Unable to Connect to FRC roboRIO over USB

Updated May 14, 2018

Reported In

Hardware

  • roboRIO-FRC

Software

  • FRC Software

Issue Details

I'm participating in the FIRST Robotoics Competition (FRC), and I cannot connect to my roboRIO via the USB port. I am able to see the device when I connect via the Ethernet port.

Solution

In order to narrow down where the issue is occuring, try the following steps:
  1. Make sure you are connecting via the roboRIO's USB B ports, rather than one of the USB A ports.
  1. Try using a different USB cable. 
  2. Try connecting to a different computer.
  3. Check the device for physical damage (bent pins, loose column, etc.). If there is any damage, contact NI Support for next steps.
  4. If you have a spare roboRIO, try connecting to that device over its USB port. If you are unable to connect over USB to a second device, it may indicate there is an issue your computer's software. Try reinstalling this season's FRC software.
  5. Reload the firmware and reimage the device. If there is a software issue on the roboRIO, this should eliminate it.
If you have completed all of these steps and there is no change, it may be necessary to send your device in for repair. Contact NI Support for next steps.

Additional Information

Note: Reimaging the roboRIO over Ethernet is not usually recommended, but is possible. Ensure that connection is good before starting to reimage, and do not remove the connection before reimaging as finished.

USB A ports are typically used for "upstream" devices, while USB B ports are typically used for "downstream" devices.  Thus, the roboRIO's USB B port is the one configured to receive commands from a PC or laptop.

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