View Full Version : Using A Laptop Without Serial Port


mtech
08-16-2003, 04:56 AM
I just purchased a new HP Pavillion laptop but it has no serial port. I have a USB port and ethernet port and have a port replicator. I am reluctant to use the replicator because of all the mixed answers I've gotten about their lack of success. I was wondering what it what take to be able to hook up to Allen BRadley PLC's RS Logix. If possible, it would be nice if I could hook up to Siemens S5 & S7 PLC's as well. That's probrably asking a lot but I would like to get some information on this subject. Any help out there?

mtech

ToyMaker
08-16-2003, 09:37 AM
mtech:

go to any mail order electronics house (mouser, digikey, alltronics, etc.) and search for >usb to rs232 serial adaptor<
I did >usb to rs232< on altavista and got over 1200 hits :)

robotic regards,

Tom
= = = = =
Experience without theory is blind, but theory without experience is mere intellectual play.
- - Immanuel Kant

cadcam
08-16-2003, 12:08 PM
Mtech, Sorry to say I do not recamend the USB com port.
I have found there is about a 50% chance this will work right with the laptop and the machine.

I have found this by that I have been asked to go to sevral shops and help were they are tring to do this.

My latop does not have a com port either ,but I am alswas able to hook up and DNC to the machine.

this is what I did I bought a Com Prot card for the laptop it works great.

mtech
08-17-2003, 01:13 AM
Thanks for the info. I thought the pcmcia card would be the best way to go. What are some available pcmcia cards that work well? What do they cost. Is there a card made specifically by rockwell automation. Is there any one preferred card out there on the market today.

hardmill
08-17-2003, 01:17 AM
Are there any toys you don't have?

PEACE:D

WallCrawler
08-17-2003, 08:11 AM
Comp USA should have what you need.

or Radio shack.
Will have it too.(wedge)

cadcam
08-17-2003, 09:58 AM
Metch, look here to start this is the cards I use.

http://www.socketcom.com/product/serial.asp


Well All I can say hardmill is I have what ever it take's for me to get the job done inculding using your talants to if that is what is needed.:D