MK1 update and emplode problems

After about 3 years I pulled out my MK1 and decided I was going to hook it back up and stop using CD's. So I went and downloaded the latest update and the latest version of emplode.

I can't get the empeg to update for some reason, its not finding it. But I think that might not be that big of a deal becuase its running version 2.0a3 beta. But when I try to load emplode it sticks and freezes on "getting visuals list".

anyone know why? The empeg will sit there and continue to play but randomly reboots while its trying to pull the visuals list.

2.0 beta 3? You may wish to try and load a more recent copy of the software. Have you tried upgrading to 2.0 final?

Yes, but it won't find my player and I got frustrated and quit trying. I guess the best thing to do would be just to use a different computer.

What is meant by a "null serial cable" I just went and bought a normal serial cable from radio shack.

Hmmm... That might be part of the problem. A null modem cable has the transmit and receive pins swapped along the length of the cable, so that the empeg's send connects to the PC's receive, etc. There are other pins changed, but those are the basic data ones.

If you just bought a straight cable (a default 9 pin serial), those pins are not switched and your empeg and computer will not be able to connect. You need the correct cable.

You might want to try this out as well - it is the FAQ entry for setting up and testing serial connections. This is probably your best first step: upgrade to 2.0 final developer version for the Empeg Mark1.

Edit: linked to appropriate binary...

You are correct. The serial cable isn't working. So I guess I need to go hunt down a "null" serial cable.. any ideas? Can you find them at computer stores or radio shack?

Radio shack should have them, but I would recommend calling ahead to make sure. A computer store would have them as well.

This would not immediately solve the problem with your player. Unfortunately, any debugging (through terminal or upgrade) would require the serial link first.

thanks for the help Paul. I've now got it upgraded and emplode is working right. Everything is good to go thanks to you (and my local radio shack

Cool!