HP Serial Port Flex IO 2nd v2, Elitedesk 800 G6 Mini Desktop PC compatibility

[KylerB]

I have several HP Elitedesk 800 G6 mini desktop PC's on hand. P/N: 364B5UC. I would like to add a serial db9 port, which according to HP documentation, i believe should be possible. I think i should be able to just order and slot in 13L57AA, HP Serial Port Flex IO 2nd v2. Looking at the back of the computer, it looks like flex port 1 is currently a VGA slot, while the flex port 2 is currently empty/plated over. When i read product manuals for this computer or for the serial flex port itself, it says "Only one FLEX IO module can be used at a time" and "Not compatible with 800 G6 DM 95W processors and discrete graphics". I assume the comment about the Flex io module is referring to only be able to use one module per available Flex port, in this case being 2. However, i want to make sure that I really can install the serial port in the second/empty flex port without too much trouble, and hopefully still be able to use the VGA port installed in Flex port 1.  I also see a note saying "NOTE: For Desktop Mini with M.2 Storage config, there will be no SATA drive bracket. If you plan to use or upgrade the storage with any 2.5" SATA
drive, please select a DM SATA Drive Bracket (available as both factory configured and after market option)" and want to make sure that won't give me any issues (does this have anything to do with the cable shown in the 3rd photo?).

Thank you for any help!!

[BeemerBiker]

I do not have your 800 G6 mini but from what have read your analysis indicates that flex port will fit.  I would open the system up to look to see if something could possibly block the cable.

The serial flex ports run $30 USD to $50 plus shipping

It looks like 13L57 and 13L57aa are the same

I personally would go with a USB to serial adapter.  

Get the highest rated one or any one with Prolific 2303 chipset.

The startech one I have worked fine in windows 11

The USB ones are cheap.  You might get just one and see if it works before upgrading all your systems.

[KylerB]

Thanks for the suggestion on the usb-serial adapter. If it works that definitely seems like it could be our best bet with less of a chance for issues to come up when corporate says its time to upgrade/replace all our PC's in a few years. Do you know what sort of cable lengths I could use with this type of adapter? Specifically I am looking at "StarTech.com 1 Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter - Prolific PL-2303 - USB to DB9 Serial Adapter Cable - RS232 Serial Converter (ICUSB232V2)" on amazon. We are wanting to connect a pyrometer to a inspection station PC in a forging environment so the conditions are harsh, but we would definitely have some sort of conduit or shielding with it. That said, we are likely going to need something along the lines of 20ft with the current setup (50ft would be ideal to accommodate all of our press lines).

Thanks!

[BeemerBiker]

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@KylerB wrote:

Thanks for the suggestion on the usb-serial adapter. If it works that definitely seems like it could be our best bet with less of a chance for issues to come up when corporate says its time to upgrade/replace all our PC's in a few years. Do you know what sort of cable lengths I could use with this type of adapter? Specifically I am looking at "StarTech.com 1 Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter - Prolific PL-2303 - USB to DB9 Serial Adapter Cable - RS232 Serial Converter (ICUSB232V2)" on amazon. We are wanting to connect a pyrometer to a inspection station PC in a forging environment so the conditions are harsh, but we would definitely have some sort of conduit or shielding with it. That said, we are likely going to need something along the lines of 20ft with the current setup (50ft would be ideal to accommodate all of our press lines).

Thanks!

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There could possibly be a problem depending on the baud rate and cable length.  

I suspect the USB to Serial is not capable of +/- 15 volts

You need to check the spec of your pyrometer.  If it calls for 15 (or 25) volts you are not going to have that.  Possibly even that HP adapter might not do 15

To meet rs232 a voltage between 5 and 15 is supposed to be sufficient for the space

and the receiver needs to work with 3 to 25

Max cable length vs baud

https://novatel.com/support/known-solutions/maximum-cable-length-vs-data-rate

I've had to us RS422  (balanced line) with line drivers for long distance and then convert to RS232 (not always needed) but all that depends on the  requirements of the pyrometer

One of the one star reviews I read complained the voltage was "only 6" and their device did not work.

422 would be the way to go if the pyrometer supports 422