Keith,
Unfortunately, while it seems like the USB->serial converters would be an
ideal solution they aren't all they are cracked up to be. Some software
doesn't work with some converters, even when that software works fine with a
'real' serial port. Some converters seem to work better than others. I
currently have a converter that didn't work with the N4PY or the TenTec
software to control my Pegasus. Also, with multiple converters and a hub, I
haven't been able to control which com port gets assigned to which
converter. It appears that the port assignment stays fixed, but I suspect
that if I disconnect or reconnect USB devices, those port assignments could
get scrambled. That's not a major problem, but may require reconfiguring
your connections or your software.
Mark
----- Original Message -----
From: "KE4TEG" <ke4teg@bellsouth.net>
To: "Duane Grotophorst" <n9dg@yahoo.com>; "Bill Ames" <billames@erols.com>;
"j" <justo@maplenet.net>; <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2002 9:37 AM
Subject: [TenTec] Re: [Ten-Tec] USB -> RS232
> Hello,
>
> What is the big deal? Just get a USB to serial convertor or buy a USB hub
> with the serial port right on it. Or buy a multi-function card for inside
> the PC that has serial ports on it. For years to come there will be
> backward compatibility because somebody is always going to want the latest
> and greatest PC but still want to use a favorite device or card from their
> old PC.
>
> I run a laptop in my Company Explorer that can need up to 4 serial ports.
> The laptop only has one, but when I add the mobile docking station I get
> two. This is still not enough sometimes for what we are asked to do in our
> work. The solution is using the laptop USB port with the Belkin USB to
> serial cable adapter which has two serial ports. Which brings the total to
> 4 serial ports. The other way to go is with a USB Hub, then you still have
> available USB ports and can make some into serial.
>
> 73 Keith
> de KE4TEG
>
> At 07:09 PM 07/21/2002 -0700, Duane Grotophorst wrote:
> >I'd rather see Ten Tec put energy and effort into
> >TCP/IP Ethernet interfacing in the next generation
> >radios. It's a far more versatile and open standard
> >than USB.
> >
> >Trying to rationalize a reason or way to keep using a
> >286 today is equivalent of someone in 1935
> >rationalizing a way to keep their 1919 spark gap
> >transmitter and crystal detector on the air, .... why?
> >
> >I applaud the PegasusPlus folks for not even trying to
> >support Windows 3.x. I wish more ham software writers
> >would think that way.
> >
> >Duane
> >N9DG
> >
> >
> >--- Bill Ames <billames@erols.com> wrote:
> > > Actually, TT is doing the right thing using only the
> > > RS232 port. Since
> > > everyone else is using the USB ports you can
> > > actually justify keeping your
> > > 286 computer, it has an RS232 PORT!! (perhaps more
> > > then one?)
> > >
> > > Bill Ames
> > > KB1LG
> > >
>
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
|