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Brainboxes UC-475 - 2 Port RS232 PCI Serial Card with LPT Printer Port

Brainboxes UC-475 - 2 Port RS232 PCI Serial Card with LPT Printer Port

This Brainboxes UC-475 Universal PCI card provides one RS232 serial port and one LPT printer port....

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Brainboxes Size 2 Lenovo Full Height Pci Card For 2X Serial Port (Rs232 Ports)

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Product Information

Full details

The Brainboxes UC-475 is a universal PCI card designed for PCs needing to add legacy ports. It provides one RS232 serial port and one LPT parallel printer port, ideal for connecting older peripherals or industrial equipment. While offering high-performance data transfer up to 115,200 baud, its main limitation is its reliance on a PCI slot, making it unsuitable for modern systems without PCI expansion.

All features

Model Part NumberUC-475
BrandBrainboxes

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Can I add a second serial port?

Yes, the UC-475 supports an optional serial port adapter which allows for a second RS232 serial port to be added.

What operating systems are supported?

The card includes drivers for Windows 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, 2003, and Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit). Check the Brainboxes website for potential newer OS driver support.

Will this card work in a laptop?

No, this is a PCI card designed for desktop computers with available PCI slots. It will not work in a laptop unless the laptop has a specialized PCI expansion chassis.

What is the maximum serial data transfer rate?

The card supports data transfer rates up to 115,200 baud.

Does it have a USB port?

No, the UC-475 provides one RS232 serial port and one LPT parallel port. It does not include USB connectivity.

How do I know if my PCI slot is compatible (3.3V or 5V)?

The UC-475 is a Universal PCI card, meaning it is designed to work in both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots. It should automatically detect and work with the voltage provided by your motherboard's slot.

Troubleshooting

Device not recognized after installation

Ensure the card is properly seated in the PCI slot. Verify that the correct drivers for your operating system are installed. Check Device Manager for any errors related to the card.

Serial port not communicating

Confirm that the serial cable is correctly connected and is the right type (e.g., straight-through vs. null modem). Check the COM port settings in your application and ensure they match the port assigned by Windows. Verify baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits settings.

Parallel port not printing

Ensure the parallel cable is securely connected at both ends. Check the LPT port assignment in your application and Windows. Try a different printer cable or printer if possible.

System instability or crashes

Reseat the card. Test in a different PCI slot if available. Ensure the card is receiving adequate power (check system power supply). If the issue persists, there might be an IRQ conflict or hardware fault.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Adds essential legacy ports (Serial and Parallel) to a PC.
  • Supports high serial baud rates for efficient data transfer.
  • Universal PCI design ensures compatibility with both 3.3V and 5V slots.
  • Includes drivers for a wide range of Windows operating systems.
  • Compact solution with the potential for two serial ports plus one parallel port.

Cons

  • Requires a PCI slot, not compatible with systems lacking this interface (e.g., most modern laptops).
  • Data transfer rate for serial ports is specified as 0.1 Mbit/s (100,000 baud), which is standard but not the absolute fastest available.
  • Parallel port functionality is basic and may not support all modern parallel device features.
  • Does not offer USB connectivity, which is the standard for most modern peripherals.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup:

  1. Power off your computer and open the case.
  2. Insert the UC-475 card into an available Universal PCI slot (ensure voltage compatibility with your slot).
  3. Secure the card with the screw.
  4. Close the computer case and power it on.
  5. Install the drivers from the provided media or download them from the Brainboxes website. Follow the on-screen prompts.
  6. Connect your RS232 and LPT devices to the respective ports.

Compatibility:

  • Operating Systems: Windows 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, 2003, and Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit). Drivers for newer OS versions may be available from the manufacturer.
  • PCI Slots: Compatible with both 3.3V and 5V Universal PCI slots.
  • Ports: One 9-pin RS232 serial port and one LPT parallel port. An optional adapter can add a second RS232 port.

Care:

  • Keep the card free from dust and debris. Use compressed air to clean the slot and card if necessary.
  • Avoid exposing the card to excessive moisture or extreme temperatures.
  • Handle the card by its edges to avoid static discharge damage.

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