Serial Port

[lyurch]

I've been using Romcode,and my programmer attaches to my serial port on the computer. Unfortunately, my only computer, a laptop, has died, and I need to get a new one. Unfortunately, all of the new laptops I've looked at don't have serial ports. when I talked with a salesman at a computer store (as well as from looking around on the web), there's a USB to serial adaptor available, but will this work with a RomCode programmer? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[JT]

Don't mess with any adaptors or gender changers. You will need to get yourself an official expansion card with a 9 pin serial port. I'm assuming your new laptop will have a slot for an expansion card. They still come with that feature at least.

[Metro]

It's always smart to listen to someone as experianced at JT, but i have tried everything under the sun in terms of an alternate to straight serial connection. and the thing that worked best for me is a USB to serial adaptor. I dont know why... but it does. now i dont know just how well it will work the Romcode but it works great with N2edit. I currently have a Targus port replicator and a PCMCIA RS-232 card sitting in my drawer collecting dust.

Just my thoughts.

Metro

[rob24_365]

I used a USB-to-Serial adapter during my Dave days, but there is no telling if the software will work properly for Dish. If you buy one, make sure it is from somewhere that you can take it back. :)

Rob24_365

[Ohms]

The fact is that a USB Serial adapter is a serial port emulater and uses software for communication instead of the 16500 UART that a real serial port uses.

My new Del M90 top of the line laptop does not come with a serial port. It also does not come with a Cardbus or PCMCIA slot. It has what is called an express slot. I purchased the ONLY Express card that claims to have real serial communications chips. The friggin thing has tons of timing issues. I hate it. I have tried 5 diff USB-Serial adapters and have had some, but very limited success.

Here is what I suggest:
If you buy a new laptop, get a docking station or port replicator that has a serial port. That's what I use. It works 100% of the time.

If your new laptop has a PCMCIA slot, get a Quatech PCMCIA serial card. I have heard from many testers that these work well. Not tried by me though.

[JT]

The only thing I could get to work with my newest laptop was a PCMCIA expansion card. It works great though. Just as good as my desktop with the serial ports on the mother board. The adaptors do work for some people in some situations, but we can say for sure the expansion card will work if you have that option.

[lyurch]

Thanks for all the suggestion, everyone. It sounds like the docking station gives the best alternative to an actual serial port. Otherwise I'll use the PCMCIA option. I just have to look into cost, now.
Why don't they make the programmers with USB ports, or something more universal?

[lyurch]

Any suggestions between the PCMCIA serial expansion vs. a port replicator/docking station? What's the difference between a port replicator and a docking station? I've seen port replicators and docking stations that connect to the laptop via USB. Is this not a wise idea, given that the regular USB to serial port adaptors don't always work?

[JT]

The docking station will cost a hell of a lot more. If your only reason for the purchase is to add a 9 pin serial/com port, then go with the expansion card. Otherwise, docking stations are really nice to have, they just cost a hell of a lot more.

[Ohms]

Don't use the "universal" docking station or port replicator that connects via USB. If you want a docking station for other reasons like easily using a standard keyboard/monitor/mouse by just slapping the laptop onto the docking station, then go that way. IF all you want is a serial, as JT points out.. It will be much cheapter to go with the PCMCIA card.

JT, post your brand and model please. Sounds like you have found one that is real good. Some are not so good.

[JT]

The one I had sold with the laptop to another "tester". I can't remember what brand it was because it was not a common brand. I got it at newegg.com and it was just their run of the mill expansion card. It was only $35 and had two 9 pin serial/com ports on it. Wasn't much to the card really.

[JT]

I'm almost positive that I had the very first one on this list, the koutech, from a search at newegg.com

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&type=&Description=PCMCIA+serial&Submit=ENE&N=0&Ntk=all&Go.x=14&Go.y=28

Only difference is this one is $60. I don't remember paying that much, but almost positive that was the one.