Interface Cards & Controllers

Linking Starting From Serial To Fiber Optics

Computer Technology Woes and Solutions

 

Both USB and RS232 are serial ports and they do have pretty much the same function. They are both used to connect various pieces of equipment to our computer. Back in the day when USB was fairly new to the computer world, every computer had that D-shaped port on the back, the RS232 port. So, frankly, there was no need for a converter cable from one port to the other.

 

Unfortunately time passes and trends in our computer technology tend to go along with the changes that life goes through as well. Nowadays, when customers purchase a brand spanking new computer, it will surely come with a lot of USB ports but most likely won't have an RS232 port anywhere.

 

Many people have seen the versatility of the USB port. People think of it as a plug that can be used for almost any device, which is really the true meaning behind the name of the port being called "universal."

 

The rather unfortunate discomfort for folks who still use devices that uses the old RS232 port or cable is that they can't plug their device to the new computer they just bought. Talk about a bad out of the box experience. This can be a real pain for those who own a GPS and a new computer without the serial port on the back that has 9-pins on it. Fortunately, nowadays, we do have a USB to RS232 converter cable.

 

Features

 

This new converter cable has a lot of great features that users can benefit from. Of course it allows users to connect their GPS to the new computer but there's more to it than what we normally would expect. For instance, this converter cable is usually designed to be heavily shielded. This feature will help eliminate any form of data loss.

 

This converter cable is actually more than just a cable. It is in fact a piece of electronics since it has a prolific chip adapter. Take note that it takes more than just to solder both USB and RS232 ports onto a cable and voila. This cable converts signals and provides connectivity between a computer and any device that has an RS232 connection such as serial printers, POS, some pocket PC models, some models of digital cameras, PDS, modems, and ISDN TAs.

 

With the electronics that come along with this converter cable, anyone's serial port expansion problems can be easily solved. These converter cables have a lot of industrial applications. It is also quite usable for remote access as well. Any application that would require one to use a high speed and low com port will find this cable pretty useful.

 

Reminder

 

Life isn't as simple as it seems and that also is true in our computer technologically boosted world. To think that a USB to RS232 converter cable alone will magically solve all serial expansion problems is equivalent to getting blind sided. Remember that everyone is trying to solve both a hardware issue and a software issue as well.

 

People may have an adapter cable that fits but they will surely require a piece of software that works. Take note that some manufacturers do not support certain operating systems, such as Windows Vista for instance. Before you purchase one of these converter cables, make sure to read the documentation that comes with it. Make sure that the software that comes with this piece of hardware supports whatever it is installed on the computer at home.

About the Author

I've been involved with personal computers in general and in particular networking for a long time.  I realize it may sound pretty lame, but talking about stuff such as canbus adapter and <a href="http://www.easysync-ltd.com/category/131/usb-to-ethernet.html">USB to Ethernet converters</a> get me excited.

Troubleshooting iPod

iPod is a modern technological device helps you hearing latest music. Sometimes the ipod may not work properly. In that case you have to take certain measures to make the iPod trouble free.

If your iPod is not starting up then check out the following causes. You have to see whether the hold switch is ON or not. If you find it in the locked position then unlock it for readjusting it. You have to charge your battery by plugging it into a power adapter. If you want to attach your iPod to your computer, then restore latest software updater that matches your iPod model. If your ipod does not get attach with the computer or take a charge then its battery may be ruined. If you are using the ipod for a longer time then the iPod battery dies.

iPod should be plugged into a high power USB 2.0 port. It won’t run if it is plugged into a low USB port. The battery may be dead if the computer remains in a stand by position. Use alternative USB port or charge the battery from a USB charger. If it still does not work use another USB cable.

You have to buy latest version ipod if you cannot copy the latest version of iTunes to your iPod. iPod software should be updated every month otherwise it would get outdated. If your head phones are not working try to connect the head phones to any other 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack. If it does not work then you have to replace it.

If the warranty period is not over then replace it for a new iPod. You have to go to the service centre if the problem is regarding hardware. If you have to get the servicing of the iPod then try to remember its serial number and purchase date.

Trouble shooting steps should be followed to overcome the difficulties in running the iPod.

Can anyone tell me where to find a good USB to serial adapter in victoria?

I need it for my router as my laptop doesn't have a com port. I have heard that not all adapters give full functionality as some usb to serial adapters.

What are you trying to connect? And what model router do you have?
~
Are you sure it is a serial port? I have not seen a serial port on a laptop in over 5 years. And never on a router. Most router USB ports are test ports. Check your manual.

Sure you are hooking this up right?

New in the Maker Shed: Uartsbee V3.1 Xbee / FTDI Adapter (MAKE Magazine)

The new UartSBee V3.1 from the Maker Shed is a dual use Xbee adapter / FTDI
programmer. The USB port allows you to hook XBee modules up to your computer
for programming and wireless linking. It's like a little Swiss Army knife for
Xbees and programming.

MAKE Magazine

Keyspan USB 4 Port Serial Adapter