updated: January 30, 2011 You can convert serial connections directly to a USB port.

Before USB ports became standard on computer systems, serial ports served as the primary method of connecting external hardware. Many of the hooked-up devices also siphoned power from the computer directly through the 9-pin serial connection. If you are using older serial hardware that uses the computer as a power source, it is possible to convert it to a USB hook-up when connecting the device to your updated computer.

Attach the standard 9-pin serial cable to the serial device you want hooked up to the computer. Tighten the screws on the side of the cable to secure it to the hardware.

Plug the other end of the serial cable into the serial side of the adapter. This effectively gives your serial cable a new USB end to it.

Insert the USB end of the adapter into any USB port on your computer. Power on the connected serial equipment and wait for it to completely finish running through its warm-up cycle.

Insert the driver installation CD for the adapter into the disc drive of the computer. When the installation wizard loads and leaves the installation name and location as the default settings, then choose "Install" to install the driver.

Restart the computer and the serial device now begins to fully use the power connection running from the USB port.

• How to Make a 9-Pin Serial USB Power Cable [02/16/2011 20:04:02]