Packet radio - TNC connections to USB port

[G0LQU]

I have a Kantronics KAM all-mode TNC. For the "computer" connection I've been using the 25way "D" connector on the KAM to the 9 way "D" serial port on my old laptop. Works fine. Now I have a newer laptop, I notice there is no 9 way "D" serial connector on it - only USB. (I think the 9 way "D" serial connectors are obsolete).
Question: "What is involved in 'converting' the existing serial interface to USB or is it even possible?

Thanks for any thoughts/answers.

Peter G0LQU

[VE4CY]

You can buy Serial to USB converter cables.. Just plug the serial side into the KAM and the USB side into your laptop. See the link below.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/tag/usb%20to%20serial/products

[W9GB]

Now I have a newer laptop, I notice there is no 9 way "D" serial connector on it - only USB. (I think the 9 way "D" serial connectors are obsolete).
Question: "What is involved in 'converting' the existing serial interface to USB or is it even possible?
Thanks for any thoughts/answers.

Peter G0LQU

Peter ---

Your local global USB mfg., FTDI (UK) should be very easy to find !!!
You can order from their web page or UK distributor/dealer.
Pickup up the Tele and ask them about ANY question you have.

USB to RS232 Converters
http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBRS232.htm

Future Technology Devices International Limited (FTDI)
Unit 1, 2 Seaward Place
Centurion Business Park
Glasgow
G41 1HH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 141 429 2777
Fax: +44 (0) 141 429 2758
#
E-Mail (Sales): sales1@ftdichip.com
E-Mail (Support): support1@ftdichip.com
Web Site URL: http://www.ftdichip.com
Web Shop URL: http://apple.clickandbuild.com/cnb/shop/ftdichip

[K0RGR]

I would highly recommend FTDI based devices. All of the FTDI devices I have work well. The Prolific based devices, however, seem to be very problematic.

[G0LQU]

You can buy Serial to USB converter cables.. Just plug the serial side into the KAM and the USB side into your laptop. See the link below.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/tag/usb%20to%20serial/products

Thanks for your reply - Looks as though it will be easy!

Peter G0LQU

[G0LQU]

I would highly recommend FTDI based devices. All of the FTDI devices I have work well. The Prolific based devices, however, seem to be very problematic.

Thanks for the info and warning. All noted. As usual (thanks to this wonderful forum) I go from zero info to buckets in the space of a few days.

Many thanks
Peter G0LQU

[WA9SVD]

The "USB" (aka "Punt and Pray") to RS-232 converters vary, partly dependent upon the quality of drivers. Some $7 units work fine, and $25 units fail miserably in some applications. Much will be a matter of trial and error. Whatever you try, make sure there's a return policy if it doesn't work in your application.

[G0LQU]

The "USB" (aka "Punt and Pray") to RS-232 converters vary, partly dependent upon the quality of drivers. Some $7 units work fine, and $25 units fail miserably in some applications. Much will be a matter of trial and error. Whatever you try, make sure there's a return policy if it doesn't work in your application.

Thanks for that sound advice and apologies for delay in replying. I purchased a £6 unit from China and----it doesn't work! Looks business-like with a good quaility PCB and a few SM chips but that's meaningless if it doesn't work. I think your advice applied a lot more generally too!

Thanks again
Peter G0LQU

[KF5FEI]

Thanks for that sound advice and apologies for delay in replying. I purchased a £6 unit from China and----it doesn't work! Looks business-like with a good quaility PCB and a few SM chips but that's meaningless if it doesn't work. I think your advice applied a lot more generally too!

The problem with the non-FTDI cables is the Prolific USB chips have been counterfeited and Prolific has patched their drivers to detect the fakes and not work properly. Sometimes the fakes work with the older Prolific drivers the cable seller provides, but as soon as Windows does you a favor and updates the drivers, you're hosed.