RE: Transmitter to PC (serial) adapter
Yeah, I'm building one too. a simple Tx to serial cable is relatively easy. but some of teh 'newer' ones require the programming of a 'PIC' chip. it's usually a simple program, but if you don't have a burner, then you are essentially .. building it for nothing.. unless you buy the PIC chip.
Here's the biggest problem:
Win 98 was the last windows version to allow a straight use of teh serial port. LAter versions of windows (2000, XP) give control of teh port over to the direct X drivers. threfore you need to build in an interface (a drivder) to talk to the port. which is what the PIC does.
Or, at least that's how I understand it