Introduction
This manual provides instructions for the installation, operation, and troubleshooting of the UTHAI PCI-E to Two Serial Ports RS232 Interface Industrial Control Computer Expansion Card (Model: TXB074). This card is designed to add two RS232 serial ports to your computer via a PCI Express slot, offering stable performance and high-speed data transmission for industrial control and other applications.
Product overview video demonstrating the UTHAI PCI-E Serial Card.
Various views of the UTHAI PCI-E Serial Card.
Safety Information
- Always power off your computer and disconnect it from the power source before installing or removing any internal components.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to the card and other computer components.
- Handle the expansion card by its edges to avoid touching the gold connectors or sensitive components.
- Ensure proper ventilation inside your computer case to prevent overheating.
- If you are unsure about any installation steps, consult a qualified technician.
Package Contents
The package should contain the following items:
- UTHAI PCI-E to Two Serial Ports RS232 Expansion Card (Model: TXB074)
- Driver CD (Note: If the CD is damaged, drivers can typically be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.)
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | UTHAI |
| Model Number | TXB074 |
| Type | Add On Card |
| Interface Type | PCI Express (PCI-E x1, x2, x4, x8, x16 slots compatible) |
| Ports | 2 x RS232 Serial Ports |
| Main Control Chip | AX99100 |
| Function | 2 in 1 (Serial Port Expansion) |
| Installation | Internal |
| Certification | NONE |
| Operating System Support | Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Server 2003, 2008, Linux Kernel 2.6.15 and later, DOS |
| Package Dimensions (L x W x H) | 15 cm x 13 cm x 3 cm (approx.) |
| Package Weight | 0.06 kg (approx.) |
Detailed view of product features, AX99100 main control chip, and supported operating systems.
Installation Guide
Follow these steps to install the PCI-E Serial Card into your computer:
- Prepare Your Computer:
- Shut down your computer completely.
- Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from the computer.
- Open the computer case.
- Locate an Available PCI-E Slot:
- Identify an empty PCI Express slot (x1, x2, x4, x8, or x16) on your motherboard.
- Remove the metal bracket cover from the chosen slot on the back of your computer case.
- Install the Serial Card:
- Carefully align the gold connectors of the serial card with the PCI-E slot.
- Apply even pressure to both ends of the card until it is firmly seated in the slot. Ensure the metal bracket is flush with the back of the case.
- Secure the card with a screw to the computer case.
- Close the Computer Case:
- Replace the computer case cover.
- Reconnect all cables, including the power cord.
- Power On and Install Drivers:
- Power on your computer.
- Proceed to the "Driver Installation" section to install the necessary drivers.
Illustration of a PCI-E card being installed into a motherboard slot.
Driver Installation
After physical installation, you will need to install the drivers for the serial card to function correctly.
- Using the Driver CD:
- Insert the provided driver CD into your computer's optical drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers.
- Downloading Drivers (Recommended if CD is damaged or unavailable):
- Visit the UTHAI official website or the chipset manufacturer's (AX99100) support page.
- Locate the drivers for Model TXB074 or the AX99100 chipset compatible with your operating system (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux).
- Download and run the driver installer, following the on-screen prompts.
- Verification:
- After installation, open Device Manager (Windows) to confirm that the serial ports are recognized and functioning without errors. Look under "Ports (COM & LPT)".
Important Note:
Some users have reported receiving damaged driver CDs. If this occurs, please download the drivers directly from the manufacturer's website.
Operating Instructions
Once the drivers are successfully installed, your computer will recognize the two new RS232 serial ports. These ports can be used to connect various serial devices.
- Connecting Devices:
- Connect your RS232 compatible device (e.g., industrial control equipment, POS systems, modems, networking devices like Cisco routers/switches, astronomical equipment) to one of the DB9 serial ports on the expansion card.
- Identifying COM Ports:
- In Windows, open Device Manager and expand "Ports (COM & LPT)". You will see the newly added serial ports listed (e.g., COM3, COM4).
- Configuring Software:
- Configure your application software (e.g., terminal emulator, industrial control software) to use the correct COM port number and communication settings (baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, flow control) as required by your connected device.
The card supports various baud rates and offers stable performance for high-speed data transmission.
Maintenance
The UTHAI PCI-E Serial Card is designed for low maintenance. To ensure optimal performance and longevity:
- Keep your computer's interior clean and free of dust to prevent overheating and component damage.
- Ensure adequate airflow within your computer case.
- Avoid physical impact or excessive force on the card or its connected cables.
Troubleshooting
- Card not detected:
- Ensure the card is fully seated in the PCI-E slot.
- Try a different PCI-E slot if available.
- Verify that your motherboard's BIOS settings allow for PCI-E device detection.
- Drivers not installing/Ports not appearing in Device Manager:
- If using the included driver CD, check if it is damaged. If so, download drivers from the manufacturer's website.
- Ensure you are installing the correct drivers for your operating system (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11).
- Temporarily disable antivirus software during driver installation if it interferes.
- Device not communicating:
- Verify that the correct COM port is selected in your application software.
- Check that the communication settings (baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, flow control) in your software match those of the connected serial device.
- Ensure the serial cable is securely connected and is a straight-through or null-modem cable as required by your device.
- Test the serial port functionality with a loopback test or a known working serial device.
User Tips
- The card is generally ready to use right away after proper installation and driver setup.
- Ensure compatibility with your PC's available PCI-E slot before purchase.
- This card is suitable for connecting various serial devices, including industrial control equipment, POS systems, and networking devices like Cisco routers and switches, as well as astronomical equipment.
- If the included driver disc is damaged, download the latest drivers online from the UTHAI support page or the AX99100 chipset manufacturer's website.
- Confirmed working with Cisco routers and switches by other users.
Warranty and Support
This product typically comes with a 1-year warranty from the store. For technical support, driver downloads, or warranty claims, please contact the seller or refer to the official UTHAI website.
A user manual in PDF format may be available for download: View User Manual (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What type of card is this?
- A: It is an Add On Card with a PCI Express interface, designed to provide two RS232 serial ports.
- Q: Does it work with Windows 11?
- A: Yes, the card supports Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Server 2003, 2008, Linux Kernel 2.6.15 and later, and DOS. It is expected to work with Windows 11, but ensure you download the latest compatible drivers from the manufacturer's website.