Wired PT stopped downloading
Hi all,
I just wanted to share some struggles over the last week or two in case it affects others.
My powertap computer (Cervo) has always had flakey downloads to the PC using PowerAgent/USB cradle, often timing out mid-download. But about a week ago, it stopped working completely, I just get the message, "No supported devices were found" every time.
I've been working with Saris support for a few days now with no luck. They told me it seems to be something in Windows Vista and 7 and that other folks have been having the same problem; they suspect a recent update of some sort. However they haven't been able to recreate the problem on their own computers so I'm going to loan them my machine to test on for the next few days.
Is anyone else having problems like this? I can post back here when/if I learn anything new and maybe it can help someone else.
Comments
Keep on it with Saris they are known for great customer service and should be able to get you squarded away.
Lastly, borrow another cradel from a friend / bike shop and try it again.
D
Problem Resolved!
After 2 weeks of working with Saris, here is what we found out. I've also included a few items here that might be of use to others.
First - my cradle had gone bad. Saris sent me a known-good one to work with and I was able to download the data on my head unit to an XP system (not the one with the original problem). Not sure exactly how it went bad... I bought it used and maybe torqued it too hard one time while trying to make sure the head unit was completely seated.
Second - my Win7 machine needed an update to the FTDI USB drivers. After the cradle swap, it still had the problem of timing out after a few hundred records. Saris had been unable to recreate this problem on their machines, but had several folks like me that had contacted them looking for help. Since I'm in Madison, I met them earlier this week and they used my machine to test on. A day later they had identified the following solution (and bought me beers, a hat, and a shirt for the trouble - cool folks at Saris)
To update FTDI drivers on an XP machine (after installing PowerAgent):
1. Go to www.ftdichip.com
2. Click on "Drivers" in the left hand sidebar.
3. Click on "D2XX Drivers.” A dropdown underneath “drivers.”
4. Go to the first “Processor Architecture” box.
5. In the second row and last column there is a link that states “setup executable.”
6. Be sure PowerAgent is closed and your device is unplugged from your computer.
7. Click on “setup executable”
8. This will download the drivers PowerAgent and your device needs.
9. Once the drivers have installed please restart your computer and give it a try.
Updating the drivers on some Windows 7 systems like mine requires a more manual process. [I have screenshots Saris sent me for each of these steps as well, but couldn't figure out how to put them in here. PM if you'd like me to forward to email to you.]
First, Download the Drivers and unzip them (your Desktop is always a good location) from this site:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/CDM/CDM20812.zip
[Note: 6/27/11 - the above link no longer works, go to http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/D2XX.htm and select the current file for your OS and architecture from the matrix]
Then Install using these steps:
1. Go to your Start Menu and right click on Computer and select Manage
2. Click on Device Manager on the left plane
3. On the right side, expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers
4. Right Click on USB Serial Converter
5. Select Update Driver Software
6. Select Browse Computer for Driver Software
7. Browse and Select the Folder where you downloaded and unzipped the next
8. The driver should be recognized and then select install
9. After it’s complete you will need to restart the computer
This should fix the download errors from just stopping mid download.
Note: Saris says: "It’s always a good idea to also make sure the cradle is plugged into the computer and the CPU is in it all the way and says “HOST” before opening Poweragent." This sequence is completely contrary to the instructions I found on the TrainingPeaks site...
That's all folks. I'm now a happy power monger again.
Did a VO2 workout this morning and dowloaded over 1000 records on the first try.
Brian, thanks for posting all that and credit for Saris for stepping up. Free beers is always a good thing,
than ks Brian ... ... I wonder if this is why I have been having gaps in my records ... ...