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rek · May 25, 2002, 10:36 AM

Could someone please suggest a USB to serial (RS232) adapters that will show up as a COM port under Virtual PC 5, running under OS X?

I use a Polar heart-rate monitor while cycling, and it uses a serial connection to upload data to an analysis program (which runs under Virtual PC.)

I'm a bit afraid that I'll buy a USB->serial adapter, just to find out that either OS X doesn't like it, Virtual PC doesn't like it, or that it just won't work for some reason.

or, are USB->serial adapters widely compatible with OS X and Virtual PC, and just about any brand will work?

Thanks.

rek · May 27, 2002, 06:10 PM

sympathy bump

Fillman · Jul 4, 2002, 12:46 AM

Anyone have an answer to this question? I want to hook up a specialist tech device via serial to usb and VPC 5.0.

Can I do this under OSX?

slider · Jul 8, 2002, 05:05 PM

I can speak for keyspans high speed serial adaptor under VPC4.x running OS9. This was used to connect to a Compaq iPaq 3650 Pocket PC, the connect worked great, but is was a serial connection and there for slow, high speed or not. VPC5 supports the USB interface for the iPaq under 9 and X so we never tried adaptor since USB is much faster. The software for the adaptor was loaded on the Mac, and VPC4 win98, but I don't think we needed to load it onto win98, it just comes up as a serial port when you make the proper settings in VPC.

The adaptors drivers are available for download at <a href="http://www.keyspan.com" target="_blank">www.keyspan.com</a>

I know this is not an exact answer to your question, but I hope it helps point you in the right direction.

Good Luck

Fillman · Jul 9, 2002, 05:17 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by slider:
I can speak for keyspans high speed serial adaptor under VPC4.x running OS9. This was used to connect to a Compaq iPaq 3650 Pocket PC, the connect worked great, but is was a serial connection and there for slow, high speed or not. VPC5 supports the USB interface for the iPaq under 9 and X so we never tried adaptor since USB is much faster. The software for the adaptor was loaded on the Mac, and VPC4 win98, but I don't think we needed to load it onto win98, it just comes up as a serial port when you make the proper settings in VPC.

The adaptors drivers are available for download at <a href="http://www.keyspan.com" target="_blank">www.keyspan.com</a>

I know this is not an exact answer to your question, but I hope it helps point you in the right direction.

Good Luck<hr /></blockquote>Thanks for the reply. The device I am planning to hook up has been designed specifically for a W2000 laptop application with serial connection. Your info seems to indicate that I stand a good chance of success in OS9 and if I'm really lucky, in OSX as well.

Time to take the plunge I think! Thanks again

regards

Fillman · Jul 10, 2002, 12:02 AM

Update

I've just placed an order for a Keyspan High Speed USB adapter. I will report back on success or otherwise some time in the near future.

Fillman · Jul 22, 2002, 09:06 PM

I've finally got a Keyspan High Speed USB serial adapter and it worked (nearly) first time through VPC 5.x and my serial pressure measuring device. It's worth reading the manual because you have to figure out whether you want OSX or Classic and whether to use the Windows USB to serial stuff or Mac USB to serial stuff.

Quite pleased with the overall experience but I've still a way to go with configuring the setup completely yet.

Happy now!