QUATECH ThinkQ QSE-100D-BA 4 Port RS-232 Serial Server (CHEAP!)

[ysualum]

Didn't realize that section existed. I've uploaded the zip file into the firmware section.

 

[pete_c]

There are a few ways to create tunnels between a couple of networks across the internet.


1 - Free if you have a couple of spare PCs - You can make a Linux based firewall with an "old" computer and put 2 NICs in it. This would cost you the price of the old computer. Personally I've converted a couple of "old" Netier terminals - running at 600Mhz to firewalls. You can then install a program like Smoothwall. Smoothwall off the shelf (its free) will let you create VPN tunnels. Smoothwall's Web GUI is very easy to configure.

2 - The cost of a couple of old Linksys VPN routers - You can also buy an "old" Linksys FW router - forgot which model it is - but you can actually put one inside of your networks (on both sides) and create a VPN tunnel between them. 2 DMZs connected by a VPN tunnel.

3 - Free with a Linux FW - You can also create an SSH tunnel between the two locations and run anything inside of the tunnel once properly set.

4 - without a tunnel you can create firewall rules on each side allowing specific ports / ips in or out providing you are using DDNS or internet static IPs. Someone with a whole lot of time would have to play around (port scan etc) to get in....

 

[electron]

Ok, the Vista driver download is now active, thanks for uploading that driver!

http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php...mp;showfile=104

 

[mdonovan]

I online chatted with them and had them email me the vista 32 bit drivers. They plan on releasing 64 bit drivers by October. If you need the vista drivers, PM me your email and I'll forward it to you. I haven't tried to install yet.

I see you put the Vista drivers in the download area. Thanks a lot! It never occurred to me to contact Quatech... Duh!

 

[Neurorad]

ugh. NOW Vista compatible.
Received my 2 port serial card from Newegg yesterday.

 

[ysualum]

ugh. NOW Vista compatible.
Received my 2 port serial card from Newegg yesterday.

No worries. From me being on this forum long enough, I now have the ability to connect at least 20 serial devices from all different methods, even though I only have about 3 devices to connect. And for some reason, I want to buy more of these.

 

[electron]

I just bought 2 more of these .. it's a disease

 

[sic0048]

I bought a few - mostly for my parents project. But having one at home will be nice when I need to test a device or program device via their serial port. For example, I have several B&K whole house keypads that I need to program at my parents house. You interface with the keypads via a serial connection to do the programming. I had bought a USB to serial adapter for my laptop, but it didn't work in this application. Now I'll be able to carry one of these devices and hook it into the network and still program it via my laptop. It will actually be nicer because I won't have to stand next to the keypad to program it. I can hook it up to the Qualtech and then sit on the couch to program it - heck I could do it from MY couch in fact

 

[beelzerob]

:lol: I just bought 2 more of these .. it's a disease

Ditto. :mellow: And ditto.

By the way, I found a Buy It Now for $6, free shipping, correct plug size and amperage, and quantities more than 10, so you could get all that you need at once. It is from Hong Kong, so that's been already discussed.

With 5 of these things to power, I'm considering again just reclaiming a PC power supply and utilizing that to power multiples of these. But of couse, that assumes they'll all be in the same location.

Is it just me, or does it seem like these have screw holes for rack mount ears? I wonder how well that'd work, since they're thinner than the standard 19 rack.

 

[electron]

It does look like they were rack-mountable at one point in time. Either by mounting them side by side using some connector bracket (my external Dell switch power supplies can be mounted together like that), or they came with longer 'ears'.

Thanks for the tip about the power supplies!

 

[sic0048]

By the way, I found a Buy It Now for $6, free shipping, correct plug size and amperage, and quantities more than 10, so you could get all that you need at once. It is from Hong Kong, so that's been already discussed.

Thanks for the link. I decided to buy from there. Don't forget the Bing Ebay cashback offer (currently 10%). Brings it down to about $5.36 shipped. I also like the fact that I won't have to splice my fittings together. That should make for a cleaner installation.

 

[electron]

Let me know when you receive this, I need 4 of them myself, but since you already ordered, I'll wait

 

[beelzerob]

Ya, I'm tempted to jump on the bandwagon (no, I didn't actually order any power supplies yet!), but the auction is still valid for another 25 days, so that should be hopefully enough time for Brian (aka guinee pig) to get his and give a report.

And just a disclaimer, the "correct plug size" was based off of the info posted by TonyNo...so if the plug don't fit, don't blame me!

 

[AceCannon]

DRAT my refurb $199 PC's case is too short to install the Moxa 8-port serial PCI card.

So - I'm thinking either a couple of these Quatech devices or a Digi Edgeport USB-to-serial box. Does anyone have experience with both? Or advice against one or the other?

My gut tells me USB-to-serial devices can be squirrely at times, although my only experience has been with the single port, USB dongle thingies. Mine works, but is erratic at times.

 

[electron]

I would go with the QSE-100 device, it is probably cheaper and I have had more issues with USB serial expanders than Ethernet based serial ports. Just make sure you have a power supply.