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Fake FTDI chips

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gm3sek

Fake FTDI chips

It was only a matter of time before fake FTDI RS232-USB adapter chips
began to appear.

<http://zeptobars.ru/en/read/FTDI-FT232RL-real-vs-fake-supereal>

This fascinating page shows how some anonymous Chinese company has
created a fake FT232RL chip using a mask-programmable microcontroller,
and printed it with the "FTDI" name and logo.

Like Prolific (the real Prolific company, that is) FTDI have updated
their drivers to detect these fakes... but that also means that anyone
who has bought a fake chip will have a non-working adapter.

The message is always the same: fakes are hard to spot, so buy only from
reliable distributors.

FYI, the real FTDI company is a family-owned firm right here in
Scotland's 'Silicon Glen'.

73 from Ian GM3SEK

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Re: Fake FTDI chips

Really interesting Ian, but the real question is how do you separate the real Prolific and FTDI chips from the fake. The fake Prolific chips have been on the market for a long time and would not work on Win 7. The only way I could find to avoid buying the fake chips was to avoid Prolific altogether. Now, you tell us (and others) that fake FTDI. I just spent 20 minutes on the HP web site trying to find out how long ago I bought my HP P6230 desk top and my Office Pro 6500 printer. I think that HP must have subbed their help site to the Chinese company that makes the fake chips.

We need to publish the names of the criminals that are repackaging and selling the fake chips. The best way I have found is to assume they are all fake or mixed fake and genuine and to avoid buying any and all products that do not advertise and supply genuine Prolific or FTDI chips. Since I do not know any manufacturers or sources that guarantee this and I have owned my computer since Win 7 was released, at the moment I still only know one method, avoid USB converters all together except for products furnished with a converter.

Can you shed any light on this ubiquitous problem?

Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart

________________________________
From: Ian White <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2014 2:23 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Fake FTDI chips

It was only a matter of time before fake FTDI RS232-USB adapter chips
began to appear.

<http://zeptobars.ru/en/read/FTDI-FT232RL-real-vs-fake-supereal>

This fascinating page shows how some anonymous Chinese company has
created a fake FT232RL chip using a mask-programmable microcontroller,
and printed it with the "FTDI" name and logo.

Like Prolific (the real Prolific company, that is) FTDI have updated
their drivers to detect these fakes... but that also means that anyone
who has bought a fake chip will have a non-working adapter.

The message is always the same: fakes are hard to spot, so buy only from
reliable distributors.

FYI, the real FTDI company is a family-owned firm right here in
Scotland's 'Silicon Glen'.

73 from Ian GM3SEK

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William Liporace - WC2L

Re: Fake FTDI chips

Fake FTDI & Prolific chips have been an issue for a long time. We all want
to save some money, but you spend lots of money one the best radio you can
afford. Why would you try to save a couple of $$ on the cable? I suggest
buying it from reputable dealers. Elecraft sells premade FTDI cables, Mouser
sells cables you can put your own end on. The key is buying from real places
that stand behind their product.

The only other thought process, what is your time worth? Is it worth the
trouble trying to make something work? Buying the right product from the
right place saves lots of time. For me, time is money.... Just my two cents
worth!

73 Will WC2L

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Fake FTDI chips

With all the attention to fake FTDI and Prolific chips, perhaps it is
time to go back to the RS-232 serial interface for consistency and
reliability.

I recently had an experience with a Woxoun handheld transceiver. After
upgrading to Windows 7, the USB cable I had for it did not work because
it had a counterfeit USB to serial chip, and the updated drivers
detected it. I looked for a replacement cable that I could trust, and
the only sensible answer was to order a serial programming cable.

With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
serial adapter to program my handheld.
There is great benefit in sticking with the tried and true RS-232 solution.

I know there have been many discussions about the RS-232 vs. USB
connection for the K3, but I for one am glad that the K3 is RS-232 - it
isolates us from such problems as the fake chips. Find an adapter that
works and there is no problem. BTW, the Elecraft USB cables for the
KX3, XG3, KPA500, KAT500, and KXPA100 are the 'real thing' using FTDI
chips. If you have fears, there are serial port cables available.

