USB to Serial

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

I have a series of older serial radio programming cables that I use periodically. My laptop with the serial port has given up the ghost. The replacement laptop only has USB.

Anyone have solid experience with a converter? I’d rather not randomly shop of there is an experience base.

Thanks,

/Jeff

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>Jeff</p>
i use an Amazon converter. Costs about $12 and comes in two styles based on port configuration. “USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset, CableCreation USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Industriual Machinery, CNC, Black” . It works with my Elecraft KPA500 without an issues. Good luck!

Paul – W1PEF

[Hamilton]

Hello Jeff,

The USB to Serial converters based on FTDI or SiLabs chips are recommended. The drivers are easy to download. The converter Jeff identified is FTDI based.

I would stay away from converters based on the Prolific chip sets.

Hamilton

[Burns FISHER]

I totally agree with Hamilton.  The Prolific chipsets are, as I recall, no longer supported (or at least the driver is not provided) on newer versions of Windows.  Definitely pay attention to the chipset.

Another good brand I’ve used several times (connecting to rotator controllers and radios) is Keystone.

[Author]

Posts