[ale] USB -> serial cables and such

[Pete Hardie]

Hello all,

After realizing that multi-serial port boards are pricey, and that RH 7.2 has 
USB support in it, I'm looking to convert several of my serial port connections 
to USB via a USB->serial cable and USB hub.  However, I'm very unschooled in USB 
technology, so I have a few questions.

The devices I hope to connect are
a) modem, used for caller ID purposes
b) digital camera for image download (alternately, a SMartCard reader for same)
c) Palm upload link
d) keyboard & mouse

1) if I use a USB keyboard, what effect, if any, does this have on the KB and 
mouse in the normal ports?

2) the camera and Palm hookups do not need to be connected all the time - would 
it be easier to just connect them up when needed, and so I can use one 
USB:serial cable to swap bewteen them?
2a) the modem may stay on the one serial port I do have, unless there is a good 
reason to change it - is there one?


3) any suggestions for USB_serial cable brands/vendors, and ditto for USB hubs?

4) any gotchas I should look out for?

as usual, Thanks in advance,

-- 
Pete Hardie                   |   Goalie, DVSG Dart Team
     posting from, but not     |
	speaking for:             |
Scientific Atlanta, Digital Video Services Group



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