[André Sarmento] needed to connect a computer to an RS-485 bus. 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.

You just need the right USB adapters ... commonly RS232, which is a standard that dates back to the 1960s. Although RS232 is the most widely used, these adapters can also feature RS485 or RS422 ...

The DSX-USB Communications Interface is a simple yet rugged USB converter. This port powered device connects to any 2.0 USB Port through the supplied cable. The module provides an RS-232 output ...