For Models: X1-R, X1, V1-R, V1

USB Control

All Gen1 DynaMount models have the ability to be controlled using USB (as an alternative to Wi‑Fi) via our macOS and Windows apps.

There are some advantages to controlling over USB (virtually no latency, no Wi-Fi range/compatibility issues, etc.) but there are also some drawbacks (requires a cable, can’t control from your mobile device, etc.). This guide explains how to control your DynaMount using USB.

  • Make sure you have followed the steps in Hardware Setup, Create A Profile, and Adding A DynaMount To Your Profile.
  • Log in to your profile using the DynaMount macOS or Windows App (USB control is not available through iOS and Android).
  • Your DynaMount should now be powered on using the included 12V DC power adapter.
    • WARNING! Do not attempt to power your DynaMount using a USB cable only, it does not provide enough power and could cause damage to the device. Make sure you have the 12V DC power adapter plugged in.
  • Once the DynaMount finishes booting up, ensure that the LED on the unit is blinking blue.

    • For your DynaMount to be discovered via USB it must have a blinking blue LED.
    • If the LED is blinking green or breathing green, it is trying to connect via Wi-Fi. To erase all stored Wi-Fi credentials to return the device to a blinking blue LED, please hold the SETUP button with a pen/pencil for 5s then release it.
      • Tip! To control via USB without erasing any Wi-Fi credentials, simply reboot the DynaMount and then while it is booting up hold down the SETUP button with a pen/pencil. If it finishes booting up with the SETUP button still pressed, the LED will go to blinking blue without erasing any Wi-Fi credentials.

  • Plug a micro USB cable into your DynaMount.

  • For longer USB cable runs (20ft+), one option is to use USB 2.0 “active repeater” type cables. We have had success daisy-chaining multiple 50ft USB 2.0 active repeater cables for long range USB control.
  • Another good option is to use RJ45 to USB adapters. We have used these SIENOC adapters successfully with a 100ft Cat6 cable.

Plug In USB

  • WARNING! Use caution and avoid bumping or putting pressure on the USB connection when plugged in. It can be broken and USB will become unusable on your DynaMount.
  • Plug the other end of the USB cable into your computer.
    • macOS users can skip ahead to the next step, Windows users need to install device drivers (this only needs to be done once per computer). For Windows 10 users, drivers are usually installed automatically. If drivers are not successfully installed automatically or if you are on an older Windows version, here are the steps to install the drivers manually:
      1. Download the Windows drivers (DynaMount_Windows_Drivers.zip) HERE.
      2. Unzip the file. It is fine to unzip this into your Downloads folder.
      3. Plug the other end of the USB cable into your Windows computer.
      4. Your computer will automatically check for drivers, but will probably fail.
      5. Open up your computer’s Device Manager.
      6. Under “Other Devices” (or possibly “Ports” on Windows 10), right-click on “Photon with WiFi”.
      7. Select “Update Driver Software”.
      8. Select “Browse my computer for driver software”.
      9. Navigate to the unzipped drivers folder you downloaded and unzipped earlier.
      10. The driver is called “photon.cat”.
      11. It will prompt to install device software: Particle Ports by Spark Labs, Inc.
      12. Select “Install”.
      13. It should say “Windows has successfully updated your driver software” for this device: Photon
      14. Hit “Close”.
      15. In the Device Manager you should now see “Photon” under Ports
    • If you have a problem installing the drivers, you may have to temporarily disable the digitally signed driver enforcement policy. There are good instructions on that HERE.
  • Click the “🔍 USB” button in the app to scan for USB devices.
    Refresh USB
  • The device button will turn magenta, indicating that it has been discovered. (If it is not discovered, try clicking the button again, it may take a few tries.)

    • If the device button is not turning magenta, try hitting the “🔍 USB” button a few more times (it often takes several attempts). If that does not work, try unplugging the USB cable from the computer and plugging back in. Try “🔍 USB” a few more times and if still no luck, try unplugging the USB from the DynaMount and plugging back in then try again. 
    • Make sure you are plugged into a USB 2.0 port.
    • Try again using a different USB cable.
    • Still not showing up? Try bypassing any USB hubs and disconnect all other USB devices from your computer except the DynaMount.
    • As a last resort, try again from a different computer.


    USB Device Discovered

  • Click on the magenta device button to connect via USB. The LED on the DynaMount will turn magenta once connected.
    Magenta LED on DynaMount
  • The Control Gauges will load and adjust automatically depending on which model DynaMount is connected.
    USB Control Window
  • You are now able to control your DynaMount using the same interface as when controlling through Wi-Fi!