Tripp Lite U209-004 User manual

U209-004
Four-Port USB to Serial Adapter
Users Manual
Tripp Lite
World Headquarters:
1111 West 35th Street,
Chicago, Il, 60609
[phone]
http://www.tripplite.com
U209-004
User’s Manual P/N: 932145

Copyright Copyright © 2003, Tripp Lite, Inc.
Trademarks TRIPP LITE® is a registered trademark of Tripp Lite, Inc. Other product
and brand names listed in this manual may be trademarks of their
respective owners.

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual Table of contents
Page i Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003)
Table of contents
Introduction----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
System requirements ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
Getting started-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
Installing the USB to serial adapter--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
Installing under Windows XP ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3
Uninstalling from Windows XP ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Installing under Windows 2000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Uninstalling from Windows 2000-------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
Installing under Windows NT-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
Installing under Windows Me-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
Uninstalling from Windows Me ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------21
Installing under Windows 98/98SE----------------------------------------------------------------------------------22
Uninstalling from Windows 98/98SE --------------------------------------------------------------------------28
Making external connections -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
RS-232 serial connections ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
Testing DB-9 serial ports in HyperTerminal ---------------------------------------------------------------------30
Running Hyperterminal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30
Using Device Manager--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31
Accessing Device Manager ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31
Win XP and 2000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31
Win 98, 98SE, and Me----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31
Exploring Device Manager screens ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------31
Win XP and 2000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31
Win 98, 98SE, and Me----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------36
Setting advanced options -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------40
Data rate multiplier ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------40
Troubleshooting-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------41
Appendix A -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------42
Specifications---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------42
Appendix B -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------43
Warranty information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------43

Table of Contents Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual
Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003) Page ii
Figures
Figure 1 - Win XP Found new hardware prompt ...................................................................................... 4
Figure 2 - Win XP Searches drivers prompt .............................................................................................. 4
Figure 3 - Win XP software logo warning .................................................................................................. 5
Figure 4 - Win XP Wizard installs the software prompt...........................................................................5
Figure 5 - Win XP Finished installing prompt .......................................................................................... 6
Figure 6 - Win XP Install software for USB serial port prompt............................................................... 6
Figure 7 - Win XP Searches for Tripp Lite serial port screen .................................................................. 7
Figure 8 - Win XP Wizard installs the software prompt...........................................................................8
Figure 9 - Win XP Installation complete prompt ...................................................................................... 8
Figure 10 - Win 2000 Found new hardware prompt .................................................................................9
Figure 11 - Win 2000 Search for or display drivers prompt ................................................................... 10
Figure 12 - Win 2000 Locate driver files prompt..................................................................................... 11
Figure 13 - Win 2000 Finished searching for driver files prompt .......................................................... 12
Figure 14 - Win 2000 Software logo warning .......................................................................................... 12
Figure 15 - Win 2000 Finished installing prompt ................................................................................... 13
Figure 16 - Win 2000 Install software for USB serial port prompt........................................................ 13
Figure 17 - Win 2000 Search for or display device driver prompt.......................................................... 14
Figure 18 - Win 2000 Locate driver files prompt..................................................................................... 15
Figure 19 - Win 2000 Finished searching for driver files prompt .......................................................... 16
Figure 20 - Win 2000 Installation complete prompt ...............................................................................16
Figure 21 - Win Me Found new hardware prompt..................................................................................18
Figure 22 - Win Me Driver file search prompt ........................................................................................ 19
Figure 23 - Win Me Finished installing prompt...................................................................................... 19
Figure 24 - Win Me Ready to install prompt ........................................................................................... 20
Figure 25 - Win Me Driver file search prompt ........................................................................................ 20
Figure 26 - Win Me Finished installing prompt...................................................................................... 21
Figure 27 - Win 98/98SE Searches for new drivers prompt.................................................................... 22
Figure 28 - Win 98/98SE Search or select prompt................................................................................... 23
Figure 29 - Win 98/98SE Search for new drivers prompt ....................................................................... 23
Figure 30 - Win 98/98SE Ready to install the best driver prompt ......................................................... 24
Figure 31 - Win 98/98SE Finished installing software prompt.............................................................. 25
Figure 32 - Win 98/98SE Searches for new drivers prompt.................................................................... 25
Figure 33 - Win 98/98SE Search or display prompt................................................................................26
Figure 34 - Win 98/98SE Search for new drivers prompt ....................................................................... 26
Figure 35 - Win 98/98SE Ready to install prompt .................................................................................. 27
Figure 36 - Win 98/98SE Finished installing prompt .............................................................................28
Figure 37 - RS-232 DB-9 pin designations............................................................................................... 29
Figure 38 - Use of DTEs and DCEs in a communication link ................................................................ 29
Figure 39 - Cabling requirements for RS-232C devices.......................................................................... 30
Figure 41 - Win XP/2000 Device Manager USB serial port properties, General tab............................32
Figure 42 - Win XP/2000 RS-232 Advanced Options dialog window ..................................................... 33
Figure 43 - Win XP/2000 USB serial port, Port settings box..................................................................34
Figure 44 - Win XP/2000 USB serial port, Advanced settings box ........................................................34
Figure 45 - Win XP/2000 USB serial port properties, Driver box .......................................................... 35
Figure 46 - Win 98/98SE/Me USB serial port properties, General tab.................................................. 36
Figure 47 - Win 98/98SE/Me USB serial port properties, USB Serial Port Settings tab ..................... 37
Figure 48 - Win 98/98SE/Me USB serial port properties, USB Serial Port Advanced Options box .... 38
Figure 49 - Win 98/98SE/Me USB serial port properties Driver box ..................................................... 39

