18 Aug
2012
18 Aug
'12
4:23 p.m.
jimpdavis wrote:
I'm using a trendnet TU-S9 adapter I picked up at
Iguana Micro across
from Intel's campus in Hillsboro Or.
The few thousand nerds across the street are pretty good at vetting
products.
Iguana said it was one that worked well. I use it with a vintage EP-1
prom programmer and a ICOM PCR-1000 comm radio.
Both target devices are pretty picky about the signals presented. YMMV.
- Jim
I did a little footwork on these things. The trendnet is not highly
recommended. I have been happy, but I would follow the others
recommendations
I don't know if these guys have a dog in this fight, but...
*The details: *
1. Preferred processor chip: FTDI or Silabs.
This is the utmost most important step. The reason why we highly
recommend a USB to serial adapter with a processor chip from either
FTDI or Silabs is because these are simply the best. We have
extensive experience with these which shows us that these processor
chips works with the majority of devices and equipment on the
market. The drivers are very stable, easy to install and compatible
with all versions of Windows 32/4-bit, Mac, Linux.
2. Preferred serial driver chip: ZyWyn, Maxin or NI.
The serial driver chip is what is actually communicating and
providing the power signals for your device connected to the USB to
serial adapter. We recommend a brand name driver chip from ZyWyn,
Maxin or NI because these are very reliable and works well with the
FTDI and Silabs processor chips.
3. At least 5VDC output power at serial connector.
We recommend a USB to serial adapter with at least 5VDC power output
for the TX/RX signals. This will ensure a strong communication
signal and that your device gets sufficient power. The output power
is measured from signal ground to the Tx signal and the Rx signal.
4. Build-in static protection to at least 600W.
Built-in static protection protects the USB to serial adapter
against high voltage spikes created either by static electricity or
by surges in the supply voltage. This problem can exist both at the
USB end and the serial RS232 end.
5. LED lights for TX and RX activity.
Not required but very nice to have. Being able to actually see when
data is transmitted through the adapter is a big advantage when
troubleshooting. This way its easier to find out where the problem
lies; if its your computer, your device connected to the adapter or
the adapter itself.
*Things to avoid:*
* Avoid adapters with a low-cost processor chip such as Prolific. The
drivers are poorly written, incompatible with newer operating
systems and creates unreliable communication.
* Avoid adapters with a low output power (less than 5VDC). Low output
power makes the communication unreliable or even impossible.
*Further reading:*
Here is an overview of all our USB to Serial RS232 adapters
<http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=67>.
Further reading: Why most USB to Serial adapters does not work with
Windows 7
<http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=56&chapter=0>
Small form factor adapter: Mini USB to serial adapter
<http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67&products_id=244>
Cheers,
-jim.