I use the auto-search function and if necessary, click on the correct port and then it connects. Once I have confirmed it connects, I save those settings for the device. I haven't had any issues with connecting to it or the mini since I purchased them (although QC on assembly of the PPBA did have issues and required me to re-secure the main board to the case after one screw came out).
Thanks for he help. The screen shots re very helpful. I think the issue is that this might be a different version of the PPBA firmware IDK. I can clearly see which port is the PPBA because it says usb-Pegasus_Astro_PPBADV_Gen2B_PPBA6Q5LB6-if00-port0 but it will to connect. I have a UPB is it connects fine. I'll verify the BAUD rate.
I found an update for the PPBA firmware and updated it. I connected the first time but on the second try I got n error that the port was already connected to another driver. I rebuilt the EKOS configuration and then it connected.