New adapter for old laptop

Hello friends,

I'm currently using an old laptop that doesn't have any USB ports.

Now, I want to purchase a new diagnostic interface with 2 K-lines.
I'm considering buying the USB version of this.
because the old laptop isn't going to last much longer anyway.

As I've read, there are problems with these USB to Serial adapters.

What about a PCMCIA card that provides two USB ports?
'Does anyone have an old laptop they can lend?'

Best regards,
KFH

Hi,

I don't have any prior experience with PCMCIA USB interface cards. My suggestion is to simply try it out; if it doesn't work, you can return the adapter.

Best regards, Rainer.

Thank you for your understanding!
But why aren't there any diagnostic devices for the 'hobbyist' market that use USB?
The professional-grade equipment is too expensive for my personal diagnostic explorations.

Do you mean return or exchange?
Because I don't want to use an RS323...
Then I would prefer to wait with the purchase until I have a new laptop with USB ports.

Best regards,
KFH

kfh wrote:

Thank you for your understanding! But why aren't there any diagnostic devices for the "hobbyist" market with USB connectivity? `

`
Because they would be almost as expensive.

kfh wrote:

The professional-grade equipment is too expensive for my personal diagnostic explorations. Do you mean return or exchange? Because I don't want to use an RS323... Then I would rather wait to buy it until I have a new laptop with USB ports. Best regards, KFH

Return.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hi,

@kfh:
Be careful with those PCMCIA USB adapters! They often don't work in most older laptops (lacking USB ports) because the old PCMCIA slots only have an 8-bit data bus (similar to ISA).
have, while USB 2.0 adapters require a CardBus port (or something similar) that is 16 (or even 32) bits wide.
If you happen to find a USB 1.1 PCMCIA adapter that works with those old machines,
Please send me a private message. I've searched for it before, but without success.

Best regards, Rudi.

Hi,

Even if it's only tangentially related... a small correction or addition to Rudi's post:

There's PCMCIA and there's CardBus.

PCMCIA is a 16-bit technology, while CardBus is a 32-bit technology and represents a more modern approach. Compatibility only works in one direction: PCMCIA cards can be used in a CardBus slot, but the reverse is not possible.

Unfortunately, you can almost insert them without force because the physical difference is too small. PCMCIA cards are smooth on the front, near the connector, while Cardbus cards have small protrusions (copper-colored) there (which usually fit into the older slots).

I would check the notebook's manual. If it says "CardBus," then it doesn't matter; but if it *only* says "PCMCIA," then you need a PCMCIA card (which has a smooth front), and those are apparently quite rare.

Just take a look at the pictures of some laptop cards on eBay, and you'll easily see the difference between PCMCIA and CardBus that I mentioned earlier.

Best regards,

Jan.

Hello Jan,

You are of course right .
The ISA bus was already 16-bit wide.

Best regards, Rudi.