Post Aze65PNpV8RT9hSnWC by W6KME@mastodon.radio
(DIR) More posts by W6KME@mastodon.radio
(DIR) Post #Aze65PNpV8RT9hSnWC by W6KME@mastodon.radio
2025-10-23T23:09:58Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
1/2 I had to go to Best Buy today (I am THAT willing to avoid amazon). I need a serial cable. Pretty common item. They said they had them. Couldn't find them in the store, so I asked, and the cumputer guy first corrected me and said they're not called serial cables; it's RS-232. Whatever, may I have one please?He takes me to the aisle I had already scoured, and hands me an RS-232 to USB adapter. I say I need a cable, not an adapter. He doesn't understand. I point out that one ind is USB.
(DIR) Post #Aze65Qckt7yX0HSEQC by W6KME@mastodon.radio
2025-10-23T23:12:26Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
2/2 He says yes, that's what makes it a "cable". So I ask if he has one with RS-232 on both ends.He looks at me like I'm a poor stupid old man and says there is no such thing, that's not how RS-232 works. Really. Before I can say a word, he turns his back and walks off. Little shit. I fucking hate that we don't have any remaining computer stores here.So I bought it on amazon because you simply can't buy a goddam serial cable in a store any more.
(DIR) Post #Aze65RpYP1o6kGRy0e by teajaygrey@snac.bsd.cafe
2025-10-27T20:36:55Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
Damn, what a sad tale.I remember when I would buy similar things at https://www.santacruzelectronics.com/ their sales staff would ask me if I really wanted a null modem cable, when I would bring such things to the counter.Clearly, they probably had too many customers who didn't know what they were doing? I didn't mind being nerd-checked at checkout.At least they stocked the friggin things!
(DIR) Post #Aze65hEv700iXHQw88 by W6KME@mastodon.radio
2025-10-23T23:13:49Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
I need a t-shirt that says "That's now how RS-232 works." I can wear it whenever I'm stuck dealing with ignorant condescending assholes.
(DIR) Post #Aze7FczBsjTyC2NLoe by W6KME@mastodon.radio
2025-10-27T20:38:53Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@teajaygrey Good to know about those guys; I visit my daughter in SC often and it turns out it's walking distance. Nice!
(DIR) Post #Aze7FeXy4utZ2Bedf6 by teajaygrey@snac.bsd.cafe
2025-10-27T20:47:55Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
I don't live in Santa Cruz anymore, but was grateful they existed when I did.Heck, these days even Frys Electronics are all gone!I guess the Radio Shack brand resurfaced, sort of, but something about ponzi scheme or whatever? I have no idea.I guess I shouldn't be too surprised since Santa Cruz tends to favor "local" businesses and puts its money where its mouth is? Still, it's nice to see a little shop surviving when other big behemoths long since collapsed under their own largess.