Need USB 2.0 to Synchronous/Asynchronous Serial Networking Capabilities?

The FarSync Flex USB Sync/Async Adapter works with X.21, RS530, V.35, RS449, RS485 and RS232C network interfaces operating at serial line speeds up to 2 Mbits/s. FarSync Flex USB provides as single port and is designed to provide a high performance communications solution for use with TCP/IP and an API for companies who wish to quickly develop their own communications solutions. The API permits HDLC framed and transparent bit stream operation from Linux and Windows. The FarSync Flex software and drivers on Windows and Linux can now support 2 wire RS485 operation. All existing FarSync Flex devices can be upgraded to support RS485. This new RS485 serial support adds line types of 2 wire (half duplex) RS485; multi drop and single ended, with line speeds of up to 512 Kbits/s, and with NRZI, FM1 or FM0 signaling modes.

F-FS4100 FarSync Flex USB Sync/Async Adapter with Linux and Windows Drivers

Addressing a Common FireWire Repeater Port Count Question

> What we would like is the:
> FW8-FIO-UB4PRH Unibrain FireRepeater-800 Pro FireWire 800 IEEE 1394b
> Repeater Hub 4 Port
> Assuming (all ports a bi-directional) as we would like 4 output
> devices feeding into
> 1 input device.


Since FireWire is a true peer-to-peer technology, unlike say, the prosaic USB standard, terminology for FireWire repeaters and hubs is a little different. Typically the count on a FireWire repeater hub is the total available ports, since the host computer is considered just another peer level device. In other words, plugging a computer into the FW8-FIO-UB4PRH leaves three available ports left. If you have 5 total devices to connect (including a computer), then you could deploy two of the repeater hubs in conjunction with each other. The following schematic illustrates one such configuration with FW8R1 and FW8R2 representing separate FW8-FIO-UB4PRH units.

         FW8R1
         -----
HOST --- = p1 |
         | p2 = --- DEVICE   FW8R2
         | p3 = --- DEVICE   -----
         | p4 = ------------ = p1 |
         -----               | p2 = --- DEVICE
                             | p3 = --- DEVICE
                             | p4 = --- DEVICE
                             -----|

Glass Optical Fiber Repeater 800

The Glass Optical Fiber Repeater 800™ provides the most reliable and straight forward solution applications requiring long FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) cable runs. Available with either LC or MT-RJ connectors, the GOF Repeater extends FireWire 800 signals up to 550 meters over standard glass optical fiber cables. No need for daisy chains of repeaters and long cables, each Glass Optical Fiber Repeater-800™ provides two FireWire 800 bilingual copper ports and one optical port.

GOFR 800™ is an excellent solution for many situations requiring long distance FireWire 800 or FireWire 400 applications. Unibrain has tested and recommended the following over distances of up to 550 meters: FireWire cameras, DV Camcorder, Hard Drive storage, and high performance networking. Glass Optical Fiber Repeater 800™ utilizes the Texas Instruments TSB81BA3D, and is constructed from heavy duty, coated galvanized steel.

Best in Class for Court Reporters and Stenographers

Court reporters and stenographers often deploy steno machines featuring RS-232 Serial ports (often called COM ports in Windows-speak). Some transcription software packages for court reporters and stenographers require hardware keys that are RS-232 Serial port based as well. In many cases, USB to Serial devices don't work with steno machines or transcription software package hardware keys. In the past, a PC Card based RS-232 adapter was the optimal solution for notebook computers to interface with these devices.

With the transition to ExpressCard slots on notebook computers, there a number of ExpressCard to RS-232 serial adapters that don't work because they utilize the USB portion of the ExpressCard standard. As mentioned above, USB to Serial devices typically don't work with steno machines or transcription software package hardware keys. Fortunately there is a solution to this situation. Synchrotech offers the Quatech Performance PCIe based RS-232 Serial ExpressCards. Being PCIe based, these ExpressCards are true RS-232 host adapters and don't exhibit the compatibility issues that USB based devices suffer from. For court reporters and stenographers with ExpressCard equipped notebook computers needing to interface with RS-232 Serial ports on steno machines or transcription software package hardware keys, PCIe based RS-232 ExpressCards are the perfect solution.

