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"Cannot detect Serial Peripheral cards on LPTx"

Summary
Error message during initialization: "Cannot detect Serial Peripheral cards on LPT2"

Details
This error message is caused by a communication issue between the APS host computer and the handler's SP (Serial Peripheral) card controller. The communication link consists of both hardware and software components. The only difference between the 3000 and 4000 series systems is that the SP controller is on the backplane (WWAVAUTOBP) of a 3000 and the interface board (WWAV4100I/F) of a 4000.

Hardware link: From an LPT port, a DB25 printer style cable (male-male) connects to the SP controller on either the backplane or interface board. The power for the SP controller comes from the motherboard power supply (WPWS03) of a 3000 system or the main handler power supply of a 4000. The error message can occur if either the LPT cable becomes disconnected or if the SP controller loses power. BPWin V4.68 introduced the USB SP controller comm link. This looks exactly like a site connection. From any USB port on the host computer, a USB cable connects to a USB adapter (WWAVUSBEPP) connected to the DB25 head on the backplane or interface board. The error message can occur if the USB cable is disconnected, loose, or has a poor connection. The USB adapter can be faulty.

Software: Before BPWin version 4.57, the software was hard coded for the LPT2 port to connect to the SP controller. After V4.57 code changes, the LPT port was user selectable via a registry key. (selection is LPT1, LPT2, or LPT3) Beginning in V4.68, code changes allowing a USB link to the SP controller was introduced. As of this writing (V5.8), the SP controller comm link can be via, LPT1, LPT2, LPT3, or USB.
The USB SP controller is visible in Device Manage under BP Microsystems, and will be in conjunction with any USB programming sites. The USB link is detected automatically at BPWin start up. If it is not detected the error message will appear.

Historically, APS host computers required multiple (3) LPT ports. This was accomplished by installing a SiiG Duet Parallel Port card in the computer. Typical connection was: Parallel site communication on LPT3, SP controller communication on LPT2 (hard coded), and, if applicable, an LPT laser dongle on LPT1 because the LPT laser dongle would only be recognized on LPT1. Note: the SiiG duet port card has long been obsolete.
As of this writing (V5.8), the current configuration is Site comm via USB, SP controller comm via USB, and a USB laser dongle.
Because of all these changes, improvements, and upgrades, the error message can occur if the user has back revved to a BPWin Version not compatible with their current H/W configuration. Typical complaint: no message in new version, but gets message using old version.


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Last Modified: 01/26/2012