No BASIC Stamps Found...

If you are on this page, you probably tried to download a program to your BASIC Stamp but got the "No BASIC Stamps found" message:

First, try these quick fixes:

• Loose connections: Double-check the connections between your computer and your programming cable, the Parallax USB to Serial Adapter if you are using one, and the development board.
• Misconnected BASIC Stamp: If you are using a Board of Education, double-check how to Insert the BASIC Stamp module in its socket.
• No power: double-check the power supply that you have connected to your board. (See Power Supplies for options). If your board has a power switch, make sure it is switched on and the power indicator is lit. If you are using a 9V battery, try a fresh one. If you are using a battery pack, make sure the batteries are all inserted into the pack correctly; try fresh batteries. If you are using a wall-mount supply, make sure the wall outlet is not turned off at a wall switch. If you have a voltmeter, use it to measure the voltage supplied by the battery pack or wall-mount to rule out defective power supply hardware.
• Software version: Make sure you are using the latest version of the BASIC Stamp Editor Software. You may check for a later version at www.parallax.com/basicstampsoftware.
• USB drivers: If you are using a Parallax USB connection, you may need to update your USB drivers. See the USB Drivers page for help.
• USB ports freeze after disconnecting from USB 3.0 port: USB 2.0 ports are recommended for BASIC Stamp boards. On some computers, the internal USB hub will freeze when disconnecting a USB 2.0 device from a USB 3.0 port. This may cause all USB ports on the computer to become unresponsive, requiring a reboot of the computer to remedy the situation. System updates from your computer manufacturer may correct the problem.USB 3.0 ports can sometimes be identified by a blue tab inside the socket.
  

• Beware of non-Parallax USB to Serial Adapters: Not every brand of USB to Serial Adapter supports the timing precision needed for BASIC Stamp programming. Some known-incompatible brands are Belkin and Gigaware. Keyspan #USA19-HS is known to be compatible. You can order an inexpensive Parallax USB to Serial Adapter (#28030) from www.parallax.com.

• If you have not done so already, try the Run/Identify Test.
• If you are using other terminal software to communicate with your BASIC Stamp, such as StampPlot, Parallax Serial Terminal, or Hyperterminal, it may be holding the port open. Disconnect the port in the terminal software.
• If you are using a USB connection, try adjusting your computer's Latency Timer Settings.
• If none of these things helped, Contact Parallax Tech Support for assistance.