StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port Professional RS422/485 USB Serial Cable Adapter with COM Retention, USB to RS422 Adapter - TAA

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

StarTech’s 6ft USB-to-RS422/485 adapter is the kind of “just get it working” tool that’s genuinely useful in a UK workshop or small IT estate—especially if you need COM port retention so legacy software keeps behaving. The RS422/485 angle matters because this isn’t for casual USB-to-serial gadgetry; it’s aimed at industrial gear, PLCs, panels, and serial devices where signal robustness and predictable port mapping actually save time during commissioning.

At ~£54 ex‑VAT, I think it’s good value *if* you specifically need an RS422/485 interface in the first place and you don’t want to fight drivers or reconfigure old apps every time. It’s ideal for technicians doing occasional device integration, or for businesses with a handful of serial endpoints who want a reliable adapter rather than betting on cheaper no-name alternatives. The only real “why not” is if you’re doing high-volume throughput or need something more integrated—this is a cable adapter, not a full industrial gateway—and if you only need basic RS232, you’ll likely be paying for capabilities you don’t use. Also, make sure your device truly expects RS422/485 signalling; if the protocol/termination isn’t right, no adapter will save you.