Troubleshooting: Pack to Light

This guide outlines the essential steps to troubleshoot connectivity and operational issues with the ShipHero Attainable Automation Pack to Light system.

Ensure the Correct ShipHero Packing App Version

The Pack to Light functionality is only supported in the most recent versions of the ShipHero Packing App

Required Version (Windows): 0.7.4 (or potentially newer, confirm if necessary)

Reason: This version contains the necessary code to operate the Pack to Light hardware.

Best Practice for Installation:

1. Uninstall any existing versions of the ShipHero Packing App from the machine.
2. Navigate to app.shiphero.com in your web browser.

Download and Install the latest Packing App for Windows.

How to verify your Installation version

1. Open the ShipHero Packing App.
2. Navigate to Utilities in the top menu.
3. Select Pull Logs.

   

   A log file will open (or its location will be revealed). Review this log file; the version number is usually listed near the beginning.

   Open att_2_for_3858071610.png

   

   If the version is not visible in the log:
   
   

   • Close the log file and the Packing App.

   • Navigate to the folder where the logs are stored and delete the existing log file(s).

   • Relaunch the Packing App and log in.

   • Go back to Utilities > Pull Logs. A new log file should be generated containing the version number.

   If you are not running version 0.7.4 (or the confirmed required version), follow the installation steps above.

   2. Verify Required Driver Installation

   The Pack to Light system requires specific drivers to communicate with the packing station computer.

   • Require Driver: Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge

   •  

   • Driver Source:https://www.silabs.com/developer-tools/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers?tab=downloads

   Open att_1_for_3858071610.png

   

   
   
   

   Verification Steps:
   
   

   1. Connect the ShipHero Shield Hub to the packing station via USB. The lights on the Hub should begin "breathing" (cycling through colors).
      
      

   2. Open Device Manager on the Windows PC.
      
      

   3. Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section.
      
      

      Open att_6_for_3858071610.png

      

   4. Look for an entry named Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COM#). The COM# will vary.

      Open att_7_for_3858071610.png

      

   5. Optional: Right-click the device, select Properties, and check the Device status tab to ensure it reports "This device is working properly."

      Open att_3_for_3858071610.png

      

   If the driver is missing or showing an error, download and install it from the link above.\

   Check Hardware Connections (Lights)

   Correct physical wiring is crucial for the lights to function.

   • Hub Connection: Ensure the ShipHero Shield Hub is securely connected to the PC via USB (as verified in Step 2).
     
     

   • Light Daisy-Chaining:
     
     

   1. The first cable runs from the Hub to the INPUT port of the first light module in the chain.

   2. A second cable runs from the OUTPUT port of the first light module to the INPUT port of the second light module.

      Open att_11_for_3858071610.png

      

    

   Continue this pattern (OUTPUT of previous light to INPUT of next light) for all connected light modules.

   Open att_4_for_3858071610.png

   

   Ensure all connections are snug and that the IN/OUT sequence is correctly followed.
   
   

   4. Confirm Basic Operational Setup (Post-Troubleshooting)

   Once the drivers, app version, and hardware connections are verified, confirm the basic operational workflow:

   • Ensure your Pack to Light system is configured within ShipHero (e.g., force allocation barcodes/QR codes created, locations defined). This usually falls under the initial setup process.

   • Open the ShipHero Packing App.

   • Scan the appropriate QR code to associate the packing station with the correct location prefix (Force Allocation).

   • Open an order that requires picking from the Pack to Light locations.

   • The lights corresponding to the required product locations should illuminate.