Support

Q: If I open the Function Generator feature, and then the Oscilloscope feature, the Function Generator takes up most of the screen, even though the Oscilloscope has more controls on it. Why is this?

A: The window manager gives windows priority in the order which they were opened. Therefore, always open the larger window first. Once at least two windows are open, you can also resize each window by clicking and dragging on the title bar of each window.

Q: Why does the IOBoard disconnect from my computer when it is moved, even a little bit?

A: The USB cables supplied with your IOBoard have been found to be of less-than-desirable quality. Any standard USB cable will work with the IOBoard, so if you have another USB cable, feel free to use that one.

Q: When I connect my IOBoard to my computer, Mobile Studio Desktop says that the device does not have the correct firmware. How can I fix this?

A: To upgrade the firmware, click on the Device menu, and then click Upgrade Firmware. Do not disconnect the IOBoard during a firmware upgrade, as this could render your IOBoard inoperable.

Q: When switching between powering the board from an external source, to powering it just off USB (or vice-versa), the IOBoard stops responding. What's going on?

A: When changing power sources (either to or from external power), always disconnect the USB connection. Changing the power source while the USB is connected will cause the IOBoard to stop responding.

Q: When I connect my IOBoard to my computer I get a message that says "This device can perform faster." What does that mean?

A: This message can appear for one of several reasons. The first possibility is that you do not have a computer with USB 2.0. Contact the manufacturer of your computer to find out if you have USB 2.0. If your computer does not have USB 2.0, you will not be able to use all of the IOBoard's features.

The second possibility is that a driver conflict is causing your USB ports to not respond to USB 2.0 signals. Some MP3 players, as well as other devices, have been known to cause this. In most cases, reformatting your computer and installing a fresh copy of Windows solves the problem. If you have any USB devices installed that you believe may be causing the problem, try uninstalling them. Note that the drivers can cause problems even if the device isn't connected.

On some IBM laptop models, a small percentage of laptops have defective USB ports. If your laptop is still under warranty, have the motherboard replaced. Otherwise, you will need to buy a USB 2.0 PCMCIA card that will add USB 2.0 ports to your laptop.

Q: Occasionally the oscilloscope just displays a flat line, with only the first pixel or two of the display moving. What's going on?

A: This means that the hardware did not power-up correctly. Often this occurs the first time after a firmware upgrade. Physically disconnect the hardware from your PC, wait several seconds, and reconnect the hardware to fix this.

Q: I was using the IOBoard, I might have shorted power to ground, and then my computer shut off! Why did it do that?

A: If you draw too much current (for example, shorting a power pin to ground), the USB system of your computer will disconnect the IOBoard from the computer's power, in order to protect your computer. On most desktops, you will simply receive a message on your screen that a USB power problem has occurred. Disconnecting the IOBoard, and reconnecting it (after fixing the short), should allow the IOBoard to operate properly. On some laptops, however, the computer will immediately shut off instead of displaying a warning. In this case, disconnect the IOBoard before attempting to restart your laptop. On some models, you must remove the laptop's battery for several minutes before the computer will start again.

Q: When I connect my IOBoard to my computer I get a message that says "This device can perform faster." What does that mean?

A: This message can appear for two reasons. The first possibility is that you do not have a computer with USB 2.0. Contact the manufacturer of your computer to find out if you have USB 2.0. If your computer does not have USB 2.0, you will not be able to use all of the IOBoard's features. The other possibility is that a driver conflict is causing your USB ports to not respond to USB 2.0 signals. Some MP3 players, as well as other devices, have been known to cause this. In most cases, reformatting your computer and installing a fresh copy of Windows solves the problem. If you have any USB devices installed that you believe may be causing the problem, try uninstalling them. Note that the drivers can cause problems even if the device isn't connected.