Dell Latitude E5500

[Shiner 2]

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 22]

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 2]

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 22]

Look for the obvious stuff first. It could be something as simple as a bad pin in the DB9 connector.

[Chris Elston 78]

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