VR + Prolink, problems downloading dive data

apox

Hi,

I received my brand new VR3 few weeks ago with PIN code for activating the pc-link and necessary IR-link cable. After making happily few short dives to test VR3 I decided that it would be a good time to download dive data to PC from my precious(ssssss) VR3.

First I tried Prodive, ok, it was a bit strange that company that sells "hi-end" diving computers can't make decent wizard that would regognize the VR3. But since I'm a programmer (read: mindless slave that types some strange text) my self, it was no big deal to make necessary changes to vrfirm.dat (version number 2007v3,2 added there). Ok, that didn't work. Well, I merrily installed Prolink software that came with the CD (oh, that CD had small crack, but it was so small that it didn't matter, I managed to copy everything from there to safe), but that didn't work either. Both Prodive and Prolink managed to connect to my VR3 and showed my dives (dive time, althought Prolink showed right depth, there is some strange character at the end of the number...oh, and dive date was there too). But here is the catch, althought I could see my dives on the preview window, they were corrupted when I downloaded them to PC. Somehow it seems that transfer disconnects before it finishes.

Oh well, google to the rescue. I found VR / Ouroboros site (Ouroboros rebreather program downloads) where is Prolink and someone mentioned somewhere that it should work. Since I was now getting a bit desperate, I decided to give it a go. And I think you can guess the answer, it didn't work either.

I have tried to change distance and location of the IR-transmitter but with no luck.

Here are the error messages from Prolink I got:
Index of /VR3

Has anyone had similar problems? Specialy with newest version of VR3? This is getting more than a bit frustrating

__________________
JMV
"Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together...."

abowie

I have 2 VR3's and have read every FAQ, guide and help page on downloading dive data.

I have never successfully and repeatably got the IR link to work and my units ARE pin enabled.

Delta P do a USB cable now; perhaps that one does.

__________________
Andrew Bowie

Rebreather-friendly Buddy

apox

Argh.

Just got a sudden idea to change , -> . from regional settings and it works now. Now I can examine my diving profiles etc without Prolink giving me the nasty "System cannot open Dive profile, Dive contains error!" message...

It was all about Desimal symbol in Regional and Language Options in Windows. In Finland we use comma as a desimal symbon and I guess Prolink (or VR3) uses dot. If somebody has similar problems, just change it from Regional and Language Options -> Regional Settings sheet -> Customize... -> Desimal symbol. Or wait for a fix to Prolink if it comes.

-Jarkko

__________________
JMV
"Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together...."

diverklondike

I agree that Prolink is a pain but I have been able to get it to work over the years. I would suggest calling Delta-P support directly. They have always been very helpful.

Dive Safe

Mark

Tienuts

It's probably that horrible IR kit. I use the USB to I/O port cable with great success, although I agree the software is awful.

The cable is available from most Delta P dealers without the PIN - it will be the best $120 you ever spent if you plan on regularly downloading dives.

apox

I allready got it working, in the end, it was as simple as changing decimal symbol from comma to dot.

Well, that IR cable seems to work ok, so no need to buy new cable =)


-apox

__________________
JMV
"Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together...."

Mike448

I am having major problems getting my VR3 to connect to my laptop with the Prolink software and USB cable. I have installed the PIN (twice) but the program just keeps searching. Any suggestions? I am running WinXP and ProLink 2006 which I recently purchased with the PIN and cable. The PC doesn't seem to know the VR3 is there. Help...

__________________
Cheers
Mike

mike448 @ mac.com
www.shadowdivers.net

Lake_Tahoe_Diver

Did you verify that the VR3 is set to use the hardwire instead of the IR port? A stupid question I know, but one that should be asked.

Had a frien that forgot to set the VR3 to use the Hardwire port instead of the IR port, once set it work correctly.

__________________
Scuba Diving,the only sport where it is good to be in over your head....

tflaris

Ran into the same problem and sent mine back after a visit to DEMA where I was told they were having problems witht he IR Downloading. My data was always corrupted. I followed the similiar process you went through before but it wasn't unitl Mark H had updated his VR3 to the hard-wired download connection that I choose to send my back.

He chooses not to download his VR3 anymore and uses the Senus:

SENSUS Ultra - Dive Data Recorder

I have not received my unit back and had heard it was shipped back to England because it could not be repaired Stateside. A month and counting. Good thing I have a back-up. Love the unit diving but it acts like a fish out of water (avoids any helping hand) the rest of the time.

Good Luck

__________________
"Except for this one, I have come to the conclusion that all generalizations are false" -Jim Hayes

markdavison

Hi

I too have had huge problems with making this software work, however as Delta P are only a few miles away I have paid them a couple of visits and now think I have some of the solutions.

1. I am using Prolink not Pro Dive - sorry can't help you on prodive.

2. Delta P admit that this software wil only run on XP - wasted huge amount of time trying on Vista.

3. You need to set the com portto a low number less than 6 ideally - don't ask me why!

Here are some more detailed instructions




Introduction

1. These instructions are in addition to the set up instructions issued by Delta P and are offered as advice following the problems that I have encountered when using the IR connection on the VR3.

2. Make sure that you use a low com port number, 2 works. To set this go to Control Panel, go to System, Hardware Tab, Device Manager, scroll down to Ports, expand ports, select CP210x USB to UART Bridge Controller, double click to see properties, select the Port Settings Tab, Select Advanced. Select a com port number ideally below 6, select one that is not marked in the drop down box. When you select the port you may get a warning, provided the drop down box says it is not is use this should be OK. Select OK

3. Switch on VR3, go to dive now mode to keep the unit on.

4. Go to PC link, it should be set to Full 1, IR 1.

5. Get IR device on lower right hand side of screen at 45 degrees.


6. Press the Right button, VR3 screen will go blank.

7. On the Prolink Software select download to PC, and press the refresh button in the PC Link window. The Connection box will show yellow and checking, this should change to blue and Command Sent. Finally it should go green and indicate that you have a connection.

I have these instructions with photos and screen shots, if you want them I'll email then to you.

Hope this helps

Mark

__________________
Mark Davison



http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/markdavison/