I see by the neighboring thread that many of us wish we had a Wacom tablet, but the price may put us off. Many of the earlier generation Intuos2 tablets were supplied with a serial (RS232) interface and a 12v power supply. Such tablets can be had at a substantial discount (e-bay and elsewhere).

My question is: Can one convert the serial connector, using a serial to USB plug, so that it will connect to a USB port. And if that does work, will the tablet then be powered thru the USB connection, or must the outboard power supply be used?

Any geeks out there?

Thanks,
Mike

I've never tried this, Mike...but this link here offers an adapter--and specifically mentions Wacom tablets, as well as stating that it will draw power from the USB connection, without an external power source being required: http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/adapter/

Hi Mike.

The USB to serial converter should work OK. But if I am not mistaken the maximum power a USB port can supply is 5Volts. So if the graphics tablet requires 12 Volts you will still need the Separate Power Supply.

Ken

Finally got an answer directly from Wacom. A serial to USB converter will work and is available from the source cited by briarrose (cost $40.00). The power supply is still needed.

Thanks for your replies.

Mike.

Nice going, Mike! :D I'm all set, in the USB Wacom department...but not all of my students can afford one--and it'll be nice to have an alternative to suggest to them! :)

I have the first generation Wacom Intuos 4x5 Serial..

Today I bought a new computer that does not have a serial conneciton, so I purchased a USB converter and it does not seem to be working.

My new computer recognizes the Wacom when I connect it, but it will not work.

Any suggestions?

I already installed the drivers for the serial to usb converter so that's not it.

I have the first generation Wacom Intuos 4x5 Serial..

Today I bought a new computer that does not have a serial conneciton, so I purchased a USB converter and it does not seem to be working.

My new computer recognizes the Wacom when I connect it, but it will not work.

Any suggestions?

I already installed the drivers for the serial to usb converter so that's not it.

Go to the url listed above in briarrose's note. (keyspan.com). If you look at the various pages of instructions you will see that a rather complex series of steps is required to establish the connection. Of course this information applies to the Keyspan serial to USB converter, and I don't know which one you are using. Nevertheless it may require a similar procedure.

Hope this helps.

Mike.