-----Original Message----- From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic- bounces@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org] On Behalf Of Systems Glitch via vcf-midatlantic Sent: 05 February 2016 21:05 To: vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org Cc: Systems Glitch <systems.glitch@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] So, we're going to need an office computer.
NO PCI slots, and PCI-E Serial Adaptors are a different animal....
For 99% of use cases, USB serial adapters using Prolific or FTDI are sufficient. I use two Prolific adapters with my desktop and laptop almost exclusively with computers made before 1980 with no real problems.
I have a box full, and generally they work just fine, as you say!. Some of my plotters don't like them, and some older real ports will do 45 & 50 baud which is great for Baudot TTYs. BUT in an office/museum situation, a real serial port can be useful, its one less plug and socket to work loose, and it frees a USB port for other things.
Thanks, Jonathan
Dave