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B) You need to connect an electronic product (e.g. NMEA
Multiplexer ( NDC-2 or NDC-3),
PDA, modem etc.) to your computer and either you do not have a serial communications
(RS232) port (as in the case of many new laptop computers), or the one(s)
you do have are already in use.
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I need more serial ports. Can I use more than one
USB to Serial adapter on my PC?
The simple answer is most definitely yes. There are two possible alternatives:
A) If you require two extra serial ports, and have two
free USB ports, then the best method is to simply connect the USB
to Serial adapter cables directly to the computer's USB ports.
B) If more than two extra serial ports are required,
then the ideal method is to use a USB hub (these are available in 4 or
8 port versions), and connect as many USB to Serial adapters as are required
to the hub. It is important to note that the sum of the serial port Baud
rates cannot exceed the maximum possible by the USB connection to the computer.
By connecting the USB hub to the computer, only one computer USB port is
tied up.
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Windows 2000 and XP operate correctly under these conditions. However,
Windows 98 does require a small work around (due to a known bug). Windows
95 does not support USB ports.
The USB to Serial adapter (USB-1) works in a clever way with WIndows™ to remember
what 'Comm Port' number it was issued with the very first time (when connected directly
to a computer USB port), so that it always use the same 'Comm Port' number.
This assures the user (and installer) that once the system is set up,
no further adjustments will be required - not something that can be said
about all USB converter cables that are available.
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