WolfPack USB to RS-232 Converter

WolfPack

USB to RS-232 Converter
$5.00
Part Number:
HDTVPL2303-DB9
Availability:
Usually ships the same business day
1:
USB to RS-232 Converter with Windows 10 CD
2:
Used with our Matrix iPad App if your PC doesn't have an RS232 output
3:
Uses The Worlds Best PL-2303HX Rev. D Chipset
This

USB to converter

allows you to connect a RS-232 serial device with our matrix switchers matrix switchers to a USB port on your desktop or laptop PC. The most excellent thing about this adapter is that it is universal - it works on every OS like Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. At most maybe some drivers may be needed but once they're installed the adapter just works.

USB to RS-232 Converter Features:

  • Allows any PC to connect serial devices and programs that communicate through COM ports
  • 24-inch cable with standard USB Type A Male to standard 9-pin DB9 RS-232 serial connector
  • PL-2303HX Rev. D Chipset for widest possible compatibility with Windows, Mac, Linux, and other platforms
  • Programmable baud rate from 75bps to 12Mbps. Typical speeds up to 230Kbps
  • Plug and play creation of a COM port. Powered by USB - no external power needed
  • Links USB & non-USB computers & peripherals
  • Connects a Rs232 terminal port to a computer through a USB port
  • USB-A male/DB9 male connectors
  • Portable design
  • Plug & play/hot-swapping
  • Detects USB suspend condition
  • Supports BUS Power, no external power adapter required
  • USB 1.1 Specifications, RS-232 serial interface.
  • Easy installation with Universal Plug and Play.
  • Compliant with Windows 7/8/Vista/XP/2000/ME/98SE and Windows 10, and Mac OS 10.1~10.6 and above.
This USB to RS-232 Converter is based on the PL-2303HX Rev. D Chipset and is one of the few with true cross-platform support as other models are lacking drivers for Mac, Linux, Vista/7, and 64-bit flavors of Windows. If you need something that will just work no matter what you're running get a USB to RS-232 Converter based on the PL-2303HX Rev. D Chipset.

You have to install the USB to RS-232 Converter driver with the CD first but once you do it works great with Windows or Mac OS X (10.5). You do not have to reboot after the driver install even though it is really insistent about it.

This little adapter is about the handiest thing for anyone needing regular or occasional access to a serial console. In this modern era of portable computing, the serial port has been sacrificed on the alter of portability, but this adapter will redeem this era. It provides a serial COM port with a standard 9-pin port via USB.

Terminal emulation from three different computers, one new desktop and two old laptops, all running Windows 10. Each worked perfectly, exactly as terminal emulation works with a direct serial connection. No special drivers or extra software required, except the terminal emulation program.

 

Works with devices with RS-232 serial ports like any of our matrix switchers as well as other PCs with RS-232 ports, Bluetooth serial adapters, PDAs, GPS receivers, routers, firewalls, modems, printers, embedded character displays, scan tools, sonar units, embedded boards, etc. Specific devices include: Garmin eTrex GPS, Seiko Label Printer, iRobot Create, Cisco products with serial consoles, US Robotics Modems, NexStar telescopes, Equus Scan Tools, Uniden Hand Held Scanners, etc. Works with software like: HyperTerminal, TeraTerm, WinDBG, all open source serial software on Linux, etc.

What Is a WolfPack Fixed HDMI Matrix Switcher?

A WolfPack Fixed HDMI Matrix Switcher is a single-chassis device that routes any HDMI source — such as a cable box, satellite receiver, streaming player, or computer — to any TV or display in a building, simultaneously and independently. Unlike an HDMI splitter (which sends one source to many screens) or a simple HDMI switch (which selects one source for one screen), a matrix switcher lets you show a different channel on every TV at the same time. HDTV Supply has sold WolfPack fixed matrix switchers to sports bars, restaurants, hotels, churches, schools, and commercial AV integrators since 2000.

Fixed vs. Modular: Which Do You Need?

