support | troubleshooting

By default, when you start the eBeam application, it tries to detect the eBeam pods. The default port and server settings apply to most situations. However, if your eBeam is not detected, you may need to change the serial port setting. If you are unfamiliar with COM ports, please read the Managing COM Ports section.

1. Select Edit > Setup. The Board tab is displayed.
2. The Serial Port Autodetect radio button is enabled by default. Note that Autodetect can detect only COM1 and COM2. However, eBeam will detect up to 8 COM ports (COM1 through COM8). If you wish to specify a serial port other than COM1 or COM2, choose it from the Connect to dropdown list. For example, if you are using a USB connector on COM7, you would select COM7 from the dropdown box.
3. Click OK to close the Setup dialog box.

If no connection is made with the hardware, you will need to continue with this diagnostic.

Note: To make certain your PC is configured properly, print this page for reference and check the following:

1. First, identify whether there is another device conflicting with the eBeam COM port. The three most common conflicts relate to the configuration of:
   
   

   PalmPilot	Select this if you have previously used the COM port with a 3COM PalmPilot.
   ThinkPad	Select this if you are installing on an IBM ThinkPad.
   Other serial devices	Select this if you have previously used the COM port for a modem or other serial device.

   
   

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2. Second, determine if your COM port is enabled (i.e., turned ON) in BIOS. This will require you to reboot your system. Print or Bookmark this page in your Browser so that you may return to it after rebooting.
   
   Unfortunately, there is no PC standard for getting into BIOS. You will need to refer to your PC's documentation.
   
   Once you are in BIOS, look for the serial port configuration parameters. The COM port should be Enabled (i.e., ON). Some PCs, such as the Dell Inspiron, use a setting of "Auto" or "PnP" (Plug and Play).
   
   If you can't determine if your COM port is enabled, you can check communications with your COM port using the HyperTerminal utility.
   

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3. Third, if you believe your COM port settings are correct and there are no devices conflicting with the COM port, move the eBeam hardware to another PC and reinstall the software. If the eBeam application finds the hardware after moving it to another PC, the COM port to which you were previously connected may be faulty, or there is a conflict of which you are unaware.