I'm out of serial ports!

Preface

Since the dawn of creation, Macs have had two serial ports, printer and modem. Many Macintosh users, especially those setting up a LocalTalk network for the first time, realize there aren't enough ports to go around. If you already have a modem and printer, then want to hook up the network, presto! Not enough ports. The problem is often compounded by other devices that want their own port, such as digital cameras, scanners, etc. Fortunately, additional serial ports are available through hardware expansion.

Caution!

When you pick a serial expansion method, keep in mind that most exapnders don't work with specific kinds of devices, such as LocalTalk networks, MIDI devices, QuickCams, and GeoPort modems. When you use a serial port expander, you generally want to keep your network on a built-in port and move your other devices to the expander's ports.

Creative Solutions

Hurdler

Type: 7" Nubus card
Part #: 00-9504
Price: $379
Notes: Adds 2 accelerated serial ports, Apple Communication Toolbox (CTB) compatible, Hustler ports run concurrently - no "switching" required, Recommended for ISDN modems.

HustEx

Type: SCSI Adapter (50-pin)
Part #: 00-9502
Price: $395
Notes: The HustEx works with any Macintosh with a SCSI port. Able to daisy chain with other SCSI devices, Supports Apple Comm Toolbox compatible Devices, Includes power supply and SCSI cable (25 pin to 50 pin).

Hustler

Type: 7" Nubus card
Part #: 00-9503
Price: $299
Notes: Adds 2 accelerated serial ports, Apple Communication Toolbox (CTB) compatible, Hustler ports run concurrently - no "switching" required, Recommended for ISDN modems.

Lightning

Type: 7" Nubus card
Part #: 00-9610
Price: $419
Notes: Adds 4 serial ports, Apple Communication Toolbox Support, MacOS (System 7.5.3 or later) compatible.

Lightning-PCI

Type: 7" PCI card
Part #: 00-9611
Price: $419
Notes: Adds 4 serial ports, Apple Communication Toolbox Support, MacOS (System 7.5.3 or later) compatible.

Seqs

Type: SCSI Adapter (50-pin)
Part #: 00-9501
Price: $495
Notes: The Seqs works with any Macintosh with a SCSI port. Able to daisy chain with other SCSI devices, Supports Apple Comm Toolbox compatible Devices, Includes power supply and SCSI cable (25 pin to 50 pin).

Vulnik-PCI

Type: 7" PCI card
Part #: 00-98
Price: $219
Notes: Adds 2 serial ports, Apple Communication Toolbox Support, MacOS (System 7.5.3 or later) compatible.

Keyspan

Keyspan SX 2/4

Type: PCI card
Part #:
Price: $229 for 2 ports, $329 for 4
Notes:

MegaWolf

Fenris

Type: PCI card
Part #:
Price: $80-150 per port.
Notes: Adds 8-64 ports.

Remus

Type: PCI card
Part #:
Price: $250
Notes: Adds 2 ports.

Romulus

Type: PCI card
Part #:
Price: $350
Notes: Adds 4 ports.

Rufus

Type: PCI card
Part #:
Price: $700
Notes: Adds 8 ports.

Momentum

Port Juggler

Type: Serial port adapter
Part #:
Price: $99
Notes: Because the Juggler works through a single serial port, it doesn't work with networks. Performs well with modem and printers.

Silicon Valley Bus

SVB Multiport

Type: Serial port and ADB adapter
Part #:
Price: $249
Notes: Expands the built-in 2 serial ports and 1 ADB port to 5 serial and 6 ADB ports. You can only actively use two of the serial ports at a time.

SVB Multiport/PCI

Type: PCI card
Part #:
Price: $399
Notes: Adds 4 serial ports.

Can't find what you need? Know of a product not listed?

Problem still not solved? Questions linger? If so, please send mail and I'll do my best to help out. I try to answer all mail with 24 hours, although it can take longer if the answer requires some research.