Dell Laptops and the Explorer

In our testing we have found that the Explorer communicates with HP, IBM and Compaq laptops. The Explorer will not communicate with Dell laptops and some models of the desktops. The communication problem may extend to other laptops but at this time only Dell computers are known to cause the the Explorer to reset when attempting to communicate.

Dell laptop computers cause the Explorer to reset when attempting communication for upload or download. On 14 Jan 2003 HydroSpace Engineering, Inc. contacted Dell about the way Dell implements the IEEE RS-232 standard. We spoke with a technician who was unable to provide an answer to the problem but stated that they would get back with us with an answer. To date Dell has not communicated back to us and follow-up contact has also proven fruitless.

In our opinion, the Dell IEEE RS-232 implementation is nonstandard. While the Dell laptop may communicate with other computers which have power supplies capable of the high initial current drain. The Explorer can not provide the power required to communicate with the Dell laptop and resets due to the battery voltage being pulled below the reset voltage.

One solution is to use a USB to serial cable instead of the the serial port on the back of the Dell laptop. An Explorer owner is purchasing the adapter from Cyberguys, http://www.cyberguys.com, Item# 104 0475, USB TO SERIAL ADAPTER DB9M, G-UC232A, $19.95. .

"Thank You" to Ray Martinez of Atlanta, Georgia for testing the Dell -> USB -> Serial Adapter Cable. Ray reported on 4 Feb 2003 that the above listed adapter enabled his Dell laptop to communicate with his Explorer.

Due to Dell's total lack of support with the communication problem, HydroSpace Engineering, Inc. does not recommend the purchase of Dell products.

12 December 2003