Tripp Lite Keyspan USB to Serial Box ShotAs 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:

Tripp Lite Keyspan USB to Serial 1

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.”

Tripp Lite Keyspan USB to Serial 2

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.

Tripp Lite Keyspan USB to Serial Driver CD

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

Tripp Lite Keyspan USB to Serial 3

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:

Tripp Lite Keyspan USB to Serial 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.

Tripp Lite Keyspan USB to Serial 5
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 ✌️ 

Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Have a question? Join my community of automation professionals and take part in the discussion! You'll also find my PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

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Shawn Tierney

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