Two computers, one FT5

[Bohn1]

I have two computers in my office, one of which I have connected to my FT5, and working well. On occasion, I would like to switch the FT5 to the other computer.
My question is: what software/firmware do I need to load on the second computer to be able to alternately use it. (I am not a computer/software whiz)

I have loaded Cura, Pronterface and firmware onto the second computer, but have not been able to achieve operation. Cannot connect via USB.

Any help would be appreciated.c

[PaulS]

might want to check and see if usb port is being created. If not you will need to load the drivers for the port. They should have installed when you installed cura i think... What OS you running? windows i presume?

[Bohn1]

Windows 10. Cura
Loaded ok,

[PaulS]

do you see usb port created when you plug in printer? if not, likely usb driver is issue...

[Bohn1]

Thanks for your interest!
The FT5 LCD screen lights up and FT232R USB UART shows up in Device Manager.

[PaulS]

No worries, what comes around goes around, just hope i am actually helping LOL Mine shows up as a com port usually 4 If you get a com 4 since com 2 shares IRQ,(same goes for com 1 and 3 sharing irq btw) might want to check if you have modem or anything else on com port that could be conflicting.. If your main board has a serial port, might want to disable it in bios to free up irq.. somewhere on the web, i found instructions for installing the port, might want to look for that as it specifically mentions adding for win 10 as drivers sometimes fail to load properly. not sure where i saw it maybe duet wifi forum on bossa firmware loader app.sorry best guess...

[PaulS]

think it might have been SAM BA installer that reinstalled the com port driver

[Bohn1]

Ok, Thanks. I only see com1 ....no others.
My working computer uses com3 to connect with FT5/Cura/pronterface.
I will follow your suggestions and hopefully get things
Will let you now.
Appreciate your help!

[csorrows]

I want to make sure some points are understood.

• The FT-5 controller does not know what it is connected to. It makes no difference when switching PCs.
• As long as both PCs have the same software/drivers they will work exactly the same.

Keeping these points in mind, there is a fault on the second PC causing the issue. As long as the FT-5 works on one PC, it is not the FT-5 causing the issue.

My question is: what software/firmware do I need to load on the second computer to be able to alternately use it. (I am not a computer/software whiz)

To answer the above question, use exactly the same software you have on the first PC.
Simply unplug the USB from the first PC and connect it to the second PC. As long as the second PC is setup correctly, it will simply just work. The FT-5 has no clue and does not care that they are 2 different PCs.

It seems something was done differently when setting it up on the second PC. Some difference in the software/drivers on the second PC might have caused the issue. It is unrelated to switching the FT-5 between 2 PCs.

I hope this helps to understand what to look at.

[PaulS]

I agree, definitely a pc problem not a printer issue. Almost certainly need to reinstall usb driver for win 10. com port # doesn't really matter either as long as there are no conflicts with other com ports.and may i add, for once i might know a little something you don't @csorrows LOL ( A+, Security+, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer:Security)

@Bohn1 I believe these are the droids your are looking for... installing and testing usb port in win 10.
https://startingelectronics.org/articles/atmel-ARM/SAM-BA-USB-CDC-driver-install/

Let me know how you make out

[Bohn1]

In Device Manager, FT232R USB UART shows as 'Other Devices'.
This is the USB connection because it disappears when I pull the USB connector.

Under 'Ports', there's only COM1

No indication of the FT connection under 'Universal Serial Bus Controllers'.

[PaulS]

does it assign it to a com port? Is anything else on com 1 or is that it? i would delete and reinstall driver from link above, sounds like a bad driver ... of course you could get a duet wifi board and access printer from web page or maybe a raspberry pi might be easier and certainly cheaper

[csorrows]

and may i add, for once i might know a little something you don't @csorrows LOL ( A+, Security+, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer:Security)

Security wise, yes, you better. I have ran servers in the past and do have a rack at home with a few servers in it. As they were for LAN use, I just simply blocked access on the router and switches. Never had to get much into software security.

Old picture but you get the idea.

I know this is OT. Sorry.

[csorrows]

In Device Manager, FT232R USB UART shows as 'Other Devices'.This is the USB connection because it disappears when I pull the USB connector.

Under 'Ports', there's only COM1

No indication of the FT connection under 'Universal Serial Bus Controllers'.

Are you sure you installed the same driver package on both machines? The driver on the second PC seems to not be functioning correctly.

[diarx]

Whats the end game here for running the printer on both computers?

Would leaving it connected to one computer and having teamviewer/remote desktop control it from the other be an option?

[PaulS]

Wow nice rack! very clear wire management...ypu still wondering why he can't connect here but work arounds are endless.

[Bohn1]

Everyone, Thanks for your inputs...and your patience. I am not a computer/3DPrinter or Software whiz.

I basically want to switch the computer for printing with the FT5. For back up, I will leave the first computer enabled.

When I plug in the USB on the computer that I want to use, in Control Panel/Hardware&Sound/Devices & Printers, the FT does not show up.

In Device Manager, it does show up in 'Other Devices'

I did try to download USB drivers via suggested https://startingelectronics.org/articles/atmel-ARM/SAM-BA-USB-CDC-driver-install/2, could not get the download.

[Bohn1]

I am using Windows 10

[diarx]

Desktop or laptop?

Have you tried different USB ports, particularly if you have one with a mix of usb3 (blue) and usb2 (black) ports?

Also, sometimes better to avoid using front of case usb ports on a desktop.

I only mention remote desktop/teamviewer because simply controlling the other PC over the network can be easier than moving the printer/replugging usb cable etc. Can also have a webcam pointed towards the printer if you want to monitor it from another room over teamviewer.

[Bohn1]

Thank you for your comments.
Computer is a desktop, and I have tried all USB connections, front and back.
I am convinced this is a USB driver issue, based on all the inputs I have gotten here.
I need a simple way to install/upgrade USB driver so I can get a non-conflicting port.
Thanks again.