I wrote them because I need an answer to a question about powering a cable using a serial to USB adapter.

...
Hi, I need to get an ALDL cable for my 1991 Camaro Z28. I'm looking at
getting a cable that doesn't need an external power source but I will need
to get the Belkin Serial to USB adapter since my laptop only has USB ports.

Will the cable without external power work with the adapter? Does the USB
support power when adapter to serial as well?
...

And they wrote me:
Hi Ben,

> Will the cable without external power work with the adapter?

Possibly. Our serial cable must have +12V power in order to function.

> Does the USB support power when adapter to serial as well?

No it does not, usb to serial converters just set up a com port.

If you wait a week or so we will have a low cost USB ALDL cable for your 91,
which is what you really need. We are getting the boards in this coming
week. Would you like us to email you next week?

Thank you,
Bob

They could just be feeding me BS to get me to buy one of their cables but a direct USB ALDL cable would be schweet!! I asked how much one would run but havn't gotten a response yet.

Anyone else know for sure if an adapter will work with a internally powered ALDL cable?

 

Let us know if they come through. I'll order one.

 

I will too, I still play around with alot of the 160 Baud stuff myself.

 

I'd like one of those as well.....

 

Well, I'll keep everyone updated. I'm still waiting to hear from them about the price. If its too much compared to the old 'adapter' setup and I can use the adapter setup (power issue) then I'm going to stick with that....maybe.

 

I have moates.net's direct usb aldl cable. Works great. Just an option that already exists.

 

Thats a good option too but at $50 for the ALDL to USB box and USB cable and $30 for the ALDL cable to work with it, it becomes pricey.

I'm thinking about now just going with their package for $325 and being able to burn, emulate, and datalog.

 

It's a good package, I've got the Ostrich myself...

 

I'm still in 'Newbie" mode so I don't exactly understand the difference between the Ostrich and the package...they both emulate right? (which I though means tune and burn chips while you are driving the car)

BTW...the price on the direct USB ALDL cables are going to be approx $59 from ALDLcables.com.

 

Isn't there some to make your own?

 

Well after multiple emails and a long time I finally have a prototype USB cable coming from these guys. They should have it already in the mail. It isn't ready for the public yet but I've been bugging them so they are sending me one to try out.

As soon as it comes in I'll snap some pics and get a Log to see how everything works out!

 

SWEEEET