I've noticed a number of post (hundreds maybe?) about folks having one problem or the other with serial to USB converters. I've had good luck with mine, a Belkin, but others have complained often about Belkin, and other types as well. I think the main problem is the computer itself, but that's a pure guess.
In any event, for this and other reasons, I started keeping an eye open for a laptop with a serial port. It's not that I was having problems, but I couldn't help holding my breath every time I did an update to my K3. Actually, on one or two laptops I have had, there was a problem. Anyway, recently I spotted a "deal" on Buy.com for a Dell laptop (refurbished) which actually did have a serial port. To be honest with you, I haven't seen a laptop with a serial port for eons! This is a Dell D630, and it was less than $300 as refurbished. I've had good luck with refurbished products, so I decided to give it a try. It arrived today, and I had waited to update my K3 to the latest beta pending its arrival. It went like clockwork. Everything else seems to be working just fine as well. Point is, if you are really getting frustrated with USB/Serial converters, maybe this is something you might consider as well. I'm dedicating this laptop to my operating position. The serial port will be better anyway, for things like updating firmware, rig control, etc. Not a lot of glitz on this computer (no webcam, and a smaller hard drive), but it certainly seems to be a good choice for just dedicating it to ham radio operation. It does have a dual core processor, so it's not slow. I have been using a netbook (my XYL usurped my other bigger laptop), which I still like very much for travel, etc., but this really seems like a better arrangement--not sure why I took so long to come to that conclusion. The other thing I'm noticing, is that this computer is a bunch more stable. I think netbooks are just underpowered processor wise. They are great for "the road", but that's about all. So, while I have been able to update my K3 with a netbook and USB converter, I think this will be a lot more dependable overall. Bottom line is this--if you are having problems doing your ham apps, it might be your compter is too old, or underpowered. Finding a laptop with a serial port isn't all that easy, but they are out there--much to my surprise. Hopefully I didn't buy a problem, but I think it will work fine. If either of those problems are what you are experiencing, check out the "bargain basement" on these websites from prominent dealers. A refurbished product usually has undergone a good bit of individual examination, so I feel fairly confident that it will perform. If the basic product was junk, then I'm toast! But I suspect it will turn out reasonably well. At least it has so far with my experience in such products. Dave W7AQK ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
