Originally Posted by
GerryH
When using a USB to Serial adapter in Windows, it will show up in Device Manager under Ports (COM & LPT). It will list something like: "Brand USB to Serial Adapter (COMx)" where the x is the serial port it's emulating. I don't think you need this for the scoring systems. But this is the way you verify this part is working.
For the most part XP doesn't need a driver installed to recognize a Serial to USB adapter.
Using the driver from the Autoscore website is only necessary if you are trying to use the decoder natively off USB, which many people have said is problematic.
Thanks for the info on where the adapter is located. Makes sense it would be under Ports. I've never needed to use one.
I would have to disagree that XP doesn't need drivers for the adapter. I've heard to many accounts where getting the right adapters and the right drivers to get them to work in XP and Win 7/8.
As for the RC2 decoder connected via the USB being problematic.....absolutely not true! If anything this is the perfect protocol! Not only is it 100% reliable it also powers the decoder and when connected to a laptop it will not lose power in a power outage. I think this rumor was started by some software's companies inability to use USB. It makes no sense to use a USB to Serial adapter, just another thing to fail!
I was sorry to lose the USB when the RC3/4 came out. I wish they had dropped the serial port and kept the USB! I do like the TCPIP (LAN) on the new decoders! Connected to a hub or router you can share the decoder with multiple computers. Of course the software has to support it!