Memory Card Data Retrieval?

6into9 FireWire Adapter around the Web

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Ready! The 6into9 (CAB-FW8-6-9-CONV) is an inexpensive alternative to using 6 to 9 Pin FireWire cables with the latest MacBook Pro which features a single FireWire 800 port. Allows use of 6-Pin FireWire 400 devices and cables on any 9-Pin FireWire 800 port, including the MacBook Pro. Here is a list of links with information on this item.

Adaptador para la conexión FireWire 400 de las nuevas MacBook Pro

Ars Technica includes Synchrotech's K13 USB 13 Port Hub in its Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Ars Technica includes the Synchrotech 13 Port USB 2.0 Hub in its Holiday Gift Guide 2008. The Guide also features a short review. The link for purchasing the devices is a reseller selling the device for more than $16 more than what Synchrotech sells it for. For a much better price see Synchrotech's product page for the devices is http://www.synchrotech.com/product-usb/hub_03_usb_13-port.html.

Synchrotech 2008 Winter Holiday Specials

Can I 'rescan' the PCI expansion slots?

This is in response to a question we saw on an archived Apple Discussion board": "Can I 'rescan' the PCI expansion slots?" Many of the answers you've been provided with here are incorrect. By specification, PCIe (PCI Express) is supposed to feature hot swap capability. This is why the ExpressCard standard features it for the higher end of the specification without modification. The has nothing to do with drivers or any of the other erroneous information put forth in this thread.

The inability of Mac OS X and Windows (Windows requires user intervention via their bizarre "device manager" interface) to hot swap PCIe based devices may stem from the fact that vendors didn't expect devices on the market which took advantage of PCIe's hot swap capability. Since Apple has implemented hot swap on the MacBook Pro's ExpressCard slot [1], there is no reason why they shouldn't be able to do the same with Macs featuring PCIe slots. At my day job, Synchrotech, we have to answer to people wanting to use Sony/Sandisk SxS cards on PowerMac G5 (PCIe) and Mac Pro systems almost every day. When we explain that a PCIe to ExpressCard reader currently requires a reboot between card swaps.

To put this in perspective MS argues that PCIe hot swap isn't possible, and that manually refreshing to rescan is the fault of BIOS/Firmware. Putting this theory to the test, we sent a PCIe to ExpressCard reader with several PCIe based ExpressCards to the OpenBSD team. Within three days the OpenBSD developers had implemented full hot swap PCIe in the kernel and we were able to hot swap PCIe based ExpressCards on a desktop PC with no issues.

The ability to add an inexpensive PCIe to ExpressCard reader to and PCIe based Macs and have them hot swap is crucial with the emergence of the Sony/Sandisk SxS cards and the professional cameras using them. Apple could easily become the premier platform for ingesting and processing these cards. We doubt it will be any more trouble for Apple to implement PCIe hot swap in the kernel than it was for the OpenBSD team.

[1] Important to remind people that ExpressCard is a dual bus standard. For slow and simple minded devices, ExpressCard employs USB 2.0. For high performance and complex applications ExpressCard utilizes PCIe. The ExpressCard standard effectively defines no new busses, it merely provides a different form factor and set of connectors for the existing PCIe and USB 2.0 standards.

Jobs responds to no FireWire on MacBooks

Easily the worst decision Apple has ever made.

CFMulti Issues Thread

CFMulti CompactFlash Type II to Eye-Fi™ + Multi-Card Adapter. This thread is for discussing issues with the CFMulti. Issues include, but aren't limited to: unsupported cameras, incompatibility issues, experiences, etc. Be sure to read the CFMulti FAQ before posting here.

Adapt any 6-pin FireWire 400 connection to Apple's new MacBook Pro just $9

Synchrotech's 6F to 9M adapter plugs are an affordable solution to deploy existing 6-pin FireWire 400 devices and cables with Apple's latest MacBook Pro computers. Instead of purchasing new 6 to 9 pin cables or peripherals to accommodate the new MacBook Pro's single high performance FireWire 800 port, our adapter protects existing investments in FireWire 400 peripherals and cables. Crafted from the highest grade materials and featuring worry free shielding, the 6F to 9M adapter allows for full 400Mbps operation. The device's part number is CAB-FW8-6-9-CONV, and retails for just $9.00 USD.

