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USB to Serial Issues

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w7aqk

USB to Serial Issues

I've noticed a number of post (hundreds maybe?) about folks having one
problem or the other with serial to USB converters. I've had good luck with
mine, a Belkin, but others have complained often about Belkin, and other
types as well. I think the main problem is the computer itself, but that's
a pure guess.

In any event, for this and other reasons, I started keeping an eye open for
a laptop with a serial port. It's not that I was having problems, but I
couldn't help holding my breath every time I did an update to my K3.
Actually, on one or two laptops I have had, there was a problem.

Anyway, recently I spotted a "deal" on Buy.com for a Dell laptop
(refurbished) which actually did have a serial port. To be honest with you,
I haven't seen a laptop with a serial port for eons! This is a Dell D630,
and it was less than $300 as refurbished. I've had good luck with
refurbished products, so I decided to give it a try.

It arrived today, and I had waited to update my K3 to the latest beta
pending its arrival. It went like clockwork. Everything else seems to be
working just fine as well.

Point is, if you are really getting frustrated with USB/Serial converters,
maybe this is something you might consider as well. I'm dedicating this
laptop to my operating position. The serial port will be better anyway, for
things like updating firmware, rig control, etc. Not a lot of glitz on this
computer (no webcam, and a smaller hard drive), but it certainly seems to be
a good choice for just dedicating it to ham radio operation. It does have a
dual core processor, so it's not slow.

I have been using a netbook (my XYL usurped my other bigger laptop), which I
still like very much for travel, etc., but this really seems like a better
arrangement--not sure why I took so long to come to that conclusion. The
other thing I'm noticing, is that this computer is a bunch more stable. I
think netbooks are just underpowered processor wise. They are great for
"the road", but that's about all. So, while I have been able to update my
K3 with a netbook and USB converter, I think this will be a lot more
dependable overall.

Bottom line is this--if you are having problems doing your ham apps, it
might be your compter is too old, or underpowered. Finding a laptop with a
serial port isn't all that easy, but they are out there--much to my
surprise. Hopefully I didn't buy a problem, but I think it will work fine.
If either of those problems are what you are experiencing, check out the
"bargain basement" on these websites from prominent dealers. A refurbished
product usually has undergone a good bit of individual examination, so I
feel fairly confident that it will perform. If the basic product was junk,
then I'm toast! But I suspect it will turn out reasonably well. At least
it has so far with my experience in such products.

Dave W7AQK

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: USB to Serial Issues

Dave,

Yes, I believe a dedicated hamshack computer is in order in this day and
age.

I will only disagree with you on one point - the choice of a laptop
instead of one of the low profile desktops. Desktops are more reliable
and are repairable if they go "belly up". Besides, I hate the laptop
keyboards - they drive me insane. If I use a laptop with an external
keyboard and mouse, I might as well use a desktop computer.

At this price point, there are a lot of refurbished and off-lease
computers out there (both laptop and desktop) that can serve as a
dedicated hamshack computer. I have found the IBM (Lenovo) off-lease
computers to be a good value and have been quite reliable. I have 3 of
them in use on my home network and there are 5 more that I support on my
church network. They just keep "chugging along" and seldom give
problems. Most are available with at least one (often 2) serial ports
and Windows XP Pro.
For those who are Linux oriented, some can be available at 2/3 the price
without OS.

Look around the web - Google is your friend - whichever you choose,
laptop or desktop, a computer dedicated to the hamshack is not an
enormous expense, and if you have a home network already, it just makes
sense (to me anyway).

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/19/2010 9:24 PM, David Yarnes wrote:

> I've noticed a number of post (hundreds maybe?) about folks having one
> problem or the other with serial to USB converters. I've had good luck with
> mine, a Belkin, but others have complained often about Belkin, and other
> types as well. I think the main problem is the computer itself, but that's
> a pure guess.
>
> In any event, for this and other reasons, I started keeping an eye open for
> a laptop with a serial port. It's not that I was having problems, but I
> couldn't help holding my breath every time I did an update to my K3.
> Actually, on one or two laptops I have had, there was a problem.
>
> Anyway, recently I spotted a "deal" on Buy.com for a Dell laptop
> (refurbished) which actually did have a serial port. To be honest with you,
> I haven't seen a laptop with a serial port for eons! This is a Dell D630,
> and it was less than $300 as refurbished. I've had good luck with
> refurbished products, so I decided to give it a try.
>
>

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n7ws

Re: USB to Serial Issues

In reply to this post by w7aqk

I have had zero trouble with a Quatech SS-USB-100 USB-to-serial in any application. That said, I'm using an Edgeport USB to four serial port adapter now on my Lenovo T400 (WIN-XP Pro) laptop.