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual Table of contents
Page iii Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003)
Tables
Table 1 - Device port and connection.......................................................................................................... 1
Table 2 - RS-232 DB-9 signal definitions ................................................................................................. 29

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual Introduction
Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003) Page 1
Introduction
This Users Manual describes how to setup and install your Tripp Lite
USB to Serial Adapter.
The Tripp Lite U209-004 provides four independent RS-232 serial
interfaces to the host PC via the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.
The following table details the port and connection configuration for
the USB to Serial Adapter device.
Table1-Deviceportandconnection
Device Ports Connection
U209-004 4 RS-232
Each adapter comes standard with 16550 Universal Asynchronous
Receiver/Transmitters (UARTs) containing 16-byte First In First Out
(FIFO) storage devices. These FIFOs, in conjunction with the USB
micro controller FIFOs, help to relieve the CPU of excessive
interrupts by buffering received and transmitted data. This
configuration allows each channel to obtain data rates up to 460.8
kbps. The adapters are USB bus-powered; therefore no external
power supply is required.
The USB to Serial Adapter product is a Plug-and-Play device and
requires no hardware configuration. Your computer's BIOS or
operating system automatically configures the ports when you install
the device.
System requirements
Tripp Lite’s USB to Serial Adapter requires the Windows
98/Me/XP/2000/NT4 operating system and an IBM or IBM-compatible
PC with a standard USB port or an add-in USB host adapter. Contact
our sales department for details on current software offerings. Most
device drivers are available for download from the Tripp Lite World
Wide Web site at http://www.tripplite.com/.
Getting started
Follow these steps to unpack your USB to Serial Adapter.
Step Procedure Description
! Step 1 Remove the Tripp Lite USB to Serial
Adapter from the box.
! Step 2 Remove all packing material from the USB
adapter. Save the packaging in case you ever need to store the unit or return it to Tripp Lite
for service.
Note: The 16550 is well suited
for applications involving high
data rates and for heavy
multitasking environments. The
larger FIFO allows each
read/write access to the UART
to move more data, resulting in
fewer interrupts and less
processor time spent servicing
the UART.
Note: These products comply
fully with USB Specification
version 1.1 and are fully
supported under Windows
98/ME/XP/2000/NT4.
Note: The Tripp Lite USB to
Serial Adapter requires one
USB port.

Introduction Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual
Page 2 Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003)
Step Procedure Description
! Step 3 Check the contents of the package to make
sure you have received everything listed
below:
# Tripp Lite U209-004 USB to Serial Adapter,
# USB cable,
# DB-9 loopback connector
# Installation CD-ROM containing the device drivers
and configuration software
The complete USB adapter package ships
in a single box.
! Step 4 Check the USB to Serial Adapter and
accessories for shipping damage. Pay particular attention to the case and port connectors. If anything is missing or
damaged, contact Tripp Lite Tech
Support.

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual Installing the software
Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003) Page 3
Installing the USB to serial adapter
This section explains how to install the USB to Serial Adapter under
different operating systems. Please locate and follow the procedure
for your computer’s operating system.
Windows maintains a registry of all known hardware installed in
your computer in which it keeps track of all of your system resources,
such as I/O locations, IRQ levels, and DMA channels. The Add New
Hardware Wizard utility helps you to add new hardware and updates
this registry.
The USB to Serial Adapter includes an INF configuration file to allow
easy configuration in the Windows environment. Windows uses the
INF file to determine the system resources required by the adapter,
searches for available resources to fill the board's requirements, and
then updates the hardware registry with an entry that allocates these
resources.
The USB to Serial Adapter also includes Windows device drivers that
enable the adapter’s serial ports to appear to Windows as standard
COM ports.
Installing under Windows XP
Follow these steps to install the USB to Serial Adapter under
Windows XP.
Step Procedure Description
! Step 1 Turn on the power to your computer
system. This is the system in which the USB to Serial Adapter is to be installed.
! Step 2 Plug the wide flat end of the USB cable
into the downstream connector. This is the connector located on the back o
f
the computer or USB hub.
! Step 3 Plug the square end of the USB cable into
the back of the USB to Serial Adapter box. Windows tells you that it has found new hardware and launches the Found New
Hardware Wizard.
! Step 4 Insert the Tripp Lite installation CD into
your CD-ROM drive. This is the CD that shipped with your USB to Serial Adapter.
Note: The installation process
takes place in two stages: the
serial adapter board and then
the serial ports.
Caution! Be sure to allow
the installation process to
finish without interruption.
If you stop the process
before the adapter board
and all of the serial ports
are installed, you will
corrupt the installation.

