New installation of SmartSDR on a new Computer. CAT will not start

AC9S

I have built a new Win 10 computer to replace my old Win 7 one.  After installing SmartSRD CAT will not load.  Both SmartSDR and DAX come up, but CAT will not appear, either when SmartSDR loads or when double clicked independently.  I have used the Flex removal program to delete everything, including the DAX stuff, but upon a reload the same issue.  

Any thoughts?  This is the only software on the system other than what came with the Win 10 Home Edition.

Keith - AC9S

Paul - K6HR

Do you have "Autostart CAT with SmartSDR" checked on the Settings dropdown menu?

AC9S

Yes, but CAT also doesn't start by itself when I double click it like DAX.

LZ2BE

Keith, open Task manager and look in Processes tab if SmartSDR CAT is listed. Click end task to close it and try to run it again.
73 Boyan

AC9S

Hi Boyan,

CAT never shows up in the Processes tab.  When I double click the icon for a brief moment it appears CAT is going to start, but then the icon goes back to its normal state.

Bizarre thing is that I have an almost identical computer as a main "house" computer and loaded SmartSDR on it without issue.  Essentially the only difference between the two is that I have a 4 port serial card on the radio computer.

Keith - AC9S

k3Tim

Please try:

"C:Program FilesFlexRadio SystemsSmartSDR v2.1.30SmartSDR CATcat.exe"

from a command-line window to see if there is an error message.

I would pull the 4 port serial card as a secondary test if the above doesn't help.

_..--
k3Tim

Erika - KØDD

You think there might be a collision with the default Cat port 5002 and com 5 that automatically load, with a hardware com 5 already on the puter via the 4 port card?

k3Tim

Not sure, a pure WAG on my part. 
One could open the Device Manager, select a TTY port and check the events.
Also check the VSP ports events.

A look at the Windows event log  (press the "windows key" then type event to bring up the app).

GL // TiM

AC9S

Hi Tim,

My Windows knowledge is pretty elementary.  When I try the cmd line I end up with C:Usersac9s prefixing what I type and your command listed above errors out.


I pulled the 4 port card; Device Manager now just shows Com1 and I get the same failure to start CAT.


Keith - AC9S

AC9S

One thing I should have mentioned at the beginning.  The first time I tried to install SmartSDR the desktop icons were greyed out.  I ran the uninstall program  and retried the install.  The second time all three icons came up normally and clicking on them brings up DAX and SmartSDR, but not CAT - my current situation.


Keith - AC9S

Erika - KØDD

Something Most FLexers forget to do is REBOOT...  UNINSTALL, REBOOT....  INSTALL and reboot...  Bet it will work then.  You need to really make sure when you uninstall you get everything back out of the system.  When things are really boogered up, I will go into control panel hit uninstall programs section and I'll pull VSP out also.  If you do not uninstall and reboot that stuff will all stay in there...  There's a few tricks that need to be done when the system isn't working right.  UNINSTALLING SSDR and reinstalling (with reboots) will generally clean things up.  Erika DD

AC9S

Erika,

That did it!  I uninstalled FlexVSP as well as everything else Flex, restarted, reinstalled and now DAC comes up with SmartSDR.

Thank you!!!  Now to see if I can reinstall my 4 port card.

Keith - AC9S

Clay N9IO

Keith probably be okay but if you have trouble with the com port card let me know.
I have a 2 COM port card you are welcome to that is extra to my needs, I could bring it to you at the next dinner. It is an PCIe card. I went with a 4 port also.

Clay N9IO

AC9S

Thanks Clay.  I just picked up the 4 port.

Dan-N7HQ

We have seen evidence and have a working theory, that suggests waiting a minute (or so) after installing SSDR/CAT/DAX on a PC before clicking the "Reboot" button that appears at the end of an install can solve some problems.   DAX/CAT drivers are installed on a separate PC process and waiting allows time for the drivers to "settle" before the reboot.   

We don't have data that ties "waiting" to the specific symptom reported on this community thread, but we have found it may prevent BSOD events.  It may help.

Our engineering team is looking into incorporating what we have learned into the installer. 

AC9S

Final comment - After uninstalling PSDR and "FlexVSP, removing the 4 port card, and reinstalling PSDR the reinstallation went smoothly.  I was able to put the 4 port card back in and all its drivers installed correctly.  Interestingly, with the 4 port in place PSDR (CAT actually) wouldn't install correctly.  It did so with the card removed.  FlexVSP created a port 6/116 pair and the card ended up slotting into ports 2 through 5.  1 of course is the MB's by default.  I tested the radio against the new computer and used my Elecraft W2 to physically map the add in ports.


Now for the fun part of moving all my software and data.  At least I should end up with a cleaner looking system.


Keith - AC9S