[Elecraft] KUSB to Serial

[David Yarnes]

It might be helpful to know what computer folks are using when they indicate 
problems with a KUSB or other USB to serial device.  I have several of these 
devices, and some work with some computers but not with others.  I think it 
is as much as problem with specific computers as it is with the operating 
system.

I have mentioned this before, but I seem to have more luck with a couple of 
Belkin USB/serial adapters than with most others.  The two I have are models 
F5U109 and F5U409.  I think at least one of these was intended for use with 
PDA's, but it sure works on my laptops.  Furthermore, Belkin does have 
updated drivers for Vista for these two adapters.  A couple of my laptops 
(mine and my wife's) are newer, and have Vista, much to my chagrine.  But I 
use mine to update my K3, and it has no problem doing so.

I had lots of trouble with a couple of older Sony computers when I needed to 
connect serial devices to them.  The Belkins worked, but others didn't. 
Also, a Toshiba laptop which I replaced last year with a new HP, balked a 
good bit on setting up the one or more of the other adapters.  But the 
Belkins again seemed to work best.

One thing you must make sure of is that your computer is looking at the 
right comm port.  That was an almost constant problem when I tried hooking 
up an Icom PC1000.  If you go to "Control Panel", and then to "Device 
Manager", you can view the setup your computer has made for the USB adapter. 
See what port the adapter is looking at, and what the K3 is wanting.  You 
can probably change your computer's selection to match if it isn't matched 
already.  I may be wrong, but I think ports 3 or 4 are your best bets 
typically.  You can also adjust the transfer speed at this point.

Also if, when you go to Device Manager and check your USB adapter settings, 
you see a little yellow flag over the device listing, you probably have a 
driver issue, and the device is not properly installed.  That's a bigger 
problem, and you will undoubtedly need to either try reinstalling, or find 
better drivers.

Dave W7AQK

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lee Buller" <k0wa at swbell.net>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 8:28 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KUSB to Serial




Ken,

The way I read the Vista warning....you are on your own.

Vista has so many problems that I cannot tell you what kind of headache it 
is for IT people.  I know many IT shops are just not going to Vista although 
many home computers are beings shipped with Vista.  I don't know if that is 
because the Gorilla says so, or what.

I am using the USB adapter from Elecraft with XP and have no trouble 
communicating with the rig.  Always works through the update and through 
other programs...N1MM Logger...HRD...etc.

I would also advise you that going serial to serial is a good bet as Don W. 
expressed here on the reflector.

But with Vista....it is a crap shoot from my experience with the product.  I 
will not go to it until there is at least Service Pack 2 or 3.

YMMV

Lee - K0Wa



In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply.  If you 
don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it.  If you 
can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common 
Sense.  Is Common Sense divine?
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