Running SSDR 1.6.17 and I'd like to install a serial port board.

Frank WA3NHK

I'm currently running SSDR 1.6.17 and I'd like to install a serial port board for driving a VHF packet TNC.   Probably this one...  http://tinyurl.com/hphedfg   Does anyone see any issues with installing a serial board AFTER having installed SSDR?  My concern is that when Windows 10 refarms the comm port numbering bad things might happen to CAT's com4 and the port used by my Flex control.  Would it be less risky if I were to uninstall SSDR, install the new board and allow Windows to enumerate its ports, and then reinstall SSDR?

73.....Frank

Larry _ NY8T

A usb to serial converter cable with the FTDI chipset is the easy way to go. They can be assigned the port number of any free port. I wouldn't let this intimidate you, as time goes on you may want to run additional companion programs for differant modes with your flex and the com port issues are all managable.

Frank WA3NHK

Tnx, Larry.  Any obvious issue with installing two?  I need a second port for driving my SteppIR vertical's controller.

Jim Gilliam

I am running two USB RS232 ports, one for my SteppIR and one for my rotator. They are physical ports and the computer will know which ports are assigned  and only allow you to assign port numbers which are not reserved virtual or physical.

Jim, K6QE

Larry _ NY8T

I am running 3 right now.

Frank WA3NHK

Thanks, guys.  So it sounds like I should just march on.  I might still get that board  vice USB/serial dongles because I'm already USB port challenged.  But the bottom line is no one is mentioning any strange and wonderful things that might happen between SSDR and the new ports.

Larry Loen WO7R

I've done it, no problem.  Same scenarios as Jim Gilliam.  Some USB, some USB to serial. Work fine as far as SmartSDR goes.  Let you know after the Win 10 upgrade.

EA4GLI

Hi Frank,

I bought this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ETETZK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s...
and I couldn't be happier. It is the real deal with the FTDI chip and not a clone, which are the ones that cause trouble on Windows 10.

It gives you 2 ports with 1 USB. I use it to connect to the SPE Expert amp and a Kenwood TS-2000 on the same computer as the Flex. I use it on a Windows 7 64Bit machine (not a fan of Windows 10 on its current build).

Jim

the card you looked up only goes as far a Vista.
if you have a high dollar computer go look inside and see if on the mother board if there is a serial header pins then all you have to is by a header serial cable about $6.00 and your in bushiness.
This is what I did on two pc I have here.
73 Jim

Jim

here is what the serial header cable looks like this one found on ebay less than $3.00

Ken - VE5KC

Go with Edgeport USB to serial converters..  
Add 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 serial ports..

No problems, Well built commercial products. 
I have the 4 port model, I just plug it in and it works....

Check eBay where you can often find great deals on these/


http://www.digi.com/products/usb-and-serial-connectivity/usb-over-serial-hubs/edgeport

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&u...

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=&_osacat=58058&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l131...

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=Edgeport+US...

Frank WA3NHK

Salvador....Tnx for the tip. I hadn't seen this one before.

Frank WA3NHK

Tnx Jim. I should have checked my MB. I have one internal port, which I might use in the interim. BTW, I checked the card mfr site. They say it's good for Windows 10. Amazon hasn't updated their info.

Frank WA3NHK

Tnx, Ken. I like Digi stuff. The list prices are a killer but the eBay deals look good. I might go this way so that I have extra ports.