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Troubleshooting RF Modems

Check, configure and troubleshoot RF Modems

Updated over a month ago

Overview

We ship modems in pairs labeled with a letter followed by a 1 or 2 (e.g., U1/U2, X1/X2).

โœ… Modem #1 connects to the computer running the full version of Auction Flex and can be either a primary or secondary.
โœ… Modem #2 always connects to the clerking PC.

Important:

  • Plug the modems directly into the computerโ€™s USB port (avoid USB hubs).

  • Ensure both PCs are running the exact same version of Auction Flex.


Step 1: Check the Modem Lights

Refer to the modem LED indicators to determine the issue.

Light Pattern

Meaning / Next Steps

๐Ÿ”ด Single Red Light

Normal. Proceed to Step 2.

๐ŸŸข๐ŸŸข๐ŸŸข๐ŸŸข + ๐ŸŸ  4 Green & 1 Amber

Drivers are not installed or need reinstalling.

  • Click Install Drivers in the RFM Server (primary) or RF Modem Clerking window (secondary).

  • Follow the prompts.

  • If unsuccessful, try another USB port.

  • If you receive an error about a security settings blocking the installation, follow the steps here Driver Installation Error

๐ŸŸข๐ŸŸข๐ŸŸข 3 Green Lights

Power issue.

  • Try a different USB port.

  • Try plugging the modem into the wall using the AC adapter. If customer is using the ac adapter already, test without it plugged in


Step 2: Validate COM Port and Baud Rate

On both the RF Modem Server and RF Modem Clerking Software:

  1. Open Device Manager

  1. Locate:

    • Ports (COM & LPT).

3.You should see Digi USB Serial Port (COM#)โ€”note the COM port number.

4.Double-click the device name.

5.Go to the Port Settings tab.

Set bits per second to 115200

Note sometimes the device may say usb serial device and not digi usb serial port


Step 3: Configure the RFM Server (Primary or Secondary)

  1. Open the RFM Server window.

  2. Set COM Port:

    • Select the COM port number you noted earlier.

  3. Baud Rate:

    • Should be 115200 (adjust if needed).

  4. Auction Selection:

    • Confirm the correct auction is selected (top left corner).

  5. Starting the Server:

    • Click Start Server.

  6. Minimize the server window.



Step 4: Configure RF Modem Clerking Software (Clerking PC)

Note: You will need to open the RF Modem Clerking Software not the main Auction Flex program.

โœ… Finding the Software:

  • Installed automatically with Auction Flex.

  • Search "RF Modem Clerking Grid" in Windows Search.

  • Pin to Taskbar or create a Desktop shortcut.


โœ… Setup Steps:

  1. Open RF Modem Clerking Software.

  2. Repeat Step 2 to check the COM port and baud rate.

    • Itโ€™s OK if this COM number differs from the primary PC.

  3. Set COM Port and Baud Rate:

    • COM Port: As found in Device Manager.

    • Baud Rate: 115200

    • Timeout: Leave at 5.

  4. Set Workstation Number:

    • Rf stations are considered workstations and need to be numbered on conjunction with their activation key.

  5. Test Connection:

    • Click Test Connection.

    • Look for results like 17 Good / 0 Bad.

    • Slightly lower counts (17 Good, etc.) are acceptable.

  6. Begin Clerking:

    • Click the Clerk button when connection is verified.



Step 5: Additional Troubleshooting

If the modems still do not function:

  • โœ… Try a different USB port.

  • โœ… Try another USB cord.

  • โœ… Check antennas for tight connection or visible damage.

If all else fails:

  • Make sure the antennas are facing upward, do not feel loose or floppy and show no signs of damage or corrosion around the base.

  • Return for testing.

  • Important: Include modems, USB cords, and antennas.

  • Do this only after confirming all troubleshooting steps have been completed and consulting with a supervisor, to avoid unnecessary delays and costs.

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