Need a recommendation for a PCMCIA adaptor for my T43and T41

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Microspeed · #1 Post by **Microspeed** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 11:36 am

Hi,
I have been using a USB to 9 pin serial adaptor with mixed results. My T41 has the common problem with the USB ports getting stuck in the 1.0 mode. I have read that using a PCMCIA adaptor might be a more reliable way to go.
I have found 2 different adaptors. One uses a 16C550 UART and the other a 16C950. The later being twice as much as the former. Any recommendations?

#2 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:03 pm

T41 - PC Card

* Conforms to the PC Card Standard 95
* The Type III slot can accommodate two Type I, two Type II, or one Type III PC card
* Both 16-bit and 32-bit cards are supported.
* PCMCIA 2.1 standard
* No zoom video support

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 58183.html

T43 - PC Card

* One PCMCIA type II slot
o Conforms to the PC Card Standard 95
o Accommodates either one Type I, one Type II
o 16-bit and 32-bit cards are supported
o PCMCIA 2.1 standard
o No zoom video support
* One Express card slot

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 58317.html

Microspeed · #3 Post by **Microspeed** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 11:15 pm

Thank you Harry, I guess what I am asking is what is the difference between the UART's? Will the 16C550 work as well as the 16C950?

#4 Post by **Harryc** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 11:38 pm

Honestly I've never heard any mention of UARTs unless we're talking about serial ports. You have got me stumped on the PCMCIA UART discussion.

Microspeed · #5 Post by **Microspeed** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 11:58 pm

Yeah me too. Back in the day, it was a big deal when the improved the UART's. Most dial up modems hooked up to them and the higher number was better for thru put and not so many errors when you were online. I guess Ill just get the one with the 16C950. Has to be better... the number is higher. LOL.
Today I saw another post in the general hardware section about someone looking for a similar solution. (maybe I posted in the wrong section? sorry...)
Bottom line I just didn't want to spend 55 when the 22 dollar adaptor would work fine for me.
Thanks again for your help.

sjthinkpader · #6 Post by **sjthinkpader** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:29 am

Why are you having trouble with USB-Serial adapter? Even USB1.1 is faster than 19200 baud.

I am using a very cheap USB-Serial adapter called HE800 with an old Garmin eMap and it works fine. I have a Belkin one that works pretty much the same. I also have an IBM USB-Parallel+Serial adapter that work with most everything I connected to it.

Going thru my drawer, there is a PCMCIA-serial card made by Socket. Frankly I don't remember ever used it.

Microspeed · #7 Post by **Microspeed** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:57 pm

Why are you having trouble with USB-Serial adapter? Even USB1.1 is faster than 19200 baud.

I really couldn't tell you why. I use it to commuicate / program fire control panels. Most of them only need 9600 baud. I was using an I/O gear usb to 9 pin. Sometimes it would connect but there would be timing errors. I would get a bad upload or down load. Overall just a pain in the neck. Alot of the techs I know either use an older PIII because they came with a 9 Pin or some of the newer Dells. The guys with newer lappies all swear by the pcmcia adaptors. The price ranges are unbelievable, so I thought I'd ask if anyone knew what was the difference. To add to my confusition I have read about some express card that are really usb to serial adaptors. Doesn't make much sense to me but that what I read in the reveiw. I have 2 Thinkpads. I like everything about them except the no 9 pin part. I just want a solution that works everytime.

#8 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:22 am

I'd be happy to sell you a rock-solid T23 with built-in serial port.
PM me if interested.

sjthinkpader · #9 Post by **sjthinkpader** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:07 am

Yes, using a T23 is a good solution.

Likely the transmission string has a check sum at the end. When there is an error in transmission, the panel or the computer program detects that and reports the error. May be you should turn on the parity bit from the panel side. Try a few different USB adapters. Use a shorter serial cable.

The data download from my Garmins also has error and require 2nd or 3rd attempt. This happens even with USB only connection.

#10 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:39 am

From some searching on the net, it appears that the 16C950 UART has a larger FIFO (First In-First Out) data buffer over the older 16C550 design (128 bytes vs. 16). This should improve performance if there is an overrun problem.

Microspeed · #11 Post by **Microspeed** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:28 pm

Thanks Ray

I orderd a card with the 16C950 UART. I will report back on how things work.

Need a recommendation for a PCMCIA adaptor for my T43and T41

Need a recommendation for a PCMCIA adaptor for my T43and T41

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