USB-TG44A not working in Windows, works in Linux

So, I have a USB-TG44A and an USB-SA-44B. I’ve had them both for a while and they’ve been working fine.

I recently went to use my TG and I’m getting some strange behavior.

1. Spike 3.1.7 detects the tracking generator and goes into Scalar Network Analysis mode with a “Tracking Generator” box in the upper right, but the displayed chart shows basically no signal – it doesn’t really change when the TG is disconnected from the SA’s input port. The BNC cable is connected between the two.
2. The Spike 3.1.7 Standalone Tracking Generator app hangs at “Detecting devices…
3. The Spike 2.18B Standalone Tracking Generator app loads but hangs at “Downloading Calibration” when I click “Apply”.
4. The Linux TG API 1.1.0 works fine; I’m able to set frequency and amplitude (verified with an oscilloscope).

I’m running Windows 10.0.14393 Build 14393 on an HP Laptop that dual-boots Windows 10 and Fedora 25 Linux. The USB Serial Port for my TG is using FTDI driver 2.12.24.0 per Windows Device Manager.

I’ve rebooted and unplugged-reconnected every which way.

What can I try next?

David,
It sounds like whenever it tries to download the calibration table, it hangs. We may need to take a look at it here. You can contact support at signalhound dot com for an RMA. I apologize for the inconvenience. If you purchased it less than 2 years ago, it should be covered under warranty.

David,

Has the TG worked on this computer before? Or is this a new computer for the TG? We can try copying over the calibration file if it works on another computer but not this one. If you want to try this, email me at aj@signalhound.com and I can give you instructions. If that doesn’t work then I can help you set up an RMA to take a look at the unit.

Regards,
Andrew

Yes, it has previously worked on this computer running Windows 10.

I blew the dust off of an old Windows Vista laptop and install Spike on it. The TGStandalone software seems to work on it!

I went back to my Win10 computer and uninstalled Spike, removed C:\Program Files\Signal Hound, C:\Program Files (x86)\Signal Hound, and C:\Program Data\Signal Hound (including cal_files), and reinstalled Spike.

TGStandalone still hangs on start. On my Vista computer, the TG light goes to Orange while the software is loading. On my Win10 computer the light is always Green.

Let me know if you still think it needs to go back (it is just about a year old), or if you have some other suggestion.

David,

On the Win10 PC, can you try this troubleshooting step from our FAQ. With only the TG attached to the PC, (disconnect the SA).

“Ensure the driver was configured correctly by your system, In the device manager, find “USB Serial Converter” in the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” tab. Right click and select properties, select the “Advanced” tab and ensure the “Load VCP” box is unchecked.”

This might be the source of the issue.

Regards,
Andrew

That fixed it; thanks!

I see this now in the Spike FAQ – but Spike wasn’t giving the quoted error and TGStandalone isn’t Spike. It’s also listed as “SA44/SA124 only”. I did actually go through the Spike FAQ and saw this before I started this thread, but did not try it because it didn’t apply to my situation thrice over.
It’s also not on the USB-TG44A Product Page and it’s not in the USB-TG44A User Manual.

Please consider making this important little nugget easier to find!

Good news David. Thanks for the feedback as well. We will update the FAQ as soon as we can.

Regards,
Andrew

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