Usb To Serial Rs232 Or Null Modem

G

goffy

Member
I used to use a null modem cable connected to the serial port on my laptop to load software onto my sat receiver. The laptop is dead now and my desktop pc only has usb and not serial ports.

Ideally I would like a cable that is USB at the PC end and serial RS232 at the receiver end. It need not have the null modem crossed pins because the exising null modem can simply be connected in series between the sat box and the new cable.

I know these adapters exist but I need one with a good long length on it (oo er missus).

Any pointers as to where to go?

Sorry if this is in the wrong section - I couldnt see a section that this question fits.
 
goffy said:
I used to use a null modem cable connected to the serial port on my laptop to load software onto my sat receiver. The laptop is dead now and my desktop pc only has usb and not serial ports.

Ideally I would like a cable that is USB at the PC end and serial RS232 at the receiver end. It need not have the null modem crossed pins because the exising null modem can simply be connected in series between the sat box and the new cable.

I know these adapters exist but I need one with a good long length on it (oo er missus).

Any pointers as to where to go?

Sorry if this is in the wrong section - I couldnt see a section that this question fits.
Click to expand...

I think that you should be very careful about using the wrong connections, as you might damage your sat box.
If you don't have an RS-232 interface in your PC, then I would consider buying a serial interface PCI board to create the RS-232 outlet. Check compatibility with your MB and O/S. It shouldn't cost that much.
Hope that you have a free extension slot in your PC.
I hope that I am wrong and someone else would say no problem just use USB/DB-9 adapter (which I have from an old Logitek mouse), but I wouldn't use it without looking at the whole technical aspects first.
 
I use the above lead and have done for 4 years to data transfer when I do motorised installs and also patching whilst on site.

I have bought two from Ebay and also small specialist shops, they all state that longer than 1 Metre may cause problems.

Try extending your scart or rf lead.


Hope of help
 
goffy said:
I used to use a null modem cable connected to the serial port on my laptop to load software onto my sat receiver. The laptop is dead now and my desktop pc only has usb and not serial ports.

Ideally I would like a cable that is USB at the PC end and serial RS232 at the receiver end. It need not have the null modem crossed pins because the exising null modem can simply be connected in series between the sat box and the new cable.

I know these adapters exist but I need one with a good long length on it (oo er missus).

Any pointers as to where to go?

Sorry if this is in the wrong section - I couldnt see a section that this question fits.
Click to expand...

Hi,
Yes, using a USB to serial is fine. I use one.

The USB to serial has a male 9 pin on the end, so your F-F 9pin null-modem will fit on the end, and go to the box.

I think mine is about 1m in length.( my USB-RS232 adapter I mean).
But if you want to increase your length I don't see why you couldn't use an ordinary USB extender cable.

Robbo
 
Thanks for the replies. Once i have it all set up is it ok to leave the cable permanently connected between the receiver and the PC?

i was worried that powering up might damage either the computer or the satbox if cable connected all the time.
 
goffy said:
Thanks for the replies. Once i have it all set up is it ok to leave the cable permanently connected between the receiver and the PC?

i was worried that powering up might damage either the computer or the satbox if cable connected all the time.
Click to expand...

Good question.
I usually keep the Ethernet cable connected all the time between PC (and now router) and box, but disconnect the RS-232 cable, maybe because I am over cautious and also because I only need it once in a blue moon.
 
goffy said:
Thanks for the replies. Once i have it all set up is it ok to leave the cable permanently connected between the receiver and the PC?

i was worried that powering up might damage either the computer or the satbox if cable connected all the time.
Click to expand...

To be honest, I don't know either, as I rarely connect mine up also.

Although, it is usual to leave other USB peripherals permanently connected to the USB port, so I would have thought it would be OK.

I have a Laptop, I leave the serial lead plugged into the receiver permanently, connected to the USB-Serial cable. I then just plug the USB plug into the Laptop when I want to connect to the box. This could be a solution for you also, if you want to be cautious.
 
I've been trying T_G's Lesson # 3 : Idiot Guide for the DreamUp flash utility
with this setup and cant get it to work.

I have connected usb to serial lead and installed drivers. Then changed the com in the properties to com1. Connected null modem lead. Opened the Dreamup flash utility and clicked connect. Then switched on the DM500 and - no response. So I disconnected the null modem lead and the dreamup utility still says connection prepared even though no dreambox attached. My leads are 2.5m combined and thought this may have something to do with it.

Any suggestions?
 
DCC wil ldo it aswell won't it?

if i remember right, for dreamup you need to turn the receiver off, plug everything into it and then turn it on otherwise it will not recognise it, i think your mistake was pressing connect before the box was even switched on.

In all honesty i never got that thing working properly, i just reflash the image using LAN cable, takes about 30 seconds instead of 20minutes with the Serial and then drag and drop everything i need onto it and manual install.

but for backup purposes it will be good to have incase something goes completely wrong lol.
 
Alcarne said:
I've been trying T_G's Lesson # 3 : Idiot Guide for the DreamUp flash utility
with this setup and cant get it to work.

I have connected usb to serial lead and installed drivers. Then changed the com in the properties to com1. Connected null modem lead. Opened the Dreamup flash utility and clicked connect. Then switched on the DM500 and - no response. So I disconnected the null modem lead and the dreamup utility still says connection prepared even though no dreambox attached. My leads are 2.5m combined and thought this may have something to do with it.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Are you using a PC or a Laptop?
Which O/S does it have?
I recommend flashing with a null modem cable only using a PC with serial interface.
Shut down both PC and Dreambox, disconnect ALL cables from the DM and only then connect the null modem cable.
Hot connection is not recommended.
 
Hi, i would like to ask a couple of questions as it will be the first time i will have patched a box before.

I have a cheap fortecstar FS 4200 and have the latest software to patch it but only have a laptop to use (and i will not have to pay for the cables to do it :p)

The laptop does not have serial, but would this _http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=97740 and this _http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=29968&doy=search work together?

and with the update software i can select different COM ports, should i just go through them to try and find the connection to my receiver? only used serial a few time and that was a while ago.

And one last thing, What state do i have to put the box into when patching the software?

Many thanks,
 
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