Shiner Posted October 23, 2012 Report Posted October 23, 2012 I am using windows XP SP3. I have AB, AD, Eaton, Siemens, Yaskawa, Mitsubishi and Toshiba software on it for PLCs and VFDs. All have been working well for the last 2 years. Last week I went on a siemens project in the AM (S7-200) and the serial interface worked fine. Went to cust 2 in the afternoon and tried to connect to a previously monitored job (AD 503) and it would not let me. After trying 3 different processors and 2 different cables, I tried an FX series processor to no avail. I get no error message, the communications just tried every configuration available for data length parity etc. before timing out. I then tried the same thing with no cable attached. Usually I get a message that the COM1 is not available or something to that effect. It continued to try to connect with nothing to connect to. I brought it back to the shop and tried it with an Eaton processor and got the same thing. I verified the IRQ address is default, and in no conflict. I went and looked in Dos at the communications setup and it looked normal. Any thougths or ideas? I have purchased a USB to Serial adapter, but I have heard people have issues with them.......Just wnat to get my original setup back on its feet.
Mendon Systems Posted October 23, 2012 Report Posted October 23, 2012 It's certainly possible that the RS-232 port is dead. One way to check it is to connect a breakout box to the serial port and monitor the data line LED's for activity when you try to connect to something.
Shiner Posted October 23, 2012 Author Report Posted October 23, 2012 I hadn't thought of a breakout box. Been ages since I even heard the term. Excellent idea though. After some more troubleshooting I get the following results. if I uninstall the device, the software (any version) tries to find a legitimate port unsuccesfully. Re-install the port (com1) and then any software just tries unsuccessfully (times out). It is like the card and driver are working internally, but the output is not doing anything.
Mendon Systems Posted October 23, 2012 Report Posted October 23, 2012 Look for the obvious stuff first. It could be something as simple as a bad pin in the DB9 connector.
Chris Elston Posted October 24, 2012 Report Posted October 24, 2012 Why not just get an Express Port RS-232 card? I have used StarTech.com stuff for some time. I like their 2 PORT card, so I can program two different serial devices at the same time, or use the second port to do some "sniffing" Single Port: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16839158033 Dual Port: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16839158019
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