Be careful out there, the world has many counterfeit products that do
not behave as the real thing.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/12/2014 8:39 AM, William Liporace - WC2L wrote:

> Fake FTDI & Prolific chips have been an issue for a long time. We all want
> to save some money, but you spend lots of money one the best radio you can
> afford. Why would you try to save a couple of $$ on the cable? I suggest
> buying it from reputable dealers. Elecraft sells premade FTDI cables, Mouser
> sells cables you can put your own end on. The key is buying from real places
> that stand behind their product.
>
> The only other thought process, what is your time worth? Is it worth the
> trouble trying to make something work? Buying the right product from the
> right place saves lots of time. For me, time is money.... Just my two cents
> worth!
>

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Ingo Meyer, DK3RED-2

Re: Fake FTDI chips

Hello Don,

> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to serial adapter to
> program my handheld.

I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best choice, if you can use a
RS-232 interface at your computer. If not, also you will use an adapter. But what is a
RS-232 to USB adapter? Right, a chip from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is
protected from a fake chip.
--
73/72 de Ingo, DK3RED - Don't forget: the fun is the power!
www.qrp4fun.de - [hidden email]

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Ross Primrose

Re: Fake FTDI chips

But, if Elecraft had a USB port on the back of the K3, then _Elecraft_
would be the only one that had to worry about fake chips. The end user
would only have to supply a USB cable....

73, Ross N4RP

On 4/14/2014 2:19 PM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:

> Hello Don,
>
>> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
>> serial adapter to
>> program my handheld.
>
> I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best
> choice, if you can use a RS-232 interface at your computer. If not,
> also you will use an adapter. But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter?
> Right, a chip from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected
> from a fake chip.

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by Ingo Meyer, DK3RED-2

> But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter? Right, a chip from Prolific or
> FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected from a fake chip.

USB to RS-232 adapters are made by many vendors and may use chip sets
by suppliers other than Prolific or FTDI. For example, Digi
International uses their own Intel based devices.

The key is to purchase the USB to RS-232 adapter from a *reputable*
vendor who purchases his chips from a *reputable* supplier and not deal
with some low-cost no-name cable maker that is trying to save pennies
by buying gray market chips.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 4/14/2014 2:19 PM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:

> Hello Don,
>
>> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
>> serial adapter to
>> program my handheld.
>
> I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best choice,
> if you can use a RS-232 interface at your computer. If not, also you
> will use an adapter. But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter? Right, a chip
> from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected from a fake chip.

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by Ross Primrose

Then _Elecraft_ would need to worry about continuously updated and
*signed* drivers for Windows (including Windows 95, 98, 2000 and XP
compatible drivers 15 year after the operating system is no longer
supported), OS-9, OS-X, and 57 varieties of LINUX.

Far better to stick with RS-232 and leave the _USER_ be responsible
for his on computer interfacing.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 4/14/2014 2:36 PM, Ross Primrose wrote:

> But, if Elecraft had a USB port on the back of the K3, then _Elecraft_
> would be the only one that had to worry about fake chips. The end user
> would only have to supply a USB cable....
>
> 73, Ross N4RP
>
> On 4/14/2014 2:19 PM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:
>> Hello Don,
>>
>>> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
>>> serial adapter to
>>> program my handheld.
>>
>> I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best
>> choice, if you can use a RS-232 interface at your computer. If not,
>> also you will use an adapter. But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter?
>> Right, a chip from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected
>> from a fake chip.
>
>

Phil Hystad-3

Re: Fake FTDI chips

Make it an Ethernet interface and then all kinds of nifty feature are available.

PEH's iPad

> On Apr 14, 2014, at 12:00 PM, "Joe Subich, W4TV" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> Then _Elecraft_ would need to worry about continuously updated and
> *signed* drivers for Windows (including Windows 95, 98, 2000 and XP
> compatible drivers 15 year after the operating system is no longer
> supported), OS-9, OS-X, and 57 varieties of LINUX.
>
> Far better to stick with RS-232 and leave the _USER_ be responsible
> for his on computer interfacing.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
>> On 4/14/2014 2:36 PM, Ross Primrose wrote:
>> But, if Elecraft had a USB port on the back of the K3, then _Elecraft_
>> would be the only one that had to worry about fake chips. The end user
>> would only have to supply a USB cable....
>>
>> 73, Ross N4RP
>>
>>> On 4/14/2014 2:19 PM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:
>>> Hello Don,
>>>
>>>> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
>>>> serial adapter to
>>>> program my handheld.
>>>
>>> I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best
>>> choice, if you can use a RS-232 interface at your computer. If not,
>>> also you will use an adapter. But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter?
>>> Right, a chip from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected
>>> from a fake chip.
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Phil Kane-2

Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by Ingo Meyer, DK3RED-2

On 4/14/2014 11:19 AM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:

>> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
>> serial adapter to
>> program my handheld.
>
> I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best choice,
> if you can use a RS-232 interface at your computer. If not, also you
> will use an adapter. But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter? Right, a chip
> from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected from a fake chip.