Installing the software Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual
Page 4 Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003)
Figure1-WinXPFoundnew hardware prompt
Step Procedure Description
! Step 5 Click the Next button. Windows searches for drivers for the
serial USB adapter.
Figure2-WinXPSearchesdriversprompt
Figure 1 illustrates the Win
XP Found new hardware
prompt. The Found New
Hardware Wizard launches
automatically when you first
plug in the USB to Serial
Adapter.
Figure 2 illustrates the Win
XP Searches for drivers
prompt. When the Wizard
finds the USB to Serial
Adapter drivers, this screen
disappears.

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual Installing the software
Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003) Page 5
Step Procedure Description
! Step 6 The Wizard locates and starts to install
the necessary software, then notifies you
that Windows XP has not certified the
software.
The warning appears just as the installation
starts and indicates that Windows XP
has not yet tested the software. Note that
the software does work properly with XP.
Figure3-WinXPsoftwarelogowarning
Step Procedure Description
! Step 7 Click the Continue Anyway button.
! Step 8 The Wizard proceeds with the
installation. The Wizard installs the software prompt displays, followed by the Finished
installing prompt.
Figure4-WinXPWizardinstalls the softwareprompt
Figure 4 is the Win XP Wizard
installs the software prompt.
This prompt closes when the
installation is complete.
Figure 3 shows the Windows
XP Logo testing warning. This
indicates only that Windows
has not certified the USB to
Serial Adapter. Rest assured
that Tripp Lite’s drivers work
properly with Windows XP.

Installing the software Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual
Page 6 Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003)
Figure5-WinXPFinishedinstalling prompt
Step Procedure Description
! Step 9 Press the Finish button to continue. The USB adapter installation is
complete. Next, the Wizard installs the
serial USB ports.
The Install software for USB serial port
prompt displays.
Figure6-WinXPInstallsoftware for USBserialportprompt
Figure 6 indicates that the
wizard is ready to install the
USB ports.
Figure 5 shows the Win XP
Finished installing prompt. It
indicates that the serial USB
adapter has been successfully
installed.

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual Installing the software
Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003) Page 7
Step Procedure Description
! Step 10 Make sure that the Tripp Lite CD is still
in your CD-ROM drive. This is the CD that shipped with your USB to serial Adapter.
! Step 11 Select the Install the software
automatically (Recommended) option. The Wizard should go automatically to the USB driver location. If necessary,
you can browse to the correct location.
The complete path is E:\. Replace E:
with your CD-ROM drive designation.
! Step 12 Click the Next button to continue. The wizard prompts you to wait while it
searches for serial USB port drivers.
Figure7-WinXPSearchesfor Tripp Liteserialportscreen
Step Procedure Description
! Step 13 The Wizard proceeds with the
installation. The Wizard installs the software prompt displays, followed by the Installation
complete prompt.
Figure 7 illustrates the wizard
searching for the serial USB
port driver.

Installing the software Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual
Page 8 Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003)
Figure8-WinXPWizardinstalls the softwareprompt
Figure9-WinXPInstallationcomplete prompt
Step Procedure Description
! Step 14 Click the Finish button. The Wizard briefly displays the Unknown
hardware found and Installing messages
as it installs the serial USB port.
! Step 15 Repeat Steps 11-14 for each port. Your USB to Serial Adapter installation
is complete!
Figure 9 displays when the file
copying process is finished.
Figure 8 is the Win XP Wizard
installs the software prompt.
This screen shows you the
progress of the installation.

