Stenoram II & Computer connections - need help

[Mary Jo Cochran]

My computer is a Dell Dimensions E310.
I bought this Stenoram II from JM Steno months ago. I just got set up with DigitalCat (Student).

I know the Stenoram works, but I connect it to the computer, and I didn't even get a Dedect New Hardware message. I can't check the PORTS because they don't show up as Port I or Port X. From what I have seen, the Stenoram hardware is not installed.

Anyone have any ideas so I can confirm that the Stenoram actually is connecting to the computer (It does do the 1-8 thing), and since I bought it from a court reporting supply place, I think it does work.

How do I check the computer for the ports?

[Janet]

Hi Mary Jo,

The Stenoram II dumping cable is serial. I'm thinking what you have is the little phone clip wire that snaps into an adapter that is a female that hooks into your serial port. I don't think you needed software for writers back then. I think you just select the Stenoram II in your Digital Cat software and then select your input, which should be COM 1 for your serial port.

When you asked the question about your monitor, it made me think you're confusing the port to hook up an external monitor with your serial port. The port for plugging in an external monitor is female, and the serial port is male. If you already know that, forgive me.

If your computer is an older Dell, you should have a serial port. Do you have COM 1 listed in your Device Manager?

Janet

[Mary Jo Cochran]

All my stuff says USB. None of has Com 1 or anything. My computer doesn't have a serial port.

Before I spend the money for a laptop I want to be sure I am started on the software. I did order the IOGear adapter. It takes 7 - 14 days to come.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

Well, I'm getting the idea now. The adapter is "USB to Serial Port Cable". There is a lot of numbering and stuff on it. The most logical one to use is "AWM Style 2725".

If I find a driver for it and get it installed, it should work?

Would it be easier to go have another serial port installed? Would that take care of it?

[Glen Warner]

Hi, Mary Jo.

I'm not having a lot of luck coming up with anything with just AWM 2725, so maybe adding the rest of the numbers in your search will yield better results.

As for installing a serial port instead, since you have a desktop machine, that might not be such a bad idea. You should be able to find one for about $10 ... but if you're a bit nervous about opening up your computer, then you should bring your computer with you (yes, leave the monitor at home!), and have the salesperson install it for you ... but if you're the impatient type, try adding in all those numbers you found and searching for that.

My serial adapter came with a small CD -- one which I dared not insert into my Mac's slot DVD drive, which doesn't handle small CDs like that well ... so I had to study that adapter closely until I found a bunch of numbers written on it. I typed those numbers into a Google search page (in quotes), along with the version of Windows I was using ("Windows XP Pro"), and "download driver" ... and a few minutes later, I had my driver.

So, your search should look like this:

"#########" "Some Version of Windows" "download driver"

Hope that makes sense ...!

--gdw

[Michael Smith]

Just so we're clear, it sounds like this is your setup:

StenoRam II > Realtime Cable > USB Serial Adapter > Dell Dimension E310: DigitalCAT

The USB Serial Adapter is the part that requires installation. There is no "installation" for the StenoRam II or the Realtime Cable.

The USB Serial Adapters are specific to your DigitalCAT software. I've been able to successfully use USB Serial adapters from the company IOGear. The part # is GUC232A. If you do not wish to install a serial port card as gdw suggested, I would do a Google search for "guc232a". Other manufacturer brands may or may not be compatible with DigitalCAT. Its pretty hit or miss for the most part.

Follow the instructions for installing the USB serial adapter. The IOGear adapter DOES come with an install CD as well as instructions. Once its installed, it should show up in your Device Manager as something similar to: USB Serial (ComX) (where X is the number of the com port). Once you have this number, you can tell DigitalCAT to look for your StenoRam II on it.


If you go with the serial card as GDW suggested, it will show up in your Device Manager as "Communications Port (ComX)" (where X is the Com port #). Normally it takes Com1. Once you have this number, tell DigitalCAT to look for your StenoRam II on it.

[Glen Warner]

In the "Mildly Interesting" department, my Dell actually has a serial port -- which I (*ahem*) just noticed ... yesterday (after having had the laptop for nearly 9 months).

Switching DC to use the serial port was pretty easy; it went pretty much like Mike said. One thing's for sure: Hooking it up via the serial connection is a *lot* easier than using the hard-to-reach USB port (it's vertical, and in a tight spot on the rear of the laptop ... and I always miss it when trying to plug it in from the front)!

I'll upload a picture or two of the $100 Wonder in a day or two.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I have an idea. Best Buy was tooo busy this weekend to try it.

Can I get an adapter for my monitor and connect that to a USB port -
then I will have my one only serial port available for the Stenoram cable.

Is that a logical quick plan. Anyone done that?

[Mary Jo Cochran]

Man, that idea really sucked. LOL But I did get to hear some nice Christmas music.

[Michael Smith]

That port on the back of the computer that your monitor is plugged into is just that. A monitor port. Its not a serial port. If you look, the monitor port is a female port consisting of three rows of holes, 15 total.

A serial port on the other hand is a male port consisting of two rows of pins, 9 total.

In the case of a desktop system such as yours, you'll either need to get a serial card installed internally as recommended by GDW, or use a USB serial adapter such as the IOGear I mentioned earlier.

The internal serial cards are generally much more reliable then USB Serial adapters, but they do require opening the computer for installation. USB serial adapters on the other hand just need to be plugged into a USB port (following install instructions first). But they were designed to be installed by you, the user, where as the internal card may require installation from a computer tech.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I ordered the IOGear adapter. It cost $30.00. The thing I got cost $12.00 (maybe that's why it's worthless).

I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks so much.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I ordered the IOGear adapter. I finally opened it up (which took a razor blade). Looked spiffy!!! Plugged it in - and wow. New hardware detected - that felt good. Success (or so it said). So I went to check for myself!!!

USB to Serial Bridge (Com 4).

At least I know I'm now connected. Now, for the hard part.

Thanks for everyone's help. Special thanks to the guy who suggested the IOGear.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

Wow!!! This is thrilling.
Set it up for Com4. Translate.

I just translated are, have, and need. LOL.

Now I am finally getting somewhere.
Thanks again.