I use an old KPC-3 (non-plus) that has the old style connectors. I purchased adapter cables that have conversion dongles to USB from Kantranics. They also provide drivers that work with the current Win 11 computer that I have.
I enjoy using the KPC-3 but also have a Digirig and a SignalLink. A Digirig might be a better buy than going to the expense of purchasing two adapter cables from Kantronics.
73, de Jeff WD4ET
Jeff,
Would you please send me a copy of the old prolific driver somewhere, I woild like to install it manually to see if it works.
I too have the old Kamtronic TCNs.
Thank you.
Bob K9HOU
tsaord@aol.com
I use an old KPC-3 (non-plus) that has the old style connectors. I purchased adapter cables that have conversion dongles to USB from Kantranics. They also provide drivers that work with the current Win 11 computer that I have.
I enjoy using the KPC-3 but also have a Digirig and a SignalLink. A Digirig might be a better buy than going to the expense of purchasing two adapter cables from Kantronics.
73, de Jeff WD4ET
Jeff,
Would you please send me a copy of the old prolific driver somewhere, I woild like to install it manually to see if it works.
I too have the old Kamtronic TCNs.
Thank you.
Bob K9HOU
I use an old KPC-3 (non-plus) that has the old style connectors. I purchased adapter cables that have conversion dongles to USB from Kantranics. They also provide drivers that work with the current Win 11 computer that I have.
I enjoy using the KPC-3 but also have a Digirig and a SignalLink. A Digirig might be a better buy than going to the expense of purchasing two adapter cables from Kantronics.
73, de Jeff WD4ET
All,
I have successfully found and installed a different USB to DB-25 cable that I had in the garage.
Also connected successfully to N5TRS-10, receiving 2 messages.
Additionally, when I told some folks that print screen did not work with device manager open, I was wrong. The new style print screen, where you draw a box around what you want to print capture does not work. The old-style print screen still works but copies the entire desktop. Then you must paste and crop in a word processer to keep what you want.
This topic is concluded although I will have to buy some more equipment to get with the VARA program since the packet stations are now almost non-existent.
Thanks for the discussion, tips and tricks.
Jeffery A Walter – KE5FGA
ARRL STX SEC
RACES 16-201-U
Cell 281-467-8595
Thank you.
Bob K9HOU
Hello everyone,
I believe there are a couple of steps necessary to install the “clone” driver for the Chinese Prolific USB to RS-232 converter.
You must have the driver installed on your computer prior to using any USB device. Windows only has the most recent drivers available by default.
The problem is Windows maintains a list of what driver to use with what plug N’ play device that is generated the first time the device is added to the computer. This list entry has to be deleted and then “correct” driver loaded followed by device being added to the computer. You will have to delete the device from Windows Device Manager to clear the entry. Catch 22 here as the device has to be plugged in to register in Device manager to be deleted and then Windows may try to set it up again so once deleted, unplug the USB device and make sure you have the necessary driver installed, then reattached the USB device..
Prolific (a Taiwanese company) has updated the PL2303 USB to RS-232 converter IC and drivers to allow detection of illegal clone PL2303 devices but if you have a USB to RS-232 adapter that cost less than $10.00 you probably have the clone IC. Having to use the old driver is possible indication that clone IC is present. Made in China sticker is a guarantee.
There are two routes to satisfaction and removal of hassle:
Used legitimate parts (ATEN is one manufacturer that uses legitimate Prolific ICs) or cable not manufactured in China. Clone chips only supply USB 2.0 so in a heavily loaded computer you might see intermittent communications issues. Packet/Pactor do not require high speed interface (>9600 baud serial port). This is not the same as the transceiver interface speed which is 1200 baud for packet. I believe Pactor is a thing of the past now.
Use a cable with the FTDI IC. See https://bluemax49ers.com/usb-cables-serial-cables/. They also have a driver software download page. There are other sources of FTDI equipped cables. Internet search will show many including WalMart.
Summary, this issue is going away as MS operating systems get updated to a point where XP style USB drivers will not work in current software and cable assemblies wear out.
Sincerely,
Richard
KD5URB
Congratulations Jeff,
Yes, Snip and sketch is great. Just wish I was a better artist.
Richard
KD5URB
All,
I have successfully found and installed a different USB to DB-25 cable that I had in the garage.
Also connected successfully to N5TRS-10, receiving 2 messages.
Additionally, when I told some folks that print screen did not work with device manager open, I was wrong. The new style print screen, where you draw a box around what you want to print capture does not work. The old-style print screen still works but copies the entire desktop. Then you must paste and crop in a word processer to keep what you want.
This topic is concluded although I will have to buy some more equipment to get with the VARA program since the packet stations are now almost non-existent.
Thanks for the discussion, tips and tricks.
Jeffery A Walter – KE5FGA
ARRL STX SEC
RACES 16-201-U
Cell 281-467-8595