect you have the 21A05-1 adapter, which is used to hook up a PC to the serial port on the HAI controller. This adapter functions like a null modem, which allows the serial ports on two "computers" to connect to each other. The 36A05-1 adapter (or 36A05-2 kit) should solve your problem.

Argh! 1/2 the day getting the UPB dimmer to work (weird wiring in my house) and now I cannot connect to the PC. (The dimmer is cool btw, with the blue LED and the dim up/down functionality.... )

i'm having the same problem - using the 21A05-1 adapter and cannot connect to the PIM with UPStart.

Is there any way to create my own Serial adapter? I've got an unused CatXX to Serial adapter that I could use, but I would need to know the pin order.

thanks,
Chris

 

[PaulD]

Is there any way to create my own Serial adapter? I've got an unused CatXX to Serial adapter that I could use, but I would need to know the pin order.

thanks,
Chris

Check the HAI Knowledgebase at kb.homeauto.com. Do a search on "serial" and I think you will find the pin out info.

 

[cornutt]

Received the 36A05-1 adaptor today, and now it works perfectly. Thanks everyone!

 

[PaulD]

Received the 36A05-1 adaptor today, and now it works perfectly. Thanks everyone!

Now you know the big secret.

 

[cstrong3240]

Just wanted to say as an 'oldbie' what a great resource this board is. I had an Omnipro ii setup with UPB at a place I had in Houston a couple of years ago. I was a regular at Automated Outlet and took the OPii installer's course. I sold the place in Houston and ended up taking a job in Calgary with a rented condo. I'm now finishing up a house in Ft Worth. I have the same laptop with Upstart and HAI dealer software and had a box  from Houston with cables and other bits and pieces. After spending a day and a half changing out switches, I was ready for Upstart and bought another HAI PIM so I could set up the rooms and scenes and then plug into the OPii panel. I went to Fry's and bought one of the compliant USB to serial adapters and that's when I got stuck. The culprit as I have read is the serial adapter. My box of odds and ends had the 21A05 and I was spending a bunch of time changing ports and double checking drivers. Having given up and slept, now I've ordered the 36A05-2.
 
I'm sure there will be more checking the boards as I get the OPii up and running.
 
Is there any good news on the Haiku replacement? I still have the app on my phone, but understand it is no longer being sold in the app store.