USB Interface - FTDI Drivers

[Discriminator]

Over the last couple of weeks, an issue has arisen with the latest FTDI driver. It appears that there are a lot of cloned FTDI chips on the market. The latest driver resets the PID (Product ID) on cloned chips to 0000. The result is that Windows doesn't recognize the device anymore. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTDI -'Driver controversy' or google for 'FTDI clone'.

My USB modules from eBay all appear to have cloned chips. I have discovered this after some 3 or 4 interfaces were sent. These customers have been contacted for a remedy. On current USB modules, I replace the cloned FT232 chips by genuine parts from a reputable supplier. This needs some microsurgery on a very small SMD part. It ensures that the latest FTDI drivers will fully support the interface.

[oz1jua]

I have one interface made with part from Ebay. Haw can I check it is not a clone.
And I now have delivered to a customer that says it does not work any more.
But it seems that interface is running and the needle in PDW is flashing as normal.

[Discriminator]

Haw can I check it is not a clone.

If you have Version 2.12.00 of the FTDI VCP driver, the PID of the USB module will be reset to 0000. If you connect the module a second time, Windows will not recognize it

And I now have delivered to a customer that says it does not work any more.
But it seems that interface is running and the needle in PDW is flashing as normal.

If the needle in PDW still moves, the USB module still works.

[oz1jua]

Thank for the update on this. Yes all my modules is with Clone chips. Do you have any preference where to get one without cloned chips.
I have now found a simple way to test if it is a clone board.
When plugging board in to USB it starts up fine and install with correct COM port and so.
But second time I plugging board into USB it comes up under Other Devices - FT232R USB UART.
And under hardware-id under details it has 2 lines:
USB\VID_0403&PID_0000&REV_06000
USB\VID_0403&PID_0000
When it was working the first time it was inserted to USB port it has only one line.
 

[Discriminator]

Do you have any preference where to get one without cloned chips.

I haven't found a module without cloned chips, so I replace the FT232RL on my interfaces by a genuine FTDI chip from Farnell or Mouser.

I will add some additional information to my website as well.

[oz1jua]

I have now find a dealer that says it has this FT232 chip is genuine.
http://www.banggood.com/FT232RL-FTDI-USB-To-TTL-Serial-Converter-Adapter-Module-For-Arduino-p-917226.html
I will cross my fingers that it is true. I am not into solder a new chip on my boards. Sorry I am to old for this small stuff 

[oz1jua]

Sorry but they where  not genunie. Do not bay them from this dealer.....
http://www.banggood.com/FT232RL-FTDI-USB-To-TTL-Serial-Converter-Adapter-Module-For-Arduino-p-917226.html
I do not think there are anny of these boards that come with genuine FTDI chip.
Now I will try another way to get this solved. I will return with more info.

[Discriminator]

I am not into solder a new chip on my boards. Sorry I am to old for this small stuff 

May I ask how old you are?