AirNav Systems Forum
AirNav RadarBox and RadarBox24.com => AirNav RadarBox and RadarBox24.com Discussion => Topic started by: QF1 on December 09, 2008, 02:33:44 AM
-
I was very pleased to receive my Radarbox today, but not so pleased that I cannot get it working, so hope it is something simple. I think that the instructions are a little contradictory:
1) Quick install suggests connecting hardware first, before software
2) Once installed, instructions in help, suggest to install software first
Anyway, I have tried both methods, after uninstalling and re-installing. The green power light works, but nothing from the USB or Signal lights (except a brief blue flash, when I connect or disconnect the USB from the notebook). I have tried the USB cable that came in the box and also a spare, with the same results. On the main screen I can see that it says "Hardware checking", but I don't have a connection. I have checked in Device Manager and it says that latest drivers are correctly installed.
Any suggestions most welcome.
Cheers
Mark
-
Mark,
When you are checking the Device Manager, My Computer > Properties > Hardware can you see AirNav RadarBox as a device in the USB device section?
See the Help file or PDF manual in the RB 2009 folder - Troubleshooting, Hardware connection
Do you have a Firewall installed that is stopping the RadarBox software communicating with the hardware?
-
I am trying another re-install. But, to answer your questions - I am using Vista and can see AirNav Radarbox in the USB controllers and is states that "The Device is working properly".
Firewall is switched off.
Cheers
Mark
-
Interesting though, when I click on the icon to "safely Remove Hardware", the Radarbox is not listed as a device - would this be correct?
-
Doesn't show on my safely remove hardware listing either. Have you installed it to the default settings in Vista? I have Vista on a laptop and used the C drive instead of the program files, don't know if that would make any difference, read about Vista troubles on here.
-
I am trying another re-install. But, to answer your questions - I am using Vista and can see AirNav Radarbox in the USB controllers and is states that "The Device is working properly".
Firewall is switched off.
Cheers
Mark
Mark,
When you right click on AirNav RadarBox in the Device Manager, what driver is listed?
Does it say:
Driver Provider: Primetec
Driver Date: 27/06/07
Driver Version: 2.2.4.0
I think that you may have the wrong driver installed.
-
Driver Provider: AirNav Systems
Driver Date: 27/06/07
Driver Version: 2.2.4.0
Digital Signer: Not digitally signed
-
I have used the driver that came on the 2009 CD. Is that correct?
Cheers
Mark
-
Right, that's close enough - the new drivers are listed as AirNav rather than Primetec
So, that's me out of ideas I'm afraid. You have the correct drivers installed and the hardware is connected but the software isn't seeing it.
I'm not a Vista user, so I can't help you with that.
Can you see Network traffic OK?
-
In driver details, it does say that the Provider is FTDI Ltd - is that correct?
-
Can you try on another machine or another USB port on your machine?
-
I have tried other USB ports. I will now try a different machine as I am at home now.
-
Mark,
Install the software first and make sure that you do install the RB drivers rather than letting Windows "do its own thing" by connecting to the Internet or installing the drivers automatically.
Also, note that you have to install the driver for each USB port individually. If you swap USB ports, then you have to install the drivers for the new port.
You said that the driver provider was FTDI - I think that this is wrong and that this is a generic driver.
Try "Update Driver" from the RadarBox Hardware properties window and browse to the AirNav RadarBox 2009/Drivers directory - goodness knows where this is in Vista - tarbet will be able to help.
-
OK, the good news it works on a Win XP PC, but now I need some advice on installing in Vista on my notebook.
Thanks
-
Are you using Vista 64bit or Vista SP3?
-
Excuse my ignorance but not sure - how can I check? I think 64 bit.
-
If you right click on mycomputer and click properties it should display the windows version.
-
32 bit SP1. I hope that helps.
-
I finally have it working - seems it must have been a Vista setting.
Thanks to all for your help.
Cheers
M
-
Well done QF1, enjoy your Radarbox and don't be afraid to come back and ask any further questions that you have.
-
Mark,
Also, note that you have to install the driver for each USB port individually. If you swap USB ports, then you have to install the drivers for the new port.
Hi Allocator, if I changed USB port can you tell me how I'd install the drivers for the new port.
PS...Welcome QF1. I also use Vista but I installed the CD softward first and then the USB/Hardware. Agree with you that the CD cover tells you to install Hardware first then software, whereas anyone on here will tell you to do Software first. This seems a basic issue and should be correctly printed on the CD cover in the first place.
-
I also use Vista but I installed the CD softward first and then the USB/Hardware. Agree with you that the CD cover tells you to install Hardware first then software, whereas anyone on here will tell you to do Software first. This seems a basic issue and should be correctly printed on the CD cover in the first place.
I already raised this issue some time ago.
http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=1070.0 (http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=1070.0)
-
Mark,
Also, note that you have to install the driver for each USB port individually. If you swap USB ports, then you have to install the drivers for the new port.
Hi Allocator, if I changed USB port can you tell me how I'd install the drivers for the new port.
PS...Welcome QF1. I also use Vista but I installed the CD softward first and then the USB/Hardware. Agree with you that the CD cover tells you to install Hardware first then software, whereas anyone on here will tell you to do Software first. This seems a basic issue and should be correctly printed on the CD cover in the first place.
