[OT] Recommendations for USB-Serial adapter for use with LabVIEW Community Edition and Windows 10

[Ben]

It is time for me to update my N-Scale train layout (see here) to run under under LV control and Windows 10.

Since this is my own personal project I am looking for suggestions for USB-Serial adapters that meet three requirements.

1) Not too expensive

2) Works with LV under Windows 10 without a lot of fuss (this is supposed to be fun and not work)

3) Works reliably

Thank you in advance for any suggestions you may have to offer!

Ben

[RavensFan]

I like that picture!

I've used this brand from IO Gear for years.  https://www.iogear.com/product/GUC232A/

Started with it under Win95, and still use it with Win10.  I've never had issues with it.  It is based on the FTDI chipset.  (Most problems I hear are with the prolific chipset.)

I've seen it from a lot of sources in the $20 range.

[crossrulz]

If you are going cheap, I have had a lot of success with the Trendnet TU-S9.  I think it is based on the prolific chipset, but I had yet to have an issue.  I currently have 2 hooked up to my work docking station at home.  They go for around $10.

In a real system, I am a big fan of the industrial grade USB-Serial adapters from Startech.  But those will cost a much prettier penny.

[K C]

Used the FTDI modules a lot of times without any problems.

Also used Profilic converters. The original ones without any problem but sometime ago I had a few on my desk that had install problems and/or operational problems. Cheap converters but with counterfeit chips. 

Kees 

[Hooovahh]

It isn't so much that cheap USB devices don't work well with Windows 10.  It is more that these cheap USB devices are counterfeit FTDI, or Prolific chips that try to use the official drivers.  So the manufacturers put a new version of their driver on Windows Update that either disables functionality or attempts to brick them in some cases.

There is no way to know if the chips were sourced from counterfeit chips, as the supply chain is often segmented.  Most likely the more expensive ones are legit, but cheap ones might be real, and expensive ones might be fake.

In either case all that is needed is to find the older drivers and install that for your device.  The Prolific link I gave earlier has a download link to the older drive which when installed in Device Manager should have it work.  Before I came to my current job someone bought about 100 USB to serial adapters on the real cheap.  Like less than $1 each in bulk.  Of course they didn't work right until I tracked down the older drive.  Since then they've been used in all kinds of non-critical situations for controlling hardware in Windows 10.  I just searched Aliexpress and they have ones that look very similar to ours for $1 before shipping.

[RTSLVU]

Buy an FTDI chip set adapter from a reputable source like Digi-Key

Any one of these FTDI Chipset USB to Serial adapters made by FTDI will work

Stay way from Prolific chip sets and any "off brand" regardless of what chip set is says it's using. As there have been reports of counterfeit Prolific and FTDI chips in USB adapters. 

BTW: I have been using multiple of the $16 Chipi-X FTDI adapters for years with LabVIEW and have not had any issues with them.

[Frozen]

Awesome setup there!

I also recommend the FTDI chip set adapters from Digi-Key. I have used both TTL converters as well as the full 232 versions.(pay attention to what you are ordering) I have never had any problems with them.

Have fun!

[Kyle97330]

These Tripp Lite adapters use a Texas Instruments chip, which in my experience has been way better than Prolific and slightly better than FTDI.  It also has a detachable cable so you can attach a standard A->B cable of whatever length and heft you need.

It's also around 1.5-2x the price, though...

[Peter_B]

That adapter has served my work place well for 15 or so years. I love it.  But when running two simultaneously under windows 10 I am getting a BSOD from the driver ☹️.  

We have perhaps 40 of them and I do not want to jump ship. Anyone had that problem? In reaching out to Tripp Lite they suggest I use another of theirs that uses a different chipset !  I'm trying a powered hub in case it relates to too many other USB devices pulling down the bus voltage

 

[Hooovahh]

I plugged in a USB to serial device today, and checked the device manager, and I chuckled when I saw how it showed up.

I loaded up an older version of the driver and it worked fine.