Emulate a COM port from USB connection?

[Kevang]

Hope I'm asking the right question ...

I have an older application (circa 2002) that connects to a VHF radio thru a
serial or USB cable. The software only has provisions for communicating with
the radio thru COM's 1 thru 4.
Is there some way to emulate or dedicate a COM port thru a USB connection?

 

[Richard G. Harper]

http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USB-1S1PQ&cats=199&catid=199

This is one of many devices that provide a serial port from a USB
connection.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
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[Kevang]

Thanks for the prompt reply Richard.
The problem is not that i need a serial adpator, as I guess a virtual COM
port. The cable I have has a USB connector on one end, with the other
plugging into the radio.

Is there any way to tell Vista that a certain USB plug is really a COM port?

 

[andy]

Thanks for the prompt reply Richard.
The problem is not that i need a serial adpator, as I guess a virtual COM
port. The cable I have has a USB connector on one end, with the other
plugging into the radio.

Is there any way to tell Vista that a certain USB plug is really a COM port?

The USB to COM port interface needs a Vista-compatible device driver.

 

[Kevang]

The USB to COM port interface needs a Vista-compatible device driver.

Well, then I guess the next question is where I would go to look for a
Vista-compatible driver.
The original author of the software is no longer in business, so I can't ask
them.
Is there such a thing as a generic driver for this sort of thing?

 

[Richard G. Harper]

There's no way I know of to turn a USB port into a serial port. They use
two entirely different communications protocols.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Kevang]

Looks like I'll have to find out what the trick is then.

The new cable they sent me has a USB plug on one end, so there must be some
way to get this to work. I'm just not griting my teeth right!

 

[Andy]

Well, then I guess the next question is where I would go to look for a
Vista-compatible driver.
The original author of the software is no longer in business, so I can't ask
them.
Is there such a thing as a generic driver for this sort of thing?

I have no idea what device you have, but have a look here:
<http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm>
<http://www.usbgear.com/USB-1S1PQ.html>
<http://www.google.com/search?client...=en&q=USB+com+serial+vista&btnG=Google+Search>