[Elecraft] RS232 interface

[G4GNX]

The FTDI drivers mostly work with the legitimate FTDI chips, but not always, 
because FTDI screwed up.

The latest FTDI drivers won't work with the counterfeit chips, but the 
remedy is simple - use an older driver and disable Windows Update (which I 
don't like anyway).

The difference between buying a key for the wrong lock is that the key does 
not attempt to destroy the inside of the lock (unless you hit it with a 
hammer <grin>).

The latest FTDI driver attempts to disable the internals of the chip itself 
and sometimes manages to hit genuine chips. They caught a cold on that one 
and have apparently been forced to withdraw it. That hit their reputation 
far more than the counterfeits which they did not manufacture.

I purchased a programming cable for a TYT hand-held from a 'reputable' 
supplier and that turned out to be a fake. What should happen is that the 
cable should be returned, a refund issued and the driver manufacturer 
informed but that would involve one company wasting time on another's 
business and in these days where time is money, it doesn't happen. In the 
meantime I just wanna program my rig, so I find the easiest way out - 
install an earlier driver. Yes, it's wrong but I don't have time to do 
others' bidding, and the only way I know if there's a 'bum' chip in the 
cable is by buying it first and using it.

We can all be "holier than thou" when it comes to what other people should 
do, but when it's ourselves, we all tend to do what it takes to get the 
result we want, even committing minor crime. Show me one person who has 
never bent the rules for their own small gain and I'll show you a liar!

73,

Alan. G4GNX

-----Original Message----- 
From: Brian
Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2014 11:13 AM
To: G4GNX
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RS232 interface

Let me see.  The FTDI drivers work only on their legitimate chips.  They
don't work on the counterfeit chips. OK so far?

If you try and use FTDI drivers for counterfeit chips failure will
result.  That's OK too.

I don't know what kind of drivers are sent with counterfeit chip or
whether they even work.  If you try and upgrade the drivers to legit
FTDI ones, they will fail.  What would you expect?

This really is no different than buying a key for a lock.  It works on
that lock and doesn't work on other locks.

The real issue: how does one know that have a genuine FTDI chip in the
USB/RS232 converter purchased.  This takes some homework and finding a
reliable source.

One has to realize that manufacturers have to try an protect their
products from counterfeit knock offs.  Their bottom line and reputation
is at stake.

73 de Brian/K3KO