[Venkatesh]

I have a Prolific USB-to-serial adapter and I have never had any issues with it. I have programmed the 2003 RC, the 2004 EDU RC, and the 2004 full-size controller many times, with no speed issues at all. I have even used this adapter with QBASIC programs which use the serial port, and have no issues at all.

I have also heard very good things about the keyspan USB-to-Serial adapter, and its compatibility.

And if you are having issues with your USB-to-serial converter, try these things:

1) Assign the USB COM port the address COM2: (or COM4). I like to stay away from COM1, since some systems without serial ports still claim that they have a serial port at COM1. This includes the entire IBM thinkpad series and a few older toshiba models I have played with. And don't go beyond COM4 - very little software reliably supports more than COM4 on the PC.

2) Remember on most PCs, COM1 and COM3 are set to share IRQs (as COM2 and COM4). You can't have both ports in a pair active and expect good luck.

3) Test at low data rates - I haven't ever seen the Keyspan adapter work well at rates greater than 64Kbps. My Prolific (its a generic blue one, i got for $10) can go up to 56Kbps with the EDU RC and up to 231Kbps with my camera.

4) Especially when programming the full-size controller, putting the controller in "PROGRAM RECEIVE" mode tends to help. There is a prog button for that purpose. Use it.

And if you can't get it to work at all, ever, you might just be unlucky. Too bad. Find another serial converter or get a PC with a serial port.

Good luck.