COM 4 Port already in use, how do I fix this message?

[musician1928]

Guys, (and girls), I'm having 2 issues that I hope someone will be able to help me out.

I'm trying to connect with the MBot but I get an error message that says "Connection error.  "COM4" port already in use. Try quitting any programs that might be using it"  I can't figure out how the fix this problem.  I've tried changing the USB port, didn't work.  I tried to change the COM port in the device manager but that didn't work.  I tired to rescan the serial ports, didn't work.  Any ideas what to try next?

Also, I have the SD card reader that will not read the SD card.  The reader says the SD card is empty but when I take a look at it in the computer, there is a STL file on there with the G-Code.  The reader gave a message about reformatting to FAT 16 although the SD card I was sent with the printer is an 8GB Scandisk SD card.  Any ideas on this issue?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.  

Cheers,

John

[musician1928]

I got this from Mrrlyn - I had the same problem with my main computer. I found that that I got it when I started ReplicatorG after I had turned on the printer. but if I start replicatorG before I turn it on, it seems to work fine.  I tried it and it worked!!!  Go figure?  Anyway, thanks again to Mrrlyn.

Cheers,

John

[musician1928]

OK, I got some advice from this forum and found that if I turn on the computer, open Replicator G and THEN attach the USB cable and then turn on the MBot, everything connects properly.  Thanks Mrrlyn.

Next problem.  When I load the filament, the left exturder is run by the right plastic extruder control in the control panel.  If I hit the REVERSE button, the filament comes out of the extruder.  when I try to load filament through the right side extruder, I use the left plastic extruder control BUT it make the print head assembly move to the right whether I hit the forward or reverse button.  The fan is also not working on the right extruder.

I will try to rewire things and let you know how it goes.

I love 3D printing! :)

Cheers,

John

On Thursday, September 25, 2014 10:28:41 AM UTC-4, musician1928 wrote:

[Nathan Davis]

I had a very similar problem with my fan not coming on with the right extruder. When I wired everything up, the bundle of wires made it look like the right fan and the right extruder control were together, but apparently they weren't. Some minor changes to the wiring fixed the problem. The easy way to tell is to keep trying what you did, just use the load filament option, and see which extruder kicks on. Watch the fans too. Once it reaches about 60-70 degrees, it will kick on the fan. If the two things aren't happening at the same time, then your wires are backwards.

[musician1928]

OK, so things are moving forward but still having a fan issue.  I switched the wires around but still no fan on the right extruder.  Also, the left extruder is still acts up.  If I try to push filament through the extruder using the control panel in Replicator G, the whole carriage moves to the right.  I know, weird. 

On Thursday, September 25, 2014 10:28:41 AM UTC-4, musician1928 wrote:

[musician1928]

OK, things are looking up.  Fan is replaces, left extruder is working, life should be good.  One question; when I start a print with the right side extruder, the left snags the filament and pulls it up.  Is this because the extruders are not perfectly level with each other or what?  Had anyone else run into this problem and how did you fix it?

Cheers.