Install and verify the FTDI driver

The FTDI (Future Technology Devices International) driver is used by both the USB wireless interface and the “USB to RS-232” adapter cable included in the Sedona Dev Board Kit. After installing this VCP (virtual com port) driver, each device is recognizable on your PC as a “virtual COM port.” An appropriately unique COM port assignment can then be made for each device.

Installing the FTDI driver

  1. Look in the Windows Device Manager to see what Ports (COM & LPT) already exist.

    Access the Device Manager quickly from the command prompt, or from the Start->Run command by entering: devmgmt.msc

    Expand the Ports node and note existing COMn numbers.

  2. Open the Sedona Dev Board Kit Installation CD in Windows Explorer, and navigate to the FTDI folder.

    NoteThe FTDI driver on the CD was current when the CD image was made, but it may not be the latest version. Optionally, you can check the FTDI website for a later VCP driver to download, at the following URL: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

  3. Open the FTDI subfolder that matches your Windows OS, and double-click the executable file.

    For example: CDM 2.04.16.exe

  4. The FTDI install briefly opens a command prompt window, during which the driver is installed.

Verifying the FTDI driver

  1. Insert the included USB wireless adapter into an available USB 2.0 port.

    You should see a “Hardware found” alert or similar message(s) in the system tray of your PC. The LED on the USB adapter should be blinking about twice a second.

  2. Now look in the Windows Device Manager to see what new COM port was created. (Expand the Ports node and note the new COMn port.)

    It should be listed similar to: USB Serial Port (COM7)

  3. Insert the “USB to RS-232” serial cable into another available USB 2.0 port.

    Again, you should see a “Hardware found” alert or similar message(s) in the system tray of your PC.

  4. Look again in the Windows Device Manager to see what new COM port was created.

    It should be listed similar to: USB Serial Port (COM8)

  5. Your COM port assignments will likely differ. Make a note of these new COM port assignments—you will need to identify or use them in various Sedona-related views in the Workbench engineering tool.

NoteIf you have previously installed the “Niagara AX Serial Tunneling” client application on your PC, be aware of a possible COM port conflict with the “virtual COM port” defined by that application. By default, the installation routine for Niagara AX Serial Tunneling creates a virtual port with COM6 assignment. You cannot see this port from the Windows Device Manager; however, it can be seen as an unknown port from the Workbench view that manages Jennic serial port access.To prevent conflict with the FTDI devices used with Sedona, open up the “Niagara AX Serial Tunneling” applet in the Windows Control Panel, and verify the “Serial Port” shown (top field) does not duplicate one of the COM ports created and shown in the Windows Device Manager for the FTDI devices (Sedona USB wireless adapter and “USB to RS-232” adapter cable). Select another unused virtual COM port if it does. Otherwise, you will see a “port in use by Windows” error when attempting to use that port in Workbench.If you do not see a “Niagara AX Serial Tunneling” applet in your Windows Control Panel, this does not apply to your installation.