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Need Help/Opinions for USB-Serial Adapter

1043 Views 12 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  WVULTRA, 
WVULTRA
Was thinking the laptop had a serial port, but after checking closely it does not!

After researching here, it seems the SERT won't play well with the wrong adapter. Help file doesn't really specify anything other than baud rate.

Found this place during a search, and appears their adapter should be very compatible:

http://www.easysync-ltd.com/index.html?lang=en-uk&target=d12.html

Pic attached.

Thanks for any help!

:hmmm:
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D
I picked up a belkin adapter at Best Buy and didn't have any trouble at all. Just be sure and load the drivers for whichever one you get.......i think mine was 38 bucks or something like that.

Best of luck!

Steve
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WVRDKING said:
Was thinking the laptop had a serial port, but after checking closely it does not!

After researching here, it seems the SERT won't play well with the wrong adapter. Help file doesn't really specify anything other than baud rate.

Found this place during a search, and appears their adapter should be very compatible:

http://www.easysync-ltd.com/index.html?lang=en-uk&target=d12.html
Click to expand...
I've been a computer system designer for the last 15 years. Not knowing if you are familiar with all the technical aspects of computers or not, I'll try to keep this explanation as short and concise as possible.

First, in my experience, I don't think a $25 no-name (in the IT industry!) adaptor is going to work very well. I'll try to explain. :hmmm:

USB is an interface to the inner workings of the computer. Serial ports are another, older and different interface. Interfaces allow data (electrical signals) to be inputted to the CPU, memory etc. of the computer following specific "protocols", or rules by which the data is configured and transmitted. The protocols used by USB & serial ports are entirely different and transmit the data they use in incompatible ways. USB devices work through the USB port; serial devices through the serial port. In my experience, USB devices don't work very well through the serial port nor do serial devices work very well through the USB port, even with quality adapters.

Using an "adapter" of some sort is never a very satisfactory way to get something done. You might be able to transmit some data but it will probably become "corrupted" (not be transmitted correctly or accurately). There IS a universal device on a laptop computer called a PC or PCMCIA card slot. Specialized PC or PCMCIA cards for specific functions are inserted into the slot. For instance, I have a USB2 adapter which fits into the PC card slot to enable me to use a high speed USB2 connection to a photo scanner/printer since my laptop does not have a built-in high-speed USB2 port. I also have a SCSI PC card which enables me to use SCSI drives with my laptop. SCSI drives are very fast. Wireless and network PC cards are also available.

There ARE PC serial port cards available for use with a laptop. dealtime.com/xPC-Socket_Serial_Cards_Dual_PC_Card_SL0703_081 I believe you would have a far better chance of success with one of these rather than with an inexpensive USB-to-serial port cord-type adapter. The link above is NOT a site I recommend, but simply an example of the availability of such cards. I don't know if the cards shown on this particular site will work well or not.

Normally, if I were dealing with a computer client, it would take some research to find a specific product I could recommend to them. My suggestion to you would be contact me off-forum via the forum's messaging capabilities if I can be of further assistance to you. I will have to charge for my services however.

FWIW, my previous experience has been that a lot of folks don't care to spend what it really costs to find something that works well. It's probably cheaper for you to buy an inexpensive used laptop that has a the capabilities you need rather than spending a lot of time/money trying to find an adapter that may or may not work properly with your present laptop.

A second solution which may work even better would be to simply use a desktop computer which already has a serial port built into it.

Wizwill
wizwork.com
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frankencat
Yeah, I'm an IT guy myself and I think it's pretty lame that they stuck us with only a serial connection. Newer laptops don't even have a serial connection and it's only a matter of time until they are no more.
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frankencat said:
Yeah, I'm an IT guy myself and I think it's pretty lame that they stuck us with only a serial connection. Newer laptops don't even have a serial connection and it's only a matter of time until they are no more.
Click to expand...
I still use a serial port for an external modem on desktops when needed, since they quit making internal ISA-slots & modems. PCI ones don't work very well. US Robotics used to make an external USB modem but no more. Oh, well.

Sorry for hijacking this thread. :whistle:
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WVULTRA
:cheers:
Wizwill said:
I've been a computer system designer for the last 15 years. Not knowing if you are familiar with all the technical aspects of computers or not, I'll try to keep this explanation as short and concise as possible.

First, in my experience, I don't think a $25 no-name (in the IT industry!) adaptor is going to work very well. I'll try to explain. :hmmm:

USB is an interface to the inner workings of the computer. Serial ports are another, older and different interface. Interfaces allow data (electrical signals) to be inputted to the CPU, memory etc. of the computer following specific "protocols", or rules by which the data is configured and transmitted. The protocols used by USB & serial ports are entirely different and transmit the data they use in incompatible ways. USB devices work through the USB port; serial devices through the serial port. In my experience, USB devices don't work very well through the serial port nor do serial devices work very well through the USB port, even with quality adapters.

Using an "adapter" of some sort is never a very satisfactory way to get something done. You might be able to transmit some data but it will probably become "corrupted" (not be transmitted correctly or accurately). There IS a universal device on a laptop computer called a PC or PCMCIA card slot. Specialized PC or PCMCIA cards for specific functions are inserted into the slot. For instance, I have a USB2 adapter which fits into the PC card slot to enable me to use a high speed USB2 connection to a photo scanner/printer since my laptop does not have a built-in high-speed USB2 port. I also have a SCSI PC card which enables me to use SCSI drives with my laptop. SCSI drives are very fast. Wireless and network PC cards are also available.

