User Manual for StarTech 2-Port Low-Profile PCIe RS232 Serial Card 21050-PC-SERIAL-LP

Quick guide from the manual

This document provides instructions for the installation and configuration of the StarTech 2-Port Low-Profile PCIe RS232 Serial Card (21050-PC-SERIAL-LP). It covers hardware installation, driver setup, and optional power configuration for Pin 9.

Hardware Installation

1. Turn off the host computer and all connected peripheral devices.
2. Unplug the power cable from the host computer.
3. Disconnect all peripheral devices.
4. Remove the computer case cover.
5. Locate an open PCI Express slot (x1, x4, x8, or x16) and remove the corresponding slot cover plates.
6. Insert the PCIe card into the slot and fasten the bracket to the case.
7. Route the ribbon cable bracket to an adjacent expansion slot and fasten it.
8. If using a standard tower desktop, replace the pre-installed low-profile brackets with the included full-profile bracket.
9. Replace the computer case cover, reconnect the power cable, and reconnect peripheral devices.
10. Turn on the host computer.

Power Configuration

The card supports optional power over Pin 9. To configure this:

• J5 Power Connector: Connect a 4-pin SP4/Floppy power connector from the host power supply to the J5 connector on the card.
• J3 Jumper (AUX POWER): Use this to select the voltage output for Pin 9. Set to PCI12V (draws from PCIe slot), AUX12V (12V from J5), or AUX5V (5V from J5).
• J2 Jumpers: Change the jumper caps from DIS (disabled, pins 1-2) to PWR (power, pins 2-3) to enable power output on Pin 9.

Warning: Verify that your serial peripheral device supports the additional voltage on Pin 9 before making changes to avoid equipment damage.

Driver Installation

Windows Systems

1. Navigate to www.startech.com/21050-PC-SERIAL-LP and download the driver package from the Drivers & Downloads tab.
2. Extract the downloaded zipped file.
3. Open the folder corresponding to your Windows version.
4. Right-click the Setup file, select Run as administrator, and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Restart the computer if prompted.

Linux Systems

1. Run the command lsmod | grep r8125 from the command line to verify the driver is present.

Verification

In Windows, navigate to the Device Manager. Under Ports (COM & LPT), right-click AX99100 PCIe to High Speed Serial Port and select Properties to confirm the driver is installed and working correctly.

Safety Warnings

ESD Warning: PCI Express cards can be damaged by static electricity. Ensure you are properly grounded before opening the computer case. Wear an anti-static strap or touch a grounded metal surface for several seconds before handling the card. Handle the card only by its edges.