A simple converter can be sourced online, but the only thing he could find locally that was even close was a USB to RS-232 converter. He used that component to craft his own USB to RS-485 bridge.

KKSystems’ isolated USB-to-RS232 and USB-to-RS422/RS485 converters from Saelig can be used with computers that do not have a serial port or where an extra serial port is required. Outfitted with 39-in ...

The Nucleus USB to RS232 adapter class driver has been designed to work with USB to RS232 converter hardware to solve the aforementioned problem for embedded hosts. Therefore, this class driver allows ...

Instead the USB to RS232 (serial) converter also pictured above is used as a reset signal. The strobe pin on the parallel port drives an inverter which triggers a thyristor connected to the busy pin.