HAI programming for PIM 36A00-1 . . . on a mac . . . with USB :)

[ddprocter]

Hey Folks, 
 
I recently moved into a home where the prior owner set up a HAI PIM 36A00-1, Omni Pro and HAI switches.  
 
Had a couple questions: 
 
1) I don't have a PC any more (no less with a serial port).  Has anyone had any luck with Upstart on a Mac with a Windows Virtual Machine (Virtual Box, specifically, is free).  Worst case I can get an ultra cheap Windows net-book with USB.  
 
2) Connecting to USB: Can I buy any RJ45 -> USB cable on Ebay, or, do I have to buy the HAI PIM->Serial cable, and then a Serial -> USB adapter?
 
 
 
Thanks for any help you can provide. 
 
 

 

[pete_c]

1) I don't have a PC any more (no less with a serial port).  Has anyone had any luck with Upstart on a Mac with a Windows Virtual Machine (Virtual Box, specifically, is free).  Worst case I can get an ultra cheap Windows net-book with USB.  
 
A couple of years ago I set up an Oracle Windows Virtual box on a MAC to run Upstart and PCA.  Worked fine using a common chipset USB to Serial cable.
 
Relating to Upstart a PCS UPB PIM with USB cable will work fine for your needs.  

 

[ano]

Hey Folks, 
 
I recently moved into a home where the prior owner set up a HAI PIM 36A00-1, Omni Pro and HAI switches.  
 
Had a couple questions: 
 
1) I don't have a PC any more (no less with a serial port).  Has anyone had any luck with Upstart on a Mac with a Windows Virtual Machine (Virtual Box, specifically, is free).  Worst case I can get an ultra cheap Windows net-book with USB.  
 
2) Connecting to USB: Can I buy any RJ45 -> USB cable on Ebay, or, do I have to buy the HAI PIM->Serial cable, and then a Serial -> USB adapter?
 
 
 
Thanks for any help you can provide. 

Windows PC's are so cheap, just buy one of these:  https://www.amazon.com/Windows-PC/s?k=Windows+PC
 
You can spend under $150.  I did that several years ago, bought a Windows 10 PC for like $60.  Demands of PCAccess, and UpStart are pretty minimal. 
 
A cheap or secondhand PC laptop will work as well. Its not like you will be using it everyday.

 

[ddprocter]

Awesome advice thanks both!