KB0067: Install a USB to Serial Adapter – TimeVue / TimeSource
Solution:
If your computer does not have a 9-pin serial port, you can use a USB to Serial adapter to connect an RS232 TimeCalculator to your computer.
NOTE: As of 4/15/2009, USB to Serial adapters were provided with RS232 Icon Time Systems time clocks.
- Connect the 9-pin serial port end of the USB adapter to the DB-9 male connector end of the 50 ft serial cable.
- Connect the RJ-11 phone connector into the RJ-11 phone jack on the bottom of the time clock.
NOTE: For TimeVue: The USB port drivers for the adapter should have been installed automatically during the TimeVue installation.
NOTE: For TimeSource: If you received a USB to Serial adapter cable with your clock prior to February 2010, you will need to install the drivers from the USB to Serial driver CD that was included with your USB to Serial Adapter.
- Insert the CD into the CD drive. Windows Explorer should appear.
- Open the folder that corresponds to the operating system you are using.
- Double-click on the .exe file in that folder to install the drivers for your USB to serial adapter.
- To verify if the USB port has been installed in Windows, Right click on the “My Computer” icon on your desktop or “My Computer” icon in Windows Explorer. Select properties. In the system properties window, go to the hardware tab, and click on the Device Manager Button.
- Double click on the Ports Icon in Device Manager to view the list of installed ports. You should see something listed similar to: USB To Serial (COM5) for example.
- Use the USB to Serial COM port number listed in Device Manager when you set up the clock in TimeVue or TimeSource. In the above example, you would setup an RS232 type clock and use COM5 in the clock screen.
- If you do not see a USB to Serial port listed in Device Manager, the drivers for your USB adapter were not installed. Speak to your computer tech. or USB adapter manufacturer to get this rectified.
NOTE: Unplugging the USB adapter from the computer or moving it to another USB port may cause the COM port number to change. If you have been using a USB connection for awhile and you suddenly cannot poll or communicate with the clock anymore, follow the steps above to determine the COM port number assigned in the Device Manger. Use the new COM port number in the TimeVue\TimeSource clock list and try polling again.