The PICAXE USB download cable is an essential item for any PICAXE project. You can use the cable on any operating system including WIndows, Max and Linux. What's more, the cord is of high quality and measures 1.8 meters long. Further, the USB<>serial adapter wizardry, based on an FTDI converter chip, is a tiny miniature circuit securely moulded right inside the rectangular USB connector.

This PICAXE USB download cable is a 5V logic level device, so works far better than a 'serial cable + universal USB-RS232 adapter' combination when, for instance, calibrating touch sensors with the PICAXE software.

Tips:

• Always use the same USB port on your computer. It will then always retain the same "virtual COM port" number
• Always insert the USB cable before starting the PICAXE software