PC Interface

[Chibby]

I have previously programed my C-bus network with a desk top computer with a serial port, I now have a laptop with no serial port only USB 2 ports, I have tried a USB 232 converter with no success, any ideas or other option available?

[PSC]

Purchase a CNI and program it via Ethernet. Otherwise find a USB to serial that works, they are available.


PSC.

[Richo]

I have previously programed my C-bus network with a desk top computer with a serial port, I now have a laptop with no serial port only USB 2 ports, I have tried a USB 232 converter with no success, any ideas or other option available?

Ring tech support, they can recommend a brand of USB<->RS232 that will work.

[Wilko]

Clipsal recommends a particular type of USB-Serial converter, which you can order over the phone from the manufacturer in Melbourne.

The first time I needed one, I had to get it straight away. I went to Harvey Norman and took a punt on a Belkin F5U109, which has been doing the job happily ever since.

[ashleigh]

There are many USB to serial converters available.

Clipsal have tested many, and found reliability problems with some brands / models.

Strongly suggest you call tech support for a list of units that have been tested and found to be reliable.

[Ross]

Maybe tech support could post a list of "tested" units on the forum?

[Chibby]

Thanks for your help i'll give tech support a call monday Cheers.

[Advantex]

i have a compaq 2100 (XP Pro). It has a serial port. I also have a 'socket' brand PCMCIA serial card and an HP usb to serial convertor. Both the 'socket' and the HP convertor work no problem. Both work with C-Bus on any laptop I have tried so far be it 95,98, 2000 or XP, with or without a resident serial port, Acer, Toshiba, HP..... The HP usb to serial is not expensive, the 'socket serial' unit is (but it is good).

[MattB]

Check out http://www.clipsal.com/cis/lit_installtraining_connectors.php3
It lists the adapters that CIS recommend.

I have a Quatech Dual channel card which is excellent and gives me 2 com ports which is handy for what I do. They also have a 4 channel one if you need that.

I also have an Aten UC232A USB-RS232 adapter which has worked OK with C-bus but I did have some issues with Minder.

Also have a look at http://www.clipsal.com/cis/lit_installtraining_news.php3 which has the CIS newsletters with a heap of info on different stuff. One particuar isssue which effects people using USB-RS232 adapters is disscussed in the 2003 newsletter.

Cheers
Matt