When you plug the USB lead into a different USB port and you get the "Found New Hardware" message, follow the prompts to install the driver, but select the Choose Location (or similar, can't remember of the top of my head) and browse to the /AirNav RadarBox 2009/Drivers directory. This installs the RB drivers rather that some random Windows/Internet driver.
This is the same for any USB device, be it a scanner, camera or RB - at least it is with XP and I presume it's the same with Vista.
-
Well done QF1, enjoy your Radarbox and don't be afraid to come back and ask any further questions that you have.
Thanks for the warm welcome. I am one of the first SBS users , so now learning about Radarbox and will use both, as some others do.
I think the problem was that I did not allow enough time for the Radarbox to initialize. It appears to hang on initial startup. It takes a few minutes to start the application each time on my notebook (Vista), whereas started a lot more quickly on the PC using XP - any idea why this may be?
Cheers
M
-
I don't suppose that you are using AVG Free anti-virus by any chance?
-
Sounds familiar
http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=1764.0
-
I don't suppose that you are using AVG Free anti-virus by any chance?
I was, but I have uninstalled and that seems to have fixed the slow start-up problem.
Thanks
-
You don't need to uninstall it, just set up an exception so that AVG doesn't scan all the RB files when RB is run. See Blackthorn's post above with the link to the instructions.
-
I may re-instal but it was out of trial period anyway.
-
AVG Free runs for ever - for free :-)
There is a Spy Blocker option that installs with AVG Free if you leave it selected during the install process and it's this that stops working after the trial period. However, the anti-virus bit keeps working and updating.
I use AVG Free on all my computers since I finally got fed up of buying Norton every year.
-
Thanks Allocator - that's great.
I am off to get a BNC/SMA connector today so that I can try my new Radarbox with my old SBS antenna which is up on the roof.
Cheers
M
-
That's what I use when I'm at home - the good old BS1100 antenna that has been out in all weathers for about 18 months. It works a treat providing the cable run isn't too long :-)
When I'm away, I just use the standard RB antenna on a window ledge - that works surprising well too.
-
The RB standard antenna does work well on a window ledge. It can work better outside too with weather proofing, ie a homebuilt raydome. Plastic soccer balls work or something similar :) ie Basket Ball.
-
It is my intention to use the Radarbox when traveling, as it is smaller to carry than the SBS, so will use the standard antenna. Likely locations, other than Australia would be New Zealand, Fiji, USA and Canada.
Cheers
M
-
QF1 I suggest you pack a basketball on your journeys :) Complete weather proofing on the move :)
-
QF1. When you say the RadarBox is smaller to carry than the SBS1, do you mean, smaller box or antenna?
-
When you pack your basketball, of course it will be deflated with a hole cut in it for the antenna and groundplane.
-
QF1. When you say the RadarBox is smaller to carry than the SBS1, do you mean, smaller box or antenna?
Smaller Box. Antenna about the same size, although I think mag base is also smaller. Also, no need to upturn the metal hotel bin for a ground plane as AirNav have provided in the box.
-
QF1. When you say the RadarBox is smaller to carry than the SBS1, do you mean, smaller box or antenna?
Small like this. Note the patented coffee tin ground plane for use in the office and the range increasing modification - a CD-Rom "cake" box :-)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2996098974_91e3fd63c2.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2316533816_b6602c1459.jpg)
-
QF1. When you say the RadarBox is smaller to carry than the SBS1, do you mean, smaller box or antenna?
Small like this. Note the patented coffee tin ground plane for use in the office and the range increasing modification - a CD-Rom "cake" box :-)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2996098974_91e3fd63c2.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2316533816_b6602c1459.jpg)
Aha! So am I right in concluding that the larger the circumference of the 'base' the better the reception? I understand the height issue being key but I've several 'biscuit' tins available which I could place the antenna on.
I'm tempted to put my antenna in the loft, but then I've got to drill through the loft and then the antenna is basically in situ and I'll be unable to use my RB outside of the house.
Any comments or views?
-
In laymans terms, how / why would the coffee tin improve reception?
Thank you
-
I was told that the supplied base disc with the antenna was almost the correct size for the base reflector and anything larger would not help. Is this correct?
I use the Kinetic whip mainly because it provides slightly better reception and my Airnav antenna was bent in the box. Too flimsy for my liking.
-
In laymans terms, how / why would the coffee tin improve reception?
Thank you
I was just trying to be funny - or maybe the brand of coffee makes a difference ;-)
The "CD" sized metal groundplane that comes with RB is the ideal size. Having the coffee tin at work meant one less thing to carry around, so I used it instead of the AirNav item.
As far as the "range increasing CD case box" - more humour on my part, but believe me, elevating the antenna only a small amount can make a difference to live aircraft reception - it just raises the antenna a bit.
-
Not being a coffee drinker I prefer to use a Quality Street tin lid you can get two for £8 at the momment :-)
Always good to have a spare.
-
That's expensive for just the lids - do you have to pay extra to have the sweets taken out?
-
I will provide that service free of charge ;-)
-
That's expensive for just the lids - do you have to pay extra to have the sweets taken out?
I volunteer to do that for free. :-)