Your Cable Store 5 Pack - Review

Your Cable Store 5 Pack Serial Port 9 Pin Null Modem Adapter DB9 Male/Female RS232: A Review

If you're looking for a set of reliable and affordable null modem adapters, then Your Cable Store might have just what you need. This 5 pack of Serial Port 9 Pin Null Modem Adapter DB9 Male/Female RS232 is designed to help you connect serial devices to your computer or other equipment, without having to worry about signal interference or malfunction caused by cross-wiring. But are these adapters actually worth your money? Let's find out.

Design and Features

The Your Cable Store null modem adapters have a simple yet efficient design that should be familiar to anyone who has worked with serial cables before. Each adapter is made of durable molded plastic and features a male DB9 connector on one side and a female DB9 connector on the other side. What makes these adapters "null modem" is the fact that they have a specific wiring configuration that swaps the transmit and receive lines, and opens up pin 9 to allow for more flexibility in data transfer. This is especially useful when you need to connect two DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) devices, such as two computers or a computer and a printer, using a serial port instead of USB or Ethernet.

One thing to note is that these adapters are not gender changers, meaning they cannot be used to convert a male DB9 port to a female DB9 port or vice versa. They are only used for null modem communication, which requires both sides of the connection to have a null modem adapter. Also, the adapters come in a pack of 5, which is great if you need multiple connections or want to have some spares in case of damage or loss.

Compatibility and Performance

The Your Cable Store null modem adapters claim to be RS232 compliant, which means they should work with any device that supports this serial standard. However, some users have reported issues with compatibility, especially with older devices or non-standard wiring schemes. It's always a good idea to check the specifications of your devices or RS232 cables to make sure they are compatible with null modem communication and the pinout used by these adapters. Additionally, some users have experienced slower transfer speeds or signal noise when using these adapters, which may be attributed to factors such as cable quality or interference from other devices. If you need to transfer large amounts of data or require high-speed communication, you may want to consider other options such as Ethernet or USB.

That being said, many users have praised the Your Cable Store null modem adapters for their reliability and ease of use. They are plug-and-play compatible with most operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, and require no additional drivers or software. Simply plug in the adapter to both devices, configure your serial settings if necessary, and start transferring data. The adapters also have sturdy connectors that stay securely in place and don't loosen over time, which is a common issue with some other adapters.

Value and Conclusion

At the time of this review, the Your Cable Store null modem adapters are priced around $16 for a pack of 5, which is quite affordable compared to other null modem adapters on the market. However, the low price also reflects the fact that these adapters may not be suitable for all applications or devices, so it's important to consider your specific needs before making a purchase. If you're a hobbyist or a small business owner who needs to connect two serial devices occasionally and doesn't require high-speed or long-range communication, then these adapters could be a cost-effective solution. However, if you need to connect multiple devices or require more advanced features such as hardware flow control or custom pinout, you may want to invest in more expensive and specialized adapters.

In conclusion, the Your Cable Store 5 Pack Serial Port 9 Pin Null Modem Adapter DB9 Male/Female RS232 is a decent choice for those who need basic null modem communication without breaking the bank. The adapters are easy to use, durable, and come in a convenient pack of 5. However, they may not be suitable for all devices or applications, and some users have reported performance issues. As always, it's up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide if these adapters are a good fit for your specific needs.

Your Cable Store 5 Pack

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