I-Button and Parallel Port

jmr061 · Post by **jmr061** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:04 am

Okay I have a laptop without a parallel port on it. Has anyone used a usb to parallel port adapter successfully with an I-button for upgrading radios? If so, what adapter was it.

Im wondering if there are issues like CPS not working with usb to com port adapters.

Thanks

Jason

Bruce1807 · Post by **Bruce1807** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 12:53 pm

I tried 3 different ones then gave up.
I ended up just bringing my personel unit in to do the upgrades.
If things go haywire during a flash you will get a brick

Post by **xmo** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:35 pm

If you don't have a parallel port, you need a USB iButton reader.

When ordering flash kits and firmware upgrades, Motorola now asks which one you need, parallel or USB.

You can get a USB reader directly at:

http://www.maxim-ic.com/products/ibutto ... rs.cfm#USB

Or, you can order one from Motorola, part number DVN4181A, which may take some doing because it probably won't show up in a MOL search unless someone at Motorola sets it up for you as being authorized to order it.

Bruce1807 · Post by **Bruce1807** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:42 pm

Yep not on my MOL and Im a direct customer.
I have emailed my sales rep to find out what the story is.
Is it on the ECAT?

Einstein · Post by **Einstein** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:14 pm

I got a little bit of the run-around from Maxium when I ordered mine, they advised me that it would take 8-9 months for delivery.
I kept calling and making a so called nuisance, then low and behold it showed up in 4 weeks.

jmr061 · Post by **jmr061** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:30 pm

The reason I was asking is that I will be getting I-buttons from time to time and won't have a say so as to whether they are parallel or usb. I don't want to buy a new laptop just for those. I have a laptop with a serial and no parallel, ie a CF-18.

Jason

Post by **xmo** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 3:00 pm

You missed the point. iButtons themselves are neither parallel or USB, they are a one wire device that must be used with a reader.

The Motorola CPS supports parallel or USB iButton readers. Motorola supplies the buttons pre-installed in a reader type you specify when you order - but the button doesn't care what type of reader it is used with.

If you get a button that comes in a parallel port reader and you have no parallel port - there is no point to trying to get a USB to parallel adapter - just get a USB reader, pop the iButton out of the parallel reader and put it in the USB reader.

Bruce1807 · Post by **Bruce1807** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 6:07 pm

You mean to say they are not little batteries but ibuttons!
I'm gonna destroy one tomorrow.
I guess I just never paid any attention to it.

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:12 pm

That's why they call them iButtons.

Hey, what model iButton do Motorola use?

Post by **xmo** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:40 pm

DS1994L