3.19 Are there any >4 channel serial port cards?
Description
This item is from the PC Hardware FAQ, by Willie Lim and Ralph Valentino with numerous contributions by others. (v1.25).
3.19 Are there any >4 channel serial port cards?
[From: wkg@netcom.com (William K. Groll)]
Here is a partial listing of vendors or serial port cards with greater than 4 ports. In almost all cases cables and/or interface panels are required to make the physical connection to the phone lines. Some of these interfaces can be almost as expensive as the cards themselves, so find out what is needed before you order. Prices, if available in their current (late '94 or early '95 issue) catalog/price-list, are given below and do not include cables, connector panels, etc. unless noted. Some also offer driver software, either included with the card or at additional cost. Some of the cards have an on-board processor to handle the communications, while other lower cost boards require the main CPU to perform all of the housekeeping chores.
These are primarily manufacturers/distributors of industrial PCs for embedded applications, but they will sell mail-order in single quantities. I have not personally used _any_ of these cards, but believe the vendors to be reputable businesses. They offer warranties and some technical support, but as always ask before you buy and "caveat emptor".
Another source for information on this type of card is manufacturers of BBS software.
Advantech (408)245-6678, fax 245-8268 PCL-844, 8-port Intelligent RS-232 Card
Axiom (909)464-1881, fax 464-1882 C218, Intelligent 8-port Async Card; C216, 16-port Intelligent RS-232 Interface Card
Contec (800)888-8884, fax (408)434-6884 COM-8SF(PC), Intelligent RS-232 Interface with 8 ports (up to 4 boards/system): $495
CyberResearch (800)341-2525, fax (203)483-9024 many models from 4 to 32 ports, $359 to $2895 (appears to include cost of connectors)
Industrial Computer Source (800)523-2320, fax (619)677-0898 many models from 4 to 32 ports, $399 to $1099
Personal Computing Tools (800)767-6728, fax (617)740-2728 various 4, 8, and 16-port cards, $299 to $999
QuaTech (800)553-1170, fax 434-1409 various models with 4 or 8 ports, $299 to $675
Sealevel Systems (803)843-4343, fax 843-3067 3420, 8-port RS-232 card: $499 (includes cable with connectors)
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