I have updated the FW in my K3 dozens of times with this setup. And I use LP-Pan or VSPE to run my SDR-IQ, N1MM, MMTTY and the K3 at the same time on one port and another logging program on my TS-870 with another port.

Another option to consider with some laptops is a docking station. Some have legacy parallel ports, serial ports and additional USB ports. I would use the one for the Lenovo, but the security lock on the thing takes too much room.

I have used docking stations on older Toshiba Tecras, in fact I still have an old 386 that I use with my N2PK network analyzer.

Wes Stewart N7WS

--- On Fri, 11/19/10, David Yarnes <[hidden email]> wrote:

> From: David Yarnes <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] USB to Serial Issues
> To: [hidden email]
> Date: Friday, November 19, 2010, 7:24 PM
> I've noticed a number of post
> (hundreds maybe?) about folks having one
> problem or the other with serial to USB converters.
> I've had good luck with
> mine, a Belkin, but others have complained often about
> Belkin, and other
> types as well. I think the main problem is the
> computer itself, but that's
> a pure guess.
>
> In any event, for this and other reasons, I started keeping
> an eye open for
> a laptop with a serial port. It's not that I was
> having problems, but I
> couldn't help holding my breath every time I did an update
> to my K3.
> Actually, on one or two laptops I have had, there was a
> problem.
>
> Anyway, recently I spotted a "deal" on Buy.com for a Dell
> laptop
> (refurbished) which actually did have a serial port.
> To be honest with you,
> I haven't seen a laptop with a serial port for eons!
> This is a Dell D630,
> and it was less than $300 as refurbished. I've had
> good luck with
> refurbished products, so I decided to give it a try.
>
> It arrived today, and I had waited to update my K3 to the
> latest beta
> pending its arrival. It went like clockwork.
> Everything else seems to be
> working just fine as well.
>
> Point is, if you are really getting frustrated with
> USB/Serial converters,
> maybe this is something you might consider as well.
> I'm dedicating this
> laptop to my operating position. The serial port will
> be better anyway, for
> things like updating firmware, rig control, etc. Not
> a lot of glitz on this
> computer (no webcam, and a smaller hard drive), but it
> certainly seems to be
> a good choice for just dedicating it to ham radio
> operation. It does have a
> dual core processor, so it's not slow.
>
> I have been using a netbook (my XYL usurped my other bigger
> laptop), which I
> still like very much for travel, etc., but this really
> seems like a better
> arrangement--not sure why I took so long to come to that
> conclusion. The
> other thing I'm noticing, is that this computer is a bunch
> more stable. I
> think netbooks are just underpowered processor wise.
> They are great for
> "the road", but that's about all. So, while I have
> been able to update my
> K3 with a netbook and USB converter, I think this will be a
> lot more
> dependable overall.
>
> Bottom line is this--if you are having problems doing your
> ham apps, it
> might be your compter is too old, or underpowered.
> Finding a laptop with a
> serial port isn't all that easy, but they are out
> there--much to my
> surprise. Hopefully I didn't buy a problem, but I
> think it will work fine.
> If either of those problems are what you are experiencing,
> check out the
> "bargain basement" on these websites from prominent
> dealers. A refurbished
> product usually has undergone a good bit of individual
> examination, so I
> feel fairly confident that it will perform. If the
> basic product was junk,
> then I'm toast! But I suspect it will turn out
> reasonably well. At least
> it has so far with my experience in such products.
>
> Dave W7AQK
>

