High Speed USB to Serial Converters

[AstroTasmania]

Hi All,

For many, buying the RIGHT type of converter for its intended application is important, many people buy a bog standard USB 1.1 converter without knowing there are significant differences and subsequently have all sorts of problems, as I did before I researched the subject. A good example is using such a device with your mount & computer planetarium software, hit the mouse key to make a command, the mount does not move, hit the key again, and again.....commands are taking too long and then it is overloaded with multiple commands all the same. Restart everything!! bummer.

The key issue appears to be the use of an FTDI chipset, in whatever brand.
For instance, the EQMOD EQ5/6 user needs a fast response device not a slow one.

What I have outlined here is what to buy and where to buy it in Australia. Knowing what to buy is the key, once you know that a Google search will come up with a supplier in your area.
Here is the result of my research, which I hope is of some use with Website url and item data/link/s.

For the critical USB converters with the FTDI chip set, here is a place to shop, with Free post in Australia.
Excellent service and products (based on my personal experience)
http://www.dontronics-shop.com/


US232R is our new premium USB to RS232 adapter cable. This new design sets the standards in appearance and functionality with its high gloss white enclosure and side-lit blue traffic indicators designed to appeal to discerning PC and MAC users alike. For additional connection reliability, both the USB connector and DB9 serial connector are gold plated. Based on the very latest FTDI "R" series chip set technology the US232R offers outstanding performance and quality at a remarkable price. The US232R is supplied in full retail packaging including driver CD.
MAC users will be pleased to note that the US232R supports the new Intel based platforms as well as the traditional Power PC based models.

http://www.dontronics-shop.com/EasySync-Premium-GOLD-USB-RS232-Adapter-cable-10cm-cable-p-16139.html
This unit is available in 10cm & 1-metre lengths

The TTL-232R is a USB to Serial (TTL level) converter cable which allows for a simple way to connect TTL interface devices to USB.
http://www.dontronics-shop.com/FTDI-USB-to-Serial-TTL-level-5V-converter-cable-p-16493.html

PS, I hate it when someone says I bought such & such that worked, but gives no detail about or where from!!

Clear skies...
Shevill

[Mordy777]

Thanks for the specific information on USB to serial converters.

I too had to purchase a USB to serial converter recently, and it made a big difference in the speed, smoothness of function and overall performance.

I bought a USB to serial converter adapter in the past, but it seemed to be not working properly. But ever since I returned it and tried this new one, then I've had no problems too.

Funny how something as simple as the USB to Serial converter makes such a big difference.

[gerdonhanry]

Now, I am using HIGH-SPEED USB RS-232 Serial Adapter DB-9 converter. This USB to Serial Cable provides you the simplest way to attach your Notebook or Desktop computer to a serial modem, mouse or PDA cradle. The USB to Serial Cable allows Plug and Play capabilities for your peripherals such as: PDA Cradles, modems, mice, card readers, barcode readers, label writers, digital cameras, security systems, fingerprint verification and more.

[Gordolake]

A simple USB-RS232 will NOT work as a direct connection to the mount (EQ6Pro) except through the hand controller which acts as the TTL converter.

I've purchased the TTL level USB convertor from dontronics (http://tinyurl.com/3axrrfe). Great service and quick delivery.

It comes with a 1.8m cable and 6 pin edge connector which needs to be removes and connected to a RS232 db9 shell. DB9 pinout diagram (http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://techpubs.sgi.com/library/dynaweb_docs/hdwr/SGI_EndUser/books/3900_UG/sgi_html/figures/pinouts.serial.gif&imgrefurl=http://techpubs.sgi.com/library/tpl/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi%3Fcoll%3Dhdwr%26db%3Dbks%26fname%3D/SGI_EndUser/3900_UG/apa.html&h=357&w=375&sz=6&tbnid=UZ5rlOjdPint_M:&tbnh=116&tbnw=122&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddb9%2Bpin%2Bassignment&hl=&usg=__sJjahVjcr4N0NGkTDeocKIuxSvs=&ei=WqjaS63wJMyIkAWanox9&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=6&ct=image&ved=0CBsQ9QEwBQ). I spliced another 3m cable to get some extra distance. I think you can go to about 20m but have not tested.

Only 3 wires need to be connected as per wiring detail (http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net/tutindex.html) from EQMOD

Solder Pin 6 of the 9 way D-type Plug to the Orange wire.
Solder Pin 9 of the 9 way D-type Plug to the Yellow wire.
Solder Pins 4 & 5 of the 9 way D-type Plug to the Black wire.

I would recommend the EQMOD software drives to use inside your planetarium softwre. It provides great amount of utilities and control.

check it out here. (http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net/tutindex.html)

[kingston]

Here is a little more info on the usb serial adapters. There are several companies that makes these adapters, the most commonly used chipsets are:
FTDI
Prolific
WCH
Silicon Labs
Prolific is the cheapest but also the worst, the drivers/chipset are simply incompatible with many devices and operating systems, including 64-bit systems, (even Prolific themselves actually does provide a 64-bit driver), they are simply too cheap and unstable.
The best chipset/drivers are the FTDI. These are very solid and compatible with most devices and almost all operating systems both 32 and 64-bit. The usb to serial adapters (http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67&products_id=244) are a bit more expensive but well worth the money.

[gtur]

Here is a to USB converter (http://www.atc-converters.eu/atc-820-p-3704.html) with technical parameters and manual. Alo you can send request for information.