You can only test ONE CABLE at a time

====== Step 1 - CHIP TEST ======

Plug in the cable into your computer (we will use Windows)

Go to the Device Manager (From the **Start Menu**, select **Settings->Control Panel**. Double click on **System** and select the **Hardware** tab. Then click on the **Device Manager** button) 

{{http://www.ladyada.net/images/arduino/devicemanager.jpg}}

When plugging in a USB cable, the window will refresh and you will see **USB Serial Port (COMx)** 

If the new COM port doesn't show up, there is a problem with the cable

====== Step 2 - VOLTAGE TEST ======

This is the end of your FTDI Cable

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We added breakout wires to make it easy to measure voltages

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Test voltage between black and red wires - it must be 5V

{{:ftdi:5vtest.jpg|}}

Test voltage between black and orange wires - it must be 3.3V (NOT 5V)

{{:ftdi:vcciotest.jpg|}}

If test voltages are not 5V and 3.3V, the cable is bad

====== Install software ======

Download X-CTU: http://ftp1.digi.com/support/utilities/40002637_c.exe

Install software

Start up software

{{:ftdi:xctucom.gif|}}

Select the COM port that says **USB SERIAL PORT**

{{:ftdi:xctuterm.gif|}}

Click on **TERMINAL** tab

====== STEP 3: Test RX and TX ======

===== Test TX is not shorted to RX =====

FTDI cable has nothing attached to it

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Type text into terminal window. All text should be blue. If red text appears, the cable is bad.

{{:ftdi:txshorttest.gif|}}

When done, click **Clear Screen**

===== Test RX and TX =====

Connect 100 ohm resistor between orange and yellow wires

{{:ftdi:rxtx.jpg|}}

Type text into terminal window, all characters will appear in blue AND red

{{:ftdi:xcturxtx.gif|}}

If red text does not appear, cable is bad

====== STEP 4: Test CTS ======

We will test the CTS pin. Connect 100 ohm resistor between brown and red wires

{{:ftdi:ctshigh.jpg?500|}}

On terminal, **CTS** box is black. If it is not black, cable is bad.

{{:ftdi:xctuctshigh.gif|}}

Now connect 100 ohm resistor between brown and black wires

{{:ftdi:ctslow.jpg?500|}}

On terminal, **CTS** box is green. If it is not green, cable is bad.

{{:ftdi:xctuctslow.gif|}}

====== STEP 5: Test RTS ======
===== RTS short test =====

FTDI cable has nothing attached to it

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Look at window, make sure RTS box is clicked and CTS is BLACK. If CTS is green, cable is bad

{{:ftdi:rtsshorttest.gif|}}

===== RTS function test =====

Put 100 ohm resistor between Green and Brown wires

{{:ftdi:ctsrts.jpg?500|}}

When RTS box is clicked, CTS box is GREEN

{{:ftdi:rtshigh.gif|}}

When RTS box is not clicked, CTS box is BLACK

{{:ftdi:rtslow.gif|}}

If CTS box does not change color from black to green , cable is bad

===== Quit software =====

After each cable, quit software then unplug cable