[Elecraft] Fake FTDI chips

[Phil Kane]

On 4/14/2014 11:19 AM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED wrote:

>> With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
>> serial adapter to
>> program my handheld.
> 
> I have to disagree with you. Yes, a RS-232 interface is the best choice,
> if you can use a RS-232 interface at your computer. If not, also you
> will use an adapter. But what is a RS-232 to USB adapter? Right, a chip
> from Prolific or FTDI ( hopefully). Nobody is protected from a fake chip.

Recently I had to put an adapter labelled as an FTDI product in service.
 Win 7 did not recognize it even with the proper Win 7 driver.  I
contacted FTDI Tech Support and found out that the device was in fact a
genuine FTDI product but a batch had gone out with a firmware defect
that they later corrected in the driver.  All it required was to check
the appropriate box on the driver properties panel in Win 7.  Works like
a charm now.

Interesting part was that the Tech Support person turned out to be
someone who knew me from our local radio club!  Always nice to get
competent help - just like Elecraft gives.
-- --

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402

>From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon