If you are looking for a good low-cost USB to RS232 adapter and you are asking yourself "Will a $10 USB Serial adapter cable work with my device? and will it work with Windows?" Read on and find out why you have to be careful about which adapter you choose.
Why many low-cost USB Serial adapter cables does not work with Windows.
The reason why many USB to RS232 adapters does not work well with newer versions of Windows is because these adapters are made with a low-cost processor chip which complies only with the minimum requirements or less. The physical quality of the processor chip is usually of average quality however the drivers for the chipset are often poorly written programs which makes the USB to RS232 adapter unstable and unreliable and not fully compatible with Windows and other current operating systems. Because of this you will in many cases be unable to make a low-cost USB serial adapter work with newer versions of Windows and you can expect some of the following typical errors:
- Computer freeze
- Invalid debug DLL
- Computer crashing
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- Driver problems
- Unable to communicate
- Unable to establish a COM port
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Click here for a deeper technical explanation of these problems. So will the USB to RS232 adapter we are selling here work with all serial devices? No, however it will work with the majority of devices and we guarantee that the processor chip and drivers are fully optimized for all newer versions of Windows and also most older versions so you will not experience any driver problems. This USB serial adapter is designed with one of the best processor chips available, the FT232RL from FTDI, a British family owned company established in 1990 with distributors in more than 50 countries. This chipset is unique in design and has been tested and improved extensively over several years to offer compatibility with the majority of devices on the market.
Features.
Our USB to RS232 adapter easily adds a serial COM port to your desktop or laptop, for general office, commercial and industrial use. Serial outputs are automatically configured as additional COM ports within Windows, Linux and Mac. It is compatible with most GPS and PDA devices (Garmin, Mallagan, Palm), modems, printers, scanners, digital cameras and office equipment.
This USB to RS232 adapter cable has protection against static electricity and surges of up to 15KV which gives you reliable data transfers and protects the converter and your equipment from damage due to over voltages.
Easy driver installation installation and requires no IRQ, DMA, or I/O port resources which means that more devices can be attached to your system without the hassles of device and resource conflicts. Drivers comply with Microsoft WHQL and VCP for all newer versions of Windows.
If this USB to RS232 adapter is not compatible with your device you can return it within 30 days for a refund.
Overall features
- Port powered USB to serial adapter
- Indication LED lights for TX and RX activity
- Guaranteed genuine non-clone FTDI processor chips
using Windows WHQL certified drivers (beware of clones)
- Full Handshaking and Modem Interface Signals
- High performance FT232RL processor
- Auto detection of data speed
- Built-in electrostatic protection
- This adapter has thumb-screws on each side of the
DB9 connector, if you need an adapter with stand-off
nuts please consider the XS880
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Resources
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SPECIFICATIONS |
Part number |
XS8801 |
Operating system |
- Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 (32/64-bit), Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 / R2, Windows 7 (32/64-bit), Windows Server 2008 R2, Vista (32/64-bit), Windows Server 2008 (32/64-bit), XP, Windows Server 2003 (32/64-bit), 2000, (all WHQL compliant). Windows RT as D2XX drivers only.
- Windows CE v4.2 - 5.2, 6.0, 7.0 and 2013 including: Windows Mobile 2003, 2003 SE, Windows Mobile 5, 6, 6.1 and 6.5
- Linux (built into kernel 3.0.0-19 and above)
- Mac OS 8, OS 9, OS X 10.3 to 10.9 and above
- Android
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Processor |
FTDI FT232RL |
Serial driver |
Zywyn ZT213LEEA |
Unique chipID no. |
Yes, each converter has it own unique ID number which can be accessed by the user with the D2XX driver programmers guide. |
RS232 Interface |
RS232 DB9 Male |
RS232 output power |
~5.7VDC |
Cable length |
3 feet |
USB interface |
Standard Type A Male |
Indication LEDs |
TX, RX and Power |
Ports |
1-port |
Signals |
TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, RI and GND |
Power on pin 9 |
No |
Baud rate |
Guaranteed up to 230.000bps |
Parity |
None, Odd, Even, Mark, Space |
Data Bits |
7, 8 |
Stop Bits |
1, 2 |
TX / RX buffer size |
256 Byte Transmit Buffer / 128 Byte Receive Buffer |
Adjustable USB transfer sizes for TX and RX |
From 64 bytes to 4096 bytes |
Adjustable latency timer |
1 to 255 msec |
Adjustable read and write timeouts |
0 to 10000 msec |
Flow Control |
None, Xon/Xoff, Hardware |
COM port accessible by |
Included virtual COM port drivers or FTD2XX.DLL |
Special features |
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Electrostatic (ESD) protection |
600W surge protection, 15KV static electricity protection |
Current draw |
Static: less than 80mA. Dynamic average: less than 150mA |
Interface compliance |
USB1.1,2.0,3.0, EIA/TIA RS-232 |
Regulatory compliance |
FCC, CE and RoHS |
Temperatures |
Operating: -13°F to 158°F (-25°C to 70°C) Storage: -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C) |
Weight |
70g |
Warranty |
1 year limited warranty |
For alternative USB to serial solutions please see our full selection of USB to Serial RS232 adapters
What is a USB to RS232 Adapter?
A USB to Serial adapter, also known as a USB to RS232 adapter, is a device that connects a USB port on a computer to a legacy serial device, allowing for communication between the two.
It converts the USB signal to a serial signal, enabling the use of serial devices with modern computers that lack serial ports.