Recently I had to put an adapter labelled as an FTDI product in service.
Win 7 did not recognize it even with the proper Win 7 driver. I
contacted FTDI Tech Support and found out that the device was in fact a
genuine FTDI product but a batch had gone out with a firmware defect
that they later corrected in the driver. All it required was to check
the appropriate box on the driver properties panel in Win 7. Works like
a charm now.

Interesting part was that the Tech Support person turned out to be
someone who knew me from our local radio club! Always nice to get
competent help - just like Elecraft gives.
-- --

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
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John Marvin

Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Joe, I think you read Ross's post differently than intended. I don't
think Ross was suggesting that Elecraft do their own USB to RS232
converter chip or provide a native USB interface with custom Elecraft
drivers (although there would potentially be other advantages to a true
USB interface, the driver challenge you mention would probably outweigh
those advantages). He was suggesting that Elecraft use a standard (e.g.
FTDI) converter chip inside the box (I'm not sure a retrofit would make
sense, but this would be a change going forward). From the perspective
of the computer, it would not see anything different from an external
converter, and you would use the same drivers.

The supposed advantage is that by buying the converter chips directly
Elecraft would be in a better position to ensure that the chips weren't
counterfeit. However, since Elecraft is supplying converters to their
customers and is buying them in bulk, it would seem to me that they may
be able to get most of the way there by working with a reliable supplier
and doing the necessary checking to make sure that the converters they
are buying don't contain counterfeit chips.

John
AC0ZG

On 4/14/2014 1:00 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

Ross Primrose

Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Sorry, but I've gotta call b*&^@%^t on that one. Elecraft is already
SELLING a USB dongle that has a USB to serial chip in it. The same
drivers that work just fine with that chip in a dongle will work fine if
that chip is in a K3, neither the chip or the driver care where the chip
is mounted.

As far as Win 95/98/200/XP and OS9, you've got to be kidding...

73, Ross N4RP

On 4/14/2014 3:00 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>
> Then _Elecraft_ would need to worry about continuously updated and
> *signed* drivers for Windows (including Windows 95, 98, 2000 and XP
> compatible drivers 15 year after the operating system is no longer
> supported), OS-9, OS-X, and 57 varieties of LINUX.
>
> Far better to stick with RS-232 and leave the _USER_ be responsible
> for his on computer interfacing.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 4/14/2014 2:36 PM, Ross Primrose wrote:
>> But, if Elecraft had a USB port on the back of the K3, then _Elecraft_
>> would be the only one that had to worry about fake chips. The end user
>> would only have to supply a USB cable....
>>
>> 73, Ross N4RP
>>
>> On 4/14/2014 2:19 PM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:
>>> Hello Don,
>>>
>>>> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
>>>> serial adapter to
>>>> program my handheld.
>>>
>>> I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best
>>> choice, if you can use a RS-232 interface at your computer. If not,
>>> also you will use an adapter. But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter?
>>> Right, a chip from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected
>>> from a fake chip.
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
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--
FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.”

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Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by Ross Primrose

The only way I know to use a genuine RS-232 port is to use a desk top computer with a plug in board. I would also like to use a lap-top computer and as far as I know RS-232 ports are not available. If anyone knows differently, please let us in on the info.

Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart

________________________________
From: Ross Primrose <[hidden email]>
To: Elecraft <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2014 1:36 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Fake FTDI chips

But, if Elecraft had a USB port on the back of the K3, then _Elecraft_
would be the only one that had to worry about fake chips. The end user
would only have to supply a USB cable....

73, Ross N4RP

On 4/14/2014 2:19 PM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:

--
FCC Section 97.313(a) "At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications."

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Ross Primrose

Re: Fake FTDI chips

Last I checked, there were a few, very expensive, Windows laptops that
were available with real serial ports. Other than that, you're stuck
with a desktop or a USB adapter.

