Device Detection and Communication
The software update application has been designed to operate without needing to change any of your system's settings.
Use the following steps only if you are experiencing any difficulties updating your defibrillator:
"All ports are busy" message (LIFEPAK 500: DB9 to QUIK-COMBO® serial cable)
- Ensure all COM ports have been enabled using Device Manager. To get to Device Manager:
- Right click on MY COMPUTER
- Click on HARDWARE
- When you click on Device Manager, you should see a screen like this showing you the COM port is enabled:
- Determine what program is utilizing port (examples are HotSync, ActiveSync, HyperTerm, CODE-STAT™ data review software or LIFENET® DT Express data transfer software). At least temporarily disable that program.
- Use a USB to QUIK-COMBO (LIFEPAK 500 - 9 pin serial).
Cannot detect device?
Have you selected the appropriate cable type?
How can I tell what cable type my computer will take?
The LIFEPAK 500 AED update kit is available with two different communication cables.
The DB-9 or Serial port is found on the rear of the computer and looks like this:
The background of the connector area is sometimes teal in color.
The USB connector can be found in a variety of places. Older systems will only have them on the rear of the computer and newer ones will have them placed in the rear, in the front, and in some cases on the side of the monitor. The port looks like this:
Please note the tri-fork symbol to the right side of the picture will typically be found near this port.
IMPORTANT!!!
If you purchase a serial cable but your computer does not have a serial port, we do not recommend and cannot guarantee that a serial to USB converter will work. We recommend that you purchase the USB cable instead.
For the LIFEPAK 500 AED, the following cables can be used:
- RS-232 serial DB9 cable 9 pin serial — with a list price of $50.00
This cable can be ordered by calling Physio-Control Tech Support at 800.442.1142, option 6
- USB cable — With a list price of $150.00
This cable can be ordered by calling Physio-Control and asking for Catalog# 11996-000252.
During the update process to update your defibrillator, you will see a screen similar to this, select the correct cable.
Suspect COM port issue
To Test a COM port:
- Click on START
- Click on ACCESSORIES
- Click on COMMUNICATIONS
- Click on HYPER TERMINAL
NOTE: Do not set HyperTerminal as your default telnet program, click on NO:
When this screen pops up, just type in 'test', then click OK:
This will bring up the following screen:
Select your COM port — in this case it would be COM3 or COM1.
Hit OK, and then OK again.
A screen should appear with a flashing cursor in the upper left hand corner that indicates a connection and a changing time stamp in the lower left of the window (see example below). In the window, you may also see 'ATE0V1' repeated.
If this comes up, your COM port is active.
When you close this session out, it will ask you if you want to save the connection, click on NO — you do not want to save this connection.
You can do this for each COM port as a good test to make sure the COM ports are active.
If the computer has an inoperable serial port, call your IT personnel.
USB connection troubleshooting information
If using the
USB cable and the software does not recognize the device, contact Physio-Control Technical Support at 1-800-442-1142 option 5, option 1.
User doesn't have cable or cable is lost
Determine device type, and available connection:
- LIFEPAK 500/DB9: Catalog# 11230-000001
- LIFEPAK 500/USB: Catalog# 11996-000252
Call Physio-Control Customer Service at 800-442-1142, option 6, option 1 to order a cable.
If your issues are not covered above, please call Physio-Control Tech Support at 1-800-442-1142 option 5, option 1.