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StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter, FTDI DB9 Serial DCE Adapter Cable, Null Modem, USB 2.0 - TAA
StarTech.com

StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter

Bottom line: The StarTech.com 6ft 1-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter: FTDI FT232RL chipset avoids the driver headaches of Prolific clones.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ FTDI FT232RL chipset avoids the driver headaches of Prolific clones
  • ✓ Null modem DCE wiring fixes DTE/DCE conflicts with no extra adapter
  • ✓ 921.6 Kbps max baud covers fast legacy serial transfers
  • ✓ 256-byte FIFO buffer reduces dropped bytes on long sessions

Cons

  • ✗ Price, stock, shipping and returns are set by the retailer and may have changed since this page was last updated

Manufacturer description

The StarTech.com ICUSB232FTN is a 6ft (1.8m) USB to serial RS232 adapter cable built around the FTDI FT232RL chipset, wired as a null modem DCE device so you can resolve DTE/DCE conflicts without stacking a separate null modem adapter in line. That single-cable design matters on a crowded retro bench: one run from a USB 2.0 port to the DB9 header on a vintage PC, switch, router console, or industrial controller. The FTDI silicon is the reason to pick this over generic Prolific clones, since FTDI drivers ship with or install cleanly on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it carries 256 bytes of…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored StarTech.com 6ft 1-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter 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

  • MAXIMIZED PORTABILITY: This USB to serial RS232 adapter with FTDI features a single cable design removing the need for additional adapters and cables
  • CORRECT DTE/DCE CONFLICTS: Convert your available USB port into a null modem RS232 DB9 serial port, resolving any DTE/DCE conflicts
  • BROAD COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with your USB 1.0 or 2.0 ports, this RS232 converter works with your Windows, Mac or Linux systems
  • FAST TRANSFER SPEEDS: Experience fast speeds with this serial adapter, supporting a Baud Rate up to 921.6Kbps
  • TECH SPECS: 6 feet (1.8 meters); FTDI FT232RL Chipset; Max Baud Rate: 921.6 Kbps; 256 Bytes FIFO; None/Odd/Even/Mark/Space Parity Modes; 7 or 8 Data Bits; 1 or 2 Stop bits; TAA Compliant

Full Specifications

BrandStarTech.com
ColorBlack
ConnectivityUSB
CompatibilityMac, Linux
Connector TypeSerial/USB
Compatible DevicesBar Code Reader, Monitor, Printer, Satellite Receiver, Tablet PC
BROAD COMPATIBILITYCompatible with your USB 1.0 or 2.0 ports, this RS232 converter works with your Windows, Mac or Linux systems
FAST TRANSFER SPEEDSExperience fast speeds with this serial adapter, supporting a Baud Rate up to 921.6Kbps
MAXIMIZED PORTABILITYThis USB to serial RS232 adapter with FTDI features a single cable design removing the need for additional adapters and cables
CORRECT DTE/DCE CONFLICTSConvert your available USB port into a null modem RS232 DB9 serial port, resolving any DTE/DCE conflicts
Item dimensions L x W x H70.9 x 1.3 x 0.6 inches
Specific Uses For Productpersonal
Full listing titleStarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter, FTDI DB9 Serial DCE Adapter Cable, Null Modem, USB 2.0 - TAA

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StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter, FTDI DB9 Serial DCE Adapter Cable, Null Modem, USB 2.0 - TAA 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.

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StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter, FTDI DB9 Serial DCE Adapter Cable, Null Modem, USB 2.0 - TAA
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