As you may know, last year I began a Kickstarter project to create a low cost Micro PLC Training DVD.
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
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Can the keyspan usb to serial adapter be used with the SLC500 5/03?
Yes – I discuss that in the below video, and have used it recently to do just that 😉
https://theautomationblog.com/season-3-episode-16/
Hope this helps,
Shawn Tierney
Instructor at https://TheAutomationSchool.com
Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com