[Xastir] using a USB-to-serial adapter (fwd)

[Curt, WE7U]

Forwared from the tinytrak/tinytrak4 mailing lists 'cuz it's
probably of interest here too.  I haven't used these but according
to others they use the FDTI chipset which is well supported in many
OS'es including Linux.  --Curt.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2007 03:30:37 -0700 (PDT)
From: Mark J Culross <mjculross at sbcglobal.net>

TT3/TT4 Groups:

Here's a product that I personally own & highly recommend for anyone that does not have a native serial port:  Parallax (a well-known hobby company supporting all kinds of uP development support products & peripherals) offers a USB-to-serial adapter that works fabulously (I use it specifically under WinXP, Win2K, WinME, & RedHat linux).  It also has the unique feature that it supports handshake signals (DTR for sure), as well as being USB 2.0 compatible.  It is available in two flavors:

1) adapter only (no cable) for $14.95, stock #28030
    at <http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28030>

2) adapter plus 6 foot type A-to-mini B cable for $17.95, stock #28031
    at <http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28031>

The drivers for these adapters are available for download from the Parallax website at
    <http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/downloads/software/ftdi_drivers.asp>

I use it for all kinds of things on both my desktop & my laptops (HP, Gateway, Compaq, & Dell) & have NEVER had any trouble with it in any way.  It might appear more expensive than your average USB-to-serial adapter, but when you consider the number of messages on the Yahoo Groups regarding "I just bought the XXXX USB-to-serial adapter & I can't get it to work . . . HELP . . . ", this is a product that is well worth the price in quality & reliability !!

Disclaimer:  I have no connection to Parallax, other than the fact that I have bought MANY of their products (read that as having sent LOTS of well spent $$$ to them !!), & have integrated many of the items that they sell (both uP's & peripherals) in a large number of my hobby projects, and that I am a happy & continuing customer of theirs.

To keep this on-topic, I have personally used this USB-to-serial adapter extensively for programming my PocketTracker, my TT3s, & both of my TT4 beta units.  As another example, I have also used it in combination with my simple CI-V cable to control my IC-7000, IC-706MKIIG, IC-R10, & IC-T81, each using HRD.

Mark J Culross
KD5RXT