With all the attention to fake FTDI and Prolific chips, perhaps it is
time to go back to the RS-232 serial interface for consistency and
reliability.
I recently had an experience with a Woxoun handheld transceiver. After
upgrading to Windows 7, the USB cable I had for it did not work because
it had a counterfeit USB to serial chip, and the updated drivers
detected it. I looked for a replacement cable that I could trust, and
the only sensible answer was to order a serial programming cable.
With the serial cable, I can use a real serial port or a good USB to
serial adapter to program my handheld.
There is great benefit in sticking with the tried and true RS-232 solution.
I know there have been many discussions about the RS-232 vs. USB
connection for the K3, but I for one am glad that the K3 is RS-232 - it
isolates us from such problems as the fake chips. Find an adapter that
works and there is no problem. BTW, the Elecraft USB cables for the
KX3, XG3, KPA500, KAT500, and KXPA100 are the 'real thing' using FTDI
chips. If you have fears, there are serial port cables available.
Be careful out there, the world has many counterfeit products that do
not behave as the real thing.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 4/12/2014 8:39 AM, William Liporace - WC2L wrote:
Fake FTDI & Prolific chips have been an issue for a long time. We all want
to save some money, but you spend lots of money one the best radio you can
afford. Why would you try to save a couple of $$ on the cable? I suggest
buying it from reputable dealers. Elecraft sells premade FTDI cables, Mouser
sells cables you can put your own end on. The key is buying from real places
that stand behind their product.
The only other thought process, what is your time worth? Is it worth the
trouble trying to make something work? Buying the right product from the
right place saves lots of time. For me, time is money.... Just my two cents
worth!
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