FAQ
Question : How can I communicate with multiple RS232 devices if my PC has limited COM ports?
Answer : To address limited COM ports on a PC, CP offers multi-port adapters that utilize FTDI’s FT232H, FT2232H and FT4232H high-speed USB-Serial bridge chips. These adapters provide multiple virtual COM ports for serial communication. By installing the USB device driver available for free on the CP website, virtual COM port (VCP) drivers make the USB device appear as additional COM ports on the PC. For example, the USB2-H-1002 provides two RS232 ports with a single USB connection, while the USB2-H-1004 provides four RS232 ports via one USB connection.
Question : Are there any precautions I should take when installing the VCP driver on different operating systems?
Answer : CP products using the FTDI USB-Serial bridge chip are supported by the FTDI driver. Users can find latest compatible installers here and should refer to the Connective Peripherals USB to Serial Converters Driver Installation Guide (CP_000084) specific to each operating system for best practices and to avoid compatibility issues.
Question : What should I do if my USB to RS232 adapter is not working?
Answer : If your adapter isn’t functioning as expected, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check Connections: Ensure the USB cable/adapter is correctly connected.
- Power Status: Make sure the computer is on and not in Sleep or Standby mode.
- USB Hub Settings: If using a USB hub, confirm it is set to "self-powered" mode.
- Signal Connections: Verify that output signals (TXD, RTS, DTR) are properly connected to the corresponding inputs (RXD, CTS, DSR) in each direction.
- Handshake Requirements: Check if your RS232 peripheral has specific handshake requirements.
- No Handshake Option: If handshake signals aren’t used, set the application to "No Hardware Handshake" or a similar setting.
- Loop-Back Test: Test the port using a loop-back connector by connecting TXD to RXD, RTS to CTS, and DTR to DSR. Use a terminal program to confirm that data can be sent and received.
- Driver Update: Ensure you have the latest driver installed. For instructions on removing and reinstalling the driver, refer to the Connective Peripherals USB to Serial Converters Driver Installation Guide (CP_000084).
- Additional Resources: FTDI's installation guides offer more details on driver installation: FTDI Installation Guides
- Technical Support: If issues persist, please contact our technical support team.