Generic USB to serial adapter for smartboard

[jon889]

The Smart serial to USB adapters are quite expensive (£50), I'm wondering if I can just use a generic one which costs much less? has anyone tried and had any luck using one?

[Alkaline]

I tried using a generic one and it did not work. The board had power but was not being detected by the PC. Maybe it needs a certain level of power before it can function.

[sted]

depends on the age of the smartboard ive had usb to serial and usb to ps2 to power it and it works but its one heck of a mess and sometimes using a different port will stop it working its just not worth the hassle unless its a dedicated desktop pc where you can fix the cables in permanently. Youre better off getting the smart ones that are usb at pc end and rs232 9 pin at the other they just work much better