new pc - OC modules connected on usb, pc won't boot

[markusr]

I was running an older core2duo PC for my Opencockpits modules (3x LED Outputcard, 1x LCD Card, 1x Com and 1xNAV p&p module)
Now I got a new Dell 7010 machine with an i3 processor and 4GB RAM.
I connected all the USB modules as I did on the old one and the PC freezes on the Dell Logo during boot, before it tries to read the HDD.
USB Boot is disabled in the BIOS. Latest BIOS is installed.
If you unplug ALL devices it will boot up again. Whe you replug it after the boot windows will detect it and they are working.
As soon as they are plugged in again during boot, the pc freezes again. You also can not enter the setup when the devices are connected.
I tried all 8 USB port, everytime the same behaviour. I connected them back to the old machine, and this one is booting up fine...

Does anyone have any clues....
Thanks a lot,
Markus

[iwik]

Markus,
You may need to use a hub as the current draw may be to great with all cards connected.
Try running the O/C cards thru a usb hub with ext power supply.

Les

[markusr]

Hello Les,

I can try this, but also when I connect only 1 LED Outputcard the PC won't start.
The old machine was working fine. Strange issue.

best regards,
Markus

[iwik]

Markus,
The led board you talk about is this the USB output card or master cards led outputs?
Havent heard of the pc freezing but have heard of O/C card not being recognized.
Try also the LED board with no leds connected.
Other than that would you be able to send your card to Dell for them to plug into
another PC to confirm whether or not it is just a Dell compatibility issue or something
faulty on the dell.
Can you try any card that does not drive Leds or LCD and see what happens.

Regards
Les

[markusr]

Hello,

I have now made a couple of tests.
I bought a new active powered USB Hub. Same error on the dell 7010 machine.
I tried changing alle the usb cables from the modules. Also no success. Sometimes the PC boots when you were first in Windows. But when it is shutoff for 5 or more minutes it won't boot.
I took another Dell Optiplex 390 plugged all the USB devices in and turned the PC on. Same error. It stops with the numbers 1 and 2 lit. That points to an error according the dell manual "A possible expansion card failurehas occurred". If you unplug all USB devices the PCs starts.

So I switched back in my Dell 760 machine, and there it is working again. No error on boot, all cards recognized.
Something must be changed in the dell series from the older 780 to the newer 390 with the USB initialisation.

I will stay on my old 760 Dell machine as I have no solution right now.

best regards,
Markus

[trakon]

It might be a long shot .... ,but - in BIOS settings try to set the following:
POST Behaviour - Keyboard Errors : Disable
POST Behaviour - POST Hot Keys : Disable
Try connecting only one OC card to different USB rear/front. Some of the ports are USB2 and others USB3.0

[markusr]

It might be a long shot .... ,but - in BIOS settings try to set the following:
POST Behaviour - Keyboard Errors : Disable
POST Behaviour - POST Hot Keys : Disable
Try connecting only one OC card to different USB rear/front. Some of the ports are USB2 and others USB3.0

Hi, I have tried this now in the bios. It won't boot. I check during the next days again with those settings different ports and will report back the result.

[trakon]

I am sorry to hear that. I just thought, that the BIOS might’ve recognized the OC card as a sort of defective keyboard and halted the system, but apparently this was not the case.
Unfortunately I don’t own any OC card (I am going to fix that in near future, since they look to me very promising). So – what I am going to say is more or less a speculation, but – what happens to you is improper enumeration of the USB device from the PC. I’ve looked at OC card schematics, and from what I can see – the card uses PIC16C745 with build in USB 1.1 interface. Theoretically – PC USB 2.0/3.0 bus should provide backward compatibility to a USB 1.1. device , but if there is an option within BIOS settings to downgrade ports to usb 1.1., I’ll give it a try.
Another reason I can think of for improper enumeration could be powering a device not at the right time. PC USB ports sometimes provide power only when PC is on, and sometimes – they are powered by 5vSB line and provide power even when the PC is off. This is set from jumpers allocated on the PC main board or from within the BIOS. If your USB port provide 5v at all times, this might mess up proper reset of the USB device . Try the OC card at a different USB port. And/or measure if your usb port is providing power on leftmost and rightmost usb pins when PC is shut down. ( or just plug an mp3 player when PC is off and see if it starts to charge battery when PC is off). If it does, look in the PC manual how to disable that option.

[threegreens]

Hi,
Have you made any progress with this issue?
I have the same problem with this config:
- an Asus motherboard
- only one Pokeys card connected on a USB port
- Windows 7 64-bit
- if I do not replug the card after booting, FS2004 crashes during initialisation
- this started to happen suddenly. I must have made some change that caused it but cannot recall what..

[Westozy]

Hi,
Have you made any progress with this issue?
I have the same problem with this config:
- an Asus motherboard
- only one Pokeys card connected on a USB port
- Windows 7 64-bit
- if I do not replug the card after booting, FS2004 crashes during initialisation
- this started to happen suddenly. I must have made some change that caused it but cannot recall what..

Exactly the same issue I have with AzusZ87 Mobo, I have to disconnect mu OC OH gauge boards (2) and my Pokeys Landing & Alt display driver board or no boot up. I have bought some industrial Firewire powered USB hubs to try to fix it but I haven't installed them yet. At the moment it is part of my start up checklist to disconnect the USB cards and it's a pain in the arse!! Cheers Gwyn