Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Thread Like Summary - 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

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

Yup _ Just as Carl says!