USB Altimeter

[bobbosan]

I just recently ordered and received a prebuilt and tested SIMKIT USB Altimeter. I have not been able to get it installed even after getting many email messages of instruction from SimKit Support. I downloaded and installed proper software but my Vista/FSX does not recognize the altimeter. Because of language and distance (Netherlands) I know have a $600 instrument that fails to work as advertised. Before sending it back (a real shipping problem) I hope to find someone else who may have had this problem and solved it. SimKits claims you have to be an expert PC and Software geek in order to properly install this instrument (I am not)? Does anyone have any suggestions other than throwing it out the window? Any help appreciated.

Bobbosan

[Trevor Hale]

Bobbosan.

No worries, I am sure some people here will be able to help. Please have some patience.

Surely it can't be that hard.

Do you have some pictures of your gauge and how you have it connected to the PC?

Are you using a USB HUB?

Are you using a USB extension cord?

Please fill us in here.

Trev

[AndyT]

Not sure what happened to my other post here...

When you plug it in Windows does not reconise it? Do you have the current up-to-date USB drivers for Vista loaded? Are you using the Vista Service pack?

Does the device have a power connection on it?

[Bob Reed]

Yup more info needed here.

[Paul G]

SimKits claims you have to be an expert PC and Software geek in order to properly install this instrument

I guess they've covered their backs honestly, although, as others have said here, it cannot be that difficult. Also, although there's many of us who are proud to make our pits out of raw (and unusual) materials in creative ways, I don't think SimKits should be aiming necessarily at that market.

What I would do, is try it on a machine with Windows XP to see if it is recognized. Assuming it is not then the problem is more likely to do with the equipment rather than your computer.

If it is recognizable on an XP machine, then try a different USB port on your Vista machine. I say this because when I assembled my PC, I didn't have connectors for every USB port, so some are not connected to anything.

Also, check if it needs power. USB 2 provides up to 2A per output. However if you're using a hub, then I would urge you to connect directly to your PC first, to see if the hub is causing any issues. Also, using a 4-way hub from a single USB does not give 2A per outlet. It's 2A divided by 4. However, one of the outlets should be capable of powering more energy hungry devices, so check which one to use.

I'm making a lot of assumptions about your set up but we're all eager to help you sort this out.

Cheers

paul

[Efe Cem Elci]

SimKits claims you have to be an expert PC and Software geek in order to properly install this instrument (I am not)?

I think you mean SimKits claims you don't have to be one. Their site states that "the kit can be constructed without technical expertise".

[bobbosan]

Thanks everyone for there suggestions. Our problem is solved. We called in a PC Specialist and he checked out our PC, software and all connections and found nothing wrong so he said it was the altimeter. We then took the altimeter to a repair shop and after taking it out of its case they found that it must have been damaged in shipping. Most screws were loose, the glued spots had broken loose, the servos were binding, and the case was cracked. They repaired it as best they could and returned it to us this morning. We were now able to calibrate it and get FSX to connect to it. We have notified SimKits and suggested that they do a better job of packing assembled instruments. This is very important when shipping through the US Postal Service, who are noted for rough handling of packages.

One last item, although the SimKits say you don't have to be computer literate to install their instruments, I received an email from them that stated "To use single instruments, indeed knowledge of computers and software is required."

Thanks again Simmers, your comments were much appreciated

Bobbosan

[Padraig]

Thanks everyone for there suggestions. Our problem is solved. We called in a PC Specialist and he checked out our PC, software and all connections and found nothing wrong so he said it was the altimeter. We then took the altimeter to a repair shop and after taking it out of its case they found that it must have been damaged in shipping. Most screws were loose, the glued spots had broken loose, the servos were binding, and the case was cracked. They repaired it as best they could and returned it to us this morning. We were now able to calibrate it and get FSX to connect to it. We have notified SimKits and suggested that they do a better job of packing assembled instruments. This is very important when shipping through the US Postal Service, who are noted for rough handling of packages.

One last item, although the SimKits say you don't have to be computer literate to install their instruments, I received an email from them that stated "To use single instruments, indeed knowledge of computers and software is required."

Thanks again Simmers, your comments were much appreciated

Bobbosan

Wow, for that price, you think simkits would at least pack the instrument well. Thats just crazy, That sure turns me off ordering from them for such a expensive electronics piece.

Glad to see you got it all sorted out. Happy flying.

[AndyT]

That is very unusual for them. Usually there is twice the amount of packaging needed to get it to me without damage. Must be a new guy in the shipping dept.
I'd let them know about it.