Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[pipsqueak]

off topic, i know, but im hoping someone will know the answer.

i have a 'limited expansion' laptop with a docking station. i have 2 devices which require serial ports (irman and palm). im currently swapping them around each time but thats a pain. i do have a spare lpt port...

do i have any options, like adapting the lpt port (got the right connector but it doesnt work currently), getting a serial splitter etc.

thanks in advance

[Magicland]

If you have USB ports or PCCard ports, you can get an adapter to add another serial port via one of them

[pipsqueak]

nope deosnt work. i have a serial to usb connector but neither device seems to be happy with the connection (both keep asking for a direct serial)

[Nolonemo]

You could try an A/B switch box, at least you wouldn't have to plug and unplug the devices.  I got one at Frys years ago for around $7 as I recall it had the 25-pin connectors so I had to get a couple 25 to 9 pin adaptors too.  I can't even remember what I was using it for anymore, I think to switch between a mouse and a trackball??  Serial mouse - shows you how long ago it was.

[pipsqueak]

radio shack now lists these as $33.

the thing is i already have a lpt port and a lpt to serial adapter, but i cant get the devices to work when plugged through these...

[glynor]

radio shack now lists these as $33.

the thing is i already have a lpt port and a lpt to serial adapter, but i cant get the devices to work when plugged through these...

Do you have a true serial to parallel converter (like one of these: http://www.mycableshop.com/sku/CSXP320.htm) or just a DB9 to DB25 connector?  I ask, because there are converters that change your connector from the standard RS232 DB9 (9 pin) serial connector to a serial DB25 (25 pin) connector.  This would look like it should allow you to connect a serial device to a parallel port, but it doesn't actually convert the signal from parallel flow to serial flow.  It just changes the connector type for use on (really) old school 25 pin serial devices.

It is easy to tell ... Does your converter plug in to a power outlet or take a battery?  If not, its not the right thing.

I am also suprised that the USB to RS232 connector didn't work.  Are you sure its not a COMM port assignment issue?

[glynor]

Actually, I think I found what you are looking for:

http://www.mycableshop.com/sku/CC317Y.htm

Description:

Serial DB9 Female to DB9 Male & Male Splitter Cable

Converts a DB9 RS232 serial port into two DB9 serial ports or use it as a DB9 video splitter. It allows two serial devices to connect to any PC with a DB9 serial port.

    * Supports all RS232 serial devices such as printers, mouse, modems, PDA, & digital cameras with DB9 port.
    * Connectors: DB9 Female to 2 Male

Check to make sure the male vs. female connections are right.  That company has them both ways and I didn't check it real well.  Plus, its only $9 so it's cheap enough to test out and if it doesn't work oh well.

[pipsqueak]

glynor

you were right i just had a connector, the device didnt alter the signal. will look at the other products.

the splitter looks good (ie. cheap), but i dont think both items will be happy sharing 1 com port (palm and irman). i think i would need a physical switch..

[Nolonemo]

Here are some cheap DB9 a/b (or a/b/c/d) switches (under $15):

http://www.tselectronic.com/gc/dataswitch.html?tse_Session=7a7ad92663cc0e1888e9a0e6ca14980b

http://www.oscaroscar.com/pp_AB-9.asp

http://www.bcd2000.com/itemdesc_campaign.asp?ic=150552&Tp=&source=Froogle;Manhattan;150552

[pipsqueak]

Nolonemo

Just ordered one of the ones from the links you gave me, will let you know how it goes

pip

[skidoo]

For all things serial, these guys are the best, in my opinion.

Check out the fourth item down under "What are you looking for today?"

And if you want to do some --really cool-- stuff with your Palm, check this out.