[Elecraft] Possible solution for missing RS-232 port on laptops

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

Usually docking stations are highly proprietary.  How do you know that
the laptop doesn't have drivers on the installed OS?  These frequently
have Windows, etc that are highly customized for the particular
laptop, including a docking station.

73, Guy.

On Thu, May 19, 2011 at 10:37 AM, Ron - PE8E <pe8e.elecraft at xs4all.nl> wrote:
>
> I stand corrected, thanks for that update Vernon.
> Maybe I was a bit overjoyous that it worked without having to install
> drivers ....
>
> For my personal situation it was not only the RS-232 port but also the
> other functions of the dockingstation (2x 24inch screen)
>
> Ron.
>
>
>> Whether or not the serial ports on the dock are "real serial ports" is
>> still up for debate.  It depends on the kind of dock you are using.
>> The dock may just be a multi-function USB device that includes a
>> serial port and a video adapter.  But it may also be a pass-through
>> for many kinds of devices.  If it is the former, you would be better
>> off (financially) to just get a USB serial adapter.  And how "real" it
>> is depends on what you will be using it for -- for me, Linux kernel
>> hacking requires a real serial port if you want to use it as a serial
>> console.  Or for using it as the input PPS on a GPS disciplined time
>> server, a USB serial port won't get you the accuracy you think you are
>> getting.  So beware....
>>
>> --Vernon
>>
>> On Tue, May 17, 2011 at 3:50 PM, Ron - PE8E <pe8e.elecraft at xs4all.nl>
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> There has been a lot of talk about the absence of "real serial ports" on
>>> more recent laptops. Here is something I recently discovered and want to
>>> share with you all. Maybe you can benefit ...
>>>
>>> Not to lang ago I received a HP Compaq 6710b laptop. On first sight
>>> there
>>> was no RS-232 output. With the laptop came a dockingstation and on that
>>> one I found 1 serial, 1 parallel, 1 DVI and 1 SVGA port (and several
>>> others).
>>
>
>
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