Your parallel to serial adapter is the tiny piece of hardware that allows you to convert an unusable port on your computer into a functioning interface. Parallel to serial adapters were created to allow you to connect 25 pin connection to a 9 pin connection receiver. Serial ports usually work with some of your common devices such as: dial up modems, printers, serial mice, and bar code scanners. Parallel ports were popular before the development of the USB port, and they were created to access devices such as your printer.

Before you purchase, you will need to also determine the distance between the items that you want to connect. This will determine if you need additional cabling to complete the connection.

To ease your purchasing decision:

1. Analyze the two ends that need to be linked.

2. Visit your local electronics store or shop online.

3. Test your new equipment to make sure that it is working properly.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know your parallel to serial adapter gender

Figure out if you need DB9 Female to DB25 Female, DB9 Female to DB25 Male, DB9 Male to DB25 Female, or DB9 Male to DB25 Male. Determine if you need parallel to serial converters or a serial to parallel converters.

I recommend: Check out sites like the ComputerCableStore that offers photos with their products. Their prices start out at $4.85, and they also offer volume discounts. If you choose to go with the Black Box Corp. serial to parallel converters, they run $155.94, but they come with free shipping

Speed up your performance

Consider a more permanent piece of hardware like the SIIG Cyber Parallel/Serial Adapter, which improves I/O access speed up to 8x faster than existing ISA-bus I/O ports. It also reduces your CPU load while also increasing your system performance. You might also consider the SIIG Cyber 2S1P Plus Parallel/Serial Adapter. You would consider both of these a parallel to serial converters board product.

I recommend: You can purchase the SIIG Cyber parallel to serial converter or the SIIG Cyber 2S1P Plus Parallel/Serial Adapter at the Super Warehouse. Both of these parallel to serial converters boards run $59.99.

Price compare parallel to serial converters

You can find new parallel to serial converters on online auction sites. You can easily price compare, and most online sellers post clear pictures of their product as well as answer questions in a timely manner.

I recommend: NexTag has a wide selection of parallel serial converters, with reviews written by users.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you purchase online,buy from a site that lets you enlarge the thumbnail of the parallel to serial converter. That way, you can make sure visually what you are ordering suits your needs.
• •  Before you purchase, check out your store's return policy on open products. Only purchase if you are confident you have the right piece of gear or if your seller has a liberal return policy.