Null modem cable adapter for linux USB use

charlie0440

I want to dicth our last (oldest) desktop which has a serial connector. So I need an adapter for a USB connector or a null modem USB cable for configuring our firebox's. It must work with ubuntu. Any recommendations?

I thought I might take a gamble on this one:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plugable-Adapter-Prolific-PL2303HX-Chipset/dp/B00425S1H8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1378331906&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+null+modem+adapter

stephenw10

I bought pretty much the cheapest one I could on Ebay. Worked fine in Ubuntu. Had a permissions issue in Xubuntu and Mint but easily fixed once I realised what was happening.
I have no idea who it's made by, some unknown Chinese manufacturer.

Steve

stan-qaz

Why not go with a serial card for about $20 and skip any potential USB hassles?

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-RS232-Serial-Adapter-PCI1S550/dp/B00006B8C5/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1378360222&sr=1-3

A Former User

I'm using one of these (not from this seller, but the item listing on ebay has already ended): http://www.ebay.com/itm/RS-232-RS232-Serial-to-PL2303HX-USB-Adapter-Cable-Converter-for-Linux-WIN-7-/370891405155?pt=US_Parallel_Serial_PS_2_Cables_Adapters&hash=item565ad9b763

It works in debian (therefore 99% of other linux distros (troll bait for redhat/suse users)) and is detected as:

[158885.876088] usb 3-1: new full-speed USB device number 2 using ohci_hcd
[158886.042997] usb 3-1: New USB device found, idVendor=067b, idProduct=2303
[158886.043018] usb 3-1: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0
[158886.043085] usb 3-1: Product: USB-Serial Controller
[158886.043096] usb 3-1: Manufacturer: Prolific Technology Inc.
[158886.220455] usbcore: registered new interface driver usbserial
[158886.220478] USB Serial support registered for generic
[158886.220525] usbcore: registered new interface driver usbserial_generic
[158886.220528] usbserial: USB Serial Driver core
[158886.228475] USB Serial support registered for pl2303
[158886.228517] pl2303 3-1:1.0: pl2303 converter detected
[158886.250058] usb 3-1: pl2303 converter now attached to ttyUSB0
[158886.250150] usbcore: registered new interface driver pl2303
[158886.250160] pl2303: Prolific PL2303 USB to serial adaptor driver

Make sure it says HXSP-2108D on it (see auction pic). Windows (oh the horrors!) and mac (no comment) drivers can be found here: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/CustomerLogin.aspx (user + pass are guest >>>SAYS SO RIGHT THERE<<<). Left side, select usb smart io controllers > usb serial/parallel, 2303 and drivers.

Dunno about macs since I'm allergic to them but in linux it's just plug it in, fire up putty, select serial, use device /dev/ttyUSB0 set speed (SAVE THESE so you don't have to do it again) and open. It works perfectly everytime.

stephenw10

Looking back through my Ebay history I see the adapter I have is still available from the same seller:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230584255185

Though mine is green(ish). For £2.75 including delivery it's hard to go wrong! ;)

Steve

robi

Yep that's the one I use too. Works flawlessly under kubuntu and win 7 too. It's also sold here in shops under band name "Delink". Nice the long usb cable.

charlie0440

stephen you save me some money! I opened your link to that cable on ebay and thought that looks so familiar. A hunt through some draws and a ten mins later I found it and its working great (once I realised had to run as sudo).