Serial to USB for switches and routers?

hschickel · 01-28-2003, 01:08 PM

I have a number of switches and routers that I need to access via serial cable and a terminal emulator. Currently I do this with an old pc laptop.

Mac laptops of course no longer have a serial port. Is there a usb to serial adapter that works well with the terminal in OSX? Would I need any other software? If it exists, how does one specify the connection?

Thanks,
Hugh

travisbell · 01-29-2003, 12:07 AM

Found this company while searching through some stuff, and guess what? They specialise in Macs!

Keyspan.com

That help? I cannot tell you if it work well or not, anyone ever tried them out?

hschickel · 01-29-2003, 11:41 AM

The product you pointed me too won't work but this Keyspan adapter looks promising.

Has anyone used these before?

Thanks,
Hugh

Edit - I ordered one (~$50 w/ overnight shipping) from CDW. I'll post back tomorrow on how it works.

Klink · 01-30-2003, 02:43 PM

I've used the Keyspan model travisbell suggested with a homemade Mac serial miniDIN8 to male DB9 cable. It worked with several 3Com and Cisco devices in conjunction with the ZTerm application. Apple's Terminal doesn't seem to have the resources on its own to select a serial connection.

The new model you pointed out, hschickel, should work (specs a RS232) as well and does solve the problem of making your own cable.

Please let us know how it worked out for you.

hschickel · 01-30-2003, 06:42 PM

Works great in both Classic and OSX. Comes with drivers for both - Classic is a little easier to configure though.

Easy method is to use Z-Term and then choose the new serial device from that (Classic or OSX). Looks like Terminal would work with some jiggering - I got it to function by creating a network device for the adapter and then using internet connect to connect to my devices (open the connection in the terminal). There was a lot of verbal diarrhea though so I think some settings needed to be futzed with.

All in all beats carrying an extra laptop. Can't wait for my ALBook to show so I can try it with that. (Apple store says it should ship today - but based on other orders I've seen I don't believe it. On the other hand they did ship my Office promo today so...

)

Hugh

Klink · 01-30-2003, 10:33 PM

Excellent, hschickle. Thanks for posting the update.
So the Keyspan "High Speed" USB Serial Adapter seems like a winner.

Good luck with the new machine.

mervTormel · 01-30-2003, 11:04 PM

Quote:


	Originally posted by hschickel ...I ordered one (~$50 w/ overnight shipping) from CDW. I'll post back tomorrow on how it works.

Doh!

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...a4544716db2374

hschickel · 01-31-2003, 07:51 AM

merv - you must own stock in that company as many times as I've seen you post links to them. LOL.

Several problems with the hits your link came up with:

1. No mac drivers.
2. Prices did not include shipping or taxes.
3. Overnight shipping was often not an option. In fact, many of the vendors did not have stock of the items advertised.
4. Many of the vendors were not "brand name."
5. Many of the suppliers were not "brand name."
6. Shopping for the absolute lowest price on something is not the best use of my time.

[Side Economics Lesson]

When it comes to things like getting the best prices for things on the internet I use an effect that economists call the freeway or shopping cart principle. In a nutshell, people like merv, who are actively looking for the best price on the internet, the fastest lane on the freeway, and the best line in the checkout counter will tend to create an equilibrium in prices, lanes and lines. I can choose any of them and on average I will get a good price and reach my exit or the exit of the supermarket within easy reach of everyone else (if not sometimes ahead of them.) More importantly - I spend my time doing things other than shopping (ie writing posts to Mac discussion groups.) See David Friedman's "Hidden Order - The Economics of Everyday Life" for a very good layman's explanation of this and other effects.

Putting the principle into reality - I have 6 main suppliers for my computer needs. 2 tend to have low prices and relatively high availability. 2 are local in town for when I need something ASAP (so badly it makes sense to take a walk instead of waiting a day - shipping and sales tax both factor in as well.) And 2 are for specific custom items. In this case CDW had the item in stock and got it to me next day for less than the cost of the item locally. 2 phone calls and 2 checks on the internet (accounts already set up) - total time to satisfaction ~5 minutes. If these 6 don't have something I start shopping. This rarely happens but when it does I get a chance to re-evaluate my main relations and make sure that I'm still in the equilibrium zone.

Some other notes:

1. Lets say I charge customers $50 an hour. If I spend more than 12 minutes trying to save $10 I'm wasting time and money.
2. Whether or not you use this principle will depend on: A. The value of your time; and B. The potential savings involved (which usually will depend on the price of the item.)
3. All things being equal it is better to have: a brand name supplier and a brand name vendor.*
4. All things being equal it is better to go with a known supplier and a known vendor.*

*If anyone cares why please move this to the lounge.

[/Side Economics Lesson]

Hugh

ps - OK I admit it. I'm a very aggressive lane changer. In my defense, I drive a motorcycle and have a signifigant advantage over the rest of you. I'm very good at it and I'm creating equilibrium for everyone else.

pps - I ordered my ALUiBook (still looking for a good name) through Apple. They were the only place with all of the custom options.

ppps - Apple is very good at keeping equilibrium across suppliers. Price competition seems to come only from shipping charges and timing, sales tax and freebies. I got free shipping and a cheap copy of Office.

mervTormel · 01-31-2003, 02:21 PM

Quote:


	merv - you must own stock in that company as many times as I've seen you post links to them... In a nutshell, people like merv, who are actively looking for the best price on the internet, the fastest lane on the freeway, and the best line in the checkout counter will tend to create an equilibrium in prices, lanes and lines...

nyet. i just use it as a baseline for research as it seems well stocked with products.

vfrpilot · 02-01-2003, 11:40 AM

I use the keyspan serial to usb under 10.2.3 & classic for connection to older printers and digital cameras - I have no complaints - I got it on a barter w/ a client I consult for - cost = around 80.00 from one of the MAC mag mailorders.

