[Solved] Spark Core Serial connection impossible - Windows 10

Troubleshooting
1

Hi there,

I’m having real issues to connect the Spark Core to my computer. More precisely, using the Serial cannot be done. I tried to followed every tutorials I could find on the doc and this forum and it’s still impossible communicate via serial (so obviously configure the wifi).

I can put the Core in DFU mode and update it, working. When I type the commands particle serial list, it found 1 device connected via serial, COM3 - Core. When I do any other configurations, it’s always end up with a Error Opening COM3 - Access denied.

My first guess was the Serial port is opened somewhere else; The software processxp (or any other serial monitor) find it busy.

Do you have a clue why it behave like that ?

2

I realize that this doesn’t actually solve your problem, but I was able to use a Core in serial mode with Windows 10. The Core is in listening mode (blinking dark blue).

core.jpg1024×768 229 KB

It should work. I suspect that some program is taking over the serial port, but I’m not sure which one that would be, unfortunately.

3

Did you make sure to install the serial drivers?
Would you mind trying a different USB cable and/or port (specifically, try a USB 2 instead of USB 3, if possible)?

4

I to update with the old drivers and the news : same problem. At the beginning I was suspecting a USB controller issue, I tried also with external USB hub (USB 2 and 3), didn’t solve the problem.

Actually the Core is working on a MacOSX computer…

@rickkas7: What do you see under Spark Core (COM5) > Properties > Details > Service.

5

This is what I have for Details - Service (working, Core, Windows 10):

driver_service.png776×568 32.2 KB

And Driver File Details:

driver_details.png840×561 47.8 KB

6

I have the same informations (and same versions) so the problem does not come from the drivers.

Factor reset won’t help

7

Ok after two days of investigation I might have solve it. I describe the procedure here.

Procedure :

  1. Open a command prompt and type : set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
  2. Open Device manager and check View > Show Hidden devices
  3. Under the Ports section, uninstall all (hidden) devices related to Spark Core
  4. Reboot and re-connect the Spark Core. Windows 10 don’t need any drivers so it should work ! (device should be names : “SparkCore with Wifi (COM3)”)
  5. Breath

Thanks for your help !

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