Connecting ACJR to Mac Laptop

[Siapin]

Dear Abby,

I have a mac laptop with NO serial port. I have a VGA that goes to a 9-pin...from there I bought a USB adapter. That is how I connected it to the computer.

I have Win XP on the mac laptop (if you are wondering if that is possible...it is), so that shouldn't be the problem.

When I plug it into the usb port, Windows recognizes that there is new hardware trying to install the software. I already have AquaNotes installed, and it is saying that it isn't recognizing the controller.

Sincerely, Frustrated %*&#$@:eek1:

[RokleM]

VGA to a 9-pin? I don't follow this part. VGA is a video connector, 9 pin is typically serial, two completely different components.

It's trying to install the software for the USB adapter, not the AC. Get that setup (should have included a software disk or downloadable version), then plug in the AC.

[Siapin]

That's not true.

It recognizes a usb device...the computer doesn't care about the plug...it's just a plug. Plugs don't need software.


Should I not use USB, and go with some other port on the laptop? LIke ps/2 or apple dvi? But I don't understand why it doesn't recognize the hardware. Are there ACJR drivers that I need to install?

[RokleM]

A plug really isn't just a plug. It's built to do a certain function (with the few exceptions like USB and firewire). Your video plug is meant to run a video feed. I don't know of any way to convert a video card to run a serial interface no matter what cables you use. I'm still not sure how you got it to a 9 pin serial. Note, the outer ring of an old video and serial (9 pin) are the same size. The pin numbers and arrangements are different.

Actually serial to USB converters do require software to use in Windows. Windows may or may not detect it properly and auto-install some.

[beerguy]

I, too, run Mac.

If you indeed have a USB to Serial adapter it does require software to work properly. Check with the manufacturer of the adapter. I use a Keyspan USB to serial and it works great.

Cheers

[RokleM]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_connector
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:SVGA_port.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_cable
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Serial_cable_%28blue%29.jpg

USB to serial:
http://sewelldirect.com/images/products/SW-1301/SW-1301.jpg

[Siapin]

I have PS2 to 9-pin that came with the acjr. From there i went with a 9-pin to usb. then to the computer.

Does it really need some software? the computer did recognize the acjr...but the acjr didnt' respond. so what now?

[RokleM]

The ACJR isn't a device the PC is likely to "recognize". That was probably the USB-serial converter. You plugged them both in at the same time, right? Try plugging in just the USB-serial and it will probably do the same thing. Did it come with software? If not the vendor's site likely has it.