Hello! I am having trouble setting up a DF1 connection on RSlinx on my virtual machine to connect to a PLC. I keep getting a port conflict error message, even though my host device manager shows that my serial communication port is connected to COM6. Can anyone suggest why this issue is happening and how I can resolve it?
At times, Windows can be inefficient in releasing resources. A potential solution could be to restart the computer while the com adapter is connected. Alternatively, you can access the Device Manager settings for the adapter and adjust its COM port number before attempting to autoconfigure again.
When your Host computer assigns COM6 to the serial port, it does not necessarily mean that your Guest will also use COM6. Even though they are connected, they are still considered separate entities. The Host computer has a physical serial port, while the Guest computer has a virtual serial port linked to the Host. In my VMware configuration, I can specify in the settings that I want to utilize the physical COM4 on the Host PC as the serial port. However, when I check the Device Manager on the Guest virtual machine, I find that it is using COM1 instead. This means that the Guest's COM1 is actually connected to the Host's COM4. Make sure to access the Device Manager on your Guest device to confirm the COM port assigned to the virtual serial port.
One alternative method I often utilize is connecting the USB COM port directly to the virtual machine (VM). This bypasses VMWare's typical mapping of the VM COM port to the host, potentially simplifying the process. I would recommend trying this approach first, especially if you are using a VM.
In situations like this, I often opt to directly connect the USB COM port to the virtual machine (VM) for a simpler solution. By bypassing VMWare's mapping of VM COM port to the host, we eliminate any potential complications. This approach should be considered as a primary option, especially since I now understand you are using a VM. I wholeheartedly agree with this method as it is also my preferred choice.
Joseph_e2 mentioned that Windows may not always release resources gracefully, so one solution could be to reboot the PC with the com adapter connected. Another option is to access the Device Manager settings for the adapter and modify its COM port number before attempting the autoconfigure process again. Thank you, Joseph_e2, for your assistance. I rebooted my PC with the USB serial adapter connected during startup, and it was recognized as COM6 by the host machine. I then proceeded to configure the driver in RSlinx on the guest machine.
Navigate to the device manager on your virtual machine (VM) and check the displayed com ports. It seems there may have been a misunderstanding regarding the assignment of com ports in the VM versus the host system. Make sure to verify the com port assignments in both environments to troubleshoot any connectivity issues effectively.
To start, boot up the virtual machine and connect the USB/serial converter. VMware typically prompts a pop-up window for selecting whether to link the USB device to the host or the virtual machine. Opting for the virtual machine is recommended for seamless connectivity.
After getting your VM up and running, connect the USB/serial converter. With VMware, a pop-up window will appear giving you the option to attach the USB device to either the host or the VM. Choose the VM option to proceed smoothly. When I tried this, my VM was running and I connected the USB to serial device. While Windows made a sound confirming the connection, no message box popped up asking me to select the connection to either the VM or the host.
To determine if the message box will appear in the host OS, you can try minimizing or resizing the VM. This troubleshooting step is essential for troubleshooting purposes and identifying any potential issues.
User andrewjsimpson1 expressed gratitude for the assistance provided. After rebooting the PC with the USB serial adapter connected during power up, the host machine recognized it as COM6. Subsequently, attempts were made to configure the driver in RSlinx on the guest machine. It was later discovered that the user was using a virtual machine. Could you specify which type of VM you are using - VMWare, VirtualBox, or something else? While I am more familiar with VMWare than VirtualBox, my current VMs do not have serial ports configured. Instead, I directly connect the USB COM port to the VM. For VMWare users, simply hover over the icons at the top right of the screen to locate the USB-RS232 adapter. Right-click on it and choose "Connect (Disconnect from host)" for seamless connectivity.
Are you using a USB to serial adapter with a USB 3.1 (blue USB connector) port? I encountered a similar problem where it made a sound but couldn't establish a connection. Be sure to review your virtual machine settings and switch to USB 3.1 for compatibility.
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who helped me troubleshoot my connectivity issue. After some investigation, I discovered that the device manager and Guest VM were not in sync regarding the connection port - Com6 vs. Com1. By adjusting the settings for the physical serial port to Com6, I was able to establish a successful connection. Your assistance was invaluable and greatly appreciated.
User joseph_e2 apologized for mistakenly assuming the type of virtual machine being used. Are you utilizing VMWare or VirtualBox, or perhaps another type of VM? While it has been some time since VirtualBox was used, VMWare is used daily. The current VMs do not have serial ports configured; instead, the USB COM port is connected directly to the VM. In VMWare, simply hover over the icons at the top right of the screen to locate the USB-RS232 adapter. Right-click on it and choose "Connect (Disconnect from host)". Hey Joseph, I am still encountering difficulties. I am utilizing VMware Workstation 17 and attempting to implement your suggestion for connecting the USB to a serial adapter. Unfortunately, I am unable to see the icons when hovering over the top right of the screen.
Discover the icons that appear when the VMWare window is not in full screen mode. Upon connecting my Keyspan adapter, I noticed the icons hovering over it. By right-clicking on the icon, a contextual menu appears, specific to Workstation Player v15.
Thank you is a common phrase used to express gratitude.
Version 16 has shifted those items to the left side menu, but the overall process remains unchanged.
Answer: Answer: The port conflict error can occur when the communication port being used by RSlinx is already in use by another application or device in the virtual machine. This conflict can prevent RSlinx from establishing a successful connection to the PLC.
Answer: Answer: To resolve the port conflict, ensure that no other applications or devices are using the COM port that RSlinx is trying to connect to. You may need to check the device manager in the host system and the virtual machine to verify the port assignments and make necessary adjustments to avoid conflicts.
Answer: Answer: To troubleshoot and establish a DF1 connection in RSlinx on a virtual machine, first, check for port conflicts, verify the COM port settings, ensure the correct drivers are installed, and confirm the PLC configuration. Additionally, consider restarting the virtual machine and the host system to refresh the port connections.