USB to Serial Converters
Since newer computers don't have serial ports
it is necessary to use a Serial port converter
that plugs into a USB port on your PC. Most
USB to Serial converters will automatically
download the drivers for it from Windows
Update when first plugged in. The more
unknown brands may not.
USB Converter
Serial
Note on Windows 8-10: Windows 8-10 is NOT
supported for older versions of prolific chips. So if
your USB to Serial converter worked in Windows 7
and doesn't work in Windows 8, it is probably
because you have an older or no-name brand
converter that does not have the latest version of
chip in it. And new drivers wont help it.
In Windows 8 Device Manager the yellow warning
symbol will show for converters that used to work
in Windows 7 but are too old to work now:
In Windows 8 a newer name brand converter will
work fine:
The DNC Server software itself works fine on
Windows 8.
Recommended to use ATEN UC232A USB to Serial
For Windows 10+ make sure it uses the
PL2303HXD chip.
Fixes for Prolific devices:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-
us/windows/forum/all/prolific-usb-to-serial-comm-
port-windows-10/0a4f8e48-7135-4434-9d10-
349c9ce87fcf
http://wp.brodzinski.net/2014/10/01/fake-pl2303-
how-to-install/
Older Driver ver 3.6.81.359:
http://douglasrudd.com/ftp/PL-2303_Drivers-
Generic_Windows_PL2303_Prolific.zip
You might be using an old UC232A "chipset"
version that is not compatible with Windows 8 and
later OS.
Please check your UC232A serial number on the
back of the unit (see picture)
If the 3rd digit is less or equal to "9" (note letter
such as A,B,C, etc... use new chipset), your unit has
the older chip version. We recommend replacing
your UC232A.
Prolific recommends to purchase from following
Cable Makers:
ATEN UC232A USB to Serial
Information about drivers for Prolific chip:
We don't sell any serial port hardware, but we have
bought converters on ebay and used them. These
models that are sold by many sellers on Ebay.
This 4-port USB-Serial converter works good on
Win98 to Windows 8-10. Are available from many
places on Ebay:
Uses MosChip MCS7840 driver available here:
https://douglasrudd.com/ftp/MCS7840(USB TO 4S).zip,
https://douglasrudd.com/ftp/Asix_3.18.1.0.zip
https://douglasrudd.com/ftp/Asix_3.20.0.0_win10x64.zip
Many brands use FTDI chips. Drivers available here:
http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm
Recommended for permanent installation to machines.
The advantage of this USB powered multi-port adapter
is that it retains assigned serial COM port values once
setup. When re-connected, it will always assign the same
Comm numbers to the same plugs - which is what you
need for a permanent setup.
Comes in 4,8,16 ports. Can be purchased on Ebay,
Amazon, etc.