Finally, a way to add legacy port support to your modern computer.
By Dave Prochnow Posted 02.15.2008 at 4:35 pm 3 Comments

RS232C-to-USB RS232 Side SparkFun Electronics

It never fails; you want to upgrade your aging PC, but you still need that archaic RS-232C serial port for controlling your Parallax Boe-Bot, using that serial mouse, getting online via your trusted Hayes ACCURA V.90 modem, and, even, programming your Pfaff 2140 sewing machine. Apple Boot Camp enlistees can run into a similar RS-232C port quagmire using an older Windows app on a MacBook Air. Now, a new USB to RS-232C converter plug from SparkFun Electronics might be your upgrade answer. Able to support both Windows and Mac platforms, this $12.95 plug can give any modern PC a flashback to the ports of the past. According to a helpful tip posted on the SparkFun Electronics Web site, you might have to modify this converter jack by removing two hex nuts from the DB-9 connector. But, hey, that beats staying mired in antiquated pre-2001 technology just for the sake of a nine-pin serial port.

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3 Comments

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CompGuy
02/15/08 at 9:20 pm

These were on the market 6 months after USB was introduced.

I do love SparkFun though. Do a story on some of their slick hobbyist kits and the tech subculture they service.

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highpockets
02/15/08 at 9:56 pm

highpockets

This thing lets me use my old GPS unit whit my new laptop. It's wonderfull.

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kardelen133 (not verified)
06/04/08 at 2:06 am

nice comments.

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