01-28-2003, 01:08 PM	#1
hschickel All Star Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NY, NY Posts: 776	Serial to USB for switches and routers? I have a number of switches and routers that I need to access via serial cable and a terminal emulator. Currently I do this with an old pc laptop. Mac laptops of course no longer have a serial port. Is there a usb to serial adapter that works well with the terminal in OSX? Would I need any other software? If it exists, how does one specify the connection? Thanks, Hugh __________________ First they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

01-29-2003, 12:07 AM	#2
travisbell Triple-A Player Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 86	Found this company while searching through some stuff, and guess what? They specialise in Macs! Keyspan.com That help? I cannot tell you if it work well or not, anyone ever tried them out? __________________ Travis Bell

01-29-2003, 11:41 AM	#3
hschickel All Star Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NY, NY Posts: 776	The product you pointed me too won't work but this Keyspan adapter looks promising. Has anyone used these before? Thanks, Hugh Edit - I ordered one (~$50 w/ overnight shipping) from CDW. I'll post back tomorrow on how it works. __________________ First they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Last edited by hschickel; 01-29-2003 at 12:48 PM.

01-30-2003, 06:42 PM	#5
hschickel All Star Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NY, NY Posts: 776	Works great in both Classic and OSX. Comes with drivers for both - Classic is a little easier to configure though. Easy method is to use Z-Term and then choose the new serial device from that (Classic or OSX). Looks like Terminal would work with some jiggering - I got it to function by creating a network device for the adapter and then using internet connect to connect to my devices (open the connection in the terminal). There was a lot of verbal diarrhea though so I think some settings needed to be futzed with. All in all beats carrying an extra laptop. Can't wait for my ALBook to show so I can try it with that. (Apple store says it should ship today - but based on other orders I've seen I don't believe it. On the other hand they did ship my Office promo today so... ) Hugh __________________ First they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

01-31-2003, 07:51 AM	#8
hschickel All Star Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NY, NY Posts: 776	merv - you must own stock in that company as many times as I've seen you post links to them. LOL. Several problems with the hits your link came up with: 1. No mac drivers. 2. Prices did not include shipping or taxes. 3. Overnight shipping was often not an option. In fact, many of the vendors did not have stock of the items advertised. 4. Many of the vendors were not "brand name." 5. Many of the suppliers were not "brand name." 6. Shopping for the absolute lowest price on something is not the best use of my time. [Side Economics Lesson] When it comes to things like getting the best prices for things on the internet I use an effect that economists call the freeway or shopping cart principle. In a nutshell, people like merv, who are actively looking for the best price on the internet, the fastest lane on the freeway, and the best line in the checkout counter will tend to create an equilibrium in prices, lanes and lines. I can choose any of them and on average I will get a good price and reach my exit or the exit of the supermarket within easy reach of everyone else (if not sometimes ahead of them.) More importantly - I spend my time doing things other than shopping (ie writing posts to Mac discussion groups.) See David Friedman's "Hidden Order - The Economics of Everyday Life" for a very good layman's explanation of this and other effects. Putting the principle into reality - I have 6 main suppliers for my computer needs. 2 tend to have low prices and relatively high availability. 2 are local in town for when I need something ASAP (so badly it makes sense to take a walk instead of waiting a day - shipping and sales tax both factor in as well.) And 2 are for specific custom items. In this case CDW had the item in stock and got it to me next day for less than the cost of the item locally. 2 phone calls and 2 checks on the internet (accounts already set up) - total time to satisfaction ~5 minutes. If these 6 don't have something I start shopping. This rarely happens but when it does I get a chance to re-evaluate my main relations and make sure that I'm still in the equilibrium zone. Some other notes: 1. Lets say I charge customers $50 an hour. If I spend more than 12 minutes trying to save $10 I'm wasting time and money. 2. Whether or not you use this principle will depend on: A. The value of your time; and B. The potential savings involved (which usually will depend on the price of the item.) 3. All things being equal it is better to have: a brand name supplier and a brand name vendor.* 4. All things being equal it is better to go with a known supplier and a known vendor.* *If anyone cares why please move this to the lounge. [/Side Economics Lesson] Hugh ps - OK I admit it. I'm a very aggressive lane changer. In my defense, I drive a motorcycle and have a signifigant advantage over the rest of you. I'm very good at it and I'm creating equilibrium for everyone else. pps - I ordered my ALUiBook (still looking for a good name) through Apple. They were the only place with all of the custom options. ppps - Apple is very good at keeping equilibrium across suppliers. Price competition seems to come only from shipping charges and timing, sales tax and freebies. I got free shipping and a cheap copy of Office. __________________ First they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

01-30-2003, 02:43 PM	#4
Klink Prospect Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: nyc Posts: 21	I've used the Keyspan model travisbell suggested with a homemade Mac serial miniDIN8 to male DB9 cable. It worked with several 3Com and Cisco devices in conjunction with the ZTerm application. Apple's Terminal doesn't seem to have the resources on its own to select a serial connection. The new model you pointed out, hschickel, should work (specs a RS232) as well and does solve the problem of making your own cable. Please let us know how it worked out for you.

01-30-2003, 10:33 PM	#6
Klink Prospect Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: nyc Posts: 21	Excellent, hschickle. Thanks for posting the update. So the Keyspan "High Speed" USB Serial Adapter seems like a winner. Good luck with the new machine.

02-01-2003, 11:40 AM	#10
vfrpilot Triple-A Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 93	I use the keyspan serial to usb under 10.2.3 & classic for connection to older printers and digital cameras - I have no complaints - I got it on a barter w/ a client I consult for - cost = around 80.00 from one of the MAC mag mailorders.