Possible Causes of Communication Problems

If you are unable to launch MUS successfully you will get the following screen:

There are a wide variety of reasons you may be receiving this error:

MicroScribe MX Products

MicroScribe G2 Products

MicroScribe 3D Products

MicroScribe MX products

1. The MicroScribe is not powered on. Check to be sure the power supply is plugged firmly into a wall socket. The MicroScribe MX products cannot be powered from the USB cable alone. MicroScribe MX series devices use a 9 volt/2.5 amp power supply. Before attaching a power supply, confirm that it is the correct one for your system. Power supplies for some laptop computers and other devices have similarly configured power plugs and may provide higher voltages that will damage your MicroScribe MX if inadvertently connected.
   
   
2. Improperly connected USB cable Check that an appropriate USB cable is in use and is attached securely to both the computer and the MicroScribe, and that the MicroScribe is receiving power via the power supply.
   
   
3. The MicroScribe system is already in use by another application. Make sure the MicroScribe system is disconnected inside of any other program that may use it. Try closing any program that could be using the MicroScribe device.
   
   
4. The Device Status LED on the base will indicate why the MicroScribe is not connecting to MUS:
   
   
   • OFF - Off: The MicroScribe is not powered through the external power supply.
   • RED (Flashing) - Powered: The MicroScribe is not "homed" and not communicating with the PC.
   • RED - Not Homed: The MicroScribe is communicating with the PC but has not been "homed."
   • GREEN (Flashing) - Connection lost: The MicroScribe has been "homed," but is not communicating with the PC.
   • GREEN - Normal operation: the device has been "homed" and is communicating with the PC.
   • RED or GREEN (Rapid Flashing) - Low battery or power: The voltage supply to the unit is low and should be replaced immediately
     
     

MicroScribe G2 products

1. The MicroScribe is not powered on. MicroScribe G2 series devices accept power through the USB connection or a separate external power supply. If you are using the external power supply, check to be sure it is plugged firmly into a wall socket. MicroScribe G2 series devices use a 5v/2A power supply. Before attaching a power supply, confirm that it is the correct one for your system. Power supplies for external speakers often have similar sized power plugs and provide higher voltages that will damage your MicroScribe G2 if inadvertently connected. If using the USB connection only to power the MicroScribe, check to make sure that the computer has not entered a hibernation or power conservation mode that shuts off power to the USB port.
   
   
2. The Device Status LED on the base will indicate why the MicroScribe is not connecting to MUS:
   
   
   • OFF - Off: The MicroScribe is not powered through the external power supply.
   • RED (Flashing) - Powered: The MicroScribe is not "homed" and not communicating with the PC.
   • RED - Not Homed: The MicroScribe is communicating with the PC but has not been "homed."
   • GREEN (Flashing) - Connection lost: The MicroScribe has been "homed," but is not communicating with the PC.
   • GREEN - Normal operation: the device has been "homed" and is communicating with the PC.
     
     
3. Turn Standby off on the host machine to avoid losing connection to the MicroScribe. If you are using an un-powered USB hub, it may be necessary to connect the power supply in addition to the USB cable and input device (pedal or hand switch). If you are still unable to connect to MUS check the following: 
   • The power supply is plugged firmly into a wall socket.
   • The MicroScribe is connected to a port on the back of the computer. Be sure the USB or serial cable running from the back of the MicroScribe is plugged into the appropriate port on your computer.
   • The MicroScribe is not currently being used by another program. Shut down the other application, then try starting MUS again.
   • The serial, USB or power cables have not become loosened. Check to be sure all the cables are plugged firmly into the appropriate ports.
   • The port you are using is available and not in use by another application or non-existent.
     
     

MicroScribe 3D Products

1. The MicroScribe is not powered on. Check to be sure the power supply is plugged firmly into a wall socket and the device power switch is in the on position; make sure the green light on the base is illuminated. MicroScribe 3D series devices use a 5v/2A power supply. Before attaching a power supply, confirm that it is the correct one for your system. Power supplies for external speakers often have similar sized power plugs and provide higher voltages that willdamage your MicroScribe 3D if inadvertently connected.
   
   
2. The Device Status LED on the base indicates if the device is powered:
   
   
   • OFF - Off: The MicroScribe is not powered through the external power supply or the device power switch is in the off position.
   • GREEN - The device has power and the automatic power-on homing procedure has been completed.
     
     
3. The MicroScribe is not connected to a serial port on the back of the computer. Be sure the serial cable running from the back of the MicroScribe is plugged into the appropriate COM port on your computer.
   
   
4. The MicroScribe is currently being used by another program. Shut down the other application, then try starting MUS again.
   
   
5. The serial or power cables have become loosened. Check to be sure all the cables are plugged firmly into the appropriate ports.
   
   
6. The serial port you are using is not available because it is in use by another application, there is an IRQ conflict with another port, or does not exist.