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DirectSOFT Comm Link Problems

The document provides instructions for resolving common issues with connecting DirectSOFT software to PLCs using COM ports. It describes how to add COM port selections by editing the .INI file for different Windows operating systems and DirectSOFT versions. Potential issues that could cause a "port unavailable" message like other software controlling the COM ports are also addressed. Suggested solutions for issues like blinking RX lights, ground loops, and incompatible USB adapters are provided.

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dzireyes94
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
193 views

DirectSOFT Comm Link Problems

The document provides instructions for resolving common issues with connecting DirectSOFT software to PLCs using COM ports. It describes how to add COM port selections by editing the .INI file for different Windows operating systems and DirectSOFT versions. Potential issues that could cause a "port unavailable" message like other software controlling the COM ports are also addressed. Suggested solutions for issues like blinking RX lights, ground loops, and incompatible USB adapters are provided.

Uploaded by

dzireyes94
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DIRECTSOFT COMM LINK PROBLEMS

COMMON ISSUES

HOW TO ADD COM ASSIGNMENTS IN DIRECTSOFT


If DSLaunch or DirectSOFT doesnt show enough COM ports to match your PCs setup needs, the
.INI file must be modified to add COM port selections (or go to the next topic How To Change USBto-Serial Port Assignment).

PICK THE GROUP OF INSTRUCTIONS BELOW THAT BEST APPLIES TO YOUR PC.
If you have WinVista, skip to the heading WinVista below. If not, read the information under the
heading WinXP & Win7.

WINXP & WIN7

If you have DirectSOFT v3, then the .INI file must be searched for and manually edited. The
easiest way to do this is:
(1) Close DirectSOFT and DSLaunch.
(2) Use the Windows Start button: Start Run
(3) Type in ds300.ini and press <OK>. This will open the file in NotePad text editor.
(4) Make the edits; save the file and exit.
(5) Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).

If you have DirectSOFT v4, v5 or v6, then the easiest way to edit this file is:
(1) Close DirectSOFT.
(2) Start DSLaunch.
(3) In the left column under Utilities, double-click DS400.ini (or DS500.ini, or DS600.ini).
This will open the file in NotePad text editor.
(4) Make the edits; save the file and exit.
(5) Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).
Another thing to try if the above doesnt work:
(1) Close DirectSOFT.
(2) Click Start button.
(3) In the Search programs and files box, type in DS400.ini (or DS500.ini, or DS600.ini).
(4) Click on the search result and edit that file; save the file and exit.
(5) Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).

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WINVISTA
WinVista has some extra protection features, so the above procedures may not work depending on
its settings. WinVista has a feature called UAC (User Access Control) that is, by default, turned on.
However, it is possible to turn this feature off, and this dramatically affects the editing of the .INI
file. To modify the UAC setting:
(1) Use the Windows Start button: Start Control Panel.
(2) Click on User Accounts.
(3) Click on Turn UAC ON/OFF.
This will tell you if this feature is on or off. Depending on this setting go to the proper heading below
(UAC=ON or UAC=OFF).
UAC=ON
With UAC=ON, the security measures of WinVista create a virtual store copy of your .INI file and
redirect DirectSOFT to use this copy instead of the one that is normally stored in the C:\Windows
folder.

If you have DirectSOFT v3, v4, v5.0 or v5.1 then you will have to find this file manually and
edit it:
(1) Close DirectSOFT and DSLaunch.
(2) Use Windows Explorer to browse to:
c:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Windows\
(3) Find the DS300 (or DS400, or DS500, or DS600.INI) file and open it with NotePad.
(4) Make your edits; save the file and exit.
(5) Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).

If you have DirectSOFT v5.2, v5.3 or v6:


(1) Close DirectSOFT.
(2) Start DSLaunch.
(3) In the left column under Utilities, double-click DS500.ini (or DS600.ini). This will open
the correct file in NotePad text editor.
(4) Make your edits; save the file and exit.
(5) Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).
UAC=OFF

Regardless of the version of DirectSOFT, this procedure has to be used:


(1) Close DirectSOFT and DSLaunch.
(2) Use the Windows Start button: Start Run
(3) Type in ds300.ini (or ds400.ini, or ds500.ini, or ds600.ini) and press <OK>. This will
open the file in NotePad text editor.
(4) Make your edits; save the file and exit.
(5) Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).

