Getting the USB to Serial Adapter to Work

[Fderfler]

High praises to Dynon for their great products and support. I'm a fan. But... this USB to serial adapter from Prolific Software won't do a thing for me. I'm using pretty plain vanilla Toshiba laptop with Windows XP. But, it's new enough that it does not have a serial port. I tried the USB-to-serial driver software on the CD included in the package and the software said it worked, but no serial port appeared under System --> Harware -- > device manager.

I went to the Prolific Software Website and downloaded the latest version of the USB-serial driver PL-2303. (that's the correct one, right?) Same result. No serial port shown, so the Dynon Support Program calls me a fool and shuts down when it can't find a serial port to talk to my Dynon 180.

I know that it's hard enough for your tech support to keep your own complex gear running smoothly without having to troubleshoot PC problems. I feel your pain, but just tell me... has anyone else had success with the Prolific Software USB to serial converter package? Is there a "trick" I'm missing? Something silly I should know?

Anyone got an old working laptop with a serial port they want to sell cheap so I can update my Dynon 180? Maybe something that weighs 12 pounds and runs Windows 98? -- Frank Derfler Zodiac 183AM

 

[dynonsupport]

First, when you plug in the usb-serial converter, does windows go through the driver install process? If so, the drivers for the usb-serial converter are not properly installed on your computer.

Second, make sure you do not connect the EFIS to the serial end of the converter until the usb end is hooked to the compter and has appeared to initialize correctly. When the drivers are fully installed, initialization is denoted by an audible chime from Windows a few seconds after you plug the usb side in.

Sometimes, though, some computers are finicky about what usb-serial converters they'll play nicely with. We chose the one we provide because it seemed to be more compatible than most, though you might pick a different brand up from your favorite superstore retailer (wal-mart, best buy, compusa, radioshack, and so on should all have different brands). They generally cost $15-$40.