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual Installing the software
Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003) Page 9
Uninstalling from Windows XP
Follow these steps in the event that you need to uninstall or reinstall
the USB to Serial Adapter software.
1. From the Control Panel, select System.
2. Press the Hardware tab.
3. Click on Device Manager.
4. Scroll down to Multi-port serial adapters and expand.
5. Highlight your Tripp Lite U209-004 USB to Serial Adapter.
6. Select the Action menu option.
7. Select Uninstall from the drop down menu.
8. Click OK at the Confirmation screen. Note that this also removes
all the serial ports associated with your USB to Serial Adapter.
Installing under Windows 2000
Follow these steps to install the USB to Serial Adapter under
Windows 2000.
Step Procedure Description
! Step 1 Turn on the power to your computer
system. This is the system in which the USB to Serial Adapter is to be installed.
! Step 2 Plug the wide flat end of the USB cable
into the downstream connector. This is the connector located on the back o
f
the computer or USB hub.
! Step 3 Plug the square end of the USB cable into
the back of the USB to Serial Adapter box. Windows tells you that it has found new hardware and launches the Found New
Hardware Wizard. The Found new
hardware prompt displays.
Figure10-Win2000Foundnewhardwareprompt
Figure 10 illustrates the Win
2000 Found new hardware
prompt. The Found New
Hardware Wizard launches
automatically when you first
plug in the USB to Serial
adapter.

Installing the software Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual
Page 10 Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003)
Step Procedure Description
! Step 4 Click the Next button. The Search for or display drivers
prompt displays.
! Step 5 Insert the Tripp Lite installation CD into
your CD-ROM drive. This is the CD that shipped with the USB to Serial Adapter.
Figure11-Win2000Searchforordisplaydriversprompt
Step Procedure Description
! Step 6 Select Search for a suitable driver for
my device (recommended).
! Step 7 Click the Next button. The Locate driver files prompt displays.
Figure 11 shows the Win 2000
Search for or display drivers
prompt.

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual Installing the software
Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003) Page 11
Figure12 -Win2000Locatedriverfilesprompt
Step Procedure Description
! Step 8 Select CD-ROM drives. If necessary, you can also select Specify
a location and browse to the desired
location with the USB to Serial Adapter
drivers.
The complete path is E:\. Replace E:
with your CD-ROM drive designation.
! Step 9 Click the Next button. Windows searches for drivers for the
serial USB adapter. The Finished
searching for driver files prompt
displays.
Figure 12 illustrates the Win
2000 Locate driver files prompt.

Installing the software Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual
Page 12 Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003)
Figure13 -Win2000Finishedsearchingfordriverfilesprompt
Step Procedure Description
! Step 10 Click the Next button.
! Step 11 The Wizard locates and starts to install
the necessary software, then notifies you
that Windows 2000 has not certified the
software.
The warning appears just as the installation
starts and indicates that Windows 2000
has not yet tested the software. Note that
the software does work properly with
Windows 2000.
Figure14 -Win2000Softwarelogowarning
Step Procedure Description
! Step 12 Click the Yes button.
! Step 13 The Wizard proceeds with the
installation. The Please wait while the Wizard installs the software screen displays, followed by
the Finished installing prompt.
Figure 14 shows the Windows
2000 Logo test warning. This
indicates only that Windows
has not certified the USB to
Serial Adapter. Rest assured
that Tripp Lite’s drivers work
properly with Windows 2000.
Figure 13 illustrates the Win
2000 Finished searching for
driver files prompt.

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual Installing the software
Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003) Page 13
Figure15-Win2000Finishedinstalling prompt
Step Procedure Description
! Step 14 Press the Finish button to continue. The USB adapter installation is
complete. Next, the Wizard installs the
USB ports.
The Install software for USB serial port
prompt displays.
Figure16 -Win2000InstallsoftwareforUSBserialportprompt
Figure 16 indicates that the
wizard has detected and is
ready to install the USB ports.
Figure 15 is the Win 2000
Finished installing prompt. It
indicates that the serial USB
adapter has been successfully
installed.

Installing the software Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual
Page 14 Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003)
Step Procedure Description
! Step 15 Make sure that the Tripp Lite CD is still
in your CD-ROM drive. This is the CD that shipped with your USB to Serial Adapter.
! Step 16 Click the Next button to continue. The Search for or display device driver
prompt displays.
Figure17-Win2000Searchforordisplaydevicedriverprompt
Step Procedure Description
! Step 17 Select Search for a suitable driver for my
device (recommended).
! Step 18 Click the Next button. The Locate driver files prompt displays.
Figure 17 illustrates the Win
2000 Search for or display
device driver prompt.

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter User’s Manual Installing the software
Rev 2.0 (5/30/2003) Page 15
Figure18 -Win2000Locatedriverfilesprompt
Step Procedure Description
! Step 19 Select CD-ROM drives. If necessary, you can also select the
Specify a location option and browse to
the location with the USB to Serial
Adapter drivers.
The complete path is E:\. Replace E:\
with your CD-ROM drive designation.
! Step 20 Click the Next button. Windows searches for drivers for the
serial USB adapter. The Finished
searching for driver files prompt
displays.
Figure 18 illustrates the Win
2000 Locate driver files prompt.