recommendations for Linux compatible usb-to-serial adaptor?

[StevenD57]

I need to move to a newer laptop but none of my newer laptops have serial ports on them. I have tried purchasing a serial-to-usb convertor at Frys Electronic before but I was not able to get it to work with Linux. I have tried other serial-to-usb convertors in the past that just worked but I have no idea what brand or model they were. Does anyone here have any recommendations for a good serial-to-usb convertor that works well with Linux?

[jsmcortina]

I use a "random" one that is based on the Prolific 2303 chipset:


James

[djandruczyk]

I also use a "generic" PL2303 based on as well.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

comments say it works fine in linux.

[StevenD57]

I also use a "generic" PL2303 based on as well.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

comments say it works fine in linux.

Thanks, I ordered this one from newegg so we will see if it works for me. I hope so.

I have read comments about issues with various serial-to-usb adapters having problems reliably transmitting long data streams. Has anyone ran into an issue with this when recording data logs for a long period of time? For instance I was recording data logs on my older laptop the other day for my half hour trip to work.

[Johnson]

You are correct that the Prolific chipset/drivers does have problems.
There are several companies that makes usb serial adapters, the most commonly used chipsets are:

FTDI
Prolific
WCH
Silicon Labs

Prolific is the cheapest but also the worst, the drivers/chipset are simply incompatible with many devices and operating systems, including 64-bit systems, (even Prolific themselves actually does provide a 64-bit driver), they are simply too cheap and unstable.
The best chipset/drivers are the FTDI. These are very solid and compatible with most devices and almost all operating systems both 32 and 64-bit. These usb usb to serial adapter are a bit more expensive but well worth the money.

[racingmini_mtl]

The best chipset/drivers are the FTDI. These are very solid and compatible with most devices and almost all operating systems both 32 and 64-bit. These usb usb to serial adapter are a bit more expensive but well worth the money.

Did you mean this one? That's the one with the FTDI chipset and I agree that it's the better alternative.

Jean

[djandruczyk]

I've had good luck with both FTDI and the PL2303 series ones. I've had the PL2303 one for 5+ years and its never failed to work properly on multiple computers and ECU types/models. Some really cheap ones had a poor/unstable clock and thus don't always create the correct timing signals or voltages within spec and hence have issues with some devices, Knowing which have this issue and which do not is the major issue and its largely a trial and error process.