Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Update serial cable to usb cable — Parallax Forums

Update serial cable to usb cable

iteasdaliteasdal Posts: 1
edited 2011-11-20 17:46 in General Discussion
All, I'm a newbie. Several years ago I bought the Basic Stamp "What's a Microcontroller?" package. My oldest son wasn't interested, but now a younger son is. The version I have only has a serial cable to go from the computer to the microcontroller. I have a laptop that doesn't have a serial port. If I go buy a "Serial to USB" cable, will that work? or do I need to get something else?

Thanks for your help!

Comments

  • ercoerco Posts: 20,259
    edited 2011-11-20 15:12
    Not all cables work, it's hit & miss. The Parallax one does, obviously, if you want to order it and wait. I believe someone posted that one sold by Radio Shack works, if you're in any rush.
  • Dr_AculaDr_Acula Posts: 5,484
    edited 2011-11-20 17:23
    I have a thread running over on the Propeller forum where we are trying to work out exactly why some cables do not work. We are getting close to a solution for the propeller and in the process have discovered that some cables don't use proper RS232 voltage levels. Officially, RS232 resting volts are minus 3 to minus 12V (or more). And an active signal is plus 3 to plus 12V (or more). Some cables have resting volts as 0V which is an invalid RS232 voltage level.

    We are still trying to find a workaround so the quick answer would be to get the cable that we know work as erco suggests. I'd get one from Parallax as then you can be sure.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,259
    edited 2011-11-20 17:46
    Check this post for more info: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?133195-USB-Adapter-Fix

    I got several adapters working for PicAxe (3-pins), but I haven't yet tried a 4-pin adapter for a Stamp.
Sign In or Register to comment.