Option for RS232/DB9 to USB? Will it work?

[WillExoIX]

Looking at the FTDI products page I came across this

http://apple.clickandbuild.com/cnb/shop ... goryID=100

Question is, would it work? I know typically using a length of USB cable can potentially cause serial communication errors in some applications. Reason I am asking is because I am plagued by serial communications issues because my laptop does not have a serial port, so I am using the DIYAutotune serial to USB converter with the usb extension cable. I get typical RPM spikes and some insane numbers for values, however the engine does not skip a beat and resets are almost nil at this point.

Its not grounds, they are all done per the article that is so ruthlessly pushed here, lol. Also completely rewired the entire harness using the DIY Megasquirt harness. Megasquirt info for this build is in my sig.

I have resorted to using the serial cable with the serial to usb adapter at the very end to eliminate the USB cable, but have been unable to test it out due to having an expired license, which I should have renewed by the beginning of next month.

Looking to see if the above product would work or would using the USB cable again cause issues?

[kjones6039]

From a quick read, I would think it would work.....

I have resorted to using the serial cable with the serial to usb adapter at the very end to eliminate the USB cable

FWIW............ That is the setup I prefer and would be my preference. I have had some difficulty with long USB cables in the past. The shorter the USB (if you can't use straight serial), the better, IMO.

Just one old guys opinion though! Curious though.... What's the raccoon's take on this?

Ken

[WillExoIX]

From a quick read, I would think it would work.....

I have resorted to using the serial cable with the serial to usb adapter at the very end to eliminate the USB cable

FWIW............ That is the setup I prefer and would be my preference. I have had some difficulty with long USB cables in the past. The shorter the USB (if you can't use straight serial), the better, IMO.

Just one old guys opinion though! Curious though.... What's the raccoon's take on this?

Ken

Talk about getting ripped off, he wants 3 bins just for his opinion!

[Ollie8974]

What laptop are you using,
I am using a IBM Think pad T41, no serial port built in.
Purchased a docking station that has a serial port. Works good.
Or a Card Buss to RS232 serial adapter

[DaveEFI]

I'm confused. What would be the advantage over using a suitable length serial cable with the serial to USB adaptor at the laptop end?

[WillExoIX]

What laptop are you using,
I am using a IBM Think pad T41, no serial port built in.
Purchased a docking station that has a serial port. Works good.
Or a Card Buss to RS232 serial adapter

Dell inspiron b130

[WillExoIX]

I'm confused. What would be the advantage over using a suitable length serial cable with the serial to USB adaptor at the laptop end?

Just wondering if its a viable option, though it would still use a usb cable which is what causes the primary issue anyway. So I guess it would be a moot option.

[Ollie8974]

Did you install the FTDI driver here,
Scroll down to 3A.
http://www.msextra.com/doc/ms3/serial_setup.html
Have you considered a docking station,
This photo of a Dell docking station shows a serial port.

DELL DOCKING STATION.jpg

[DaveEFI]

I'd say it is a long USB cable which is more likely to be the problem. Serial is pretty robust. So use a short serial to USB adaptor and make up the required length with serial. That works just fine here.

[WillExoIX]

Did you install the FTDI driver here,
Scroll down to 3A.
http://www.msextra.com/doc/ms3/serial_setup.html
Have you considered a docking station,
This photo of a Dell docking station shows a serial port.

DELL DOCKING STATION.jpg

My laptop doesn't have a docking port. Im using a FTDI chipset serial to USB with the applicable driver installed. Its the USB cable as far as I can tell. Using the serial cable with the serial to USB converter and haven't had any issues yet. Also switched to tunerstudio from megatune.

[WillExoIX]

I'd say it is a long USB cable which is more likely to be the problem. Serial is pretty robust. So use a short serial to USB adaptor and make up the required length with serial. That works just fine here.

Yes this seems to work much better. Have the serial cable with the adapter on the end and haven't had a problem yet. Taking a datalog tomorrow so I will know for sure.