I'm looking for USB to serial FTDI cables. However, the cheapest I can find is $20 US each, which is way too expensive, given my price target for the entire product is $70. I'm hoping they can be found for $5 each somewhere, but even FTDI themselves has them for £16 (about $25) each. Anyone know of any other options?
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\$\begingroup\$ You could just make the user supply their own "batteries not included" \$\endgroup\$– Toby JaffeyDec 2, 2010 at 22:05
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\$\begingroup\$ @Joby Taffey, that is an option if I can't find a cheap one. But the cable brings a lot more features; without it, you can only use the default settings of the module, and you can't download the data from the datalog. \$\endgroup\$– Thomas ODec 2, 2010 at 22:06
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1\$\begingroup\$ The FTDI FT232RL device is $4.50 alone, so I don't think you will have any luck, at least with FTDI devices. (search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/… ) \$\endgroup\$– Connor WolfDec 3, 2010 at 1:11
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4 Answers
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Nokia data cables are USB to serial.
http://hackaday.com/2010/02/25/nokia-usb-cable-is-usb-to-serial-in-disguise/
You might also want to look at non-FTDI serial to USB chips, like the Prolific 2303 (PL2303) which is in this Nokia cable.
answered Dec 2, 2010 at 21:48
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\$\begingroup\$ Brilliant. I could hack these myself, or, do you know of someone selling pre-hacked cables? \$\endgroup\$– Thomas ODec 2, 2010 at 21:51
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\$\begingroup\$ Sorry, I don't, I just remembered the article \$\endgroup\$ Dec 2, 2010 at 21:55
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I've found that the PL2303 is far more reliable than FTDI. They both do the same job though.
You can find a full adapter here for under $4: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5859
If you do a Google Product Search for PL2303, you will find others.
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\$\begingroup\$ The Windows drivers for these can be very shaky, though. \$\endgroup\$– XTLDec 3, 2010 at 9:12
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\$\begingroup\$ @XTL, odd, I've used it on Windows and Linux with no issues. Interesting. Perhaps I am using an older driver version? I haven't updated in a few years. \$\endgroup\$– BradDec 3, 2010 at 16:11
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Why not design in your own USB/UART device on the board? All these cables have in them is an FTDI FT232R or similar
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\$\begingroup\$ Having it off-board might be useful for users that have several of the products... maybe. \$\endgroup\$ Dec 2, 2010 at 22:07
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Assuming your product already has a micro, the cheapest way is usually to use one with onboard USB.
answered Dec 2, 2010 at 22:51
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\$\begingroup\$ Yeah I was considering this but adding a USB port will be bigger than the 6 pin header and the USB/UART would only be used while on the ground (normally is flying in a plane.) \$\endgroup\$– Thomas ODec 2, 2010 at 23:12
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3\$\begingroup\$ @Thomas: Micro USB is smaller than a 6-pin header. \$\endgroup\$– Nick TDec 2, 2010 at 23:17
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\$\begingroup\$ @Nick T, Micro USB, never heard of it! I was thinking of using a Mini USB type B socket. Either way directly adding USB probably isn't an option at the moment, I don't think my MCU supports it. \$\endgroup\$– Thomas ODec 3, 2010 at 0:46