[Elecraft] USB to Serial Issues

[Hector Padron]

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 <w7aqk at cox.net> wrote:


From: David Yarnes <w7aqk at cox.net>
Subject: [Elecraft] USB to Serial Issues
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
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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