USB to RS485

[folksy]

I am currently using two of the below for my show.

http://www.koocell.com/rs-232-to-rs-485-converter-9236.html

But with finding parts for the older pc getting harder, I figured it is time to update to an USB to RS485 adapter, this way when this computer dies I will be able to move to a newer one without too many issues.

I currently run my show from two com ports but have plans an adding a LEDTRICKS next year so I am pretty sure I would need a third RS485 port. Does anyone see any issues with the below device?

http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67&products_id=221

I figured if I go this route I do not have to buy usb to serial then add the RS232 to RS485 adapter.

Thanks in advance on any advice you could provide.

Jason

[IdunBenhad]

Hi:
I put together a dedicated computer for the light show. It is a P4 running Windows XP Home Edition. It is in a mid-tower case.

It had 1 RS232 serial port and 1 parallel port plus 4 USB ports on the motherboard.

I added a PCI card that has 2 serial ports and an additional parallel port card. Also, I happen to have a USB 2.0 4 port card, so I added that.

I use RS232-RS485 converters on the serial ports, and so far no problems. The converters are very low cost on Ebay or from China if you can wait for the China shipping delays.

I think this is the least expensive way to go as all the cards I used are China specials, low cost and seem to be reliable.

The one you referred to is about $22.50 per port. I think I have about $5.00 per port in my machine.

Hope that helps. I am not familiar with the device you listed. Also, I have not tried a USB ->RS485 converter.

[RichF]

I too have a dedicated PC for running the show. P4 3.02Ghz with 2 onboard serial and 1 LPT port. Added a 6 port PCI serial card and 4 rs485 adapters from E-bay. with 8 serial ports 4 of them RS485 and 4 Rs232 and the one LPT port I do not think I will run out of ports.

Card was $29.00 area on Ebay and the rs232-rs485 adapters were .99 each on e-bay. Shipping was a slow boat from China so if you want them for this year order now. Took 2 months to get to me. I ordered the begening of November and recieved just after new years.

[folksy]

So it seems the consensus is to stick with pci cards for added serial connections. With a lot of computers now going to PCI-X (not sure if a pci card will work in a pci-x port) I was concerned with putting money into a dying technology as opposed to USB which seems to be holding on.

The current computer does not have any PCI-X ports so buying a PCI-X card now would do me no good.

Wow I did not know ebay had the adapters for about .99 cents I thought I did good with the 11 dollar price.

Thanks for your input.

[RichF]

IF you have a PCI-x computer you can get a PCI-X based serial card.

[Cheater]

I quite like USB converters personally. :)

folksy remember that you can also buy USB -> RS232 adaptors.
I'd bet that they are cheaper and you already have the RS485 adaptors anyway.