📌 What a Manhattan USB to Serial Adapter Is
A USB to Serial (RS232) Converter Adapter is a cable that lets you connect devices with a legacy RS‑232 serial port (DB‑9) to a modern computer’s USB port. This is useful because many newer laptops and desktops don’t include a serial COM port anymore.
🔌 Key Features✔️ Converts USB to RS‑232/DB‑9 serial port: Turns a USB port into a standard RS‑232 connection so you can use old equipment like barcode scanners, modems, CNC machines, GPS units, and more.✔️ Chipset inside: Many Manhattan adapters use either a Prolific PL‑2303 or FTDI FT232 chip to handle the USB‑to‑serial translation.✔️ Plug‑and‑play with Windows: They typically work with Windows (XP through Windows 10/11) and install as a COM port so software that needs a serial port can talk to connected devices.✔️ Gold‑plated contacts and rugged cable for reliable connection.✔️ About 45 cm (18 in) cable length is common for basic models.🖥️ Typical Use CasesConnecting legacy hardware (RS‑232 printers, scanners, modems) to modern Windows computers.Using with industrial controls or equipment consoles that expect a serial connection.Some software still only works via a serial COM port, so this adapter makes it compatible.🧠 Notes on CompatibilityMost of these adapters require installing drivers on Windows — especially older Windows versions — to work properly.FTDI‑based ones usually have broader support and easier driver installation than some Prolific models.