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HOW TO CHANGE USB-SERIAL PORT ASSIGNMENT


1. Close DSLaunch and DirectSOFT.
2. Use Windows Start button: Start Control Panel System Hardware Device
Manager (WinXP or earlier). Or Start Control Panel Device Manager (WinVista/Win7).
Depending on your version and setup of Windows, these paths might be more or less direct
than listed. You can also type in Device Manager in the Windows Help and get specific
directions.
3. Go to Ports, expand the section and locate your USB converter. It must be here, with no
yellow warnings, and must have a COM port assigned (e.g. COM5 or similar).
4. Right-click on the adapter, select Properties.
5. Select the Port Settings tab.
6. Click the <Advanced> button.
7. There will be a field in the lower left that shows the COM port assignment. Click the right
edge of that field, and all the COM ports will show up.
8. Select COM1 or COM2 (as long as they do not show In Use)
9. Click <OK> on all the windows that opened up. Your USB adapter should now show the COM
port you have selected.
10. Close Device Manager and Control Panel.
11. Start DSLaunch/DirectSOFT. They might auto-detect your PLC and create a link for you. If
not, then follow the normal procedure to create a link and select whichever COM port you
selected for your adapter.

PORT UNAVAILABLE OR IN USE


This message is typically caused by the Allen-Bradley software RSLinx controlling the COM ports.
You must turn it off with Task Manager. Allen-Bradley Harmony can also cause this. Siemens
software can cause this as well. In much rarer instances, docking stations or IR transfer adapters
can also cause problems.

LAPTOP AC ADAPTER ISSUE


If you are having problems connecting to a PLC with a laptop, and you are using a serial connection
or USB-to-Serial converter, try closing DSLaunch/DirectSOFT, removing the AC adapter so you are
running just from battery. Then re-open DirectSOFT and try to connect again.

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RX LIGHTS BLINKING ON 0/4 FAMILY

If you have a DL05, DL06 or DL405 PLC, there are LEDs on the right side of the DL05/DL06
PLCs and on the front of the DL405 PLCs that show comm port activity. On the DL05/DL06
they are marked RX1 or RX2 and they will blink if the port is seeing activity. The DL405 has
a general RX LED and it will report any activity on any comm port, so it is less useful unless
you are sure nothing else is connected to the CPU.
Blinking at least means there is a valid electrical signal being received and it could merely
be a baud or parity setting issue. Not that on the DL05/DL06 Port 1 (the RJ12 style), these
settings are fixed at 9600, odd parity, 1 stop bit, so make sure the software link matches
these settings. On the DL405 only the 15-pin port has fixed settings.
DL205 PLCs do not have any LEDs for serial communication so they can be more
problematic. Port 1 (RJ12) is fixed like the DL05/DL06 PLCs, so this is always the best
choice when trying to connect initially.
The other additional ports of the PLCs can be configured so it is possible if the CPU is not
brand new, that they have been previously configured with settings that DirectSOFT cannot
connect with.

GROUNDING, UNBONDED NEUTRAL CAUSING GROUND LOOP


Make sure the PLC is grounded and that there is no more than 0.1 Vdc between neutral and
ground. Differences in potential can cause a ground loop. This means voltage seeks out a path
through the 0 Vdc on the PLC ports, through the connecting PC. This can also happen if the
neutral/ground of the power for the PC is at a different potential than the PLC power supply.

USER-MADE CABLES
The PC side of the cable must have pins 7 and 8 jumpered. Also if you have one of the PLCs
mentioned above with communication LEDs, look for RX activity. If you dont see it, try swapping
the RX and TX wires. We always recommend our premade cables. They are inexpensive and proven.

POTENTIAL 3 R D -PARTY USB ADAPTER ISSUE


There are a few 3rd-party USB-to-serial adapters that do not work with DirectSOFT. Targus and
Qualtech are 2 known ones that wont work. If your Device Manager entry references either of
those names, you will need to get a different adapter.

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