New PC with no COM or LPT ports

[n0iu]

Dudes, I'm getting a Dell! To be specific, it is a Dell Inspiron 531. I will come with Vista, but my XP CD is all polished and ready to go. The real issue however is that the new PC does not have any COM or LPT ports.

In order to use my existing software and hardware, I can either:

a) Get an internal PCI card that provides COM and LPT ports.

or

b) Get USB to Serial and USB to Parallel "dongles".

Which way to go??

Scott NØIU

[N4PRT]

Get the PCI internal cards--and why will come a little later.

When you open your handy dandy new Dell you likely will be surprised that there are only two empty PCI slots--hell, for that matter there are only two PCI slots and one x16 slot. These Dell mobos are getting cheaper and cheaper.

Anyway, when you go with the external, many strange things can happen with the required USB drivers, virtual port emulation, and the voltages you need or must control. Using internal cards gives you a true "classic" port connection and many other benefits that assure complete compatibility with applications and interface devices to the rig or other peripherals that you need to connect with.

[w8gtf]

You may want to get a look at the motherboard before you go buying anything. *Some* motherboards have the pins for a serial (com) port, but no connection. It's only afew dollars to go to the computer store and get a serial back plate (to go into an expansion slot) and a data cable to the pins on the motherboard.

When I replaced the motherboard in my desktop, it came with the backplate/data cable setup so that I could add serial ports to it.

[WA4TM]

Look for the plugs, or put in a PCI card if you can,, usb is cool and all that but it is more troublesome.. Just my $.02

[N0NB]

The only problem I've noted is that the cheap ones (from Tiger Direct) are prone to RFI (I've not tested a Keyspan to see if they're any better). I've noticed some built in ports are as well, but the ones on a USB 2.0 PCI card are immune.

The only other issue is that sometimes the Linux kernel will rename the device name upon reboot (I have three dongles plugged in) and I'll have to change it in Fldigi. No big deal, but it was a head scratcher that first time. Yeah, I could fix it, but I'm lazy. :D

[KC7UP]

I have my computers made locally and you get what you want and with no proprietary components inside.
Curt

[WA9SVD]

Open the Dell box before you add or buy anything. IF you can add PCI cards, that is preferable to the "USB Converters," but even the PCI cards aren't perfect; or rather the computers. Even when there as NO RS-232C ports possible to add to the MoBo, COM1-COM4 are sometimes "locked out" so that even an add-on PCI card will have to use a higher COM#, and many software programs still don't look for a COM# over 4.

BTW, get used to USB. Even the keyboard and rodent (mouse) interfaces are USB with no way to use traditional devices (although you can sometimes buy adapters.) If you have a special pointing device, or special keyboard, and they aren't USB, you may well be SOL.
Of course, the Dell boxes usually come with a keyboard and mouse included as part of the package.

I take it this wasn't one of the Dell models that had XP as an option? It may come with Vista specific hardware drivers and there may not be XP drivers available for a "user installed" OS. Good luck. The Dell's ARE nice machines.

[k7mh]

I have my computers made locally and you get what you want and with no proprietary components inside.
Smart is you!!
Proprietary hardware is a joke. OOB computers are a headache. Surf global, buy hardware local. Best yet is to build it yourself! :cool:

[N4PRT]

Dell used to be a "nice" machine. Over the course of years they have cheapened the quality of their components and add-ons--while offering less and less expansion versatility at the mobo level. They have become notorious for installing underperforming power supplies, populating boards with cheap memory, excessive charges for mediocre sound and video upgrades, and truly crappy hard disk selection. Order a SATA drive and note that the connectors are SATA 1 tacked to a bottom level Samsung drive.

Years ago when I worked in corporate IT, Dell was the specification of choice for workstations and servers. For private users the best route is to build your own--one can own three times the computer for the same price.

BTW, on the Dell proprietary mobos, there are no headers to attach a COM or Parallel rail. If you are lucky, you might find one to add a couple more USB ports.

