Serial port? How do I download images from the camera if my mouse is using the serial port?

The "Camera not connected" error message indicates a communications problem in the serial port connection between the camera and the computer. Simply put, the computer cannot find the camera it is being asked to connect with. Whenever an external device (digital camera, scanner, Palm Pilot, etc.) is connected to a computer through its serial port, a communications error is possible. There is usually no single "most likely" reason for the conflict -- it could be a hardware issue as easily as it could be a software issue.

Downloading images from a digital camera can be very easy if you keep these basic steps in mind. After loading the PhotoMax software on your computer: 1. Make sure that both the camera and computer are turned off. 2. Confirm that the camera has adequate power (using the AC adapter is recommended; otherwise, make sure that there are fresh batteries in the camera). 3. Plug the serial cable that came with your camera into the serial output of the camera. 4. Plug the wide end of the serial cable into the COM port (serial connection) of the computer. 5. Turn the camera on and start the computer. 6. Launch the PhotoMax software (double-click the icon) from the desktop. 7. Click on Get Photo. 8. Click on Album or Camera. 9. Select Twain device from the Acquire From box and click OK. 10. Select your camera from the Select Source box. 11. Click the Acquire icon: (Thumbnails will be displayed). 12. Select images you wish to save from the thumbnails and click on Get Photos. Your images will now be saved to the album you choose.

The Polaroid PDC 640 digital camera connects to an available 9-pin serial port only -- it does not support the use of a USB/serial converter. However, you can use a SmartMedia Card Reader with the camera's reremovable memory to download the images via the USB port to your computer.

The "Connection failed" error message indicates a communications problem in the serial port connection between the camera and the computer. Simply put, the computer cannot find the camera it is being asked to connect with. Whenever an external device (digital camera, scanner, Palm Pilot, etc.) is connected to a computer through its serial port, a communications error is possible. There is usually no single "most likely" reason for the conflict -- it could be a hardware issue as easily as it could be a software issue.

There are two basic ways to work around this situation: * Use a PS/2 mouse instead of a serial mouse. Using a PS/2 mouse will free up your serial port so that you can connect the camera to the computer. Check the computer's documentation to see if this type of mouse is available for your system. * Enable MouseKeys on your computer. MouseKeys allows you to use the numeric keypad to move the mouse pointer and to click, double-click and drag. After enabling MouseKeys, you can disconnect the serial mouse and connect the camera to the computer. Click Here to see an animated demonstration, or follow the instructions below. To enable MouseKeys: 1. From the Windows toolbar, select Start > Settings > Control Panels. 2. Double-click the Accessibility Options icon. 3. Select the Mouse tab. 4. Select Use MouseKeys and change settings, if desired. 5. Click OK.

There are two basic ways to work around this situation: * Use a PS/2 mouse instead of a serial mouse. Using a PS/2 mouse will free up your serial port so that you can connect the camera to the computer. Check the computer's documentation to see if this type of mouse is available for your system. * Enable MouseKeys on your computer. MouseKeys allows you to use the numeric keypad to move the mouse pointer and to click, double-click and drag. After enabling MouseKeys, you can disconnect the serial mouse and connect the camera to the computer. Click Here to see an animated demonstration, or follow the instructions below. To enable MouseKeys: 1. From the Windows toolbar, select Start > Settings > Control Panels. 2. Double-click the Accessibility Options icon. 3. Select the Mouse tab. 4. Select Use MouseKeys and change settings, if desired. 5. Click OK.

Yes and no. Although you cannot directly attach the camera to a USB port, you can purchase an Olympus USB SmartMedia Reader that will facilitate the transfer of images via a USB port. For details and system requirements visit our webpage at: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_acc.asp?val1=1&accessory=4

Yes and no. Although you cannot directly attach the camera to a USB port, you can purchase an Olympus USB SmartMedia Reader that will facilitate the transfer of images via a USB port. For details and system requirements visit our webpage at: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_acc.asp?val1=1&accessory=4

Yes and no. Although you cannot directly attach the camera to a USB port, you can purchase an Olympus USB SmartMedia Reader that will facilitate the transfer of images via a USB port. For details and system requirements visit our webpage at: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_acc.asp?val1=1&accessory=4

As long as the camera is taking pictures and playing back the pictures on its LCD, most of time the camera is OK. Serial communication port of Digital Camera is rarely damaged. If you are using Windows '95, there is a way of verifying the serial communication port. Following are the instructions: a. Open Control Panel from the Start/Settings menu. Double-click Accessibility options, then go to Mouse and activate mouse keys. This feature enables you to use the numeric keypad to move the mouse pointer. (For details please refer to the Help index of Windows 95) b. Turn off the PC and the Digital camera. Remove the Serial mouse from 9 pin connector, then connect Data transfer cable to the 9 pin connector and the other end of cable connect to the Digital camera. Turn ON the PC and the Digital camera. From this point the numeric keypad can be used for Mouse functions. Start the FUJI data transfer software, select COM 1 from the Communication ports within the "Communications Settings" item of the "Camera" Menu. c. Go to "Get images from Camera" of the "Camera" Menu. If you get a blank thumbnail, your Digital camera is communicating to the PC. To receive thumbnails of all pictures go to "Edit", go to "Select All", then click the 3rd Icon from the left. Progressive indicator shows "Receiving thumbnails". In this case the Camera is OK, and the problem is other than with the Digital camera.