StarTech.com 6ft 2-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with COM Retention

StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 2-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with COM Retention, USB to RS232 Adapter – TAA | Dual-Port Serial over USB

The StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 2-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with COM Retention, USB to RS232 Adapter – TAA adds two RS232 serial ports to modern laptops or desktops via USB. It is aimed at UK engineers and technicians connecting legacy PLCs, scales, or instruments. The key USP is COM retention, which keeps port assignments stable after reconnection or reboot. Drivers and a manual are included for quick setup.

Reliable COM Port Retention for Consistent Control

This adapter features COM retention. It automatically reassigns the same COM port values if you disconnect and reconnect the cable, or after a system reboot. In practice, this reduces configuration time in maintenance scenarios. It helps avoid re-mapping devices in control software.

FTDI Chipset for Broader Compatibility

The unit uses the FTDI FT2232D chipset. This supports additional customisation and advanced features compared with many generic alternatives. It also offers strong OS support across mixed environments. So, it suits sites with both modern and legacy systems.

Dual DB9 Ports from a Single USB Connection

You get two male DB9 serial ports from one USB 2.0 A connection. Each port is straight form factor with plastic housing. The cable length is 2.1 m, giving practical reach from a desktop to rack equipment. This is useful for simultaneous device monitoring or control.

High-Speed Serial with Flexible Settings

The adapter supports a baud rate up to 921.6 Kbit/s and 480 MB/s bandwidth. It offers 7 or 8 data bits and stop bits of 1 or 2. Parity options include Even, Mark, No, Odd, and Space. A 128 B FIFO helps manage data flow in busy setups.

Wide Operating System Support

Windows versions from 98SE through Windows 11 are supported, including 32-bit and 64-bit editions. Mac OS X 10.6 through macOS 13 Ventura are listed. Linux is supported, though specific distributions are not specified. Confirm your OS version before purchase.

Environmental and Compliance Details

Operating temperature is 0–55 °C with storage from -20 to 85 °C. Relative humidity support is 5–95%. The product carries CE and RoHS compliance certificates. Sustainability compliance is stated, but UKCA is not specified; verify if required for your application.

Product Specifications

Box contents

• 1 x StarTech.com 2-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with FTDI chipset and COM Retention
• 1 x Manual
• Drivers included (download or bundled)

Key points to check

• Confirm your device has a USB 1.1 or 2.0 port; the adapter uses USB 2.0 A.
• Verify your serial devices use RS232 DB9 and require standard COM port mapping.
• Check OS version support; confirm Linux distribution details if using Linux.
• Confirm warranty region and UKCA requirements if applicable for your site.

Common questions

Q: Does this adapter keep the same COM port after reconnecting?

A: Yes, COM retention reassigns the same port values after reconnection or reboot.

Q: Is the FTDI chipset compatible with Linux?

A: Yes, Linux is supported, but confirm your distribution and kernel version.

Q: Can I connect two legacy devices at once?

A: Yes, the two DB9 ports allow simultaneous connection of two RS232 devices.

Q: What is the maximum baud rate?

A: The adapter supports up to 921.6 Kbit/s, depending on device and cable length.

Q: Are drivers included?

A: Yes, drivers are included; you can also download the latest from StarTech.com.

The Consultant’s verdict & warranty

Buy this if you need two stable RS232 serial ports from a single USB connection, with COM retention for predictable device mapping. It suits UK engineers integrating legacy instruments, PLCs, or scales with modern PCs. Covered by the applicable manufacturer warranty.