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[zirk]

Trying to get one of those USB serial lead adapter thingy's to work on my Samsung Netbook (Win7), Its a Bafo type BF-810 if that means anything, windows finds the Hardware and loads the drivers fine and allocates a comm port to it. Run the software change comm settings to suit all seems fine, just wont communicate through the lead.

Thought it might be win7 issue, so tried doing the same on the Dell lappy with Vista, same deal.

I know the real answer is to use a proper RS232 port, but dont have any portable devices with them fitted any more.

Any thoughts?

Chris.

 

[Jimbob]

question is the lead the problem, or the software your using with it.

some things demand these be forced to com1, even when the claim to support others

[zirk]

The software is fine, its a commercial release, it talks to Radios through the Mic socket, the communication type, works fine on the bench using a PC with a real Comm port, just trying to get it usable out on the field. The USB adapter was supplied by them, so Im thinking its an Netbook or win7 issue?

I did wonder about the Comm port 1, the adapter is loading itself as com 18,19,20 depending which of the 3 USB port I use on the Netbook, cant seem to change that on win7.

?

[Richgm]

USB serial adaptors are a real hit and miss affair. It seems that the software and drivers can work well on one PC and not on another depending on OS and other programs installed.
If you've got a pcmcia slot then I an lead to believe that you would have better success using a pcmcia/serial card.

[Jimbob]

try using device manager to force them one to com1, you may then me lucky, you may not.

[Kevin Wood]

A lot of software like this works by "bit bashing" the pins of the serial port so timing is critical.

Having said that, even for straightforward applications some USB to serial chipsets are better than others.

Kevin

[TheBoy]

I find generally the Prolithic chipset and their drivers work best, thats what I stick to.

As Kevin Wood says, many of these apps work by controlling the serial lines manually, whereas the usb-serial leads expect an rs232 compliant stream via WinAPI.

[zirk]

If you've got a pcmcia slot then I an lead to believe that you would have better success using a pcmcia/serial card.

No pcmia or card slots on the Netbook, nice thought though. 

try using device manager to force them one to com1, you may then me lucky, you may not.

Think you may be on to something there JB.

A lot of software like this works by "bit bashing" the pins of the serial port so timing is critical.

Having said that, even for straightforward applications some USB to serial chipsets are better than others.

Kevin

Noted, Kevin 

I find generally the Prolithic chipset and their drivers work best, thats what I stick to..

The 810 uses Prolithic drivers, so guessing its the same chipset. Did a google on the drivers for win7 with no real joy, lastest seem to be for Vistra , 3.2.x. from memory, The Bafo website says win7 works and no drivers required.

Any way thanks all, will have a play with it tomorrow and try forcing the com port to 1,2,3,or 4.

Might even have an old breakout box somewhere or an old dail up modem laying arround, so might have a play with that and see if the leads are working as they should be.

Seem to remember theres 12v flying around on good old RS232, not sure how that works with a 5v USB, may be the adapter sorts that one out.

Cheers Chris. 

[TheBoy]

I use my Prolithic ones under Win7.  No idea what driver (other than prolithic), I know I went through hell and high water to find it.

[zirk]

I use my Prolithic ones under Win7.  No idea what driver (other than prolithic), I know I went through hell and high water to find it.

Dont suppose youve got the original download file by any chance?

[TheBoy]

I use my Prolithic ones under Win7.  No idea what driver (other than prolithic), I know I went through hell and high water to find it.

Dont suppose youve got the original download file by any chance?

Somewhere...  ...think I got them from prolithic in the end.

If you can't find in next few hours, I'll go through my stuff

[zirk]

I use my Prolithic ones under Win7.  No idea what driver (other than prolithic), I know I went through hell and high water to find it.

Dont suppose youve got the original download file by any chance?

Somewhere...  ...think I got them from prolithic in the end.

If you can't find in next few hours, I'll go through my stuff

Cheers TB, I'll do a bit more surfing, on top of what I've already done, if you reckon its out there, if no joy I'll give you a pm later.
  Chris.

[TheBoy]

Wondering now if I use a vista driver...

[TheBoy]

hang on, there is one on this lappy, I'll get its version if I can find the usb adapter...

[TheBoy]

Its came from a zip called PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v110.zip

HTH