AD4C2009

Re: USB to Serial Issues

In reply to this post by w7aqk

David,for 4 years I have owned a Dell laptop,its an Inspiron B120,nothing sofisticated,1.3 Ghz single core CPU, 1GB of RAM,80 GB HDD,windows XP and NO SERIAL port,just 3 USB ports,so when I decided to purchase a K3 two years ago,I ordered as well from Elecraft their own serial to USB cable that cost by the time around 30 bucks,and since the begining after installed the drivers on a small CD they sent me,the Elecraft utilities software as well as HRD and all other programs associated with the K3 works perfect with any problem at all.I have been able to download all the FW updates one by one without any problem so far.There is no need to spend that much in a new laptop or PC but to find out the right cable and in this case why not try the one recomended by Elecraft?

AD4C

"If you see a driver handling a cell phone on her/his hands while driving,do please stay away from that vehicle,its a moving bomb.Your life is at danger.Keep yourself and your family alive"

--- On Sat, 11/20/10, David Yarnes <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: David Yarnes <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] USB to Serial Issues
To: [hidden email]
Date: Saturday, November 20, 2010, 2:24 AM

I've noticed a number of post (hundreds maybe?) about folks having one
problem or the other with serial to USB converters. I've had good luck with
mine, a Belkin, but others have complained often about Belkin, and other
types as well. I think the main problem is the computer itself, but that's
a pure guess.

In any event, for this and other reasons, I started keeping an eye open for
a laptop with a serial port. It's not that I was having problems, but I
couldn't help holding my breath every time I did an update to my K3.
Actually, on one or two laptops I have had, there was a problem.

Anyway, recently I spotted a "deal" on Buy.com for a Dell laptop
(refurbished) which actually did have a serial port. To be honest with you,
I haven't seen a laptop with a serial port for eons! This is a Dell D630,
and it was less than $300 as refurbished. I've had good luck with
refurbished products, so I decided to give it a try.

It arrived today, and I had waited to update my K3 to the latest beta
pending its arrival. It went like clockwork. Everything else seems to be
working just fine as well.

Point is, if you are really getting frustrated with USB/Serial converters,
maybe this is something you might consider as well. I'm dedicating this
laptop to my operating position. The serial port will be better anyway, for
things like updating firmware, rig control, etc. Not a lot of glitz on this
computer (no webcam, and a smaller hard drive), but it certainly seems to be
a good choice for just dedicating it to ham radio operation. It does have a
dual core processor, so it's not slow.

I have been using a netbook (my XYL usurped my other bigger laptop), which I
still like very much for travel, etc., but this really seems like a better
arrangement--not sure why I took so long to come to that conclusion. The
other thing I'm noticing, is that this computer is a bunch more stable. I
think netbooks are just underpowered processor wise. They are great for
"the road", but that's about all. So, while I have been able to update my
K3 with a netbook and USB converter, I think this will be a lot more
dependable overall.

Bottom line is this--if you are having problems doing your ham apps, it
might be your compter is too old, or underpowered. Finding a laptop with a
serial port isn't all that easy, but they are out there--much to my
surprise. Hopefully I didn't buy a problem, but I think it will work fine.
If either of those problems are what you are experiencing, check out the
"bargain basement" on these websites from prominent dealers. A refurbished
product usually has undergone a good bit of individual examination, so I
feel fairly confident that it will perform. If the basic product was junk,
then I'm toast! But I suspect it will turn out reasonably well. At least
it has so far with my experience in such products.

Dave W7AQK

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Bill K9YEQ

Re: USB to Serial Issues

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

I have built a 12v dual core atom processor PC that is very small profile.
With a solid state drive (ssd) it is very acceptable as well.

Bill
K9YEQ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 8:54 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] USB to Serial Issues

Dave,

Yes, I believe a dedicated hamshack computer is in order in this day and
age.

I will only disagree with you on one point - the choice of a laptop instead
of one of the low profile desktops. Desktops are more reliable and are
repairable if they go "belly up". Besides, I hate the laptop keyboards -
they drive me insane. If I use a laptop with an external keyboard and
mouse, I might as well use a desktop computer.

