Cables/connection question. Micrologix to Notebook PC

[Electrician4JC 1]

Hello all. Can I get some thoughts on an issue I am facing? I had installed on my computer the free versions of Micrologix 500 and RSLinx to use on Micrologix 1000 PLCs. My computer is a Toshiba laptop running Windows Vista SP2. I have no onboard serial ports, but am using a USB-to-serial cable with the Prolific chipset. Was connecting to the PLC with a genuine AB 1761-CBL-PM02 interface cable. Now, before anybody gets crazy, it worked! I was able to go online with several ML1Ks, upload, download logix, go online, etc. with no problems. Now my issue, I purchased a copy of RSLogix 500 to use with ML1200s (and eventually ML1500s). I installed the software along with the RSLinx that came on the DVD. When the installation was finished and I started up RSLinx, I added a RS232-DF1 device, and no amount of configuring is able to get it working. RSLinx keeps telling me there is a com port conflict (com port is correct), and I get the errors that say "unable to open the specified com port for configuration testing"; and "reconfiguration of DF1 device has failed!". In device manager the serial adapter is working fine, there is no hidden other serial devices on other comms, and as far as I can tell, there is no software vying for use of the serial port. And the kicker is, before the install of the new RSLinx, the old one worked fine! So if I can't fix this issue, what do you guys think about other options? I've seen online a 1761-CBL-PM02 cable that has a USB connector. Or should I throw some money into a 1761-NET-ENI and start using Ethernet? Anyone have any suggestions? I'm open to options. Thank you all! Blessings... Mark

[b_carlton 61]

I've seen in places that you must TOTALLY uninstall the free version of RSLogix500 and its RSLinx component before installing the full version. There may be traces of the other version of RSLinx and the current both contending for the same serial port.

[Mickey 71]

You might try cleaning (flush) RSLinx, see text below. RSLinxClean.txt

[BobLfoot 302]

Couple other things to check if that doesn't help. YOu may have already tried this, but I'll list them anyways. Before starting RSlinx open Task Manager and make sure no RSLinx process is running. IF it is kill it. Also make sure there is no RSLinxNG task as well. Also check you Windows - Administration - Services for the RSlinx service and see it is not running. Then try and start linx and configure.

[Electrician4JC 1]

Uninstalled RSLinx, restarted the computer, reinstalled RSLinx, restarted computer, restarted RSLinx. Same problems. Followed the directions for cleaning (flushed) RS-Linx. Restarted RSLinx and added the DF1 driver again. Still not working. Made sure in Task Manager that RSLinx was not running in background before starting it. Checked for RSLinxNG. Not there. Checked the Windows > Administration > Services for "RSlinx service", was not running. I just can't get running something that once ran before. Unbelievable. In desperation, talking with our other electrician, he has a 1747-UIC RS232 to USB adapter. Tried it, installed the newest drivers from the internet. Made sure there was no port conflicts or hidden com port attachments from any software. Restarted RSLinx and added the driver as mentioned in the User Guide for the 1747. No complaints from RSLinx that it cannot communicate with the 1747, but I still cannot see any processors with it, even with a direct connection to a processor. I have no idea what to try next. Rockwell Automation website has some tech solutions which looked promising, or at least covered a connectivity issue with the 1747. But it's only for TechConnect level support, which I guess means I should pay extra money just to troubleshoot a product they sell. Same thing with the RSLinx issues. I bought the software, and now I have to buy a TechConnect service contract to get help on software I already bought. Getting a little frustrated here. Any suggestions guys? Should I buy a 1761-ENET and just go ethernet, or am I opening myself to an even bigger headache and an added list of tech problems? Thank you for considerations. Blessings! Mark.

[Mickey 71]

A 1747-UIC is a USB to DH485 converter. The protocol on your PLC's comm port would have to be configured for DH485 protocol for it to work. Not all USB to serial adapters work. See link below for those that do work. http://www.ind-concepts.com/Allen_Bradley_PLC_Cables.htm