Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Has anybody used a USB to RS232 Female cable?

Hello all,

Has anybody used a USB to RS232 Female cable to use their computer to program a Meridian piece? Something like this: Amazon Link

I have a relatively new computer and a Meridian 561 controller. I downloaded the Legacy Configuration software from Meridian. I don't think the back of my computer has a 9-pin serial port (and if it does, it is almost impossible to get to), so I was going to try USB.

Also, where does one find the pin assignment for the 561's RS232 port. I know nothing about this, but several reviews of the linked cable mentioned that "... these are non standard as the ground connection is on the opposite pins. Pins 1 and 5 are reversed. It will cost more in time and money than to order a correctly wired cable. Check that the wiring is correct for your device."

Then I read "It was not stated, but the cable is actually and RS-232 DCE (data communicating equipment cable). This is not what I wanted, but I am completely happy with it. As a DCE cable it will not inherently work with a Cisco or any other device because these devices are also configured as DCE. BUT, THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM! A male-to-male null modem adapter (https://www.amazon.com/Null-Modem-Adapter-Male-Pack/dp/B07GV5PGJ5/) switches the device to a DTE (Data Terminal/Terminating Equipment)."

This computer stuff is a little over my head. I just want to be able to plug in a cable to my USB hub and the back of my 561 and run the Legacy Configuration program.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Dan

Hi,

If you do a Google search (top left on the page) for Keyspan adapter and null modem cable, you’ll find lots of posts regarding this. Otherwise I’m sure someone will post a link to the correct unit on Amazon.

Brian

Thanks Brian,

I'll do the Google search.

But I also would be happy if someone posted the link for the proper cable.

I'm wondering of this might be the right cable

It says null modem but I don't see anything about "keyspan adapter"

Dan

It wasn’t that tricky to find ...

Amazon - Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac (USA-19HS)

Cheers
Greg

I successfully used this brand to connect my MacBook Pro to a G95.

Thanks Greg - but that cable has a male RS232 end. I need female (the 561 is male).

Thank you spinaltap. I found that cable as well. I was wondering if it would work. VERY glad to hear you were successful with it. That's the one I'll probably get.

Dan

Hi Dan,

The null modem cable connects the Keyspan adapter to the processor.

Forgot to say, have a look in the Wiki (top of the page) cables and adapters > Which USB adapter.

Some of the advice (eg Windows version) are out of date but the adapters should be available.

Brian

Thanks again Brian, I'll take a look.

Dan

Hello everyone,

I have an issue now. I downloaded the Legacy Program. I purchased the Startech ICUSB232FTN cable. I turned off my 561 in the back. I connected the cables: DB9 to the 561, USB to my powered USB hub.

I opened the software and configured things they way I wanted. I then turned the 561 on and put it in standby. But when I hit "store" in the software I got the following response (I don't know how to embed an image):

PROBLEM FINDING PRODUCTS. THE PRODUCT COULD NOT ME FOUND ATTACHED TO ANY CONFIGURED SERIAL PORTS. DO YOU WANT TO:

1. RETRY
2. CANCEL
3. MANUALLY UPLOAD USING THE PORT SELECTED BELOW It then gives me a list of COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4. But it will only let me select COM1 (the others are greyed out). I checked and my USB-to-RS232 cable is showing, via my USB hub, that it is USB SerialPort COM3.

I have a newer computer. It doesn't even have a DB9 connector on the back for "COM1".

The Startech interface cable also says it has "COM retention, allowing the same COM port value to automatically be re-assigned to the port if the cable is disconnected or the host computer is rebooted".

I disconnected the USB /RS232 from the hub and plugged it in directly to a USB in the back of the computer. Same results.

HELP PLEASE!!!!

OMG - I found the solution!

Inside the Meridian Program, under "View" was something called "Options". I clicked on that and it gave me a choice of COM ports to use! I picked COM3 ... and everything worked.

Halleluiah! I'm leaving these last two posts in for anyone else whom it might help in the future.

EDIT: OK - I feel dumb. The part about View/Options/Select Com port was actually in the 561 manual. I just skipped over it.

We've all been there, welcome to the club. History suggests the best advice to give new Meridian owners is ... read the manual and then read the manual again ... after that read the manual another couple of times.

Regards
Carl