BU-353S4 causing windows10 to crash every time

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by wholybee

Definitely switch to a device that uses the FTDI chipset. 3 issues with the prolific:

There are compatibility issues with a lot of software. Especially older software.
There are many counterfeits of the chipset. The driver issue you have is a symptom of that, as prolific updates the driver to break the counterfeits.
The prolific will often use a different com port if you reboot, and/or move it to a different USB port. The FTDI will always use the some com port designation.

1. the problems are NOT prolific specific,


2. there are also counterfeit ftdi chips,


3. ftdi may use the same port, but may also use another (e.g. when more than one cable is in use)


etc.


I have had heaps of problems with ftdi chipsets when Windows started blocking some of them.


Out of 3 ftdi cables here, two are cheap Chinese fakes only one is good.


;-(


b.

[transmitterdan]

Yes, don’t use fake chips. I suspect (but cannot prove) that some new drivers can detect fake chips and therein lies a lot of the problems. It’s hard to know which Chinese junk cables are using fake chips. Maybe someone could start a thread listing know counterfeit or non-counterfeit adapters.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by transmitterdan

Yes, don’t use fake chips. I suspect (but cannot prove) that some new drivers can detect fake chips and therein lies a lot of the problems. It’s hard to know which Chinese junk cables are using fake chips. Maybe someone could start a thread listing know counterfeit or non-counterfeit adapters.

Such threads exist already in hardware freaks forums.


The point is they are used to trace the information and simply swap the plastic wrappers and pop comes the weasel we get exactly the kind of product we would like - ban the chipset inside.


Fake chips are in many cases very hard to tell as they actually look like the originals - up to the finely printed names on them.


The only difference between fake and authentic is whether they were made by company A or B - otherwise they are identical.


Microsoft did a horrible job filtering out the fake chips. I think they should have remain neutral. I do not know if Apple did the same thing or not. But I can tell you Linux does not care if the chip is fake or not.


I can use all the cables I have on Linux, but only some of them on Windows. And when they do, Window tends to force a driver update now and then that messes up my settings every two or three months.


I hate all this SAS Microsoft thing. Unfortunately more and more companies go that way (e.g. Firefox now).



b.

[Akka]

Thanks to you all for taking up this issue. I've ordered a USB-Gear serial FTDI chipset adapter from Amazon.com. We'll see if it works -- if not, or even if I have any problems, back it goes to Amazon and I'll buy an adapter directly from FTDI.

[CarCode]

Most people use a laptop or other similiar mobile device. I really don't understand why these people kill the mobility feature of their devices and attaches cables to them. Furthermore these problems with USB GPS pucks are known more than 10 years ago. And for some operation systems (OS) they always needs a new driver.
Why you don't use a Bluetooth GPS mouse which works with every OS and every version of an OS? So again you have a real mobile computer without any cables. No driver needed, nothing.

Since about 15 years I use my Bluetooth GPS with Windows, macOS and Linux and this Bluetooth GPS has only been renewed 2 years ago because a better one was available which also supports GLONASS and GALILEO now.

[transmitterdan]

Gerhard,

How do you power a blue tooth GPS?

[CarCode]

Originally Posted by transmitterdan

Gerhard,

How do you power a blue tooth GPS?

I have a boat with any voltage I need.

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by CarCode

I have a boat with any voltage I need.

So the USB GPS does not have a rechargeable battery?

[CarCode]

Originally Posted by transmitterdan

So the USB GPS does not have a rechargeable battery?

I don't know any USB GPS with a rechargeable battery.
If you are interested in a Bluetooth GPS look at:
BT-Q818XT

[barnakiel]

BT is crap use on most platforms I have tried.


Pairing, shmeckairing, device lost, pairing lost, device visible but no gps data, etc. Always something. Works good on Mondays though.



I think BT for gps / ais use is rubbish.


I use wifi or cable connection. Never BT anymore.



b.

[CarCode]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

BT is crap use on most platforms I have tried.
Pairing, shmeckairing, device lost, pairing lost, device visible but no gps data, etc. Always something. Works good on Mondays though.
I think BT for gps / ais use is rubbish
I use wifi or cable connection. Never BT anymore.
b.

There have been about hundreds claims about USB GPS in the last ten years here but I have never seen anyone with trouble of Bluetooth. You are the first one...

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by CarCode

There have been about hundreds claims about USB GPS in the last ten years here but I have never seen anyone with trouble of Bluetooth. You are the first one...

Base rate fallacy.


b.

[skipperearly]

Never again BT for gpx . It's just not reliable. And what sense does it make if it it needs a power cable? Get yourself a new generation gps USB with a chip reading all available gps networks and plug it into your laptop. Unless you sit in a steel vessel or submarine you hardly need an external antenna any more.
My2cent

[CarCode]

Originally Posted by skipperearly

Never again BT for gpx . It's just not reliable. And what sense does it make if it it needs a power cable? Get yourself a new generation gps USB with a chip reading all available gps networks and plug it into your laptop. Unless you sit in a steel vessel or submarine you hardly need an external antenna any more.
My2cent

A Bluetooth device does not need its power from a laptop. First the built-in battery is good for 42 hours usage, second the device can be attached to any 12V or 5V power connector on the boat. Some knowledge about Bluetooth is not hindering however. So forget the usually 4800 baudrate but select 38400 or even 115200 baudrate for a GPS Bluetooth. Same for an AIS Bluetooth: 115200 baudrate is OK. This way anyhow the data buffer is emptied and you have a fast and stable connection. I use the Bluetooth GPS now for 12 years and have also attached to my AIS capable VHF radio a Bluetooth transmitter.
So I feel very sorry for the people fighting with USB drivers and cables. Especially the people at Redmond have never learned how to handle serial and USB.

[transmitterdan]

I want to try BT GPS.

For the record, I have never had a problem with USB GPS. I just like to try as many options as I can. These devices are not expensive compared to marine built for purpose devices from the major manufacturers.