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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Software Issues and Discussion => Topic started by: Jurtappen on February 05, 2025, 07:04:34 PM

Title: Amiga Explorer Issue
Post by: Jurtappen on February 05, 2025, 07:04:34 PM

I am trying to setup the Amiga Explorer software with a null-mudem serial. Usb to serial from PC (CH340).
Getting the following error message: "error reading from COM". I get to the point were I type "RAM:Setup" on the Amiga.

I followed the instructions on how to set it up correctly.
Any idea where to start searching?

Cheers!

Title: Re: Amiga Explorer Issue
Post by: AndyFC on February 05, 2025, 10:02:53 PM

Hi, I use AExplorer over IP and used to use serial a long time ago.

There's a troubleshooting article here, and one of the points is about entering the ram:setup line correctly:
for example, entering "SER: to RAM:Setup" instead of "Type SER: to RAM:Setup"

https://www.amigaforever.com/kb/14-109

I hope it helps, sorry if you've already looked through it.

Title: Re: Amiga Explorer Issue
Post by: Jurtappen on February 06, 2025, 06:25:11 AM

Thanks for the feedback👍 all info is good info. Anyway, it seems like it could be a null-modem cable problem. I also have to use a serial to USB adapter. The USB adapter has the designation CH340 and was bought from China somewhere 🙈 The cable was bought from Ebay and has both 9-pin and 25-pin options at each end. The problem occurs after getting to "RAM:Setup". The first communication "Type SER: to RAM:Setup" goes fine 🤔

Title: Re: Amiga Explorer Issue
Post by: Jurtappen on February 08, 2025, 05:45:31 PM

Got my null modem cable from Ebay but it had the wrong wiring, so I pinched it up and made my own. Still the program seems to communicate only one way?

Are there any other settings that I can try to change?

Another thing to mention is that my USB to serial adapter has a CH340 chipset. Heard that adapter based on FTDI chipset is more reliable? Have also tried changing the COM port on the PC.

Title: Re: Amiga Explorer Issue
Post by: Jurtappen on February 23, 2025, 02:32:20 PM

News update!

Ok, strangest thing;

I managed to get an old computer with onboard serial ports to run on windows 7 for leaving out the USB adapter question.
Installed Aexplorer on the computer and connected my home made null-modem cable in com2.
Started the setup wizard and same problem occured; "error opening com port 2" while at the last part on the Amiga "RAM:Setup"
I almost gave up on this but gave it a last shot; I just ran the setup wizard once more on the computer, still leaving the amiga in the "RAM:Setup" point. And voila!! It worked. Now I have Aexplorer on Amiga floppy.
I had to run the Setup Wizard twice ?!?

Any one that has a reasonable explanation to this ?

This case is solved  :)