Morningstar MSView connection problems! [HALP!]

cupcake

I'm having trouble connecting a MPPT-60 controller to MS via an enterhnet/crossover cable connected between the two...
I was successful at this over a year ago, but remember it was HELLA confusing and convoluted before I got it to work..

What am I missing here:

- dip switches on the controller set to 'custom' and the Ethernet security dip switch is 'disabled'
- Connect ethernet/crossover to laptop, open up MSview (latest version..checked)
- do a 'scan for device'... some times it finds it, some times it finds nothing
- go to 'connect' and 'unable to open modbus' error

- go to 'manual connect'
- select mppt-60
- select remote connection
- set IP to 192.168.1.253

try to connect and 'unable to open modbus error'!

cupcake

I solved the problem. kinda... in a nutshell you gotta hook up a regular eithernet cable through a router first, then connect via the webpage, then MSview finally sees the controller...  messy..