RS-232 Interfaces - What do you use?

[posde]

Hello,

I am investigating the best way to control external devices. Lets assume most of them are controlled via RS-232 and there is always a MD or Core/Hybrid nearby.

Do you use PCIe RS-232 cards with couple of ports, like the EX-44092 (2-port) or EX-44094 (4-port), or are you mainly using a GC-100?

The living room will just have the sound processor and the display, both in reach by RS-232 cable. I will take the PCIe card, but would like to hear other thoughts.

rgds
Oliver

[1audio]

he cheap solution is a usb-serial adapter. There are some available for $10-$15 eg http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch.hmx?SCriteria=AA34810&CartID=done&nextloc= and most seem to just work. Much cheaper.

[posde]

Weren't there some people reporting problems with assigning always the same address to the USB connected RS-232 devices?

On one side, I like the USB way of doing things, because it is cheaper and you can easily move them around. On the other hand, a PCIe seems to be the more stable solution?!

rgds
Oliver

[colinjones]

I just discovered (with all my equipment about to arrive!) that I am going to have the same problem and urgently need to order a USBtoSerial adaptor....  the only thing I can find on the problem that Posde mentions is http://wiki.linuxmce.com/index.php/Serial_Hack

Can anyone with better knowledge on this confirm that this will work for any USB2Serial product?

[tschak909]

maybe it's a wee bit overkill..but the gc100 works well :-P

-Thom

[posde]

maybe it's a wee bit overkill..but the gc100 works well :-P

This must be like starting a V8 to drive 300ft to the next p.o.

I will go with the PCIe route for everything I can foresee happening in the next 12 month. If I need more, I will go with the USB2Serial adapters.

rgds and thx
Oliver