At this price point, there are a lot of refurbished and off-lease computers
out there (both laptop and desktop) that can serve as a dedicated hamshack
computer. I have found the IBM (Lenovo) off-lease computers to be a good
value and have been quite reliable. I have 3 of them in use on my home
network and there are 5 more that I support on my church network. They just
keep "chugging along" and seldom give problems. Most are available with at
least one (often 2) serial ports and Windows XP Pro.
For those who are Linux oriented, some can be available at 2/3 the price
without OS.

Look around the web - Google is your friend - whichever you choose, laptop
or desktop, a computer dedicated to the hamshack is not an enormous expense,
and if you have a home network already, it just makes sense (to me anyway).

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/19/2010 9:24 PM, David Yarnes wrote:
> I've noticed a number of post (hundreds maybe?) about folks having one
> problem or the other with serial to USB converters. I've had good
> luck with mine, a Belkin, but others have complained often about
> Belkin, and other types as well. I think the main problem is the
> computer itself, but that's a pure guess.
>
> In any event, for this and other reasons, I started keeping an eye
> open for a laptop with a serial port. It's not that I was having
> problems, but I couldn't help holding my breath every time I did an update
to my K3.
> Actually, on one or two laptops I have had, there was a problem.
>
> Anyway, recently I spotted a "deal" on Buy.com for a Dell laptop
> (refurbished) which actually did have a serial port. To be honest
> with you, I haven't seen a laptop with a serial port for eons! This
> is a Dell D630, and it was less than $300 as refurbished. I've had
> good luck with refurbished products, so I decided to give it a try.
>
>
______________________________________________________________
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Arthur Nienhouse

Re: USB to Serial Issues

I purchased several years ago a new 14" Durabook it came with a RS232 port
http://www.gammatechusa.com/java-jsp/gov/D14RY_index_gov.jsp

About the company
http://www.gammatechusa.com/java-jsp/gov_about_us.jsp

This might be an answer for some I have been very satisfied with its
performance in
my ham shack it goes with the K3 on trips as well, both with a small
foot print but
big performance.

Regards
Art
ka9zap

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John Ragle

Re: USB to Serial Issues

These look like nice small "hardened" laptops. Unfortunately, the access
is very restrictive. Although I belong to a State organization, the
log-in absolutely requires a fax number and a URL, which I do not have
(in the sense intended here). The general public is therefore restricted
from these sites.

John Ragle -- W1ZI

=====

On 11/20/2010 7:49 AM, Arthur Nienhouse wrote:
> I purchased several years ago a new 14" Durabook it came with a RS232 port
> http://www.gammatechusa.com/java-jsp/gov/D14RY_index_gov.jsp
>
> About the company
> http://www.gammatechusa.com/java-jsp/gov_about_us.jsp
>
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David Christ

Re: USB to Serial Issues

There is a site that seems to have the same items.

http://www.durabook.com/notebooks.jsp

Under the where to by is a number of retailers including Best Buy and
Radio Shack.

David K0LUM

At 8:08 AM -0500 11/20/10, John Ragle wrote:

>These look like nice small "hardened" laptops. Unfortunately, the access
>is very restrictive. Although I belong to a State organization, the
>log-in absolutely requires a fax number and a URL, which I do not have
>(in the sense intended here). The general public is therefore restricted
>from these sites.
>
>John Ragle -- W1ZI
>
>=====
>
>On 11/20/2010 7:49 AM, Arthur Nienhouse wrote:
>> I purchased several years ago a new 14" Durabook it came with a RS232 port
>> http://www.gammatechusa.com/java-jsp/gov/D14RY_index_gov.jsp
>>
>> About the company
>> http://www.gammatechusa.com/java-jsp/gov_about_us.jsp
>>
>______________________________________________________________
>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

John Ragle

Re: USB to Serial Issues

Thanks, David...for pointing these out...they should travel very well.

John Ragle -- W1ZI

=====

On 11/20/2010 9:09 AM, David Christ wrote:
> There is a site that seems to have the same items.
>
> http://www.durabook.com/notebooks.jsp
>
> Under the where to buy is a number of retailers including Best Buy and
> Radio Shack.
>
> David K0LUM

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