phidgets hardware reliability
Hi,
This is the story: I just bought a Phidget LinearTouch. I am new to Phidgets but have worked with sensors before.
So, I was in the process of installing. Things went ok at the beginning, the Mac recognized the device with no problem. But, after not too long and totally normal handling the sensor stopped working and the computer doesn't read it anymore. It's clearly a hardware problem with the sensor. So, my question is: did anybody see anything like this happen?
It's not even the money. If I am going to work with it, I obviously want it to be reliable!! Was just an unusual incident??? Anyone there with experience with them??? The phidget customer service was ok and they will send one, but now I have doubts... Any response will be much appreciated! Thanks!! - Andrea
Hey Andrea, I set up a linear touch sensor and ran it all day in the PhidgetInterfaceKit help file on Max without a hiccup. The only time I experienced a glitch was when I was first setting it up. I had a patcher open with a PhidgetInterfaceKit object in it, and then the help file was also open. The help file wouldn't read anything from the touch sensor. This is a known issue with Max where the phidget can only be open with one application at a time. This means you can't have the control panel open, or any other programs (including Max patches) with the same interface kit. If you're using other Phidgets you can specify which Phidget you're talking to in the PhidgetInterfaceKit by adding the serial number.
It sounds like you might have done all this already, but it's the only thing I can think might be happening.
I've attached a picture to show what I mean about the serial number.
Thanks so much for your reply. But, at this point I am BEFORE the Max stage because the sensor is not recognized by the computer. When I go to system profiler is not there anymore. It's very strange because it worked perfectly when I first installed it.
I did have the control panel open and two max windows with the PhidgetInterfaceKit object in it when I was trying to make things work in Max. I wonder if this could somehow have created an interference - ??????
I don't know....
Yup, totally. I've actually found that my control shows the linear touch sensor but doesn't read it... Or are you talking about when you go to "about this mac > System report > USB"? Try just opening the PhidgetInterfaceKit help file and closing all the other patchers that you have as well as anything else that may be connecting to the Phidget. Cross fingers that that's the problem as that's a pretty easy fix.
There's also a video up online that walks you through setting it up: http://youtu.be/o2P580PvjCg, if that helps.
Hi again,
I just did what you suggested and it still doesn't work. I also tried it on a different computer.
When I'm saying that the computer doesn't read it I mean: about this mac > More info > hardware > USB. It appeared there and in the system preferences > other > Phidgets, where I could see the sensor working...
I am afraid it is the hardware... I did see the video. I actually installed it following its instructions.
Thanks for your help!!!
What version of touch sensor do you have? This will show up in the Phidget control panel (accessed through system preferences)
It's Phidget21 - Version 2.1.8 - Built Mar 19 2014
This is what I mean. The device (Phidget Touch Slider) highlighted in blue DOES NOT appear (and it did before).
That's the reason why I think it just broke...
Oh, I see. I'll pass our conversation onto support and see if they have any other suggestions. Have a great weekend.
Thank you for your help!
They are sending me a new one...
I decided I'll give it a try and won't return it.
Enjoy the weekend!
Hi! I just got my sensor & everything works PERFECTLY!!!
thx!
That's wonderful! Keep me posted on how your project goes.
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