next topic »

[on:]

We are teaching the Arduino serial board here in Vancouver, to about 60 students. some students would like to use their USB-only laptops to program their serial boards. (Yes, the manufacturers of new laptops have ditched the good old, easy-to-hack DB9 serial port. I feel old.)

We know that the keyspan model of USB-serial adapter works, but are interested to hear if anyone has had good results with cheaper models.

If you can post the model number of the adapter here, it would be great, and a help to our students who would like to save a few $$, like students everywhere!

Daniel

[Reply #1 on:]

In my experience all the serial/USB that are based on the Prolific chip set are very stable. Make sure you use the newest driver though - there is a good one for XP.

Here in the Uk you can get them for about £10-15

[Reply #2 on:]

excuse for this bad idea but why do you bought serial arduino if you need a serial adaptater at the same price of an usb arduino ?

: :-X

mrbbp

[Reply #3 on:]

Part of the course is for students to familarize themselves with electronic components and soldering. The usb board isn't suitable for in-class soldering instruction, as the pitch of the FTDI chip's pins is too fine.