# Testing the Connection

At this point, you should have:

- your BASIC Stamp on your development board (either built-in or inserted into its socket),
- your development board connected to your computer,
- power connected to your development board (and turned on if there is a switch).

- If not, go back to "Identify your Board" with the PREVIOUS arrow, make those connections, then return here.

## The Run/Identify Test

- To make sure your BASIC Stamp module can communicate with your computer, click the Run menu, then select Identify.

- Or, you can use the ID icon on the toolbar:

An identification window will appear similar to the one shown here. This example shows that a BASIC Stamp 2 has been detected on COM5.

- Check the Identification window to make sure your BASIC Stamp module has been detected on one of the COM ports. If it has been detected, then you are ready to program your BASIC Stamp.

- Click the NEXT arrow at the top or bottom of the page.

## What if it didn't work?

If the Run -> Identify test DID NOT locate the BASIC Stamp on any COM port, you will need to go to the Troubleshooting section.

## Bookmark This Page First!

First, let's add this page to your "Favorites" list so you can find your way back here easily when you're done exploring.

- Click on the Favorites icon on the BASIC Stamp Help toolbar.

Later, when you want to return to this page, you can click on the Favorites menu in the lower left of the window:

...and then click on "Testing the Connection" in the Favorite Topics list to return to this page.

- Now, click on this Connection Troubleshooting link.

Go to Welcome page

BASIC Stamp Help Version 2.5.4

Copyright © Parallax Inc.

8/8/2012