I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a USB to serial convereter that works well with SAT32PC and an ICOM 706 or a FT 736.
Conversely if anyone has had bad experiences that would be usefull to hear about as well. I've heard that some USB to serial converters work better than others.
Many thanks Mark VE7AFZ
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I've always had excellent results using Keyspan adapters. I've had some good results with "No Name" adpaters, but it's hit-or-miss, depending on what chipset they use for the USB-to-serial converter. Jim KQ6EA
--- On Tue, 12/30/08, Mark Spencer mspencer12345@yahoo.ca wrote:
From: Mark Spencer mspencer12345@yahoo.ca Subject: [amsat-bb] USB to serial converters To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2008, 12:10 PM I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a USB to serial convereter that works well with SAT32PC and an ICOM 706 or a FT 736.
Conversely if anyone has had bad experiences that would be usefull to hear about as well. I've heard that some USB to serial converters work better than others.
Many thanks Mark VE7AFZ
Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now at http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com. _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Mark,
Keyspans are good. I have only one, really old, obscure piece of software which won't work with them.
I got a rig programmer from RT Systems, and picked up one of the RTS-03 as they guaranteed it would work. It did, and with everything else I tried it. Somewhat brand X, but it uses the FTDI chip set.
http://www.rtsystemsinc.com/othercables_template.cfm?cfid=3106444&cftoke... 931273
Something to consider is an adapter by Parallax. Go to WWW.PARALLAX.COM and put in the part number 28030. It uses the FTDI chip set, and is designed to be used as a programming controller rather than just a communications interface, so it brings out a few more lines than does the typical USB to serial converter. Some rigs may need those. With the USB A to mini USB B cable it is about $20. I have never found a rig or similar control function it will not support, even when making house calls. The only drawback it that it doesn't really have a case. With a little Exacto knife work you can modify a cheap plastic RS shell to fit.
Alan WA4SCA
The FTDI chip set seems to be the best way to go. I bought my adapters through Parallax, for $14.95 plus s/h. I have found nothing that doesn't work with it, either under XP or Vista.
Tim T. K4SHF
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 4:06 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: USB to serial converters
Mark,
Keyspans are good. I have only one, really old, obscure piece of software which won't work with them.
I got a rig programmer from RT Systems, and picked up one of the RTS-03 as they guaranteed it would work. It did, and with everything else I tried it. Somewhat brand X, but it uses the FTDI chip set.
http://www.rtsystemsinc.com/othercables_template.cfm?cfid=3106444&cftoke... 931273
Something to consider is an adapter by Parallax. Go to WWW.PARALLAX.COM and put in the part number 28030. It uses the FTDI chip set, and is designed to be used as a programming controller rather than just a communications interface, so it brings out a few more lines than does the typical USB to serial converter. Some rigs may need those. With the USB A to mini USB B cable it is about $20. I have never found a rig or similar control function it will not support, even when making house calls. The only drawback it that it doesn't really have a case. With a little Exacto knife work you can modify a cheap plastic RS shell to fit.
Alan WA4SCA
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Thanks all for the responses to this. I was able to find a cheap unit in a local electronics store that they agreeded to allow me to return if it did not work.
While at first it appeared that it had the FTDI chip set (some of the driver software referrs to that chip set..) it seems that it is a "Simple Perfection" PL 2303 unit that uses a different chip set.
So far it works with all my equipment (inlcuding my FT 736 and SAT32PC) If it does not work out in the future I will obtain one of the ones you have mentioned.
Best regards and 73 VE7AFZ
________________________________ From: Tim Tapio tim@timtapio.com To: APBIDDLE@mailaps.org; amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:20:29 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: USB to serial converters
The FTDI chip set seems to be the best way to go. I bought my adapters through Parallax, for $14.95 plus s/h. I have found nothing that doesn't work with it, either under XP or Vista.
Tim T. K4SHF
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 4:06 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: USB to serial converters
Mark,
Keyspans are good. I have only one, really old, obscure piece of software which won't work with them.
I got a rig programmer from RT Systems, and picked up one of the RTS-03 as they guaranteed it would work. It did, and with everything else I tried it. Somewhat brand X, but it uses the FTDI chip set.
http://www.rtsystemsinc.com/othercables_template.cfm?cfid=3106444&cftoke... 931273
Something to consider is an adapter by Parallax. Go to WWW.PARALLAX.COM and put in the part number 28030. It uses the FTDI chip set, and is designed to be used as a programming controller rather than just a communications interface, so it brings out a few more lines than does the typical USB to serial converter. Some rigs may need those. With the USB A to mini USB B cable it is about $20. I have never found a rig or similar control function it will not support, even when making house calls. The only drawback it that it doesn't really have a case. With a little Exacto knife work you can modify a cheap plastic RS shell to fit.
Alan WA4SCA
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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I have a serial to usb unit, but no drivers for it. Does anybody know if there is a way to find out what the chip set is? Or where to find drivers that might work? Thanks...
Tim KG8OC
On Jan 1, 2009, at 1:39 PM, Mark Spencer wrote:
Thanks all for the responses to this. I was able to find a cheap unit in a local electronics store that they agreeded to allow me to return if it did not work.
