[TenTec] Still dumb

[Todd (N0KMA)]

After trying several different USB to serial adapters, i found one that 
actually works %100 percent of the time.  I have tried literally dozens 
of different brands with dozens of different chipsets and although they 
would work with one piece of equipment they wouldn't work with another 
or i would have limited functionality.  Here is a link to Tiger Direct 
that carries them.  At $15 a piece i picked up a half a dozen of them 
once i found out they worked as they should.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1104139&CatId=447

Todd
NØKMA



Stephen Cannon wrote:
> Bob,
> I have been in much the same situation as you, i.e. new computers use USB
> with no serial or parallel ports.  Further the number of USB ports provided
> is really insufficient as the number of plug-ins (including KB & mouse) that
> require USB ports have increased.  Spare PCI slots in new computers are
> often one-to-none or are not available (my PCI slots were mostly used and
> the one that was open was not accessible due to adjacent card width - when
> the computer was delivered) and the availability of quality serial cards has
> decreased markedly.
> My answer was to use a single USB port for a Bluetooth adapter for KB &
> Mouse to free-up/provide sufficient USB ports (printers are accessed via the
> home Ethernet network).  I have considered using USB hubs for my radio
> computers to provide more USB ports (considering future needs).  When
> connecting with Ten Tec radios which still use serial ports I use
> USB-to-DB9, USB-to-DB25 adapters, and several adapters I make myself
> (DB15-to-stereo, etc.) additionally Ten-Tec also requires on some radios
> that you only use 2 or 3 wires from one port in your connections and cannot
> use a standard DB-to-serial interface.  
> 
> CAUTION: not all USB-to-serial adapters work the same.  Some brands of
> USB-to-serial adapters will not work at all for your application and some
> will work, but will not work well.  It is best (read "easiest and cheapest")
> to use the brand of serial adapter that the manufacturer recommends.  
> 
> If you utilize the Google search engine and search for "USB to parallel
> adapters" you will find several manufacturers that make USB-to-parallel
> adapters for about $10 to $20.  I found several on a quick search.  Which
> ones are correct for your installation or which one is best, I do not know
> (not sure anyone does).  Unfortunately, this will probably have to be trial
> and error.
> 
> Using the USB as a serial port, you will have to determine which COM ports
> your software (EQF) can use, as some software will only use ports 1 through
> 4.  Then you will have to determine which COM ports are in use.  If you use
> Windows XP (as I do) then you would go into START, CONTROL PANEL, SYSTEM,
> HARDWARE, DEVICE MANAGER - than click on the "+" in front of "Ports (COM &
> LPT)".  The drop down should tell you which ports are in use and for what.
> When you install your USB-to-Serial port adapter you will have to install a
> driver for it.  It will show up here under "Ports (COM & LPT)".  If it does
> not initially install as the COM port number your software (EQF) needs than
> double click on it.  The properties of that COM port will open up.  Select
> "Port Settings", then ADVANCED and in the bottom of the new window is a "COM
> Port Number:" you can change it to the COM port number you need or want.
> Remember that no two COM ports can use the same number at the same time; you
> may have to do a bit of COM port juggling (changing some others so that you
> can get the one you need).  If you have to change COM ports already in use,
> you will have to adjust the software that uses it so that it knows what he
> new port number is.
> 
> 
> Stephen AD7TD
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of RLBrannigan
> Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 6:32 AM
> To: tentec at contesting.com
> Subject: [TenTec] Still dumb
> 
> I guess I wasn't too clear on my original posting. For years I have been 
> using the EQF logging program connected  via serial  port to my laptop. 
> When laptop "A" died, I replaced it and had to use USB/serial adapters 
> to run the radio. So far, so good.
> 
> In each instance, the computers had a parallel port on the back and, 
> using optoisolators, I was able to key the radio from the logging 
> progran. Very convenient.
> 
> Now, laptop "B" is getting squirelly. My latest acquisition has 3 USB 
> ports and NO parallel port.
> 
> What to do? Answers   /off the board, please/.
> 
> Bob       W2EJG at ARRL.net
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