USB-to-Serial Adapter for use on Field PC
30 Nov 2009
Note: This information is provided as a reference and does not imply that Juniper Systems will provide full support for the use of any specific third-party hardware or software with a Juniper Systems product.
Additional serial ports can be made available on the rugged handheld computer that is running Microsoft Windows Mobile (Embedded Handheld) by using a USB-to-Serial Adapter attached to the USB Host port.
Compatible adapters (which most often use the FTDI chipset and drivers) include the following:
- http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67&products_id=290
- http://www.digi.com/products/usb/edgeport.jsp (not FTDI)
- http://www.serialgear.com/2-Port-Serial-USB-XC-232-C.html
- http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/EvaluationKits/USB-Serial.htm
- http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/CustomerLogin.aspx (WinCE5 ARM drivers for Prolific PL-2303)
Note: A USB Host (A) Mini to Full Adapter must be used to connect the Edgeport or any other adapter to the Archer Field PC`s USB Host Mini-A port.
The Allegro 2, Archer 2, original Mesa, and original Archer with WM6.1 OS products include the FTDI chipset drivers built-in, so connecting one of the adapters which use this chipset should be fairly plug-and-play.
For our other and older Windows Mobile Field PC products with accompanying operating system versions, the drivers for your adapter will need to be installed manually before connecting the adapter. Appropriate drivers for each adapter should be available from each manufacturer`s website, or from http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm. If the adapter (such as the SENA Parani SD1000U) does use an FTDI VCP chipset, then you can use the following install file.
Note: Some drivers and/or driver install programs are not properly signed or do not set the necessary Windows registry keys to avoid issues while using the adapter (such as the adapter not being recognized immediately after a Reset). Please work with the adapter manufacturer to get the drivers properly signed and setup correctly to work best in Windows CE/Mobile. If you are unable to get the assistance you need from the manufacture, we may be able to help by contacting support@junipersys.com.