Batboard

I bought a new laptop, and I notice that the serial ports is no longer a standard option, it is replaced with usb ports, so I wonder if anybody has used a rib to usb cable, or do we need a usb to serial adapter.

those adaptors work with most things but not for programming radios. but my new factory cable for the PR1500's is usb so it looks like Motorola might be moving ahead with new items. sorry but i hope you still have your old laptop

Get a Serial I/O Card. I got one from Socket and it works great. It also works in DOS mode and doesn't need Windows like USB does.

If you don't want to go the PCMCIA route, I've heard very good things about these USB adaptors:

http://www.dontronics.com/usb_232.html

I use a usb to serial adaptor with my Dell Laptop and it works great. It works with my smartrib (RLN1015D) and also my Depot Cables for the XTS5000 and XTL5000.
Radio43

If you guys are going to post what kind of adapters work - lets get more specific with model numbers - and version numbers.

This is because many different cards use different serial chipsets, and one might work great - and the other may not, and they may come in the same packaging - just different versions.

So before someone just "bricks" a radio trying - be specific in what you post and recomend.

-Alex

The USB to Serial Cable I have been using, I got off ebay approximatley 2 years ago. The only markings on it are "CEF and a Double C at the end." I am not sure what brand it is. It does wok great though. If I can get more info on what brand it is I will.

Radio43