RS232 to USB ?

[Harold]

Have uploaded my meter through a RS232 connection for years. Now, since my old PC died, I have 2 PCs I have bought in the last year and neither have an RS232 connection. So can I use a RS232 to USB adapter or do I need to buy a new cable?

[Tony]

Radioshack may have one of those adapters, if not then you would need a new cable.

[JediSkipdogg]

What meter are you using? If you use a Lifescan meter they gave me the cable for free for that reason. Well, that's what I told them. I couldn't get the cable in the plug with another cable in the way, so I needed a USB one, and they sent me one for free. Then I picked up one from the local rep for my bro a few months back.

[gettingby]

I have a question. If you have the specs for the UltraSmart download cable, can a cable be made that will work? I can't get a free one and I don't think I should have to pay $30 for one.:mad:

[JediSkipdogg]

You would spend just as much making one. You would need two connectors, some cable, and then a little chip (not sure if it's just a transistor or something else.) So while it's possible, it would cost you at least $15, probably $20 and then the time trying to find the right parts. Then you have to hope that you make it correctly so you don't fry the meter.

I looked into it once, but I couldn't even find the schematics for how to make it online. That was about 4 or so years ago, but the time and effor was more than paying for the cable, which is what I did for the first one.

[Harold]

It's a US. The cable has a 25 pin adapted to 9 pin, over five years old. Tiger Direct has some 232 to USB adaptors for $10 to $14, but I have not been able to dicipher if any of them would work. The 232 connectores all look to end in pins and I would need sockets. No problem changing the connector, but the cost of a new connector added to the cost of the adaptor will put it at half the price of a totally new cable.

[BriOnH]

The USB cable that you can get for the US requires drivers too. By the time you are done it would probably be best just to buy a new cable.

[Cyborg]

It's a US. The cable has a 25 pin adapted to 9 pin, over five years old. Tiger Direct has some 232 to USB adaptors for $10 to $14, but I have not been able to dicipher if any of them would work.

I've used them before without a problem...

[bernfarr]

Some kind soul from New Zealand has posted a nice diagram and picture of how to build one yourself.

It's at: USB to RS232 converter (http://www.lennard.net.nz/electronics/usbtors232.html)

For anyone who's bought the 'official' one, does it actually have some circuitry in there, or is it a regular cable?

Bernard

[Harold]

Thanks Bernard! Would you believe I waited and ordered one last week and just installed the driver about 24 hours before you posted. Docrors appointment Tuesday and since I have not taken in any reports the last two visits thought I should this time.