extra serial port

bighornsheep

besides getting a usb-serial converter...is there another way?
What should I look for to ensure the converter "supports" the break key?

Would something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-PCI-RS232-SERIAL-I-O-CARD-2-PORT-2S-W-RETAIL-BOX_W0QQitemZ120068471780QQihZ002QQcategoryZ90717QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
work?

TheShadow

That is a standard serial card and should work fine. The break key is only a problem on converters.

This one will handle your USB to serial needs. Several friends have bought them from here.

http://www.anthonypanda.com/product.php?prd_id=50&opt_id=84

Many people use Anthony Panda; they have a reliable rep and ship world wide. I have made several purchases from them and have been happy with the transactions.

Paul Boz

I've got a USB to db9 converter cable from newegg (like $5) that works fine. I've never had a problem. It's the only real option for my laptop anyway.

TheShadow

Sounds like you got a good deal. I don't think that I ever saw them that low of course I have not been looking. Newegg has one on sale right now for a dollar cheaper than panda's here.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812107108

Nothing like first hand experience though. Panda simply guarantees theirs to be able to get you into the ROM monitor. I have seen enough brands that did not work in the past that I am careful what I recommend. Enough companies have probably figured what they were doing wrong to have fixed their models by now. It was not the case several years ago when legacy serial ports started disappearing at Intel's request. I keep a USB to parallel in my bag also for the same reason. You run into strange things working on embedded systems.