USB Support on MS-2000 WK Controllers

USB Support on ASI WK and Tiger Controllers

Identification of WK Controllers

There are several way to identify a WK Controller:

Refer to the label on the bottom of the controller. The Model number will begin with “WK”, not “MS”.
With Dip-Switch 2 in the DOWN position, the last line of the LCD should display the firmware version. “WK” controllers will be version 8.0 or higher.
When queried with the Version command, “v”, from a terminal program, the firmware version response will be version 8.0 or higher.

Instructions for Installing USB Support for ASI Controllers

ASI currently employs Silicon Laboratories’® CP210x USB-to-UART Bridge Virtual COM Port (VCP) for emulated COM Port (RS-232) communication over USB connectivity.

To enable your computer’s USB ports to successfully communicate with ASI’s controllers, you need to download and install Silicon Labs® VCP Driver.

Silicon Labs USB Driver Installation Steps

1. Download the VCP Driver Kit.

Note: Do NOT use “Windows 10 Universal” version v10. It has caused driver problems with customers. Use CP210x VCP Windows Drivers v6.7

2. Extract the Zip file from the download.

3. From the extract file run the appropriate diver:

• 32 bit -> CP210xVCPInstaller_x86.exe

• 64 bit -> CP210xVCPInstaller_x64.exe

4. The software will install the driver and state it has finished installation.

5. Restart the computer.

6. Once the computer is up and running again, start the Device Manager:

• On your computer go to Control Panel > System > Device Manager.

• Expand the ports entry in the device list.

7. Plug the controller USB into the computer. After a moment, you should see the Silicon Labs driver pop up in the list of ports, with a COM port in parenthesis next to it.

Note: the driver may pop-up in another area with a warning icon on it. Wait a few seconds and the driver should disappear from the warning area and re-appear under Ports. Unplugging and re-plugging the USB to and from the computer should show the port appearing and disappearing respectively.

8. Note the COM part number, the bridge driver says emulating-listed in parenthesis next to the driver.
This results from the COM port use when connecting to the controller with host software such as ASI’s Console or ASI’s Tiger Console.

Using WK Controllers with USB

The WK controller’s USB connection is a virtual serial port. To communicate with the WK controller via USB, use a serial port Terminal application such as Microsoft™ Windows® HyperTerminal® or AGG Software’s™ Advanced Serial Port Monitor©.

In a system with x-1 actual serial ports, your computer usually assigns to the WK controller’s USB virtual serial port the identity COMx. For example, in a system with COM1 and COM2, the WK controller’s virtual serial port should be COM3. Use Windows’ Device Manager to verify the assignment.

COMx exists only when the WK controller is powered on and connected. If you turn off and/or disconnect the WK controller during a session with a terminal application, you will have to close and re-open COMx when the power and/or connection is restored. However, if you reset the WK controller without cycling power, whether by command or by pushing the Reset button on the WK controller’s rear panel, the COMx connection should remain intact.

The Terminal application default settings for the WK controller’s virtual serial port are as follows:

Baud Rate = (to match the WK controller’s Dip Switch 4 & 5′s setting) ASI recommends 115200 Baud (Dip-Switches 4 an 5 DOWN)
Data Bits = 8
Parity = None
Stop Bits = 1
Flow Control = None

Assistance

For assistance with this software, feel free to call (541) 461-8181. In the United States and Canada you may call (800) 706-2284.

You may also send an e-mail to SUPPORT.

USB Support on ASI WK and Tiger Controllers

Identification of WK Controllers

Instructions for Installing USB Support for ASI Controllers

Silicon Labs USB Driver Installation Steps

Using WK Controllers with USB

Assistance

CONTACT US

UPCOMING TRADESHOWS

Search Our Site