USB substitute for serial port cable on Kenwood TM-D710A

[Need2Know]

My computer does not have any serial ports. Will the PG-5G serial communications cable work with a serial to USB adapter to the computer?

I wonder why since more and more computers are lacking serial ports and have an abundance of USB ports why the cables for this radio don't have USB connections. Anyone know?

 

[Moleculo]

I wonder why since more and more computers are lacking serial ports and have an abundance of USB ports why the cables for this radio don't have USB connections. Anyone know?

There are some technical reasons why the radio manufacturers haven't done it, but it all boils down to cost. It costs more to engineer the radio with a USB port instead of a simple serial port.

I've had the most success with USB to Serial adapters based on the FTDI chipset. The other chipset that is common is the Prolific. Some radio software (like Elecraft and Yaesu) don't support the Prolific chipset. You can google or search ebay for the adapters with the FTDI chipset and you'll be fine. You don't need a name brand; just find the cheapest:

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

 

[Need2Know]

Thanks! Do we know that something like this will not work?

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5336136228&icep_item=320522076495

It's interesting that the Kenwood TH-D72A has the USB port - the only HT that does. Maybe that is the beginning of a trend. The TM-D710A that relies only on the serial port is a 2 or 3 year older model.

 

[W5LZ]

I know of no positive way of knowing, but it might. It would depend on the drivers.
- 'Doc

 

[Mudfoot]

My computer does not have any serial ports. Will the PG-5G serial communications cable work with a serial to USB adapter to the computer?

I wonder why since more and more computers are lacking serial ports and have an abundance of USB ports why the cables for this radio don't have USB connections. Anyone know?

98% of HAMS are notoriously cheap and are to tight to buy a modern computer with a USB.

That's the only reason I can come up with.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

My computer does not have a serial port but my FT-857 uses the ADMS programming software that requires a serial port. I used a Belkin serial/USB port adapter and it works great. I have had no issues using any serial/USB adapters.

 

[Brake Weight]

There is software available to rearrange the actual configuration of the USB to align with the 9-pin. You can get an adaptor from the USB-serial, but it most likely won't work. So, this software aligns the connections so the USB can be used. I can't remember the name of this program.

Now, you can order a laptop with the 9-pin in it, but most of these are for 'industrial' use. Like interfacing with cars, PLC equipment and integrated machinery, etc.