DB9 Adapter

[Vienny Nguyen]

Hey,

I just purchased a laptop so that my team could work on programming at competition, but I can't connect it to the edu rc. I only have a printer port, monitor port, and two USB ports. I just wanted to know if I would be able to load programs from the laptop to the controller if I purchased like a DB9-DB25/DB15 or USB adapter. I'm just confused because the IFI loader only shows com ports under port settings. :confused:

We're a rookie team so I don't really know how to use this stuff...

Thanks for your time,
~Vienny

[KenWittlief]

you would need something more than just a connector adapter (DB9 to USB connector) because the signals themselves are different

what you need is a USB to serial port converter (adapter?) that will translate the USB commands to RS232 commands.

Ive heard other people mention these on the forum. I assume the SW that comes with it will make the USB adapter look like a com port on your laptop, so the IFI program can find it.

[FotoPlasma]

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22424

Apparently, you can use Serial->USB converters just fine. I have no personal experience with it, but others on the forum have.

[Jeff Waegelin]

Just a comment on USB-to-serial adapters. I bought one from Belkin that was designed for use with PDAs, and it didn't work. I later bought a Keyspan mini port replicator, which had Serial, Parallel, and extra USB ports on it, and that worked fine for me. I really have no idea why, but that was my personal experience.

[Vienny Nguyen]

Thanks for your replies, guys... it is much appreciated. :)

~Vienny

[ErichKeane]

actually, radio shack has the cable for 40 bucks w/ a driver disk, kinda expensive, but it does map it to a com port.

If you search on froogle, you can get one for as low as 15 bucks or so shipped. A few sites to choose from below:

http://store.yahoo.com/store4pc/usbtoser9pin5.html
http://www.more4mymoney.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/4169
http://www.spacecentersystems.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/5086

EAch one i belive works fine.

[Joe Johnson]

I said it before, I will say it again. I had NO success with Belkin stuff. I have had great success with the Bafo-810 They cost about $15 from TigerDirect.com


Joe J.

[Pat Fairbank]

Yesterday, I ordered this CP Tech adapter (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=542934&sku=B131-5002) from TigerDirect.ca for $24 - oops, that's Canadian. Umm... $17 US. When I get it, I'll let you guys know if it works or not.