Knight Software GRRRRRRR

Paul Rohrs_7

It sounds like Lochinvar is mobilizing their crack staff and addressing some Software PC concerns. I believe they listen to what the contractor is saying and will make necessary corrections.

Paul

Big Will

I bought the software

And was really looking forward to having the ability to program the boiler from the laptop and show operation history and just play with my boiler installs. I was happy to pay the $350 to get the software and adapter.

Now,not so much. I get little or nothing from Lochinvar in the way of support for the software. They just tell me, hey we are boiler tech help we can't help you with software. Never mind I bought it through them. I have three boilers that I really wanted to use this software with and I have had it for three months now and can't get it to communicate with the boiler. So if anyone has any input it would be greatly appreciated. Like I said no help from Lochinvar.

The run down. Windows Vista, Beklind com to usb adapter specifically one from the Lochinvar approved list. The boiler is in standby and the software is loaded. No connection at the bottom of the Smart system PC page. They sent me a list of patches and fixes but none of them have a description that fits the problem.

Kevin O. Pulver_2

Mine does the same thing Will

It says, "No connection"
I got a 9 pin serial port to USB adaptor from Radio Shack that Lochinvar said was the right one.
My local computer guy that built my laptop says everything he can see seems to be correct. Of course, I don't have a boiler in his shop to try it out when he can watch.
Wish I was more help. Tech support gave me the name of one guy there who is supposed to be the sharpest one on the software, but he doesn't call back. I Love the boiler, but I guess I can't set them up the way they want me to.
Kevin

Larry (from OSHA)

been there, done that

The problem is most likely the serial to usb adapter not being identified as the proper com port. I had the same issue and ended up ditching the adapter and plugging into an existing serial port on my computer. Hopefully, you will be lucky and have a serial port. Also, in the smart system program, on the initial screen, on top at the settings tab, there is a com port option. Make sure it is looking for the right one. (Mine is com 1, your's may differ). Don't give up. This program is really slick and you will be able to impress yourself, friends and family with your boiler magic, once you get connected.

Good luck.

Larry

Mark Eatherton

Uh huh...

I have a program for my PDA that likes to "PARK" itself on the same com port that the software likes to use. I have to disable it before the communication software can get a clear line to the chip on the boiler.... Almost drove my field tech crazy.

Ask for Charles at Lochinvar. He's the brains behind the box.

ME

Mark Biro

Knight software generally under-documented?

Your situation reminds me of sitting in a day-long Knight class, which was offered AFTER I had installed my boiler. :-)

It's hard for a tech to be able to answer all questions.
"I dunno" is a better answer than BS, though.
Aw, the guy did OK, but by the end of the day I thought that the factory would have done both him and us a time-saving favor by answering common questions ONE time, and putting it in print.

End of day: "On what versions of Windows does the software run?", I asked. Thinking maybe I could dedicate an ancient laptop to it.

XP he says.

Duh. Yeah, well, I know... but what about backward compatibility?

The factory did NOT document minimum requirements, as is usually done on software. (e.g. xxx Mb RAM, disk space, OS [as Win95, Win98, etc.]). Why do this secretive-looking -- or clueless -- stuff, like saying the connecting cable is not what it looks like (great!). Just document it for the grown-ups. (This week, while cleaning up, I proudly held up a home-brew null modem cable. Those were the days. Maybe.)

Kevin O. Pulver

Thanks ME and Larry,

I'll ask for Charles. Kevin was the guy they referred me to. My laptop doesn't even have a 9 pin serial port. My computer guy says they're basically obsolete because they transfer less information (or slower) and are not hot pluggable. I have about 4 or 5 USB ports. I've plugged the cable it into each of them in turn, and I've got on the screen and changed to each of the comports that way also- still nothing. I'll give Charles a try, If he'll even return a message, I'll give him high marks whether he can help me or not.
Kevin

Big Will

Nice to see

I am not alone in this. I am far from computer literate but I was beginning to think I was missing something simple. My brother in law is a tech guy for a local corp. I think my only hope at this point is to enlist him with a knight sitting in my van preinstall and see what he can do. His wife is about to have twins though so I really don't want to bother him. Yikes! I have a daughter and love her every minute but could not imagine having two of her at once. I might be over at his house anyway and not to mess with boiler software.