There ARE PC serial port cards available for use with a laptop. dealtime.com/xPC-Socket_Serial_Cards_Dual_PC_Card_SL0703_081 I believe you would have a far better chance of success with one of these rather than with an inexpensive USB-to-serial port cord-type adapter. The link above is NOT a site I recommend, but simply an example of the availability of such cards. I don't know if the cards shown on this particular site will work well or not.

Normally, if I were dealing with a computer client, it would take some research to find a specific product I could recommend to them. My suggestion to you would be contact me off-forum via the forum's messaging capabilities if I can be of further assistance to you. I will have to charge for my services however.

FWIW, my previous experience has been that a lot of folks don't care to spend what it really costs to find something that works well. It's probably cheaper for you to buy an inexpensive used laptop that has a the capabilities you need rather than spending a lot of time/money trying to find an adapter that may or may not work properly with your present laptop.

A second solution which may work even better would be to simply use a desktop computer which already has a serial port built into it.

Wizwill
wizwork.com
Click to expand...
Wiz:

Being one that self taught himself several years ago the basics of building my own computers I can easily appreciate your 15 years of experience and congratulate you for sharing your knowledge here.

I had seriously considered a PCMCIA card at first, and decided to test the Google Search and eventually came up with the information I posted above. Yes I agree 100% that an adapter will be much less desirable than a dedicated device that accesses the System via the motherboard. I have used the PC slot for wireless communications.

Don't mind spending for a device that will ensure proper functioning of the SERT, but I need the laptop to use the Data Recording Mode while riding. Already have a desktop available to the garage.

Having beta tested Flight Simulator programs for Microsoft and other commercial companies, I quickly became a power junkie when building my own systems. ;)

Again, I do appreciate you imput, and offering a much more viable method. However, my level of experience doesn't require me to seek professional services at this time.

:cheers:
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WVULTRA
Datamulch said:
I picked up a belkin adapter at Best Buy and didn't have any trouble at all. Just be sure and load the drivers for whichever one you get.......i think mine was 38 bucks or something like that.

Best of luck!

Steve
Click to expand...
Steve:

Thanks for the info. :yes:

Ben
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WVRDKING said:
Steve:

Thanks for the info. :yes:

Ben
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i too have had great luck with the belkin adapter.back in the day, i would emulate a certain device which allowed a wider spectrum of tv viewing!
using belkin usb ro serial adapters, i never lost any data flashing chips with hex andd bin codes. this system ran 24 hours a day ( unless a signal fell from the sky and i would have to upgrade the flash).:rolleyes:
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WVULTRA
claydbal said:
i too have had great luck with the belkin adapter.back in the day, i would emulate a certain device which allowed a wider spectrum of tv viewing!
using belkin usb ro serial adapters, i never lost any data flashing chips with hex andd bin codes. this system ran 24 hours a day ( unless a signal fell from the sky and i would have to upgrade the flash).:rolleyes:
Click to expand...
clay:

Found this in the SERT Help Files:

Use of USB Serial Port Adapters

Some newer laptop computers have eliminated the serial port entirely, and supply only a USB port. Tuning Mode has not been formally tested with all these adapters, but many "name brand" adapters (such as Belkin) do function properly with Tuning Mode. It is suggested that you find a USB adapter supplier that will allow you to exchange and try several adapters to find one that works correctly on your particular computer.

Has the same statement in the Data Mode files.

Since the Belkin is mentioned, I'm gonna pick up their F5U109 Adapter and give it a try. Can always return it and go another route if necessary.

Thanks for the info!

:cheers:
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WVRDKING said:
clay:

Found this in the SERT Help Files:

Use of USB Serial Port Adapters

Some newer laptop computers have eliminated the serial port entirely, and supply only a USB port. Tuning Mode has not been formally tested with all these adapters, but many "name brand" adapters (such as Belkin) do function properly with Tuning Mode. It is suggested that you find a USB adapter supplier that will allow you to exchange and try several adapters to find one that works correctly on your particular computer.

Has the same statement in the Data Mode files.

Since the Belkin is mentioned, I'm gonna pick up their F5U109 Adapter and give it a try. Can always return it and go another route if necessary.

Thanks for the info!

:cheers:
Click to expand...
try www.epinions.com to help with your search, hope all works well!!
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FUNHOG
I also use a Belkin adapter with no problems.
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W
Belkin adapter

I am very pleased to stand corrected. It would seem the Belkin adapter works with the SERT.

FWIW, Belkin is not a no-name product. The brand is well respected in IT circles. I have a Belkin USB hub which works well. :eek:
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WVULTRA
Good to Go!

All:

Purchased the Belkin F5U109 Adapter at Circuit City, and performed a quick test. After selecting Com Port 4, was able to communicate/read ECM info and calibration ID in Tuning Mode using Get ECM Info.

In Data Mode confirmed ECM communications via Test Com which yielded Normal Operation. Also retrieved/checked DTC codes using Get DTC's.

Of course the final test will be uploading a new Map, but for now I feel confident it won't be a problem.

Thanks for the insight!

:beer4u:
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