Hi everyone,
So I have been working hard on getting my Crossfire up and running lately. Glad to say with @langmuir-zack and all of you I have it running and making small engine parts.
That being said I was running into an issue after making some repairs that were still frustrating. I was having connection issues between my mini block computer and the control box. Sometimes it would just lose connection after a bit, sometimes almost immediately, sometimes not connecting at all. I was able to switch over to a laptop and have no problems. I’ve seen many posts where other folks are having similar issues. Well switching to the laptop is fine and all but I use that laptop for my 3D printers at home and I had bought this mini block to match the spec requirements for running the Crossfire specifically. I stripped down excessive software and programs as well as modifying start up programs etc. To my small engine mind it should work and just using a different computer is not the solution.
Well I started by following the Langmuir troubleshooting steps and accessing the Device Manager then uninstalling and deleting the USB com port drivers and software. I did this several times. It had no effect on the results. Next I made sure all of my Windows software was up to date. No change. Next I went to the motherboard manufacturer website and ensured all of those drivers were up to date. No change. My next attempt was installing AVG Tune Up with driver up dates. It went and found a bunch of drivers that needed updating. Some may or may not have effected the USB and regardless I did the updates. No change. I should mention I use AVG Tune Up on my gaming/design desktop. I really do like it.
At this point I was really frustrated and I was scanning the forums hard. I saw posts about ferrites, cables, grounding, and more. I tried what was readily available to avail. I went and sat down in front of my Crossfire and mini block and was plugging a different cable in when I noticed something. When I plugged my cable in it wasn’t very tight so it shifted just slightly. I also realized I had my mini block sitting on the edge of my stand so the cable would hang and pull slightly. I moved my mini block to the other side so the USB cable would be supported and re-bent the tabs inside the usb ports so the would hold more firmly. BOOM, connection made and connection held. So hopefully this will help save folks from needlessly needing to upgrade their computers… unless you just want to in which case tell your spouse the USB is permanently damaged and broken off the motherboard.