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How to use serial port on MBP?

U

urfankhaliq

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 26, 2010
27
0
Hi Guys,

Im totally new to Mac's and have always used Windows based PC's. I work with Cisco kit a lot and often console into them using a serial port on the PC or a USB to Serial adaptor on the laptop. I can then use something like Putty to console to the Cisco kit via the com port assigned to the USB to Seriall adaptor...well Im having trouble getting my USB to Serial adaptor working with my newly purchase MBP (Just had it 2 weeks and still getting to grips with it)

Firstly when I plugged in my USB to Serial adaptor I expected some sort of pop up or activity while the MBP installs it but nothing has come up so maybe this one isnt compatible with the MBP. Secondly Im struggling to find an application that I can use like Putty on the MBP?

Can anyone advise please?

Thanks in advance

Urfan
 
You need a USB/Serial adaptor with Mac drivers. There will be no popups. Just install the drivers and it'll work. I'd advise a Google search for drivers for your specific product.
 
Thanks so how can I find out if my current one has installed OK then? If there are no pop ups I wont know for sure as I dont have a program like Putty I can use either on the MBP?

Thanks for the help
 
Did you install any drivers: this is not Windows. If the system has drivers installed then they are installed (no popups or junk like that). If not (and I expect not) you need to install them. Which is why I suggested searching for drivers online. Once you install them you will get serial ports in /dev. What they are called will depend on the device/drivers.
 
Cant seem to find drivers for this one online. Looks like its one that isnt supported. Ive got the HL-340 if anyone has this one working with the MBP then I would love to hear from you.
 
Thanks but they all seem to be for Windows...didnt realise it would be so difficult to get Mac drivers :(
 
I don't know about the adapter but isn't Putty just a telnet/ssh client?

If that is the case you should just be able to use ssh or telnet from the terminal.
 
As well as telnet and ssh it also does serial com port connectivity which is useful for consoling to cisco kit
 
It seems that yours is not compatible with OS X. Both Prolific and FTDI chipsets work without a problem. I personally recommend FTD. Have a look on ebay or similar.

You can use SSH and telnet through terminal, and use screen to read/write directly to serial ports.
 
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