[GreenKeys] USB to 45 baud adapter

[Paul Wills (CKT&T)]

Greetings,

As Windows 10 is rapidly reaching end of support, I started thinking 
about how I would replace my desktop.  Unfortunately, nothing comes with 
a serial port and if anything does, it's probably not the same UART as 
found in an older PC.

I knew about the Silicon Laboratories CP2102 and actually bought a 
couple of their development kits.  The CP2102 allows a user to set an 
"alias" baud rate that can go as low as 45 baud. Unfortunately, the 
development kits are a bit costly at more than $40 per unit.

I did a lot of Google searching and tried a few USB to serial adapters 
made for the hobby market.  Unfortunately, most of the "CP2102" UARTs 
appear to be Chinese knock-offs that mostly act like the Silabs units 
but they don't support 45 baud.

Eventually, I came across Pololu Robotics who actually carries a USB to 
TTL adapter with the "real" Silabs* chip.  At $15 each, I bought four of 
them just to make sure I had a couple spares as the CP2102 is being 
discontinued and replaced with the CP2102N which does not support 45 
baud.  They worked so well, I might buy a few more.

https://www.pololu.com/product/391

One needs the CP210xBaudRateAliasConfig.exe program to change the baud 
rate.  Silabs also has a configuration program that is supposed to 
change the baud rate but I couldn't get it to work. They don't currently 
make CP210xBaudRateAliasConfig available but I can provide it for those 
who need it.

Right now, there are 119 in stock.  I wouldn't bet that they would make 
any more.

I have nothing to with Pololu Robotics other than being a satisfied 
customer.

PDW

*I think they were actually insulted when I mentioned the knock-off 
chips because they proudly said that their converters are made in the 
USA with parts sourced from the proper manufacturers.