USB to RS232 and RS232 to RS485 converter reviews

[oldcqr]

As promised in this thread, http://doityourselfchristmas.com/for...3041#post63041

I have completed a review of 3 different RS232 to RS485 adapters. I've also thrown in a review of a inexpensive USB to RS232 adapter.

The review(s) can be found on my website: RS232/RS485 On the Cheap .

[oldcqr]

While USB->232->485 is cheaper, has anyone ever used the USB to RS485 adapters from this place (easysync-ltd)?

Their ad popped up on my site, and so I poked around a bit over there. The non-isolated converter is $49, while the opto-isolated one is $88.

[oldcqr]

DealExtreme (the really cheap Chinese place) just listed a 2 serial port PCI adapter card for $8.79 shipped -> http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.24887

If I had the choice between this and a USB to RS232 adapter, I would go with the PCI card. Once installed, you end up with 2 real RS232 ports as opposed to the 'emulated' USB version.

[oldcqr]

While I always appreciate the bump on one of my topics, spam is not the way

[Macrosill]

While I always appreciate the bump on one of my topics, spam is not the way

The spam has been removed and the user banned! In the future please refrain from posting in response to the spam. Use the report post button or contact a mod or myself via pm.

[mattrob]

Summary: DealExtreme seems to have changed their chipset in the USB adapter, leading to issues when used with an unpowered RS485 converter.

Long story:
I bought four of the USB-RS232 adapters (D.E. #5859) last year for non-Christmas uses after reading Mike's reviews. After I got the drivers installed correctly, they performed better than many of my other serial adapters. So when I added some REN SS hardware and a LED-Triks (with Triks-C) this year, I ordered more of these adapters and also bought the RS232-RS485 converter (D.E. #9309) that Mike recommended. I tested all of the 232-485 converters with my old adapters and they all worked great. Problems arose, however, when I went to try out my new USB-RS232 adapters. I had trouble installing the drivers included on the CD or downloaded. After a little bit of research online, I found that DealExtreme had changed the chipset used in the converter. I downloaded the new driver and it installed fine, but would never control my triks display. I opened a few of these up and compared to the insides of one of my old PL2303 chipset converters. While I found some rough looking solder joints, those were not the cause of my problems. I noticed that the MAX211 chip is no longer included. I then suspected that the adapter must not be providing the proper voltages for the 485 adapter to operate due to this missing chip. By hooking up 5v to the breakout board on the 485 adapter, I was able to get the USB-RS232 adapter to work.

I just wanted to throw my experiences out there in case anyone else has or will run into this problem.

-Matt

[oldcqr]

Wow, that stinks! I'm sorry they changed things on you

I will definitely add your experience to my review about the RS232 adapter.

[lightman]

I am also looking into the more direct path of USB to RS485 convertor myself and this thread is really helping out.

I have had some issues with my USB to RS232 on my XPX Dell (Prob operator error). Laptop and netbook load the dirvers and operate it just fine.

I am at work right now and I can't remember the product name. Will check it out tonight and update my post.

Look forward to more feedback on the best products.

Regards,
Lightman

[lightman]

Has anyone tried this USB to RS485 converter out? Found it on Amazon for ~$15.

http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Seria.../ref=de_a_smtd

Post Reply - I am not sure if this is USB to RS485 or USB to RS232.....Hmmmm?

Regards,
Lightman

[sjwilson122]

Has anyone tried this USB to RS485 converter out? Found it on Amazon for ~$15.

http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Seria.../ref=de_a_smtd

Post Reply - I am not sure if this is USB to RS485 or USB to RS232.....Hmmmm?

Regards,
Lightman

It looks to be USB to RS232