Batboard

I just purchased a new Compaq Presario laptop that has no serial port. I want to run only the 1225 and CDM Windows based software on it being it is the only ones that will work an a fast processor (I still use my old 150MHz for DOS based). Did anyone ever use a USB-to-serial adapter to connect the RIB to a USB port?
Is it reliable?

I don't think that I would trust it. I don't even know if DOS will address the device without who knows what for drivers, and on top of that if the datastrem would be good enough to provide the constant sending of the data.

I don't believe that USB is ment for sustained data transfer, but more bust data. This might cause problems when the radio is expecting a stady stream of data and it gets it in bursts.

Again, I haven't personally tried it, but I'm not willing to have a brick just to find out if it works or not. I do however, have one of the adapters, and if someone wants me to test on their radio, i'd be more than happy to, but I'm not risking it on my equipment.

486 laptops are SO CHEAP it's not even funny. I baught mine for $40, with 2 batteries! I would buy one of those. The usb -> serial adapter will prob. cost more.

-Alex

Alex,

Where did you get your laptop for programming? Im looking for one... do you or anyone have one for sale? Thanks!@

I would try local want add's, news paper, ebay etc. I happened to have a friend who sold me mine. Ask around. Who knows who has an old piece of equipment, and doesn't realize they could get $40-$50 for it. You might also want to look at local ham fests, and other events. Ebay might also do quite well for ya.

Check it out. I'll talk with a friend upstairs and see what he has in supply... I wanted to buy a panasonic toughbook for programming from him, but he managed to break a computer not ment to be broken... go figure...

-Alex