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Changing my setup from a single computer to a Windows2008/64 system with HyperV, using WinXp and Win2008 for all kinds of controls I use.

While I was moving the homeseeer software I realized there is no USB option under HyperV.

I just got a new PMIX35 and see two options:

1. Try to find a USB to ethernet converter
2. Use a USB to RS232 converter. (HyperV does support Comm 1 & 2)
3. Buy a CIX15 and use the RS232 port

1.
In the forum a found a lot of chitchat about the USB to Ethernet option but couldn't find any device for sale on the Inet. Any suggestions for a good working device for a reasonable price and a location where to buy?
Preferable with two ports like the Lantronix. A similiar port is also in my RFXCOM system and seems to work good.
With two ports I am also able to connect my old 8055 Velleman box

2. More or less the same problem for finding a good working setup for a decent price. My Motherboard has only one serial port so this is kind of limiting.

3. Sets me back 160 euro, so I hope one of the other options can be cheaper.

Please share your opinions /experiences.

Bastiaan

Bastian best is to make you devices virtual via ethernet.
for USB you can use the USBanywhere. This one works fine with VMware in think also with HyperV
for RS232 I'm using the Lava Device server. Also RFXcom will work fine.
On e-bay you can look for the Lava device server..

Hi Chak,

Thanks for the answers.

I have done a google on USBanywhere and I get a kind of USB storage device. Do you have a brandname/type no?

I have also found this one: http://www.belkin.com/nl/networkusbhub/
Any idea if this could work?

Yes I agree that going USB->Enthernet is the most flexible solution.
My RFXCOM is already ethernet.

Bastiaan

You could also open up the PMIX35, remove the serial-to-USB convertor and add a level-shifter to connect it directly to your serial port. Your (and Chak's) solution is nicer, of course, but I doubt if the Belkin will work with a serial-to-USB convertor. If it does, it will probably use exotic drivers to virtualize an entire USB port at a very low level.

Chak means this one:
http://www.digi.com/products/usb/anywhereusb.jsp
This one is confirmed to work with VMWare.
Can't think of a reason why it would not work with Hyper-V.

http://www.digi.com/products/usb/anywhereusb.jsp

I have one of this at office..
is working fine.
price +/- 300 euro..

you can buy the lava device server on e-bay +/- 70 euro

Thanks but 330 euro is a bit steep for this solution.

a CIX15 seems easier then...

I don't mind opening boxes and changing the content but this one is a few weeks old. I prefer to find a universal solution instead of breaking my warrenty

Just found that the Belkin works with WinXP and Vista aswell as MacOSX. It creates a virtual port center where you can adjust the settings it seems but they leave the picture sooooo small you can't really see. There technical paper is also worthless. At 90 euro's it could be a solution....

Why don't you use Homeseer in the main (first) windows 2008 server. At least for now?

Here is a short update:

I ordered the Belkin Network/USB hub and tested it:
When I run the Xanura PMIX35 setup/analyse program it connects but hardly works. Tried several different baudrates but that did not make any difference.

However, connecting it to HS works wel. It's running for a while now and no problems so far.
It means I will need the Xanura software on Win2008 for programming, then switch back to the HyperV setup for daily use. I have tested under WinXPSp3 and Vista and both run fine.

Also tried my Velleman 8055 with the Belkin, it connects but I am not able to control it. (yet)

to answer the question above: I prefer to keep my "Host server" as clean as possible and set the different HyperV set with fixed amounts of memory and processing resources. Avoiding programs crashing the whole system. I am running NetCam Watcher and it takes a lot of resources
Not to mention it is a 64bit OS which doesn't work well with Homeseer.

Bastiaan