[Elecraft] The no-serial port conundrum

[Brett Howard]

Get a USB to serial interface with a FTDI chipset.  There are a lot of
these devices out there however the FTDI chipset will just simply cause
less headaches than the others.

I did a quick search for USB to Serial FTDI on google and clicked the
shopping link.  One of the better prices for what you should use can be
found here:
http://www.surplusgizmos.com/FTDI-Model-UC232R10-USB-to-Serial-Adapter_p_194.html

I don't know how good of a retailer that company is but any USB to
serial converter with an FTDI chipset will work very well.  

You'll simply plug this device in and you'll see a real com port show up
on your computer.  You can then use that com port just like you would
any other.  

You're going to still need a straight through 9pin serial cable to use
in conjunction with this pigtail.

~Brett (KC7OTG)


On Sun, 2010-03-21 at 00:09 -0700, Garry Shapiro wrote:
> Tom, NW6P has a new K3 and a "modern" laptop with no serial port, so 
> using the K3 Utility is problematic. I am sure he can find the hardware 
> at Radio Shack or Fry's to effect the physical layer connection from USB 
> to DB9, but how does one tell the computer, i.e. define a virtual serial 
> port? And is there anything we need to know about the physical connection?
> 
> Garry, NI6T
> 
> 
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