Serial+Port+no+communication

Problem
Virtual Weather Station is not communicating to the serial (RS232 or communication) port (the instrument panel is not updating).

Discussion
This can be the result of the weather station console, cable, computer or user settings. A simple reboot of the computer can sometimes solve the issue of lost communucation, but if you have already reset the computer, follow the troubleshooting guide below.

Solution

 * 1) You can not use two software applications at the same time to communicate to a serial port. If you are using another applicaton, please close the other weather station software application.
 * 2) Verify you have selected the correct weather station by selecting **Communication | Communication** from the menubar.
 * 3) If you receive the error message, "Cannot open comport", the comport is in use and blocked by another application or is not a valid comport. Click on the following link, Cannot open comport.
 * 4) If you are using a USB to serial converter, click on the following link, USB to serial converter troubleshooting.
 * 5) If you do not get this message, you may have selected the wrong comport, a modem port or a non-existant comport. Check the serial port setting on your computer. To find this in windows, select **Control Panel (make sure you are in "Classic View" if running Windows XP) | System | Hardware | Device Manager | Ports (Com and LPT)** and identify your computer's comport(s). Next, enter this comport in Virtual Weather Station by selecting **Communication | Communication** from the menubar. Note that the comport is usually Comm 1 if you have one comport on your computer, Comm 2 is usually the modem port, and Comm 3 and greater are designated for USB to serial converters.
 * 6) Ground Loop. To avoid a ground loop, plug the weather station console and the computer into the same outlet or power strip. In addition, computer fans can cause a noise signature that corrupts the data - try a different computer or purchase a [|USB to Serial Converter].
 * 7) Verify you are using the proper cable. A standard 9-pin serial cable is required//. Do not use a NULL modem cable.//
 * 8) Your communication port is locked-up. Cycle power to the computer.
 * 9) Your weather station console's communication port is locked up. Cycle power to the console.
 * 10) You have a hardware device conflict. It is recommended that you contact your PC vendor or PC technical support or purchase a [|USB to Serial Converter].
 * 11) Your serial port uses a non-standard IRQ line. Contact the computer manufacturer or purchase a [|USB to Serial Converter].
 * 12) Your serial port is defective. Replace the serial port or purchase a [|USB to Serial Converter].
 * 13) Your weather station serial port is defective. Contact the weather station manufacturer for replacement.

Further Discussion: Oregon Scientific Wireless Weather Stations

 * 1) When you launch the program, the sensor commumication window will be displayed. If you have a sensor checked that is not part of your system or is not reporting in to the the console, the LED will remain gray. To continue, uncheck this sensor and the program will begin updating and the sensor value will remain zero.
 * 2) Make sure your AC adaptor is plugged in. In general, the console can not be driven from battery power for an extended period of time.
 * 3) There is a known issue with Oregon Scientific power supplies. If you unplug the AC adaptor, and the program begins communicating, you either have a faulty AC adaptor, console, or there is a "ground loop" present and electrical noice is corrupting the data.