Mitch_4

try this

http://www.byterunner.com/byterunner/category=USB+to+Single+Serial+Adapters/exact_match=exact

Stirling Boston

Knight Software Help

Kevin,

I'm sorry to hear about your frustration. I have talked to Charles and he is more thatn willing to discuss this with you if you have a minute to give him a call.

615-889-8900 x 2112

Thank you for your business.

Stirling Boston
Marketing Manager
Lochinvar Corporation

mark schofield

pc card serial adaptor

When I got a newer Laptop to access Johnson Controls equipment, it didn't have the 9 pin port so I got a USB serial adaptor. It didn't work. So I got a PC card serial adaptor which solved the problem. I was told that it provided an actual com port, rather than a virtual one like the USB adaptor did.

Hvacman

This was going to be my comment... USB to Serial is an issue with many comm programs. BTW, Dell will give you anything you want on your laptop. Don't let folks tell you serial ports are no more, it was on the top of my list when I shopped for a new machine.

Maine Doug_71

I use a

USB to serial COM converter also. It converts communications from a software program that is expecting to talk to a serial com port. The cable I use to connect my Ham 2-meter radio to the laptop is USB.

I have found that I sometimes have to change the com port choice in the program and test it as it sometimes resets to a different number on the laptop. Could be 5 or 2 or other number and the only way I can tell is to try each one starting at 1. You may be seeing the same if you use a Com to USB software converter.

Big Will

Its a common problem

For me with building control systems. All the commercial buildings I work with use controls that are so old in a technological sense that it is scary. I have a building that was commissioned in 2001 and the new control system ran of a dial up modem with windows 1995. The guy who put it in had a old suitcase size laptop just for it. The way new computers recognize new hardware without prompting is great. It really makes me feel like I am being a whiner with something like this. I know it could be easy but its not.

Big Will

Thank you

I just ordered a wall mount 150 when it comes in I will put a pigtail on it and call. All the other ones are far from home where cell phone reception is poor and I have no Internet access.

Big Will

Kevin O. Pulver_2

Thanks Guys

I'll give Charles a go at my problem. I'll say it again, I would be happy if I never installed anything but the Knight. I love it. But in my limited computer knowledge, special ordering a lap top with a 9 pin serial port rather than USB is something like spec'ing your new Ferrari with an 8 track player in the dash. Maybe you could, but WHY?
Kevin

Hvacman

The why is because I do DDC controls all day, every day... I would hardly expect someone with limited use for a serial port to request one, my comment only suggested that serial ports are not dead... I could not easily survive without one.

Kevin O. Pulver_2

I understand Brian,

Thanks for the explanation. I have some old mechanic tools specifically for Flathead Ford V-8s. They're definitely obsolete, but are what you need when you're working on one. I guess it's the same thing.
Kevin

Big Will

ya they are all over it.

Hvacman

Flathead Fords... Now that's the discussion to have... I myself am a Buick man but am smitten by a local 36 Ford coupe with a bored and blown flattie... Now that it's warming outside we can all get the toys out!

Don_197

Go to the \"status\" page

Hi Guys,

I use this software all of the time, and I agree, a usb interface would make more sense.....but......I also work for a controls company that is state of the art contemporary stuff, and I bought an APT connector to interface with our controls modules last week, and I had to buy a usb to serial adapter for that as well......so even the state of the art software/hardware controls companies are still using serial connections (I'm thinking there must be a reason other than being outdated). Anyway.......a lot of the times when I first start the software, the first page will say "no connection" and then if you click on "status" at the top of the screen, the status page comes up with all the text in red, and then it connects and turns the text green. NOW if you go back to page one.....it says "connected" and the "data" text blinks on and off. Maybe you should try this next time bud.

Don Smet