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Simon · Oct 4, 2004, 02:04 AM

[I had posted this in the 'Peripheral' section, but I barely got any response and in the meantime I believe it's more a software/driver issue, so please excuse my cross-posting.]

I have a Palm Vx and some no-name Serial-USB converter. If I hook them up with my PowerBook running Panther they won't work with HotSync.

HotSync is set to listen on the USB and support PalmConnect (to hook up serial Palm devices via USB). It is enabled too. The Palm is set to sync via its serial port. The adapter has a HotSync button, but when I press it nothing happens (except a blink of the 'TX' LED). The adapter works, because my Palm charges from the USB bus and the LED on the charger shows it's active. The HotSync software works with my Treo 180 so I guess the software install is OK.

Do I need some kind of special driver for the Serial-USB converter? Do these USB-Serial converters even work w/o any extra software?

I'd really appreciate any help. I have no idea what's wrong here.

adamjaskie · Oct 4, 2004, 08:28 AM

I'll see if I can help you in a few days, as I have a serial converter on it's way to me right now. I have an IBM Workpad C3, which is the same as a Palm Vx, but with a black case and an IBM logo on it. When my converter arrives, if I can get it working, I will see if I can help you out.

Simon · Oct 4, 2004, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by adamjaskie:
I'll see if I can help you in a few days, as I have a serial converter on it's way to me right now. I have an IBM Workpad C3, which is the same as a Palm Vx, but with a black case and an IBM logo on it. When my converter arrives, if I can get it working, I will see if I can help you out.

Thanks!

Actually I have a C3 as well. I figured Vx would be the better known name.

nemanirc · Oct 4, 2004, 09:37 AM

I never was able to get the USB-to-serial to work when I had a Palm IIIxe and whatever flavor of Mac OS X was current a few years ago. I finally replaced it with a Tungsten T, which has native USB, which works like a charm.

Simon · Oct 4, 2004, 09:50 AM

Originally posted by nemanirc:
I never was able to get the USB-to-serial to work when I had a Palm IIIxe and whatever flavor of Mac OS X was current a few years ago. I finally replaced it with a Tungsten T, which has native USB, which works like a charm.

I am actually looking at a Tungsten E (the T5 is awesome, but just too expensive IMHO), but somehow I don't really like the idea of giving PalmOne $200 just to get something that should have always worked...

And looking at the present Tungstens, isn't it ridiculous that they don't just put a standard USB plug on their devices just like every camera or printer manufacturer does? Hell, USB is already a powered bus. What is their flimsy connector gonna give me that USB can't?

bbales · Oct 4, 2004, 11:52 AM

While I understand your not being willing to give Palm more money, just because they can't bother to make a product that works, I do have a suggstion that would mean you wouldn't give quite as much: buy a used Palm on ebay.

I just did that (and while I wonder if I could have saved MORE by waiting just 2 weeks, given that the new Palm just was announced), and saved $65 over buying a Tungsten e new. It replaced one of the original Visors. I love it.