SDS100/SDS200: SDS 200 ethernet connection is spotty

[burgus]

The ethernet connection is hit and miss. I've tried different cables and different switches. It does not connect to my network nor does the connection lights come on. It was working for 9 months. Suddenly it has a mind of its own on making a connection.
Any troubleshooting tips?

Mark

 

[dave3825]

What software are you trying to use?

 

[nessnet]

No Ethernet connect lights means either the cable, or the RJ-45 itself is bad.
I'd bet it is the physical connection somewhere....

 

[KevinC]

No Ethernet connect lights means either the cable, or the RJ-45 itself is bad.
I'd bet it is the physical connection somewhere....

Or the port got turned off.

 

[burgus]

Software isn't a concern at this point. But I use proscan of course.
The switch is 1 foot away from the scanner. And I've tried different cables. I went into the setting and changed IP address with no luck.
And this morning, it was back on. Makes it hard to trouble shoot.

Mark

 

[dave3825]

When it's working properly, the orange light confirms the link and the green flashes when data is transmitting. A while back I had to wiggle my cable around to get the connection to work and it was a bad cable.

Inside the connector on the 200 there are 8 pins. Do they all look to be the same height? Do they all look clean?

 

[buddrousa]

My SDS200 has been plugged up a running on my network from day 1 and I was an early adapter that got the scanner in the 1st batch shipped. As stated above are the 8 pins in the scanner shinny? You can plug and unplug several times to kind of clean then they are easy to bend and get out of alinement so be careful sticking anything else in the jack.

 

[burgus]

Been working on and networking computers since 1979. I changed the cable for a new one. I make my own pigtails. Only 4 wires are used out of the 8 in the bundle. I've cleaned the socket with electrical cleaner. I've wiggled and prayed.
I was hoping it was something software controlled. I'm sure I have ruled out wiring and switches. I would like to rule out everything before I call tech support. I really don't want to send it in and get someone else's problem in exchange.

Mark

 

[nessnet]

Or the port got turned off.

I suppose since it is an SDS, it's possible ...

Been working on and networking computers since 1979. I changed the cable for a new one. I make my own pigtails. Only 4 wires are used out of the 8 in the bundle. I've cleaned the socket with electrical cleaner. I've wiggled and prayed.
I was hoping it was something software controlled. I'm sure I have ruled out wiring and switches. I would like to rule out everything before I call tech support. I really don't want to send it in and get someone else's problem in exchange.

Mark

Out of curiosity - why just 4?
Isn't it just as easy to crimp all 8 - assuming you are using CAT5/6...
I also have been in networking for decades and I have pulled my hair out troubleshooting for hours - only to find a bad RJ-45.

 

[donc13]

As usual, try a new SD card. Spotty or bad cards can cause all kinds of havoc.

 

[buddrousa]

If 1 of my IT Techs used only 4 of 8 wires they would be looking for a new job. The twist may also help in shielding that is why it is used.

 

[nessnet]

If 1 of my IT Techs used only 4 of 8 wires they would be looking for a new job. The twist may also help in shielding that is why it is used.

It's called "twisted pair" for a reason......

 

[nessnet]

As usual, try a new SD card. Spotty or bad cards can cause all kinds of havoc.

***Disclamer: This is a joke...***

The old SD card advice.
Kinda like Microsoft (accented English) always telling people to "re-install Windows"...

 

[dave3825]

Could also be something wrong on the inside of the lan jack where it connects to the circuit board. Maybe like a csj. @ OP, does your scanner stay on all the time or is it turned off when not in use?

 

[BinaryMode]

What kind of switch? Is that suspect?

I went into the setting and changed IP address with no luck

The IP address was able to be changed? Or wasn't? I'm assuming the IP address could be changed just still didn't get a connection after the IP address was changed.

I'd isolate from the switch or other stuff like routers and plug directly into a computer and see what happens.

They do sell network testers...

https://www.amazon.com/Ethernet-Connections-Klein-Tools-VDV526-200/dp/B0925826M2

Klein Tools Cable Tester Kit with Scout Pro 3 Tester, Remotes, Adapter, Battery VDV501-851 - The Home Depot

The Scout Pro 3 Tester Starter Kit is a versatile cable tester that locates and tests voice, data and video cables. Identify multiple cable runs with included location mapping remotes. This kit verifies

www.homedepot.com

 

[burgus]

Nit-picking my post isn't helping me at all. Of course, I use all 8 wires. I've been doing networking longer than most of you have been alive.
I'll try a new network card.
Still doesn't connect straight to a computer.
I was able to change the IP address.
The crazy thing is that it comes on all by it's self. And then it stops. Sometimes right away. Sometimes it works for hours?????

 

[wtp]

i think the average age here is just about retirement age.
you must have started networking early.
not trying to be picky, trying to be funny.
i was going to say build up on the connections, but i see you did clean them.
wi-fi computer and not a usb wi-fi card thing right ?

 

[dave3825]

I'll try a new network card.

Before you do a new network card, have you tried plugging directly into your router?

I use this on my 200 which eliminates cables and network cards.

https://www.amazon.com/Vonets-VAP11G-300-Wireless-Multi-Functional-Amplifier/dp/B014SK2H6W/?th=1

 

[buddrousa]

I am 66 years old and and I have a 386 DOS 6.0 PC that I have running on my NETWORK just for Giggles.
I am not your PLUG AND PLAY PERSON.

 

[burgus]

wi-fi computer and not a usb wi-fi card thing right ?
Everything is cabled.

Mark