We are having repeated problems using the REV Hardware Client to configure newly purchased Spark Max controllers. After a machine is rebooted, it will connect to a controller and allow a firmware update and burning of configuration. When another new controller is connected, the Client will see it (sometimes after restarting the Client), but no information about the controller is available and there is no way to configure it or update the firmware. (See the attached screenshot). The Client will not connect to any ther controllers (including thosed with updated firmware) until you restart the computer (and sometimes not then). We’ve tried this on 4 different computers (all running up to date versions of Windows 10).
We’ve always had to fight the REV Hardware Client, but have always been able to get it to work. But, no joy this year after about 4 hours of fruitless efforts. Perhaps we are missing something obvious. Suggestions appreciated.
We just went through and updated firmware and set CAN IDs yesterday. We had to close out of the client and reopen each time we connected to a new motor controller. Agreed its always a bit of a fight, this year has been rough.
I encountered this yesterday. Switching to a different USB port on the computer allowed me to see the SparkMax that previously wouldn’t show up. I don’t have any idea what is wrong with the REV client that makes it behave this way, but for me that was a sufficient workaround. The client seems to be very finicky about motor controllers that have not had their firmware updated and an initial ID set.
I’ve always had to unplug and replug the USB cable on either the controller side or the computer side to get the hardware client to pick up stuff. It’s always been finicky for me.
If none of the unplug/replug and close/open client solutions work, there is always recovery mode. Hold down the mode button while unplugged and while holding, connect the USB.
Brand new Spark Flex and new Spark MAX out of box failing to respond properly to a USB update.
I can see the the Flex in USB Recovery mode, is able to write new firmware, but then doesn’t show up as a device when scanning (after unplug/replugging again).
This is acting like a firmware problem.
I’m using a Windows 11 laptop with all updates and a fresh install if REV Hardware Client 1.7.0 and latest Spark Flex and Spark MAX firmware.
REV Support responded quickly and sent a script file with instructions.
It appears they were already working on the issue, and their fix resolved the problem.
We are having issues with 2 computers working to see Spark Max controllers and 2 computers won’t see the spark max controllers. All have Hardware Client 1.7.0 All computers have windows versions that should work without issue. Only thing I can see when I plug into computer that works I see both a USB Composite Device and Universal Serial Bus Device Spark Max that shows up and on computer that dont’ work only the USB Composite Device shows up. Tried re-installing hardware client and no change. LED pattern is no different between working / not working connection. We are just using the two computers that work. We are pretty familiar with the plug / replug and restarting hardware client fixes but this is something different. For a team that is stuck not being able to see the Spark Max please try another computer after first few tries.
It’s probably best to reach out to Rev directly for support. Since youre responding to a comment from 6 weeks ago that mentioned Rev was already working on a fix, it’s very likely that the fix was already released. If so, your issue may be different (and the script may not work for you), or its possible the released fix didnt cover all cases (and Rev should definitely be made aware)
They sent me a script called “ClearSparkUsbState.cmd” that edits the registry. So it was a laptop issue and not a Spark Max issue.
I’d suggest contacting REV support as @Fletch1373 said. They got back to me very quickly. I don’t recall the REV Hardware Client version I was using at the time.
