Belkin F5U103 USB to Serial Adapter

by Belkin

Product Details

Product Manual [103kb PDF]

• Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00003OTII
• Item model number: F5U103
• Average Customer Review: 1.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 14, 2000

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Belkin USB Serial Adapter allows you to use virtually any existing serial device, including modems, digital cameras, and personal digital assistants, through your USB port.

Product Description

USB Serial Adapter

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Unacceptable product for price range, July 24, 2000

By 

Micah Laaker (Mountain View, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Belkin F5U103 USB to Serial Adapter (Personal Computers)

I purchased the F5U103-MAC (same product but with multi-colored sleeves) several months ago to connect my digital camera and Palm V to my laptop. As soon as I started to install the product, the problems began.

- Firstly, the instructions are sparse at best. Belkin's online site had no support (until recently).

- Second, this product defies the logic of home computers and electronics: Rather than create a product that simplifies daily tasks, this adapter has multiplied the hassle. I cannot have the adapter plugged into a hub; I cannot have the adapter plugged into my computer at startup; and I cannot have my device plugged into my adapter when my adapter is plugged into my computer. These are not major features to implement.

- Finally, the device is large and bulky with a long cable that adds to desktop clutter. My Keyspan USB PDA adapter does in just five inches what Belkin has managed to attempt in three feet.

On the positive side, the product does work when you're willing to deal with the $80 hassle. However, I honestly can't encourage readers to buy Keyspan's much cheaper (and efficient) adapter instead of this one. It's been both a disappointment and hassle.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Extension Conflicts Abound, March 14, 2001

By 

larimdaeht (san francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Belkin F5U103 USB to Serial Adapter (Personal Computers)

I bought the Belkin Express hub because it looked neat & the lights indicating functional USB devices were important. However, over a year after buying it Belkin still has not made available software that will work with OS 9. Belkin's extensions for the Mac conflict with most other USB device extensions, including Apple's. In order to get this thing to work, I have to unplug it, start the computer, then plug it in after start up, use the device I want, then unplug it after I'm finished with the device. Otherwise, all my settings get mysteriously changed (Remote Access, printer selection, modem selection). If you want to use it for a Palm device or an older printer, use Keyspan's adapters instead. I have one & have had much fewer problems with it than this thing, The installer also installs a mysterious "printer patch" file on your hard disk, but gives you no indication where this file should be or what it does. The lights were helpful to a certain extent in that they blink to let you know that a signal has been sent to the device, however there are 4 green lights & 1 red light on each unit, regardless of how many items you can plug into it & there is no documentation that explains what different light combinations or blinking means, so you have to guess. This item is also more expensive than most of the other hubs/adapters out there & in this case you don't get what you pay for.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pain to Install, but Good Overall, January 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Belkin F5U103 USB to Serial Adapter (Personal Computers)

I don't know about the other OP systems, but if you are running Windows XP it is a pain to install!!! It took me 2 days before I got it running properly, and don't even think about calling tech support unless you enjoy being on hold for a half hour. When I finally got the software installed it worked out beautifully, I have not had any problems whatsoever with the adapter itself. So a few minor headached in the beginning with software installation but the over all performance of the adapter itself is excellent.