73, Ross N4RP

On 4/14/2014 3:40 PM, WILLIS COOKE wrote:

> The only way I know to use a genuine RS-232 port is to use a desk top
> computer with a plug in board. I would also like to use a lap-top
> computer and as far as I know RS-232 ports are not available. If
> anyone knows differently, please let us in on the info.
> Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
> K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* Ross Primrose <[hidden email]>
> *To:* Elecraft <[hidden email]>
> *Sent:* Monday, April 14, 2014 1:36 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [Elecraft] Fake FTDI chips
>
> But, if Elecraft had a USB port on the back of the K3, then _Elecraft_
> would be the only one that had to worry about fake chips. The end user
> would only have to supply a USB cable....
>
> 73, Ross N4RP
>
> On 4/14/2014 2:19 PM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:
> > Hello Don,
> >
> >> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
> >> serial adapter to
> >> program my handheld.
> >
> > I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best
> > choice, if you can use a RS-232 interface at your computer. If not,
> > also you will use an adapter. But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter?
> > Right, a chip from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected
> > from a fake chip.
>
>
> --
> FCC Section 97.313(a) "At all times, an amateur station must use the
> minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired
> communications."
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
>

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by John Marvin

No, John, I read Ross's post correctly. Even if Elecraft were to use
a "known" USB chip, they would still be stuck providing drivers for
obsolete operating systems long after the OS and chipset vendors stopped
supporting the chip set and OS simply because amateurs insist that every
product be supported for eternity and a day.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 4/14/2014 3:30 PM, John Marvin wrote:

> Joe, I think you read Ross's post differently than intended. I don't
> think Ross was suggesting that Elecraft do their own USB to RS232
> converter chip or provide a native USB interface with custom Elecraft
> drivers (although there would potentially be other advantages to a true
> USB interface, the driver challenge you mention would probably outweigh
> those advantages). He was suggesting that Elecraft use a standard (e.g.
> FTDI) converter chip inside the box (I'm not sure a retrofit would make
> sense, but this would be a change going forward). From the perspective
> of the computer, it would not see anything different from an external
> converter, and you would use the same drivers.
>
> The supposed advantage is that by buying the converter chips directly
> Elecraft would be in a better position to ensure that the chips weren't
> counterfeit. However, since Elecraft is supplying converters to their
> customers and is buying them in bulk, it would seem to me that they may
> be able to get most of the way there by working with a reliable supplier
> and doing the necessary checking to make sure that the converters they
> are buying don't contain counterfeit chips.
>
> John
> AC0ZG
>
> On 4/14/2014 1:00 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>
>> Then _Elecraft_ would need to worry about continuously updated and
>> *signed* drivers for Windows (including Windows 95, 98, 2000 and XP
>> compatible drivers 15 year after the operating system is no longer
>> supported), OS-9, OS-X, and 57 varieties of LINUX.
>>
>> Far better to stick with RS-232 and leave the _USER_ be responsible
>> for his on computer interfacing.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Fred Townsend-2

Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by gm3sek

How will you power Ethernet interface? USB has powering built in. Ethernet doesn't.
73
Fred, AE6QL

-----Original Message-----

>From: Phil Hystad <[hidden email]>
>Sent: Apr 14, 2014 12:10 PM
>To: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <[hidden email]>
>Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Fake FTDI chips
>
>Make it an Ethernet interface and then all kinds of nifty feature are available.
>
>PEH's iPad
>
>> On Apr 14, 2014, at 12:00 PM, "Joe Subich, W4TV" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Then _Elecraft_ would need to worry about continuously updated and
>> *signed* drivers for Windows (including Windows 95, 98, 2000 and XP
>> compatible drivers 15 year after the operating system is no longer
>> supported), OS-9, OS-X, and 57 varieties of LINUX.
>>
>> Far better to stick with RS-232 and leave the _USER_ be responsible
>> for his on computer interfacing.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>>> On 4/14/2014 2:36 PM, Ross Primrose wrote:
>>> But, if Elecraft had a USB port on the back of the K3, then _Elecraft_
>>> would be the only one that had to worry about fake chips. The end user
>>> would only have to supply a USB cable....
>>>
>>> 73, Ross N4RP
>>>
>>>> On 4/14/2014 2:19 PM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:
>>>> Hello Don,
>>>>
>>>>> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
>>>>> serial adapter to
>>>>> program my handheld.
>>>>
>>>> I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best
>>>> choice, if you can use a RS-232 interface at your computer. If not,
>>>> also you will use an adapter. But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter?
>>>> Right, a chip from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected
>>>> from a fake chip.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
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Bill-3

Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Whatever is the problem? I bought the adapter from Elecraft - thus
assuring me that it will work as it is supposed to. It works with
whatever computer I have plugged in at the time - running an old version
of HRD and the current stuff from Elecraft.