While at first it appeared that it had the FTDI chip set (some of the driver software referrs to that chip set..) it seems that it is a "Simple Perfection" PL 2303 unit that uses a different chip set.
So far it works with all my equipment (inlcuding my FT 736 and SAT32PC) If it does not work out in the future I will obtain one of the ones you have mentioned.
Best regards and 73 VE7AFZ
From: Tim Tapio tim@timtapio.com To: APBIDDLE@mailaps.org; amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:20:29 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: USB to serial converters
The FTDI chip set seems to be the best way to go. I bought my adapters through Parallax, for $14.95 plus s/h. I have found nothing that doesn't work with it, either under XP or Vista.
Tim T. K4SHF
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 4:06 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: USB to serial converters
Mark,
Keyspans are good. I have only one, really old, obscure piece of software which won't work with them.
I got a rig programmer from RT Systems, and picked up one of the RTS-03 as they guaranteed it would work. It did, and with everything else I tried it. Somewhat brand X, but it uses the FTDI chip set.
http://www.rtsystemsinc.com/othercables_template.cfm?cfid=3106444&cftoke... 931273
Something to consider is an adapter by Parallax. Go to WWW.PARALLAX.COM and put in the part number 28030. It uses the FTDI chip set, and is designed to be used as a programming controller rather than just a communications interface, so it brings out a few more lines than does the typical USB to serial converter. Some rigs may need those. With the USB A to mini USB B cable it is about $20. I have never found a rig or similar control function it will not support, even when making house calls. The only drawback it that it doesn't really have a case. With a little Exacto knife work you can modify a cheap plastic RS shell to fit.
Alan WA4SCA
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Connect with friends from any web browser - no download required. Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger for the Web BETA at http://ca.messenger.yahoo.com/webmessengerpromo.php _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Providing you are using XP or Vista, I would assume that the PC would recognise the USB converter when you plugged it in and load the drivers automatically or find them for you from the internet (providing you are connected at the time)
That is what happened when I swapped my USB converter over to a new machine!
Hope that helps!
David KG4ZLB/M0ZLB www.kg4zlb.com
Timothy Pickett wrote:
I have a serial to usb unit, but no drivers for it. Does anybody know if there is a way to find out what the chip set is? Or where to find drivers that might work? Thanks...
Tim KG8OC
On Jan 1, 2009, at 1:39 PM, Mark Spencer wrote:
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
When I connect it nothing happens in XP or Vista. It's doesn't even know it's there.
Tim KG8OC
On Jan 1, 2009, at 2:40 PM, David - KG4ZLB/MØZLB wrote:
Providing you are using XP or Vista, I would assume that the PC would recognise the USB converter when you plugged it in and load the drivers automatically or find them for you from the internet (providing you are connected at the time)
That is what happened when I swapped my USB converter over to a new machine!
Hope that helps!
David KG4ZLB/M0ZLB www.kg4zlb.com
Timothy Pickett wrote:
I have a serial to usb unit, but no drivers for it. Does anybody know if there is a way to find out what the chip set is? Or where to find drivers that might work? Thanks...
Tim KG8OC
On Jan 1, 2009, at 1:39 PM, Mark Spencer wrote:
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Assuming this is a USB device that provides a "COM Port" serial connector, then you should get some sort of reaction from Windows. If it's totally inert, then my guess is that the device is broken, or the USB port on the computer is not active.
I'd check to see that another device works in that USB port, just to validate the computer side of things, and then maybe try the suspect device on another machine. Again, Windows should react to its presence, if only to flash up one of those annoying task bar bubbles. Did you check in the Device Manager to be sure that it didn't sneak in unannounced?
Greg KO6TH
From: timp@speednetllc.com To: m0zlb@btinternet.com Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 14:58:51 -0500 CC: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: USB to serial converters
When I connect it nothing happens in XP or Vista. It's doesn't even know it's there.
Tim KG8OC
On Jan 1, 2009, at 2:40 PM, David - KG4ZLB/MØZLB wrote:
Providing you are using XP or Vista, I would assume that the PC would recognise the USB converter when you plugged it in and load the drivers automatically or find them for you from the internet (providing you are connected at the time)
That is what happened when I swapped my USB converter over to a new machine!
Hope that helps!
David KG4ZLB/M0ZLB www.kg4zlb.com
Timothy Pickett wrote:
I have a serial to usb unit, but no drivers for it. Does anybody know if there is a way to find out what the chip set is? Or where to find drivers that might work? Thanks...
Tim KG8OC
On Jan 1, 2009, at 1:39 PM, Mark Spencer wrote:
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When I bought one for work to use with serial port devices (Motorola RIB programing interface). I had to reassign the port address to com-1 or com-2 for the accessory to talk to the application program. I think on my particular computer the USB adapter defaulted to something like com-7 or higher. I think I had to reboot the application for it to stick. You should have seen a new hardware alert when you start up yoru computer the first time.
