Device communication via a USB port

[CW]

In the days when dinosaurs roamed the earth, we would communicate with a device such as a cash drawer or scales by opening a serial port with a device name such as COM1. Now that serial and parallel ports are also extinct, we have USB ports and since the plugged in device is not enabled as a portable drive with a drive letter, how do you open the USB port for communication with such a device as a cash drawer or scale? Is there a generic device driver that can be used?

[Mike King]

Most desktop PC can have a RS232 card installed which would allow you to continue to connect to a cash drawer using COM1.  They cost usually under $20.

Basically the industry just no longer bothers shipping PC's with RS232 or Parallel ports since few of these are required.

About the only challenge might be getting the driver installed if using Windows as these are considered "Legacy Hardware" which you may have to select in the 'Action' section of the Device Manager menu.

You might be able to also use a USB to Serial adapter to connect to the device.

See, not all dinosaurs are extinct.... yet 

[Michael Greer]

Yes indeed. This dinosaur uses usb to serial port adapters all the time. The configure as com ports and all works well.  Cheap as $9 US.