Maker Pro
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Laptop Serial Adaptor

B

Bob La Londe

Jan 1, 1970
0
Ok.. we had a conversation on here the other day about the fact that most
new laptops don't have serial ports. There are USB serial adaptors (I have
one) but I hear they don't work with all software. I currently use a couple
old Toshiba laptops I got from usedlaptops.com several years ago that do
have serial ports, but I got to thinking about options.

Somebody mentioned that there are PCMCIA to serial cards so I checked one of
my vendors and found this one.
http://www.gocna.com/contents/media/87-513t.jpg

Looks like just the ticket except its relatively expensive at $205.00

Any others out there that might be a little more economical and work well.
I would really like to start using newer laptops for stuff so that I can
integrate better laptops with more services in the field.


--
Bob La Londe - Webmaster
www.YumaBassMan.com

Tornament Director
www.YumaProAm.com


*** ***
 
S

Sean Sokoly

Jan 1, 1970
0
Bob said:
Ok.. we had a conversation on here the other day about the fact that most
new laptops don't have serial ports. There are USB serial adaptors (I have
one) but I hear they don't work with all software. I currently use a couple
old Toshiba laptops I got from usedlaptops.com several years ago that do
have serial ports, but I got to thinking about options.

Somebody mentioned that there are PCMCIA to serial cards so I checked one of
my vendors and found this one.
http://www.gocna.com/contents/media/87-513t.jpg

Looks like just the ticket except its relatively expensive at $205.00

Any others out there that might be a little more economical and work well.
I would really like to start using newer laptops for stuff so that I can
integrate better laptops with more services in the field.


--
Bob La Londe - Webmaster
www.YumaBassMan.com

Tornament Director
www.YumaProAm.com


*** ***
Bob check Ebay. I got a good deal on 1 there for far less than $205.00,
also shop around for a Single RS232 rather than that double. Look around
for Socket I/O they are more reasonable.
 
S

Si Ballenger

Jan 1, 1970
0
Ok.. we had a conversation on here the other day about the fact that most
new laptops don't have serial ports. There are USB serial adaptors (I have
one) but I hear they don't work with all software. I currently use a couple
old Toshiba laptops I got from usedlaptops.com several years ago that do
have serial ports, but I got to thinking about options.

Somebody mentioned that there are PCMCIA to serial cards so I checked one of
my vendors and found this one.
http://www.gocna.com/contents/media/87-513t.jpg

Looks like just the ticket except its relatively expensive at $205.00

Any others out there that might be a little more economical and work well.
I would really like to start using newer laptops for stuff so that I can
integrate better laptops with more services in the field.

You might check with the people at the below site. They make some
USB to serial equipment which works very well. It has been my
experience that they are very responsive to questions. They may
have single USB serial adapter that will work with the desired
equipment. If the programming software is old and requires
hardware bit banging of the DTR/RTS lines and such, then the
PCMCIA card may be the only way to go.

http://www.ionetworks.com/index.jsp
 
R

Robert L Bass

Jan 1, 1970
0
Ok.. we had a conversation on here the other day about
the fact that most new laptops don't have serial ports.

If you were using Napco this would be a non-issue, Bob. They make a USB
port-to-panel connector for their software. Plug it in, tell the software what
you're using and you're off.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com
 
B

Bob La Londe

Jan 1, 1970
0
Robert L Bass said:
If you were using Napco this would be a non-issue, Bob. They make a USB
port-to-panel connector for their software. Plug it in, tell the software what
you're using and you're off.

You are getting forgetful in your old age. I am using Napco panels mostly.
I was not aware there was a USB to panel adaptor. Of course that won't work
with panels that don't have a jack, but I program most of those from the
keypad anyway. I'll get ahold of my rep and ask about one right away.

Still need that serial port for other stuff though.


--
The Security Consultant
Bob La Londe - Owner
849 S Ave C
Yuma, Az 85364

(928)782-9765 ofc
(928)782-7873 fax
 
R

Robert L Bass

Jan 1, 1970
0
You are getting forgetful in your old age...

My father likes to say getting old isn't so bad when you consider the
alternative.
I am using Napco panels mostly. I was not aware there
was a USB to panel adaptor. Of course that won't work
with panels that don't have a jack, but I program most
of those from the keypad anyway.

Since only old Napco panels are sans jack, it's not much of an issue any more.
The USB version of the PCI-MINI has been out for a while now. Since I don't do
site work for pay any more, I don't really need one though I still have the
serial version laying around somewhere.
I'll get ahold of my rep and ask about one right away.

It beats trying to maintain an old laptop just for programming.
Still need that serial port for other stuff though.

Yep. I don't know if other manufacturers' software is as temperamental about
USB-serial port adaptors but most of the time they don't work with Napco. Some
machines will and some won't configure the USB-serial port as "COM#" and unless
you can do that Quickloader has trouble. I never tried to find out which PC
makes / models work since they're always changing anyway.

If all else fails, there's always Jim Rojas' everlasting garage sale. :^)

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com
 
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