Where is Com Port on Dell Laptop? How do I control Betacam deck? I used to capture with my workstation through COM1 and Addenda Rosetta stone adapter. How do I control via Dell M90 laptop?

I use the cheapest usb-com adapter i could find..... and haven't had any problems

did you ever try to control a deck with it? Does Avid recognize the USB connection as COM port (in deck configuration)?

if the USB to 422 works as it should Avid should only see a com port .. after that it is up to the relatively simple protocol of controlling.

Menno

the addenda rosetta stone works with the COM1 port on the workstation - so I just adapt from the COM to USB with any simple USB COM adapter and it works?

 Addenda sells a USB-422 adapter.  I have a Precision M90 and use it all the time to control beta decks.  It is worth it's weight in gold.

I got a Belkin adapter from Frys, for less than $20, and it worked just fine.

can I use the old COM Addenda adapter with a simple COM -> USB connector or do I need to change the signal with a special adapter from RS422 to USB again? I have to capture tomorrow and have no time to order... I guess a simple COM (the one that looks like VGA) to USB can be bought in a normal electronics store. (IF the signal doesn´t need to be changed again)