Help me resolve this IRQ conflict - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

ratbastid · 12-01-2005, 09:53 AM

I'm trying to install an M-Audio UNO 1x1 USB MIDI interface to run MIDI in from my keyboard to my laptop. My MIDI host on my laptop will hear a second or so of input, then freeze up. If I don't hit any keys on the laptop for a couple seconds, I can get a few more notes through until it freezes up again. Lather, rinse, repeat. I get the same behavior in the (excellent!) MIDI diagnostic tool MIXI-OX.

I called up M-Audio, who had me look at my IRQ assignments. They're saying it's IRQ conflicts between my USB hosts and other things (most notably, the guy said, the video card) that's causing this problem. He says they see this all the time, especially with heavily-OEM'd laptops like my Toshiba.

Here's the IRQ list:
<img src="http://www.danray.net/irqs.PNG">

I've never had to deal with IRQs before. Any suggestions before I dive elbow-deep into the BIOS and start assigning IRQ slots willy nilly?

xepherys · 12-01-2005, 12:39 PM

Nothing looks out of the ordinary. One thing to try would be updated chipset drivers for whatever chipset your laptop uses. You can try getting the Toshiba drivers, if that doesn't work, get them directly from Intel or the chipset manufacturer (such as VIA).

It could also be conflicting memory assignments, but that's not nearly as likely. What version of XP are you running? Home/Pro? SP? I know, it's basic stuff, but it's easy to overlook sometimes. High IRQs (above 15 I believe) are not "user space" IRQs anyhow and usually cannot be changed even in the BIOS. Do you have more than one USB port? Have you tried other ports? Sometimes they are on different controllers and may be assigned different IRQs.

ratbastid · 12-01-2005, 01:55 PM

Sorry, this is XP Home SP2.

I tried all the USB ports, they all have the same behavior.

I agree, this is probably exactly as the unit shipped, the issue is that (according to M-Audio, mind) having my USB hosts sharing IRQs with things causes drop-outs.

I notice a lot of space in the IRQ asignments below 15. Think my BIOS would let me put the USB hosts there? Anything I need to know about that?

dksuddeth · 12-05-2005, 10:45 AM

don't change IRQ's via the bios, open up the properties sheet for your video and see if it will allow you to choose another IRQ

xepherys · 12-05-2005, 11:07 AM

What dk said...

Also, USB may not be assignable below 16. The original 15 IRQ settings are pretty specific to legacy hardware. This may not be the case, but I don't believe I've ever had IEEE1394 or USB controllers assigned below 16. *shrug*

12-01-2005, 09:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	Help me resolve this IRQ conflict I'm trying to install an M-Audio UNO 1x1 USB MIDI interface to run MIDI in from my keyboard to my laptop. My MIDI host on my laptop will hear a second or so of input, then freeze up. If I don't hit any keys on the laptop for a couple seconds, I can get a few more notes through until it freezes up again. Lather, rinse, repeat. I get the same behavior in the (excellent!) MIDI diagnostic tool MIXI-OX. I called up M-Audio, who had me look at my IRQ assignments. They're saying it's IRQ conflicts between my USB hosts and other things (most notably, the guy said, the video card) that's causing this problem. He says they see this all the time, especially with heavily-OEM'd laptops like my Toshiba. Here's the IRQ list: <img src="http://www.danray.net/irqs.PNG"> I've never had to deal with IRQs before. Any suggestions before I dive elbow-deep into the BIOS and start assigning IRQ slots willy nilly?

12-05-2005, 10:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
dksuddeth Junkie Location: bedford, tx	don't change IRQ's via the bios, open up the properties sheet for your video and see if it will allow you to choose another IRQ __________________ "no amount of force can control a free man, a man whose mind is free. No, not the rack, not fission bombs, not anything. You cannot conquer a free man; the most you can do is kill him."

12-01-2005, 12:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
xepherys <3 TFP Location: 17TLH2445607250	Nothing looks out of the ordinary. One thing to try would be updated chipset drivers for whatever chipset your laptop uses. You can try getting the Toshiba drivers, if that doesn't work, get them directly from Intel or the chipset manufacturer (such as VIA). It could also be conflicting memory assignments, but that's not nearly as likely. What version of XP are you running? Home/Pro? SP? I know, it's basic stuff, but it's easy to overlook sometimes. High IRQs (above 15 I believe) are not "user space" IRQs anyhow and usually cannot be changed even in the BIOS. Do you have more than one USB port? Have you tried other ports? Sometimes they are on different controllers and may be assigned different IRQs.

12-01-2005, 01:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	Sorry, this is XP Home SP2. I tried all the USB ports, they all have the same behavior. I agree, this is probably exactly as the unit shipped, the issue is that (according to M-Audio, mind) having my USB hosts sharing IRQs with things causes drop-outs. I notice a lot of space in the IRQ asignments below 15. Think my BIOS would let me put the USB hosts there? Anything I need to know about that?

12-05-2005, 11:07 AM	#5 (permalink)
xepherys <3 TFP Location: 17TLH2445607250	What dk said... Also, USB may not be assignable below 16. The original 15 IRQ settings are pretty specific to legacy hardware. This may not be the case, but I don't believe I've ever had IEEE1394 or USB controllers assigned below 16. shrug