KSA Fab Lab

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CONNECTING TO THE SHOPBOT

Some students have reported difficulties connecting to the ShopBot when they first log on to the computer. This article describes how to establish that connection.

The Error Message

Problem Connecting to ShopBot Control Box on Port # This article describes what to do should you encounter the error message pictured at right. This message can appear either when you first launch the ShopBot software, or when you switch from Preview mode to Move/Cut mode. In either condition, it indicates that the ShopBot software cannot establish a connection to the ShopBot control box which is mounted inside the ShopBot room.When you encounter this problem, there are several steps to take.

Is the Control Box on?

This is the most common explanation of the problem. Ensure that the control box itself is powered on via the power switch on the front. If it is off, turn it to the on position, wait about 15 seconds, and then press the blue reset button on the side. You should hear a satisfying double-click sound which indicates that the control box is now ready for use.

Once the control box has been turned on, select "Retry connection with this port" in the dialog above and click "Ok". That should solve the problem. However, if the control box is already on, or if the problem continues, read on...

Verify the Port Number

Right-click "My Computer" and choose "Properties" If the software still cannot find the control box, the next step is to verify what port is being used for the connection. To start, right-click the "My Computer" icon on your desktop, and choose "Properties" from the pop-up window which appears.

From the System Properties window which appears, click on the "Hardware" tab at the top and click on "Device Manager".

At this point, you should see the warning message pictured below, telling you that you cannot change any of the settings which you are about to see. This is fine - just click "Ok" to dismiss the dialog box.

Warning dialog: You do not have sufficient security priveleges to uninstall devices or to change device properties or device drivers.

Device Manager Expand the "Ports (COM & LPT)" option as shown, and take note of what port the ATEN USB to Serial Bridge is using. In this illustration, the "COM5" text indicates that the connection is being made on port 5.

Returning to the ShopBot error message, choose the "Try to Connect on another Serial Communication Port" option, and type in the port number in the window which appears.