I connected my Ping360 sonar as shown in the image. Apart from the VCC and GND cables from the sonar, I plugged the remaining data cable into one of the two ports on the JST-GH to USB Adapter (Interface Board). I then connected the USB cable to the other port on the adapter to complete the setup.
From my research, this adapter is designed to convert the Ping360’s data cable (with a JST-GH connector) to USB, allowing communication between the sonar and a computer via USB. After making these connections, I plugged the USB into my computer.
Prior to this, I downloaded and installed the Ping-Viewer software to visualize scans from my Ping360. Following the official Blue Robotics instructions:
- Launch Ping-Viewer
- Select the Ping360 from the Device Manager list
- The sonar should automatically start scanning and displaying
However, my computer does not list the device under Ports (COM & LPT) in Device Manager - the USB device doesn’t appear as a COM port at all. Additionally, the Ping-Viewer software does not detect the sonar.
Question:
I did not supply external power to the sonar during this process. Could this be why the device fails to appear as a COM port? Or might there be another issue with the connection/adapter? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!Thanks.
Also;
I have connected my Ping360 sonar as shown in the attached images. The photos demonstrate:
- The physical connections (VCC, GND, and data cable to JST-GH to USB Adapter)
- The contents of the “Ports (COM & LPT)” section in Device Manager (showing no COM port detected)
- The Ping-Viewer software displaying “No devices detected”
- The sonar device not appearing in Ping-Viewer
From my research, this adapter should convert the Ping360’s JST-GH data cable to USB for communication. However:
- The device doesn’t appear under Ports (COM & LPT) in Device Manager
- Windows shows no “new device detected” notification
- Ping-Viewer fails to recognize the sonar
- The adapter’s power LED is on (confirming power)
Key Observations:
USB cable works with other devices
Tried multiple USB ports
Adapter appears to receive power
No COM port detection
No driver installation prompts
Questions:
- Could the lack of external power to the sonar cause this complete detection failure?
- Should the adapter appear in Device Manager even without sonar power?
- Are there specific drivers required beyond what Windows auto-installs?
The visual evidence confirms the detection issues at both hardware and software levels. Any troubleshooting guidance would be greatly appreciated.Thanks.