I am unable to update devices with Apple Configurator because of this message - unable to send ClearPasscode command to device - I am running Configurator 1.5 and ios 7.1.1. I am unable to rename/number devices. How can I get rid of this error message.

I've seen this error too. When I can, I ask the user (in our case a student) for their passcode, enter it and then refresh the iPad. If I cannot get the passcode from them, I pick an app that was not previously installed by Apple Configurator (e.g. Adobe PDF Reader in our case), check it to install, then refresh the device. Not sure what happens, but it seems to clear the passcode. If that does not work, you might try creating a passcode policy, install it and then remove it - not sure if that will work or not, but it is worth a try.

I've just seen this message for the first time and it's showing on 10 devices.

What I really love about Apple Configurator is the copious amount of context driven help offered to you.

"Unable to send ClearPasscode command to device.

The device was disconnected.

Check the USB connection to the device."

I just was struggling with this same issue. I have 30 ipads in a cart. Kept getting that same message. I unplugged each iPad, plugged them back in, all became good. Weird. I have no explanation except that it worked.