I just got a used CNC machine with a TinyG V8 board. I have followed all the instructions, I have run the executable setup FTDI file, I have downloaded drivers and still nothing. When I connect the TinyG to the PC, it is not showing up as a COM port or an unknown device. What do I need to do?
Trouble Setting Up
From the original Synthetos forum (2011–2025)
All I can really discern so far is that you are a Windows user (reference to COM port).
Have you powered up tinyG? What leds are on, off or flashing?
If you are coming from another Arduino based environment (Uno, DUE, etc) be aware that tinyG is not powered via the USB cable.
Don't get lost in the info on tinyG FW download, etc, quite yet anyway.
The USB terminator on the tinyG, that manages USB details and should cause tinyG to appear as a COM port to your PC, is hardware, not FW on the tinyG device. All you should need to bring up the COM port on a Windows PC is a powered tinyG and a good USB cable.
Until you see the COM port on plugging in the tinyG USB cable, focus on the Windows machine - driver install.
If you have a Win10 machine around, try plugging tinyG into that to see if the COM port appears. To best of my recollection, Win10 was FTDI enabled out of the box.
I'll assume you have found the wiki at
The D2, D4 and D6 lights are flashing. I will try to connect it to a computer with Windows 10 tomorrow. Thanks for the help. I will let you know how it goes.
Flashing LEDs at least mean that tinyG is Powered.
The flashing LEDs likely mean you need to reload tinyG FW.
BUT, as I said earlier, tinyG FW is not required for a COM port to appear in Winx.
Get over that hurdle, then see whats what
This topic is from the original forum (February 2017). Your reply starts a new discussion linked to it.
Back to TinyG Support or latest activity.