5 ms·
I can't answer for the parent comment, but I've configured different appliances over serial cables in datacenters, and in each situation, it would have been mor
by 1MachineElf 6y ago
I can't answer for the parent comment, but I've configured different appliances over serial cables in datacenters, and in each situation, it would have been more convenient to have had a nice dedicated device like this instead of a big fat "business" laptop.
- fpoling 6y agoA USB serial dongle plus any of those netbook-like or smaller form factor laptops should do the trick. I suppose one can get that used for below 100 USD unless one needs a dongle that does proper 12 volts. That alone may cost over 100 USD.
- throwawayboise 6y agoThe USB serial dongle with a cheap Chromebook is what I use in the data center if I need to connect to a switch or other device with a serial port. The Chromebook runs all day without charging and it's small and light.
- 1MachineElf 6y agoYou are 100% right, but I would still buy a VT-69 (if it existed) simply because I'd rather have just a 4-foot RS232 cable instead of a 4-foot RS232 cable plus 3-foot USB adapter. Less extra cable, less potential for tangles / tripping, easier time overall.
- fpoling 6y agoThe serial-usb adapters that I used at my previous work, including the real one providing the proper 12V, where finger-size dongles with a serial port and a flexible cable of similar length leading to USB-A connector. Essentially one one just attaches it to the serial cable and connect to the laptop as necessary making the dongle very unobtrusive serial cable extension.