WolfPack comes in two families: Fixed and Modular. Fixed matrix switchers have a set number of inputs and outputs built into one box — for example, 4 inputs × 4 outputs (4×4) or 8 inputs × 8 outputs (8×8). They are plug-and-play, rack-mountable, and the right choice when your input/output count won't change. Modular matrix switchers use a chassis with swappable I/O cards, scaling from a few ports up to 80×80 or beyond. If you know exactly how many sources and screens you need today, a fixed unit is typically lower cost and simpler to deploy.

Available Fixed WolfPack Configurations

HDTV Supply offers WolfPack Fixed HDMI Matrix Switchers in the following sizes:

  • 4Ă—2 — 4 sources to 2 displays
  • 4Ă—4 — 4 sources to 4 displays
  • 8Ă—8 — 8 sources to 8 displays
  • 8Ă—9 — 8 sources to 9 displays
  • 16Ă—16 — 16 sources to 16 displays
  • 16Ă—32 via CAT6 — extends signal up to 450 feet over CAT6 cable

Select models include built-in video wall processing, multiview, and picture-in-picture (PIP) — allowing two or more sources to display on a single screen simultaneously.

Control Options for Fixed Matrix Switchers

Every WolfPack Fixed HDMI Matrix Switcher supports multiple control methods so you can integrate it into any environment:

  • Front-panel buttons — manual source switching directly on the unit
  • IR remote control — included with most models
  • RS-232 serial control — for integration with Crestron, Control4, AMX, and similar systems
  • TCP/IP (LAN) control — send hex commands over your network from any device
  • Web GUI — browser-based interface for switching without additional software
  • Free iOS and Android apps — available for select WolfPack models

For RS-232 hex command strings and TCP/IP control protocols, see our WolfPack HEX Code Reference and TCP/IP Control Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a fixed HDMI matrix switcher and a modular HDMI matrix switcher?

A fixed HDMI matrix switcher has a set number of HDMI inputs and outputs built into a single unit — for example, 8 inputs and 8 outputs. A modular matrix switcher uses a chassis with interchangeable I/O cards, so you can configure it for many different port counts and expand it later. Fixed units are simpler and more affordable; modular units offer flexibility for larger or changing installations.

Can a WolfPack fixed matrix switcher show different channels on different TVs at the same time?

Yes. A matrix switcher routes any input to any output independently. In an 8×8 configuration, all 8 displays can show 8 completely different sources simultaneously, or multiple displays can share the same source — in any combination you choose.

Can I control a WolfPack fixed matrix switcher from a Crestron or Control4 system?

Yes. WolfPack Fixed HDMI Matrix Switchers support RS-232 and TCP/IP control, which are standard integration protocols supported by Crestron, Control4, AMX, and other third-party control systems. HDTV Supply provides hex command strings and driver documentation to support custom integrations.

What resolution do WolfPack Fixed HDMI Matrix Switchers support?

Resolution support varies by model. WolfPack fixed matrix switchers are available in 1080p (Full HD) and 4K 30Hz configurations. Select 4K models also support HDR and HDCP 2.2. Always check the individual product specification sheet for confirmed resolution, color depth, and HDCP version.

How far can I run HDMI from a WolfPack fixed matrix switcher?

Standard HDMI outputs on fixed matrix switchers support runs up to approximately 25–50 feet depending on cable quality and resolution. The WolfPack 16×32 model transmits over CAT6 cabling for distances up to 450 feet per run. For longer distances with other fixed models, HDMI extenders can be added at each display.

What is the best HDMI matrix switcher for a sports bar?

For sports bars with up to 16 TVs, a WolfPack Fixed 16×16 HDMI Matrix Switcher is a popular choice — it handles 16 independent sources (cable boxes, satellite receivers, streaming devices) and routes any of them to any TV. For larger venues with 20–80+ TVs, HDTV Supply's WolfPack Modular Matrix Switchers or AV Over IP systems are typically the better fit. Call 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722) for a free consultation.

Need Help Choosing?

HDTV Supply has been helping AV integrators, sports bars, hotels, and homeowners select the right matrix switching system for 25 years. Call us at 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722) or email kent@hdtvsupply.com and we'll recommend the right unit for your source count, display count, resolution requirements, and control system.