Adapter Cable

The truth about USB to RS232 Serial Adapters

Most new electronic devices can connect and communicate with a computer using a cable USB, however, many devices are still using the largest type of communication protocol called RS232 Serial or RS485. To connect devices with a serial port adapter cable required RS232/RS485 adapter called USB to RS232 or USB to RS485, depending on whether the device is using the RS232 protocol or RS485 protocol.

USB RS232/RS485 to serial adapters are often used for connecting devices such as GPS navigation units, sensors, meters, recorders, cameras, printers and other standard and special devices to a personal computer.

Most people assume that these adapters are compatible with all operating systems and devices all, however this is far from the truth.

When investing in a USB serial adapter that usually pay for what you get. Many websites are selling low-cost USB to RS232 serial adapters for $ 9.95. This sounds like much, but when you get the adapter and connect the device to your computer is very likely to be disappointed, because in most cases the adapter does not work correctly with your computer or device. The main reason for this is that the low cost adapter is done with a low chip processor cost. These chips support low-cost processors have limited most of the devices and the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Compatibility limited means that the adapter / drivers may or may not work with Vista / 7 computer, everything depends on the particular hardware on your computer, installed Windows components and packages service, conflicting drivers or other peripherals, and even processors BIOS version.

Normally the fine work of conductor Windows 98, 2000 and XP, however when it comes to Windows Vista and Windows 7, the problem begins to show.

USB drivers for chip Low-Cost Serial processor are often poorly written programs that makes the adapter unstable and unreliable and is not fully compatible with Windows 7 and other current operating systems. It is therefore in many cases can not make a low-cost labor adapter Windows 7 and Vista and can be expected that some of the typical errors include:

– Freeze Computers
– No valid debug DLLs
– Computer crashed
– Driver Problems
– Unable to connect to your device
– No you can set a COM port

So what need to look to find a good quality USB to RS232 serial?

It is first necessary determine which operating system you are using with the adapter. Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, or maybe Mac or Linux. If you are using Windows 98, 2000, XP or Linux, you may the luck of finding a low cost adapter that works for you, however if you are using Windows Vista, 7 or Mac with which they have to be willing to spend $ 20 – $ 30 for a good quality adapter that works with your device and Windows Vista / 7. Try to find out what processor chip is inside the adapter, processor chips FTDI are good, Silicon Labs, MosChip and Oxford Semiconductor. If you find a USB to Serial RS232 with any of these processor chips is likely to be compatible with the device and any version of Windows, Linux and Mac, and you can easily install the drivers and communicate with the device.

Resources:
Get more information about USB to RS232 / RS485 adapters in http://www.usconverters.com

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