Problem setting up com port in DirectSoft

[rwy34ils]

I am installing DirectSoft Ver 5 (Direct Logic) in my new laptop. When I go to set up the communications link between the laptop and the PLC, the list only shows COM 1 and COM 2 as available choices for serial communications. My old laptop shows COM 1 to 4.

I am using the same installation CD as I used for the old laptop.

Has anyone seen this before? I need to use COM 4 with the new PC. COM 4 is listed in the Windows hardware device manager on the new computer.

 

[Mickey]

If this is a USB to serial adapter com port usage, then the port it takes can be changed. Even com 1 or com 2 if the computer does not already have one assigned. See link below.

http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showpost.php?p=316295&postcount=32

 

[rwy34ils]

I am using a PC Card comm port. In fact, it is the same one I had in the old laptop---I just moved it over. So I'm using the same version of DirectSoft and the same comm card, same OS (Win XP Pro).

I installed Rockwell Factory Talk Machine Edition (with RSLinx Enterprise) on this laptop too. Any chance that is it messing things up?

 

[Jarrod.Holter]

I agree with Mickey's comment above. My directsoft version only gives me COM Ports 1 & 2 to select. Have you tried upload a fresh program from the PLC (Koyo?). This may reset your COM Port path?

Also make sure that Linx is not running as a Service. It will hold your Com Port big time.

 

[rwy34ils]

This doesn't make any sense. I think I am losing it.

I turned off the RSLinx, uninstalled the DirectSoft, rebooted and reinstalled the DirectSoft. Same thing. The old computer shows COMS 1 to 4 but the new one only lists COM 1 and 2 as available choices.

Can't use Jarrod's advice to upload from a PLC because I can't connect at all.

 

[Brian123]

Do you have version 5.3 or earlier than 5.3? The release notes mention that 5.3 reenable comm ports 3 and 4 by default. Maybe you installed a service pack on the old computer that you didn't on the new?

Brian

 

[Mickey]

What is this PC card comm port you have?
What does device manager show? ( what comm port does the "PC card take?)

Have you tried to reassign the comm port for the "PC card"?

 

[rwy34ils]

I'm using a "Socket Serial I/O" card that plugs into the PC slot. When installed, it defaults to COM 4. The device manager recognises it as COM 4.

If I try to change the COM setting I get the following pop-up error message:

"RUNDLL: An exception occurred..."

 

[icky812]

The answer to your question on how to enable more comports is on this FAQ.

 

[jawolthuis]

You can find your answer at hosteng.com faq and also you will have to disable rslinx before your coms will work correctly.

 

[rwy34ils]

The answer to your question on how to enable more comports is on this FAQ.

That's got it!!! Thanks!!! I have no idea how the old laptop got configured for 8 com ports. I know that I never went into the .dll to do it.