Also, beware the Keyspan and Belkin replicators. They have the nasty habit of changing port assignment between boots, and quite a few of the tried-and-true ham control software apps have a little "difficulty" communicating properly with them. Also, there is the problem of what voltage a true com or lpt port can switch or provide versus the emulation ports.

[KE5SGY]

Smart is you!!
Proprietary hardware is a joke. OOB computers are a headache. Surf global, buy hardware local. Best yet is to build it yourself! :cool:

*Adjusting my pocket protector and taping the arm of my horn rimmed glasses*

I have built many computers and I have help to fix many. HP is my nightmare. I post because I have built my last 5 computers with parts from Tiger Direct. I have no issues with the hardware of service from them. It puzzles me as to how anyone would have trouble with a company with a no DOA policy.

I have never had to use it but I have a friend that purchased a cheap video card for his kid and it was DOA. He contacted by email and they shipped one our with return shipping for the bad one. Hard to beat that on electronics.

As to COM or USB.... could go either way on this... USB is really easy UNTIL something isn't recognized then just throw in the towel. COM's have been around for ever and most software and drivers work with a COM.... OS is the nightmare sometimes.... OH, The days of 98 trying to make things work... Grrrrrrrrr

Dells are great and with most there is the ability to expand and add... I would go with the PCI for sure... hardware compatibility is always better.

HEY, Dudes Getting a Dell.... :D

[WA9SVD]

Smart is you!!
Proprietary hardware is a joke. OOB computers are a headache. Surf global, buy hardware local. Best yet is to build it yourself! :cool:

I agree that's the "best" route, but it's getting difficult to find MoBo's today for the latest processors (e.g., dual and quad core) that actually HAVE the RS-232 or IEEE-1284 ports. Almost all are now "USB" only, and there are no pads or places to add a connector for RS-232 or Parallel Port.

[kb7nmu]

I've found that if you look for USB to serial adapters that list compatibility with medical and scientific devices that they usually work fine with radios.

[n2ize]

This is why I don't like buying "name brand" computers...like Dell. Instead I buy mobo's and build the machine around them. of course with desktop machines this is easy. With laptops not so easy.

[n2ize]

Smart is you!!
Proprietary hardware is a joke. OOB computers are a headache. Surf global, buy hardware local. Best yet is to build it yourself! :cool:

AMEN !! AMEN AMEN AMEN !!

(Had to add a few extra "amen's" because the BBS say's that a single "amen" is too short.)

[WA9SVD]

AMEN !! AMEN AMEN AMEN !!

(Had to add a few extra "amen's" because the BBS say's that a single "amen" is too short.)

I recently took an informal survey of current MoBo's at Fry's. Of about 30 on display, about half still have a single RS-232c Port; very few have provision for a second. Less than 25% still have a Parallel Port.
So much for the trusty ol' LaserJet...

[kb9ofm]

Build your own pc's,you bet.I have been doing that for years.I would rather have a radio that will work with my pc,then a pc that will not work with my radio.I fine that in ham radio,I do not need the lastest or greatest pc out there just to run radio stuff,plus,I would rather have a brand new radio,then a brand new supper high computer.Besides,I all ready have more pc's and laptops then radios.Wait a minute,something is wrong with that!!!!!!

73-dennis

[WA9SVD]

Build your own pc's,you bet.I have been doing that for years.I would rather have a radio that will work with my pc,then a pc that will not work with my radio.I fine that in ham radio,I do not need the lastest or greatest pc out there just to run radio stuff,plus,I would rather have a brand new radio,then a brand new supper high computer.Besides,I all ready have more pc's and laptops then radios.Wait a minute,something is wrong with that!!!!!!

