USB bit cables: FTDI or CH340?

Mark K0JM

I've searched the Community and it appears the FTDI-based 8-relay boards will work with Flex USB ports. But will CH340 chip set work as well? Or is FTDI absolutely necessary? Thanks for and replies. 73

KD0RC

Hi Mark, I believe that it needs to be genuine FTDI.

Gord-VA7GP

In general, over the past few decades, I've heard lots of folks talk about the FTDI chipset. I've used this FTDI chipset and had good results.

But I have had excellent results also with the CH340 chipset - I'm using one right now in my office, and it is a good 20+ years old. I have two Winkeyers, each with one of these FTDI / CH340 and they both work. K1EL's currently-shipping version of his WinKeyer is Rev. C, using CH340.

I might suggest, all else being equal, to go with the FTDI chip and be conservative. It's widely known to work. And just as important: someone can always take the best technology and screw it up :-O So, maybe also take a look at reviews for the finished product you're considering (like the 8-relay boards) to see that the entirety is actually going to be reliable for you.

And also - there can be fakes of either chipset :-( I would hope and expect that a reputable manufacturer would weed these fakes out, and provide a solid product to the end-customer (you and me).

Mark K0JM

Thanks, Len. I thought so.

Mark K0JM

Thanks, Gord.