[Elecraft] Fake FTDI chips

[Don Wilhelm]

With all the attention to fake FTDI and Prolific chips, perhaps it is 
time to go back to the RS-232 serial interface for consistency and 
reliability.

I recently had an experience with a Woxoun  handheld transceiver. After 
upgrading to Windows 7, the USB cable I had for it did not work because 
it had a counterfeit USB to serial chip, and the updated drivers 
detected it.  I looked for a replacement cable that I could trust, and 
the only sensible answer was to order a serial programming cable.

With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to 
serial adapter to program my handheld.
There is great benefit in sticking with the tried and true RS-232 solution.

I know there have been many discussions about the RS-232 vs. USB 
connection for the K3, but I  for one am glad that the K3 is RS-232 - it 
isolates us from such problems as the fake chips.  Find an adapter that 
works and there is no problem.  BTW, the Elecraft USB cables for the 
KX3, XG3, KPA500, KAT500, and KXPA100 are the 'real thing' using FTDI 
chips.  If you have fears, there are serial port cables available.

Be careful out there, the world has many counterfeit products that do 
not behave as the real thing.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/12/2014 8:39 AM, William Liporace - WC2L wrote:
> Fake FTDI & Prolific chips have been an issue for a long time. We all want
> to save some money, but you spend lots of money one the best radio you can
> afford. Why would you try to save a couple of $$ on the cable?  I suggest
> buying it from reputable dealers. Elecraft sells premade FTDI cables, Mouser
> sells cables you can put your own end on. The key is buying from real places
> that stand behind their product.
>
> The only other thought process, what is your time worth? Is it worth the
> trouble trying to make something work? Buying the right product from the
> right place saves lots of time. For me, time is money.... Just my two cents
> worth!
>