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Vostro 470 "SERIAL_PS2" header?
Hi
There's an unconnected connector on the vostro 470's motherboard marked "SERIAL_PS2"; however there's nothing in the BIOS about COM ports. I wondered if it's possible to enable this connector somehow, does anyone know?
Thanks!
shesagordie
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April 26th, 2013 12:00
marzbar
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April 28th, 2013 02:00
Hi Bev, thanks for your answer!
The only Dell serial/ps2 adaptors I can find don't list the 470 as a compatible system; I'm loath to pay a fairly high price (for what's basically just a cable) if it won't work, as did eg en.community.dell.com/.../19392060.aspx
Is there any way to enable the port to see if it appears in the BIOS before I shell out for the cable? eg www.motherboardpoint.com/dell-optiplex-gx260-2nd-serial-port-t42017.html suggests that on his optiplex, two of the pins on the connector act as an "enable" jumper, I wondered if that was the same on the 470...
Cheers
shesagordie
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April 28th, 2013 08:00
marzbar
As far as I know, there is no procedure to make it appear in the BIOS.
I believe the Dell PS2/Serial Port adaptor will work in the 470, but why would anyone wish to buy it,
Regards to the OptiPlex 240 motherboard pin-outs, this a nine year old post about an entirely different obsolete motherboard,
Bev.
marzbar
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April 29th, 2013 04:00
Why would anyone wish to buy it? Because they need a serial port, probably. There's still plenty of legacy hardware that people in the real world have to run.
Then again, given that you can buy a dual serial PCIe card for significantly less money than dell are asking for a cable, you're probably right - why _would_ anyone wish to buy it?...
shesagordie
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April 29th, 2013 08:00
marzbar
Exactly my thoughts, an add-on card costs less, also most retail motherboards still include a PS2 port.
Bev.