These adapters are commonly used to connect devices such as digital cameras, GPS systems, and PDAs to a computer.
Benefits of Using a USB to RS232 Adapter
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Provides a reliable and cost-effective way to connect legacy serial devices to USB-enabled systems using USB serial adapters.
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Offers a bridge between legacy serial devices and modern systems that lack support for serial peripherals.
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Allows for the use of serial devices with modern computers, laptops, and tablets.
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Enables the connection of multiple serial devices to a single computer, freeing up serial ports for other uses.
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Compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Key Features to Consider
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High-speed data transfer rate (up to 250 kbps) for efficient communication.
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No IRQ conflicts for reliable connection.
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LED activity flashes to monitor connection status.
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Plug & Play Easy test RS-232 Host to Device link for easy installation.
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Backwards compatibility with USB Spec 1.1 for use with older systems.
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Male connector for connecting USB ports on computers to legacy RS232 devices, ensuring compatibility and ease of use with various systems like PDAs and digital cameras.
Types of Serial Adapters for Legacy Serial Devices
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USB to RS-232 Serial Adapters: connect a USB port to a legacy serial device.
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USB to Serial Adapters: link USB ports on computers and laptops to older RS232 devices, ensuring compatibility with various operating systems and reliable performance.
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DB9 Male Serial RS232 Adapter Cables: connect a USB port to a traditional RS-232 serial port.
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USB 2.0 RS-232 Serial Adapters: add a serial port to a computer, making it compatible with devices that require a serial RS-232 connection.
How to Choose the Right Adapter
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Consider the type of device you need to connect (e.g. digital camera, GPS system, PDA).
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Check the compatibility of the usb serial adapters with your computer's operating system, especially various Windows versions.
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Look for high-speed data transfer rates and reliable connection.
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Check for additional features such as LED activity flashes and Plug & Play installation.
Technical Specifications
When selecting a USB to RS232 adapter, understanding the technical specifications is crucial to ensure compatibility and performance. Our adapter is designed to meet a wide range of needs, making it a versatile choice for various applications.
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USB Port Compatibility: The adapter features a USB-A connector, ensuring it can easily connect to most modern computers and laptops.
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Serial Port Compatibility: It includes a DB9 serial port, which is a standard for many legacy serial devices.
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Cable Length: With a 5ft (1.5m) cable, you have ample length to connect your devices without hassle.
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Data Transfer Rate: The adapter supports data transfer rates of over 250 kbps, providing efficient and reliable communication.
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IRQ Usage: This adapter is non-IRQ, meaning it does not require IRQ resources, which helps avoid conflicts and ensures a stable connection.
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Compatible Devices: It works seamlessly with a variety of devices, including cellphones, PDAs, digital cameras, modems, and ISDN terminal adapters.
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Operating System Support: The adapter is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
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Chipset: Powered by the FTDI FT232RL chipset, known for its reliability and performance.
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Power Consumption: The adapter is powered individually by the USB 2.0 port, ensuring it does not drain excessive power from your computer.
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LED Indicators: It features a double color LED display that indicates full signal power, making it easy to monitor the connection status.
These specifications ensure that our USB to RS232 adapter is a robust and reliable solution for connecting your legacy serial devices to modern systems.
Common Applications
The USB to RS232 adapter is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between legacy serial devices and modern computers. Here are some common applications where this adapter proves invaluable:
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Connecting Legacy Serial Devices: Easily connect your legacy serial devices to modern computers via the USB port, ensuring continued use of your valuable equipment.
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Bridging Serial Peripherals: Ideal for connecting serial peripherals such as digital cameras, PDAs, and GPS systems to modern systems that lack serial ports.
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Industrial, Commercial, and Office Use: Perfect for use in various environments, from industrial settings to commercial offices, where reliable serial communication is essential.
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Multiple Serial Devices: Connect multiple serial devices to a single PC, freeing up serial ports for other uses and enhancing your system's flexibility.
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Compatibility with Mac and Laptops: The adapter is compatible with Mac and laptop computers, making it a versatile choice for users across different platforms.
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Belkin Adapter Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Belkin adapters and old Belkin adapters, ensuring broad compatibility with existing setups.
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Serial Converters: Use the adapter as a serial converter to connect devices that require a serial port, ensuring smooth communication and data transfer.
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Device Connection: Whether you need to connect a digital camera, PDA, or any other serial device, this adapter provides a reliable and efficient solution.
By understanding these common applications, you can see how the USB to RS232 adapter can enhance your connectivity and ensure the continued use of your legacy serial devices in a modern computing environment.
Top USB to RS232 Adapters on the Market
When looking for the best USB to RS232 adapters, it's essential to consider the quality and compatibility of the usb to serial converters. These adapters link USB ports on computers and laptops to older RS232 devices, ensuring reliable performance across various operating systems. Selecting a high-quality adapter can prevent functionality issues and provide the necessary technical specifications for seamless connectivity.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Check the connection and ensure the adapter is properly installed.
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Verify that the device is properly connected to the adapter.
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Check for driver updates and install the latest drivers.
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Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website for troubleshooting guides.
Conclusion
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A USB to RS232 adapter, also known as a USB to Serial converter, is a useful device for connecting legacy serial devices to modern computers.
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When choosing an adapter, consider the type of device, compatibility, and features.
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By following the tips and recommendations outlined above, you can find the best USB to RS232 adapter for your needs.