So far as supporting old OS? What for? As in: You are running a very
fine rig (K3), so I would assume a good (read as modern up-to-date)
computer is also used in the shack - hence no legacy issues.

Perhaps I am missing the point of this thread?

Bill K-Line

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Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: Fake FTDI chips

Administrator

In reply to this post by Fred Townsend-2

Folks - Let's end this the Serial vs USB vs Ethernet thread(s) at this time in
the interest of improving the list signal-to-noise ratio for others.

Also, the Serial vs USB vs Ethernet threads are repeats of past discussions here.

The list archive is your friend. :-) See: elecraft.com/elist.html

Also, when replying, please delete -all- copied list headers and most of the
prior postings from your replies to reduce list clutter.

73,

Eric
Moderator and occasional COO..
elecraft.com
===

On 4/14/2014 1:27 PM, Fred Townsend wrote:
How will you power Ethernet interface? USB has powering built in. Ethernet doesn't.

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Phil Hystad-3

Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by Fred Townsend-2

Both ends have power. I have been writing network based comms for decades and I have never heard of such a question. Power is only needed for things like simple end devices.

PEH's iPhone

> On Apr 14, 2014, at 1:27 PM, Fred Townsend <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> How will you power Ethernet interface? USB has powering built in. Ethernet doesn't.
> 73
> Fred, AE6QL
>
> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Phil Hystad <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Apr 14, 2014 12:10 PM
>> To: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <[hidden email]>
>> Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Fake FTDI chips
>>
>> Make it an Ethernet interface and then all kinds of nifty feature are available.
>>
>> PEH's iPad
>>
>>> On Apr 14, 2014, at 12:00 PM, "Joe Subich, W4TV" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Then _Elecraft_ would need to worry about continuously updated and
>>> *signed* drivers for Windows (including Windows 95, 98, 2000 and XP
>>> compatible drivers 15 year after the operating system is no longer
>>> supported), OS-9, OS-X, and 57 varieties of LINUX.
>>>
>>> Far better to stick with RS-232 and leave the _USER_ be responsible
>>> for his on computer interfacing.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>
>>>
>>>> On 4/14/2014 2:36 PM, Ross Primrose wrote:
>>>> But, if Elecraft had a USB port on the back of the K3, then _Elecraft_
>>>> would be the only one that had to worry about fake chips. The end user
>>>> would only have to supply a USB cable....
>>>>
>>>> 73, Ross N4RP
>>>>
>>>>> On 4/14/2014 2:19 PM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:
>>>>> Hello Don,
>>>>>
>>>>>> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
>>>>>> serial adapter to
>>>>>> program my handheld.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best
>>>>> choice, if you can use a RS-232 interface at your computer. If not,
>>>>> also you will use an adapter. But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter?
>>>>> Right, a chip from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected
>>>>> from a fake chip.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Fake FTDI chips

In reply to this post by Bill-3

> So far as supporting old OS? What for? As in: You are running a very
> fine rig (K3), so I would assume a good (read as modern up-to-date)
> computer is also used in the shack - hence no legacy issues.

What happens 10 years from now when you are still running your K3 with
the adapter you bought from Elecraft? FTDI are no longer supporting
the FT232BL with drivers for Windows 7, Microsoft are no longer
supporting Windows 7 because they are pushing Windows-X and the hard
drive crashes on your 15 year old computer and you need to do a full
reinstall and can't get a driver for the obsolete OS and obsolete USB
chip?

There are *still* amateurs running their early computer controlled
Yaesu or Kenwood or Icom rigs on Windows 98, 2000 and XP systems as
well as some still using Apple OS-9 on PowerPC platforms. They
expect that their hardware/software will be supported forever and a
day no matter what - that's the amateur way <G>.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 4/14/2014 4:33 PM, Bill W2BLC wrote:

> Whatever is the problem? I bought the adapter from Elecraft - thus
> assuring me that it will work as it is supposed to. It works with
> whatever computer I have plugged in at the time - running an old version
> of HRD and the current stuff from Elecraft.
>
> So far as supporting old OS? What for? As in: You are running a very
> fine rig (K3), so I would assume a good (read as modern up-to-date)
> computer is also used in the shack - hence no legacy issues.
>
> Perhaps I am missing the point of this thread?
>
> Bill K-Line
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>