StarTech.com 1 ft. USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable with COM Port Retention
Bottom line: The StarTech.com 1 ft. USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable ($33.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 16:25 UTC): FTDI-class COM port retention keeps the same COM number across reconnects; main trade-off: 1 ft cable is too short to reach floor-standing equipment without an extension.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ FTDI-class COM port retention keeps the same COM number across reconnects
- ✓ Rated up to 920 kbps, faster than typical 115.2 kbps serial dongles
- ✓ Works on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS without a vendor-locked driver stack
- ✓ 1 ft length avoids cable clutter behind industrial PCs and rack gear
- ✓ TAA-compliant, so it clears government and defense procurement rules
Cons
- ✗ 1 ft cable is too short to reach floor-standing equipment without an extension
- ✗ DB9 male end only, so null-modem or gender changers cost extra
- ✗ No serial port on the host side means a USB port is occupied permanently
- ✗ Single RS232 port, unlike 2- and 4-port hubs at similar street prices
Manufacturer description
The ICUSB232PRO 1 ft USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable with COM Retention offers a professional grade solution for connecting legacy or industrial RS232 serial devices to a laptop or desktop computer through USB - eliminating the expense of upgrading serial peripherals for compatibility.A time-saving and convenient USB/Serial solution, the adapter retains assigned serial COM port values in nonvolatile memory, allowing the same values to automatically be assigned to the adapter serial port if disconnected and reconnected, or disconnected from one USB port and installed in another.A…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored StarTech.com 1 ft. USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the keyboards & mice category. StarTech.com's keyboards & mice lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for keyboards & mice of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Key Features
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY: The USB to VGA adapter offers a professional grade solution for connecting legacy or industrial RS232 serial devices to a laptop or desktop computer through USB.
- COM RETENTION: The USB to serial RS232 adapter retains assigned serial COM port values in nonvolatile memory to automatically be assigned to the adapter serial port if disconnected and reconnected.
- EASY INTEGRATION: A versatile connectivity solution for legacy serial peripheral devices, the USB to RS232 adapter cabler offers broad OS compatibility including Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
- VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: This USB serial adapter is used to connect, monitor and control industrial sensors and equipment. It can also be used to control LED and Digital signage boards.
Full Specifications
| Brand | StarTech.com |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Finish | Vga |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | ICUSB232PRO |
| Compatibility | Mac, Linux |
| Input Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Nominal Power | 12 Watts |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Built-In Media | StarTech 1' USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable with COM Retention |
| Connector Type | Serial/USB |
| Item Type Name | Data Transfer Cable |
| Item Dimensions | 8.27 x 1.5 x 0.57 inches |
| Mfr Part Number | ICUSB232PRO |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Ports | 1 |
| Power Plug Type | No Plug |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Monitor |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year |
| Full listing title | StarTech.com 1 ft. USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable with COM Port Retention - Up to 920 kpbs USB A to DB9 Serial Adapter , TAA (ICUSB232PRO) |
Ready to buy?
StarTech.com 1 ft. USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable with COM Port Retention - Up to 920 kpbs USB A to DB9 Serial Adapter , TAA (ICUSB232PRO) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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