Lets just say I have not had luck, nor has my tuner ever had luck with usb to serial adapters. Infact, everytime we tried with my haltech or his Hydra, they never worked. Even my PCMIA is only about 80% effective. When we have to do firmware upgrades, it always happens with the older but more reliable laptop that has the serial port built in. Map transfers and minor tweaking we do with my laptop and the PCMIA adapter.

 

There's nothing wrong with tuning with a usb to serial. You just need to make sure the one you have works before you try tuning with it:

http://www.diablosport.com/index.php?name=...pic&p=24935

As for the OP, $250 is way too much for that unit. I'd offer $150 or move on to something else.

 

I have this converter:

serial to usb converter

It has never given me any problems and only cost $20.

just my $.02

 

There are adapters that are recommended by AEM and other EMS companies. I had a nice Belkin that worked perfect for tuning my brothers AEM and a customers setup that was using a Megasquirt. However, if you are looking to purchase just for the car, get one with it built in. Older Dell Latitudes are nice for the money. Tough Books are great but expensive. Maybe look into a small CarPC setup?

 

Hey ddude... I just ordered a macbook pro and will have no use for the Dell I've had for a few years. $200 and it's yours.