4.1 – Configuring Your Serial Device

The COM port number and its COM port status message are very important to configuring your serial device.

The COM port status is the state of the Keyspan serial port. All serial ports have two states, BUSY (In Use) or IDLE (Available). When the serial port is IDLE, the port is available for use by any serial device’s software. When a COM port is BUSY, the serial port is in use by software and therefore not available to other programs.

The COM port number is the address of the Keyspan serial port. In order for any serial device to communicate via the Keyspan adapter, that serial device’s software must be told to use the Keyspan COM port number.

Step 2 – Determine Where to Select/Configure the Keyspan Serial Port(s).

Prior to using your serial device with a Keyspan serial port, you must first tell that serial device’s software which serial port your serial device hardware is connected to.

For example, if you have a Palm, you will have to tell the Palm Desktop software to look for your Palm handheld (hardware) on a Keyspan serial port. By doing this, you establish communication between your serial device’s software (the Palm Desktop software) and your serial devices hardware (the Palm handheld unit).

Most serial devices will have software that will allow you to select which serial port the device is connected to. Depending on your serial device and its software, you may have to configure: a Control Panel (modems accessing ISPs), an application (UPS systems), or some combination of these (modems accessing terminals using Zterm).

Please refer to your serial devices’ documentation on which method your serial device uses and how to access that software’s serial port “configuration” screen.

Once you’re determined where to select or configure your serial device’s software’s serial port settings, please proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 – Determine Which Serial Port to Select in Your Serial Device’s Software.

When you’ve found the port selection screen in your serial device’s software, you may be presented with a list of COM port numbers, a place to type in a COM port number, or some combination of both.

At this point, you have to select or enter the COM port number of the Keyspan serial adapter you are connecting to. Please note that you can see the COM port number in the Adapter Status tab in the Keyspan Serial Assistant.

Step 4 - Use Your Serial Device.

Once you’ve configured your serial software to use the Keyspan serial port, you’re ready to start using your serial device.

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Keyspan USA-49WG owner manual Configuring Your Serial Device
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USA-49WG specifications

The Keyspan USA-49WG is a versatile and highly regarded USB to serial adapter, designed for efficient and reliable connectivity between USB-equipped computers and serial devices. This device is particularly popular among users who work with older serial technology or need to connect to various serial interfaces.

One of the standout features of the USA-49WG is its ability to support multiple serial connections through a single USB port. Equipped with four serial ports, this adapter allows users to connect several legacy serial devices simultaneously, making it an ideal solution for applications that require multiple connections, such as industrial automation, data logging, and point-of-sale systems.

The USA-49WG utilizes FTDI's FT232R chip, which is known for its high performance and compatibility. This chipset ensures that the adapter achieves excellent data transfer rates, with support for baud rates up to 115200 bps. This makes the Keyspan USA-49WG suitable for a range of applications that require fast and reliable communication.

Another key characteristic of the Keyspan USA-49WG is its plug-and-play functionality. Users can easily connect the device to their USB port, and it will automatically install the necessary drivers on major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This ease of use significantly reduces setup time, allowing users to focus on their projects without the hassle of complicated installation processes.

In terms of design, the USA-49WG is built with a compact and robust housing, providing durability for both home and industrial use. Additionally, it features LED indicators for power and data transmission, allowing users to monitor activity at a glance.

The adapter also includes a comprehensive set of features to enhance usability, such as:

- 128-byte transmit/receive FIFO buffers for efficient data handling,
- Support for RS-232 serial communication standard,
- Full-duplex communication capabilities, ensuring simultaneous data transmission and reception.

In conclusion, the Keyspan USA-49WG USB to serial adapter stands out for its multi-port functionality, ease of installation, and robust performance. It provides an excellent solution for connecting modern USB-equipped systems to legacy serial devices, making it an essential tool for various professional and home applications. Its combination of features and technologies makes it a reliable choice for those in need of seamless serial connectivity.
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