{"product_id":"usb-to-serial-adapter-cable-3ft-1m-com-retention-ftdi-chip","title":"USB to Serial Adapter Cable 3ft (1m) - COM Retention, FTDI Chip","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the USB to Serial Adapter Cable 3ft (1m), the bottom line is clear: this compact adapter is best for technicians, engineers, and anyone who needs reliable RS-232 connectivity from a USB-A port. The review finds the cable stands out for its practical combination of an FTDI FT232R chipset, real-time LED diagnostics, and interchangeable DB9 screws or nuts that make it simple to secure to a range of serial peripherals. For users who need predictable COM retention and solid build quality at a short length, it is a dependable choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterchangeable nuts and screws:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lets the adapter be secured using pre-installed DB9 slotted thumbscrews or the included DB9 nuts for compatibility with other serial cables and devices.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLED indicators:\u003c\/strong\u003e Transmit, Receive, and USB LEDs provide immediate, at-a-glance diagnostics of activity and connection status to aid troubleshooting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux with drivers that auto-install on modern systems for fast setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCOM retention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensures the assigned COM port is retained or automatically re-assigned after reconnection or reboot, reducing configuration headaches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRobust build quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e One-piece molded TPE housing, copper shielding and Level-4 ESD protection reduce damage from static and EMI for longer service life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFTDI chipset and performance:\u003c\/strong\u003e FT232R chipset, up to 921.6Kbps baud and built-in FIFOs give dependable serial throughput for many legacy and industrial devices.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe adapter is aimed at IT staff, field service technicians, and makers who need to add a DB9 RS-232 port to a laptop or desktop quickly and with minimal fuss. Its short 3ft (1m) length keeps cable clutter down at workbenches and in lab environments while the COM retention and LEDs save time during repetitive device connects and diagnostics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who need very long runs, multiport serial hubs, or USB-C native connectors should look elsewhere; this cable is a single-port USB-A to DB9 solution designed for direct connections rather than complex installations.\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\u003eReliable FTDI FT232R chipset ensures stable serial communications across supported OSes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInterchangeable screws and nuts make the adapter easy to secure to a variety of serial devices and cables.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDurable construction with copper shielding and Level-4 ESD protection for industrial use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOnboard LEDs and COM retention simplify troubleshooting and repeated connections.\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 a single USB-A to DB9 port and a 3ft (1m) cable length, so not ideal for long-distance or multiport needs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUsers with only USB-C ports will need an adapter to connect this USB-A model.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCable length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.3ft (1m)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChipset\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFTDI FT232R\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax baud rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e921.6Kbps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFIFO\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e128 Byte Rx \/ 256 Byte Tx\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eESD protection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLevel-4 (15kV air \/ 8kV contact)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e-40C to 80C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB-A to DB9 RS-232 (male)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor professionals and hobbyists who need a straightforward, well-built USB-A to RS-232 cable, this adapter offers excellent value due to its FTDI chipset, COM retention, and sturdy construction. It is particularly useful when immediate diagnostics and secure attachment to serial equipment are priorities. If a single short run and USB-A compatibility meet your needs, this cable is a practical, reliable choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this work on modern Windows and macOS?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Drivers auto-install on Windows 7 and later, macOS 10.15 and later, and many Linux distributions, providing immediate serial connectivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I secure the DB9 connector to my device?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The adapter ships with pre-installed slotted DB9 thumbscrews and includes spare DB9 nuts to match other serial peripherals or cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the cable keep the same COM port after reconnecting?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. COM retention enables the port to automatically re-assign after disconnection, reconnection, or system reboot to reduce configuration work.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"StarTech","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48603860631771,"sku":"B0CQ8V2P7V","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81_gWSIacFL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778398957","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/usb-to-serial-adapter-cable-3ft-1m-com-retention-ftdi-chip","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}