{"product_id":"2-port-expansion-card-isa-rs232-serial-and-parallel-port-retro-i-o","title":"2-Port Expansion Card ISA RS232 Serial and Parallel Port - Retro I\/O","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the 2-Port Expansion Card is presented as a purpose-built solution for owners of vintage PCs with an ISA slot who need reliable RS232 serial and parallel connectivity. The bottom line: it is for hobbyists and technicians restoring or operating 8086 through Pentium-era machines and embedded controllers, because it provides two RS232 serial ports and a DB25 parallel port using only a single 5V supply. The reviewer found it straightforward to install and focused on compatibility with legacy peripherals rather than modern plug-and-play conveniences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRetro ISA interface:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works with classic 8086, 80286, 80386, 80486 and Pentium era motherboards that still expose an ISA slot, enabling legacy system restoration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual serial ports:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supplies COM1 as a DB9 port and COM2 via a pin header so users can connect two RS232 devices simultaneously.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eParallel output:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes an LPT1 DB25 parallel connector for printers and older scanners that require parallel port access.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSingle 5V power:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires only a 5V supply to operate, simplifying installation in retro builds and reducing compatibility issues with older power rails.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndustrial and peripheral use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intended for real-world devices such as point of sale terminals, PLCs and scientific sensors that still rely on RS232 or parallel interfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis card is aimed at vintage computer enthusiasts, refurbishment shops and technicians who maintain industrial or laboratory equipment that depends on RS232 and parallel connections. It is particularly useful for anyone running an 8086 through Pentium-era PC or a Celeron motherboard that retains an ISA slot and needs straightforward I\/O expansion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not geared toward mainstream desktop users or modern laptops that lack ISA slots, and those seeking USB-to-serial adapters or modern multiport networked serial devices should look elsewhere. The card assumes familiarity with installing internal ISA add-in cards and connecting external brackets and cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides native \u003cstrong\u003eRS232 COM1 and COM2\u003c\/strong\u003e connectivity suitable for legacy peripherals and industrial gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes a \u003cstrong\u003eDB25 parallel LPT1\u003c\/strong\u003e port for older printers and scanners, preserving compatibility with legacy workflows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingle \u003cstrong\u003e5V power\u003c\/strong\u003e requirement keeps installation simple on older systems and dedicated retro builds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact ISA design fits directly into vintage motherboards without extra adapters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimited to systems with an ISA slot, so it will not work in modern PCs or laptops without additional hardware.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCOM2 uses a pin header rather than a second standard DB9 port, which may require an adapter or custom wiring for some devices.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eISA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCOM1 Serial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDB9 RS232\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCOM2 Serial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePin header RS232\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLPT1 Parallel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDB25\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 ISA RS232 Serial and Parallel Port Card\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2-Port Expansion Card is a pragmatic, value-oriented option for anyone restoring or maintaining ISA-based systems and legacy equipment. It delivers the essential \u003cstrong\u003eserial and parallel\u003c\/strong\u003e connections with minimal fuss and a single 5V power requirement, making it a sensible purchase for hobbyists and technicians who need genuine RS232 and LPT support rather than modern substitutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this card require any drivers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe card is a hardware I\/O expansion for ISA systems; most vintage operating systems recognize standard RS232 and parallel ports but specific drivers may be required by particular software or OS versions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan both serial ports be used at the same time?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, COM1 (DB9) and COM2 (pin header) are both RS232 ports and can operate simultaneously when properly connected and configured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat power does the card need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe board requires a single 5V power supply, which is typical for many retro motherboards and dedicated retro builds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MOUDOAUER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48608690077915,"sku":"B0CSCZ5X4M","price":33.92,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71jywFruIJL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778583425","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/2-port-expansion-card-isa-rs232-serial-and-parallel-port-retro-i-o","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}