CAB-FW8-6-9-CONV: FireWire 800 IEEE1394b 6pin (female) to 9pin (male) Converter Plug

Use SD cards in your Compact Flash gear

Terry White reviews the CFMulti CompactFlash to Eye-Fi™ Adapter.

Synchrotech's ExpressAdapt Shines on PowerBook G3 Pismo

PCIe (PCI Express) based FarSync X.25 Adapters for Linux and Windows

FarSite's FarSync X.25 adapter line now includes PCIe based products for modern motherboards. The T4Ue and T2Ue provide the same high performance and high reliability X.25 connectivity for 32 and 64 bit Linux, Windows XP, Server 2003, and The Vista on a PCI Express host adapter as FarSite's other T-Series adapters. The PCIe to X.25 host adapters come with FarSite's extensive APIs and SDK. The four port T4Ue is available now, and the two port T2Ue will be available soon.

Performance PCIe based RS-422/RS-485 Serial ExpressCards

Synchrotech is now offering Quatech's 1, 2, and 4 port PCIe based ExpressCard to RS-422 and RS-485 Serial host adapters. Advantages of a PCIe-based ExpressCard design are in the interface to the laptop's motherboard. The PCIe bus interface is the successor to the PCI bus, which in turn was the successor to the ISA bus to which built-in serial ports were originally attached. As such, the ExpressCard adapter design utilizes a PCIe-based design and can still directly use I/O space addresses and interrupts, thus more closely emulating built-in ports than can be done via USB-based design. Moreover, because there's no USB stack for the drivers to contend with, throughput can be higher and latency will be lower (considerably so in many cases). Due to improved data transfer rate, the ExpressCard is considerably more efficient for multi-tasking operations.

New FAQ: Considerations for Ratoc's FireWire and USB 2.0 to SCSI Adapters

Recently there has been a shift in interest from internal SCSI host adapters SCSI host adapters utilizing external busses like high performance FireWire and prosaic USB. While Ratoc's FireWire and USB to SCSI adapters have been on the market for quite some time, they are beginning to grow in popularity since they are an inexpensive and accessible way to work with older SCSI devices. This FAQ document is intended to clear up some of the confusion over deploying Ratoc adapters with SCSI devices.

Covered in the FAQ: matching SCSI connector types, Term Power and other power considerations, SCSI converter adapters, and links to compatibility lists.

September 2008 Synchrotech Specials

Sale: 5% off DuelAdapter
5% off EXP34-DA-001 ExpressCard 34 to PCMCIA PC Card and CardBus Read-Writer DuelAdapter 1 Slot offer expires 09/30/2008.

Sale: MicroU2E-MV with FREE AirQueue
Buy a MicroU2E-MV USB 2.0 to USB Mode ExpressCard 34|54 Multi-Voltage Host Adapter and get a free AirQueue USB 2.0 A (Male) to A (Female) Extender Cable offer expires 09/30/2008, limit 5 per customer.

Sale: MicroU2E-MV with FREE DoubleQueue
Buy a MicroU2E-MV USB 2.0 to USB Mode ExpressCard 34|54 Multi-Voltage Host Adapter and get a free DoubleQueue USB 2.0 A+A (Power) to A (Female) Y Extender Cable offer expires 09/30/2008, limit 5 per customer.

Sale: MicroU2E with FREE AirQueue
Buy a MicroU2E USB 2.0 to USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCard 34|54 Host Adapter and get a free AirQueue USB 2.0 A (Male) to A (Female) Extender Cable offer expires 09/30/2008, limit 5 per customer.

Sale: MicroU2E with FREE DoubleQueue
Buy a MicroU2E USB 2.0 to USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCard 34|54 Host Adapter and get a free DoubleQueue USB 2.0 A+A (Power) to A (Female) Y Extender Cable offer expires 09/30/2008, limit 5 per customer.