73-dennis

I know the feeling. I offer to take "old" computers when friends (or clients) buy a new machine. But I hate getting rid of a working machine, and most will be more than good enough to dedicate solely to Amateur Radio shack use. Heck, I still use an XT-compatible luggable (hardly a "laptop") for portable Packet use, because it's GOOD ENUF. In all reality, even a Dual-core processor based computer with 4 GB memory won't do any better on packet, or for lots of other Amateur programs.

[KU7PDX]

I would be concerned that Dell might invalidate your warranty if you open the box. Last year, a relative bought a Dell machine and it was actually riveted closed so that it could not be opened unless it was through warranty service.

I use my laptop for all ham radio use and use USB converters without any issues. If I was using a desktop machine, I would buy a high quality serial card and parallel card though.

[WA9SVD]

I would be concerned that Dell might invalidate your warranty if you open the box. Last year, a relative bought a Dell machine and it was actually riveted closed so that it could not be opened unless it was through warranty service.

I use my laptop for all ham radio use and use USB converters without any issues. If I was using a desktop machine, I would buy a high quality serial card and parallel card though.

What sort of Dell model was that, or was it a laptop?

Dell doesn't automatically invalidate a warrantee if you open the box. (Memory upgrades are a very common upgrade, and don't require Dell to perform that service.)
Now, with a laptop, the only upgrade is memory, and laptops usually have a convenient access door for memory addition.
Is it possible on the Dell in question (if it's a desktop) that ONE SIDE of the case was riveted, but the other side panel was attached by screws? Some cases now allow all devices to be attached to frames than then fit into the case, so that access to both sides of the case is no longer necessary to mount such things as drives. I've worked on several new Dell's in the past year, and haven't seen one with a "sealed" case. (In fact, tha last one I worked on was to add memory to a new Dell, and it had "thumbscrews" on the case, so you could remove the side panel without needing a screwdriver.) That would make it extremely difficult for even Dell to provide warrantee repair if needed. And normal maintenance includes occasional cleaning of dust, dirt, cat hair, various arachnids, etc. from the INSIDE of the case on a regular basis.

[k1rfd]

Get the PCI internal cards--and why will come a little later.

I concur (and for laptops, go with the PC-Card option). One specific reason is that if you are planning to use the machine for RTTY/FSK, the USB-to-serial adapters are not capable of the unusually slow baud rate required. Devices that have a true 16550 UART are more flexible. What's more, the PCI card will probably have at least two serial ports (possibly even four), and/or a parallel port, so you get more bang for the buck.

[ve3sre]

I have built many computers and I have help to fix many. HP is my nightmare.

Yes I'm attempting to "fix" a fairly recent HP desktop with a weird intermittent problem that appears to be with the power supply...though not 100% sure yet.

I've googled around a bit and this particular model of HP Pavillion desktop does commonly have power supply problems.

I detest dealing with these proprietary boxes...give me a "clone" assembled as a DIY project or by a small local computer shop any day.

73

[WA9SVD]

Yes I'm attempting to "fix" a fairly recent HP desktop with a weird intermittent problem that appears to be with the power supply...though not 100% sure yet.

I've googled around a bit and this particular model of HP Pavillion desktop does commonly have power supply problems.

I detest dealing with these proprietary boxes...give me a "clone" assembled as a DIY project or by a small local computer shop any day.

73

The lack of RS-232c (Serial) / IEEE 1284 )Parallel Printer) Ports is not a "Proprietary" issue. It's common on almost ALL "new" computers and motherboards (MoBo's.).
It's almost impossible to find a MoBo that takes current high-end processors (dual or quad core, AMD OR Intel) with a Parallel Printer port, less than half have a single RS-232 Serial Port. But thay ALL have at least four, usually 6, USB ports. But three of THOSE are normally taken up by a keyboars, pointing device, and USB printer.

If there's a suspected problem with a power supply, it's best to replace it and see if the problem goes away. Many times, the fan in the supply goes out, leading to overheating of sections on the supply, and often leads to an unexpected "reboot" at the most inopportune times.
If a new supply doesn't cure a problem, you still have a backup when a supply DOES go bad.