Which USB Serial Converter?

[Richard W]

I am trying to connect a Revo to a Dell Dimension 5150 Windows XP system. I have installed a Prolific USB to Serial converter to connect the Revo via its docking station. I have installed PsiWin 2.3.3 and ensured I have the latest Prolific drivers. However, when I connect to the Revo the system crashes!

I have connected to the Revo using Hyperterminal and receive data from the Revo.

In trying to resolve this problem I have come upon this forum. My searches tell me: (a) USB to serial converters don't always work with PsiWIn, (b) there are also issues with Dell PCs and (c) Clove Technologies supply one that does work.

Before purchasing another serial converter, and throwing good money after bad, I would like to hear from somebody who has successfully installed a Clove (or any other) converter on a Dell to confirm that this is the way to go.

Thanks

Richard

[Colin Messer]

Hi Richard,

I use a Clove supplied USB converter with a Dell Latitude D410 laptop. It would have been straight forward if I had installed the USB converter before PsiWin. It took days of uninstalling, reinstalling, reg-cleaning etc until I got a clean system. Then a simple install of the USB -> Serial software and PsiWin on top has given a wonderfully reliable system.

Regards
Colin

[Richard W]

Colin

Thanks for your response. As far as I can remember, I installed the Prolific USB converter before PsiWin, although I did install 2.3 (from CD) before downloading and installing 2.3.3. I did uninstall PsiWin, reg-cleaned, etc, but to no avail. I wonder, from what you say, whether I should go right back to before I installed the converter and give it one more try or whether it is never going to work. My decision, obviously.

Thanks again

Richard

[Colin Messer]

If I recall correctly, Psions/PsiWin need specific pins connected. Not all USB to serial adaptors connect the pins that Psions need, so only some adaptors work. There have been example of machines that don't work, but these have been few and far between.

A crawl through the archives may turn something up.

Good luck

Colin

[Richard W]

Colin

I gave it one, last try, starting from a clean base; no luck! Your feedback has given me confidence to try the converter from Clove Technologies.

Thanks

Richard

[stolkjo]

I ma using a iConcepts Com to USB converter for three years now on different machines (W2000, XP Home and XP Pro) without any problems.

[Richard W]

Just to tie this up: I have received and installed the USB converter from Clove Technologies and it is working fine with PsiWin 2.3.3. Thanks to all those that contributed feedback.
Richard

[Colin Messer]

I'm pleased. Thanks for letting us know.

Colin

[GJP46]

I have been informed that 'Belkin' and 'Keyspan' usb to serial adapters are recommended for Psions. The 'Keyspan' boasts high-speed data transfer. Anyone have any experience of either of these adapters? Thanks.
Graham

[pthwaite]

Yes,
I use the Keyspan (USA_19HS) device successfully on my MAC & PC, with my various psions & other devices. I would recommend it.

Howard

[GJP46]

Thank you Howard. It's reassuring to know that someone has found that the 'Keyspan' works satisfactorily. 'POS' ('Pinnock Organiser Services') recommended this and the 'Belkin', but I thought I should put out some feelers first.

Regards

Graham

[pthwaite]

No Problem, I would take on board what Colin has said (see : USB/Serial Converter & XP Pro) regarding the issue with the comms ports though. I generally try to ensure it is found as Comms port 4 or less & have no problems.

regards

[GJP46]

Might I ask where you obtained your PsiWin for Mac softwhere if you don't mind. I have been considering a Mac for sometime, but haven't seen a copy of PsiWin for Macs for years (I think at that time it came on floppy disks)!

Regards

[pthwaite]

GJP46
You miss-understand. I have Psiwin running okay under emulation (via parallels) on my MAC I also use the Java Psion Link for MAC that allows backups and file transfer/conversion on the MAC directly.
I don't often use Psiwin now, I use the Java Psion Link to copy across anything I need & for syncing calendars I do it via Google Calendars as it can now sync with iCal and import Vcal files from the Psion. ie use Vcal to save your Agenda in the Vcal format & then import it to Google & when you next use ical it syncs. My main calendar is the Psion, everything else is subservient to that.

regards