ExpressAdapt PCMCIA PC CardBus to USB Mode ExpressCard Adapter

ExpressAdapt CardBus to ExpressCard

ExpressAdapt represents the second generation of CardBus to ExpressCard adapters, combining benefits of previous generation 16-bit and 32-bit adapters. Integrating the latest NEC ECOUSB™ controller with Synchrotech's advanced voltage regulating circuitry gives ExpressAdapt major advantages over competing devices. Utilizing ECOUSB™ provides ExpressAdapt with significant compatibility and performance features. First ExpressAdapt needs no drivers on contemporary mainstream operating systems, it is recognized and supported automatically. Second, it harnesses the fastest USB 2.0 throughput to complement the latest HSDPA and EVDO Rev. A ExpressCards. Lastly, ExpressAdapt's integrated controller allows for low power consumption and price.

ExpressAdapt overcomes power considerations of earlier 32-bit PC CardBus adapters providing 1000mA at 3.3V and 650mA at 1.5V. With the ability to supply power on both ExpressCard rails, newer cards like the Option Wireless GT Max 3.6 Express are fully supported. Crafted with the highest quality connectors and frame materials, ExpressAdapt meets or exceeds the requirements of every standards body it falls under.

ExpressAdapt is a PCMCIA PC CardBus to USB ExpressCard Adapter. It works with USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCards only. This includes WWAN Wireless broadband cards like the Kyocera KPC680 and the Sierra Wireless AC597E. Like all PC Card to ExpressCard adapters, ExpressAdapt does NOT work with PCIe based ExpressCards. ExpressCards using the PCI Express (PCIe) portion of the ExpressCard standard include very high performance devices like FireWire 800 and eSATA host adapters.

CradlePoint CTR500 Cellular Travel Router for WWAN 3G/4G to

The CradlePoint CTR500 Cellular Travel Router creates a secure Wi-Fi Hotspot from broadband enabled cellular data modems. The CTR500 is the world's most compact router that is able to support Both ExpressCard and USB-style Cellular Modems. Powered by CradlePoint's WiPipe™ technology, it supports a wide variety of modems and handsets on the ATT, Verizon, Sprint, and Alltel networks and gives users hassle-free Wi-Fi access nearly anywhere. Pictured here with WWAN wireless mobile broadband ExpressCards. Synchrotech.

RS-530, EIA-530 (RS530, EIA530) Connector / Signaling Standard

AirQueue USB 2.0 Extension with MicroU2E and ExpressCard for MacBook Air

AirQueue
Originally uploaded by Synchrotech

AirQueue USB 2.0 Extension with MicroU2E-MV/MicroU2E to enable USB 2.0 ExpressCards with the MacBook Air. AirQueue USB 2.0 A (Male) to A (Female) Extender Cable 19cm/.62F. Avoid damage to MacBook Air USB port and allows use of MicroU2E ExpressCard Adapter pictured here with a 3G/4G (EVDO) WWAN Wireless broadband card. Synchrotech.

FarLinX X.25 Gateway X.25 to XOT and X.25 to TCP/IP Appliances

Special Holiday Offer for MicroU2E-MV

For three days only, purchase a MicroU2E-MV USB to ExpressCard adapter and get the specialty cable of your choice absolutely free! Choose from either the DoubleQueue cable for supplementing MicroU2E-MV power in areas with low WWAN signals, or the AirQueue cable to use the MicroU2E-MV with slot-less notebook PCs, the MacBook Air, and MacBooks. This special offer is for three days only, for orders placed July 4, 5, or 6 2008 (PST) and there is a limit 5 specials per customer.

MicroU2E-MV accepts 1.5V ExpressCards like the range of Option Wireless WWAN mobile broadband devices popular with AT&T and on European networks. The 3.3 and 1.5V multi-voltage capability of the MicroU2E-MV makes it unique among USB to ExpressCard adapters. The cross-platform MicroU2E-MV enables USB based ExpressCards like the latest generation of 3G WWAN wireless devices on slot-less PC notebooks, Apple MacBooks, and the MacBook Air. AirQueue allows use of the MicroU2E-MV or USB devices with large or unusually designed connectors with MacBook Air! DoubleQueue is an extender with option of drawing current from second USB Port for MicroU2E-MV.