serial port to USB adapter that works on an iMac?

[Hoya1]

I've got an old Palm Vx that, before I recently bought my iMac, was synced to a PC using a cradle w/a cable that connects into a serial port. The iMac obviously has no serial ports, so I looked online and found a USB to Serial adapter cable - brand was Cables to Go. BUT, it doesn't seem to work - I've not yet achieved a recognized connection on the iMac, and the cable documentation talks only about Windows. Anyone have any suggestions for cables specifically designed to work with an iMac?

 

[djc6]

This is considered one of the best USB to serial adapters - if not THE best:

http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtSeriesID=518&txtModelID=3914

We use several at work for data acquisition and for programming various embedded systems. I also used one in the past for syncing my old Palm III.

They are kinda pricey; maybe you can find one used on ebay.

 

[mmulin]

You can find this driver http://sourceforge.net/projects/osx-pl2303 which supports a host of adapters and find the right one IRL.

Personally, I am using this FTDI driver, http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm, with the Arvel SRC06-USB adapter and *nix utility screen to connect.

The bottom, just need to know which chip sits inside the adapter.

Or, check the Apple store or OWC which sells supported adapters for sure.

 

[Hoya1]

Thanks! I'll try downloading a driver first, and if that doesn't work will upgrade to the Keyspan adapter - at least I found that Buy.com has it for under $30.

 

[ADent]

I used the USA-19HS with my old Palm Pilot for years. There was an issue of drivers at some point (when I went to 10.4?), but it worked for years later.