Low cost USB to Serial Cable that works with RSLinx

As part of that effort, I was searching for a low cost USB to Serial adapter that individuals could buy which would also work with RSLinx’s “Auto-Configure” feature.

Note: For a low cost version of the 1761-CBL-PM02 see this article

Keyspan USA-19HS: The World’s Best USB to Serial adapter?

After doing some research, I decided upon the Tripp Lite Keyspan USA-19HS which I ordered from Amazon for $30.

As can be seen below, it comes in an “easy to open” clear plastic clamshell package with the adapter itself front and center:

The back of the package shows the included USB cable, and also includes the claim that this USB to Serial adapter is the “world’s best.”

Inside the package you’ll find a driver CD with the notice that you need to install the software on the CD before you plug in your Keyspan adapter.

So I inserted the CD into my laptop running Window 7 64 bit, and the software installation was friendly, quick and un-eventful:

Once the software install finished, I plugged the adapter into my laptop. Windows seamlessly installed the hardware driver, and as can be seen below it was assigned to Comm 4:

With the cable driver installed and working, the next step was to test the cable out.

First, I connected the Keyspan adapter to a 1761-CBL-PM02 which in turn was plugged into a MicroLogix 1000.

I then opened RSLinx Classic Lite, added a DF1 driver, assigned it to Comm 4, and pressed the “Auto-Configure” button.

The result: It not only found my MicroLogix 1000, it actually seemed to find it faster than the Allen-Bradley 9300-USBS:

For the final test, I used this adapter to download a program to my MicroLogix 1000 and went online, all without issue.

So, if you’re looking for a low cost USB to Serial adapter cable that will work with RSLinx’s “Auto-Configure” feature, after my hands-on testing I feel very comfortable recommending the Tripp Lite Keyspan USA-19HS .

Learn more in the below episode of The Automation Minute:

I hope you’ve found today’s article about a low cost USB to Serial adapter helpful.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or corrections please don’t hesitate to leave them with us by filling in the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️ 

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Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Eliminate commercials and gain access to my weekly full length hands-on, news, and Q&A sessions by becoming a member at The Automation Blog or on YouTube. You'll also find all of my affordable PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

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Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who started programing in the early 80's on the new Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to focus on teaching at The Automation School, as well as publishing industry news and product how-to’s at The Automation Blog.

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