StarTech. com 1P6FFC-USB-SERIAL USB to Serial Adapter Cable - 6. 6ft - 2m DB9 RS232 - FTDI Chip - COM Retention - Gold-Plated - Black
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This adapter cable translates USB signals to serial RS-232 communication, supporting standard serial parameters including 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits, and Odd/Even/Mark/Space/None parity modes. The internal FTDI chipset manages 128-byte RX and 256-byte TX FIFO buffers to handle data flow efficiently, reducing the risk of buffer overruns during continuous transmission.
Electrical protection is comprehensive, with Level-4 ESD protection rated for 15kV air and 8kV contact discharges. The extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 80°C allows deployment in harsh or uncontrolled environments, from factory floors to outdoor installations. The cable supports a broad spectrum of devices, including desktop computers, notebooks, monitors, sensors, barcode scanners, receipt printers, POS systems, digital signage, and LED controllers.
This section brings together practical product details such as Cable Type, Cable Length, Connector Type on First End, Color Family, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
This USB to serial adapter stands out through its combination of robust hardware design, intelligent software features, and broad compatibility. The inclusion of interchangeable DB9 nuts and screws offers flexible mounting options, allowing the adapter to be securely attached to serial devices or used with standard DB9 cables without modification.
Real-Time Activity Monitoring
Dual LED indicators for Transmit and Receive provide immediate visual feedback on port activity, while a separate USB LED confirms successful driver recognition and connection establishment by the host computer.
- Transmit LED
- Receive LED
- USB Connection LED
Driver Simplicity & OS Support
Drivers auto-install on Windows 7 and later, macOS 10.15+, and most modern Linux distributions, requiring minimal user intervention. The adapter is also compatible with ChromeOS, making it suitable for educational and kiosk deployments.
- Windows 7+ Auto-Install
- macOS 10.15+ Support
- Linux & ChromeOS Ready
Deployment / Use Cases
This adapter is indispensable in scenarios where modern computing hardware must interface with legacy serial-based equipment. Its reliability and protective features make it suitable for continuous operation in commercial and industrial settings.
Common applications include connecting laptops or thin clients to Cisco networking console ports for configuration, interfacing with industrial PLCs and SCADA systems, driving receipt printers and cash drawers in retail POS environments, and communicating with scientific sensors or environmental monitoring devices. The extended cable length provides flexibility in rack-mounted or desk-side installations.
Network Infrastructure Management
Use the adapter to access the console ports of routers, switches, and firewalls for out-of-band management, firmware updates, and troubleshooting when Ethernet management interfaces are unavailable.
Retail & Hospitality Operations
Integrate legacy serial receipt printers, barcode scanners, and customer display units with modern POS terminals or tablets, ensuring compatibility without replacing functional peripheral hardware.
Physical Profile
The cable features an all-black design with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) jacket that offers flexibility and durability. The molded strain relief and one-piece connector housings enhance cable longevity by preventing wire fatigue at termination points. With an approximate weight of 0.90 oz (25.51 g), the cable is lightweight yet built to withstand daily professional use.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 0.90 oz (25.51 g). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Weight
- 0.90 oz (25.51 g)
- Length
- 6.6 ft (2 m)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for immediate deployment and secure installation.
Highlights
- Adds a DB9 RS-232 serial port to any computer with a USB-A port.
- Features the reliable FTDI FT232R chipset for stable serial communication.
- COM port retention automatically reassigns the same port after disconnection or reboot.
- Includes interchangeable DB9 nuts and screws for flexible mounting options.
- LED indicators show transmit, receive, and USB connection status in real time.
- Works with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux with auto-installing drivers.
- Built with gold-plated connectors, copper shielding, and Level-4 ESD protection.
- Extended operating temperature range from -40°C to 80°C for harsh environments.
- 6.6-foot (2-meter) cable length provides ample reach for various setups.
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty and complies with RoHS/WEEE directives.
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 1P6FFC-USB-SERIAL |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | Serial/USB Data Transfer Cable |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Data Transfer Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Serial/USB |
| Cable Length | 6.6 ft (2 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | USB 2.0 Type A - Male |
| Connector Gender on First End | Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x 4-pin USB 2.0 Type A - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | D-sub RS-232 Serial - Male |
| Connector Gender on Second End | Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x 9-pin D-Sub RS-232 Serial - Male |
| Connector Plating | Gold |
| Shielding | Yes |
| Device Supported | Desktop Computer,Notebook,Peripheral Device,Monitor,Sensor,Barcode Scanner,Receipt Printer,POS Device,Digital Signage,LED |
| Data Transfer Rate | 480 Mbit/s |
| Features | ESD Protection,LED Indicator,Rugged,EMI/RF Protection,Molded |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Product Material | Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) |
| Shielding Material | Copper |
| Weight (Approximate) | 0.90 oz (25.51 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | Serial/USB Data Transfer Cable 2 x DB9 Nuts 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
How does COM port retention work on this adapter?
COM retention is a feature where the adapter's driver automatically reassigns the same COM port number if the cable is disconnected and reconnected, or if the computer is rebooted. This eliminates the need to manually reconfigure software applications that communicate with the serial device, ensuring consistent device addressing and reducing administrative overhead in managed deployments.
What is the purpose of the included DB9 nuts?
The two included DB9 nuts allow you to securely attach the adapter to a serial device's port using a screw-fastened connection, preventing accidental disconnection. This is useful when the adapter is used with devices that have threaded DB9 ports or when you need a more robust physical connection than the friction fit provided by the pre-installed screws alone.
What kind of protection does this cable offer against electrical damage?
The cable provides Level-4 ESD protection, rated for 15kV air discharge and 8kV contact discharge, safeguarding connected equipment from static electricity. It also features copper shielding to minimize electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI), and gold-plated connectors for reliable signal transmission and corrosion resistance in demanding environments.
What is the maximum data transfer rate and baud rate supported?
The USB interface supports a data transfer rate of 480 Mbit/s. For the serial connection, the adapter supports a maximum baud rate of 921.6Kbps, which is sufficient for most legacy serial devices. It also handles standard serial parameters including 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits, and various parity modes (Odd, Even, Mark, Space, None).
Can this adapter be used in industrial or outdoor environments?
Yes, the adapter is designed for robust use with an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 80°C, making it suitable for uncontrolled environments like factory floors, warehouses, or outdoor installations. The solid molded TPE housing, copper shielding, and high ESD protection further enhance its durability and reliability in harsh conditions.
What refresh rate or brightness details are available?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.
What input or connectivity options are listed?
Connectivity options include USB 2.0 Type A - Male, helping the product integrate into common office or home setups.
Does the display support VESA mounting or adjustment features?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.