73, Ed - KL7UW
At 03:08 PM 1/1/2009, Greg D. wrote:
Assuming this is a USB device that provides a "COM Port" serial connector, then you should get some sort of reaction from Windows. If it's totally inert, then my guess is that the device is broken, or the USB port on the computer is not active.
I'd check to see that another device works in that USB port, just to validate the computer side of things, and then maybe try the suspect device on another machine. Again, Windows should react to its presence, if only to flash up one of those annoying task bar bubbles. Did you check in the Device Manager to be sure that it didn't sneak in unannounced?
Greg KO6TH
From: timp@speednetllc.com To: m0zlb@btinternet.com Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 14:58:51 -0500 CC: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: USB to serial converters
When I connect it nothing happens in XP or Vista. It's doesn't even know it's there.
Tim KG8OC
On Jan 1, 2009, at 2:40 PM, David - KG4ZLB/MØZLB wrote:
Providing you are using XP or Vista, I would assume that the PC would recognise the USB converter when you plugged it in and load the drivers automatically or find them for you from the internet (providing you are connected at the time)
That is what happened when I swapped my USB converter over to a new machine!
Hope that helps!
David KG4ZLB/M0ZLB www.kg4zlb.com
Timothy Pickett wrote:
I have a serial to usb unit, but no drivers for it. Does anybody know if there is a way to find out what the chip set is? Or where to find drivers that might work? Thanks...
Tim KG8OC
On Jan 1, 2009, at 1:39 PM, Mark Spencer wrote:
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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The only issue I have ever had with a USB to Serial converter is latency.
I was programming a device which expected an instant response.
I used a tradituional UART serial port no probs.
Programmers need to be aware of this.
The device has to convert and there is a delay.
Just be aware of that
Andrew VK4TEC ----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Spencer To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 4:39 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: USB to serial converters
Thanks all for the responses to this. I was able to find a cheap unit in a local electronics store that they agreeded to allow me to return if it did not work.
While at first it appeared that it had the FTDI chip set (some of the driver software referrs to that chip set..) it seems that it is a "Simple Perfection" PL 2303 unit that uses a different chip set.
So far it works with all my equipment (inlcuding my FT 736 and SAT32PC) If it does not work out in the future I will obtain one of the ones you have mentioned.
Best regards and 73 VE7AFZ
________________________________ From: Tim Tapio tim@timtapio.com To: APBIDDLE@mailaps.org; amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:20:29 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: USB to serial converters
The FTDI chip set seems to be the best way to go. I bought my adapters through Parallax, for $14.95 plus s/h. I have found nothing that doesn't work with it, either under XP or Vista.
Tim T. K4SHF
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 4:06 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: USB to serial converters
Mark,
Keyspans are good. I have only one, really old, obscure piece of software which won't work with them.
I got a rig programmer from RT Systems, and picked up one of the RTS-03 as they guaranteed it would work. It did, and with everything else I tried it. Somewhat brand X, but it uses the FTDI chip set.
http://www.rtsystemsinc.com/othercables_template.cfm?cfid=3106444&cftoke... 931273
Something to consider is an adapter by Parallax. Go to WWW.PARALLAX.COM and put in the part number 28030. It uses the FTDI chip set, and is designed to be used as a programming controller rather than just a communications interface, so it brings out a few more lines than does the typical USB to serial converter. Some rigs may need those. With the USB A to mini USB B cable it is about $20. I have never found a rig or similar control function it will not support, even when making house calls. The only drawback it that it doesn't really have a case. With a little Exacto knife work you can modify a cheap plastic RS shell to fit.
Alan WA4SCA
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
__________________________________________________________________ Connect with friends from any web browser - no download required. Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger for the Web BETA at http://ca.messenger.yahoo.com/webmessengerpromo.php _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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I just bought a new laptop with no serial ports and Vista installed. I bought 2 Sewell SW-1301 USB/SERIAL adapters to use with it for digital modes and Satpc32 control. They sent drivers at level 3.0 that worked fine with XP but would not work with Vista, however I did locate newer drivers for the chipset, level 3.2, that work perfect with Vista. The adapter is inexpensive, $12.45 US. I am connecting to a Kenwood TS2K. Performance seems to be very good, better than the native serial port on my old, now dead, Gateway.
Sewell Direct can be found at http://sewelldirect.com/
I'm sure there are others just as good, and maybe better, but these are plenty cheap and they do work.
Good luck and 73 ...
Jim Bob Buckeye AKA **** Jim Leder**** K8CXM since 1961 IBM retiree since 1999
There are 10 types of people in this world -- those who understand binary and those who don't.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Spencer" mspencer12345@yahoo.ca To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:10 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] USB to serial converters
I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a USB to serial convereter that works well with SAT32PC and an ICOM 706 or a FT 736.
Conversely if anyone has had bad experiences that would be usefull to hear about as well. I've heard that some USB to serial converters work better than others.
Many thanks Mark VE7AFZ
__________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now at http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com. _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
participants (10)
-
Alan P. Biddle -
Andrew Rich -
David - KG4ZLB/MØZLB -
Edward Cole -
Greg D. -
Jim Jerzycke -
Jim Leder -
Mark Spencer -
Tim Tapio -
Timothy Pickett