Due to age and lack of modern drivers, consider replacing the ACT-IR2012UL with:
ACT-IR2012UL is a high-speed USB-to-IrDA (Infrared) adapter from ACTiSYS Corporation. It is primarily used for bidirectional communication between a PC and medical devices, such as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Driver Compatibility & Installation
Operating Systems: The device officially supports Windows 98SE through Windows 11, including 64-bit versions and Windows Server 2003.
Windows 10/11 Support: While listed as compatible, standard Windows 10/11 drivers may require a "workaround solution." Users are encouraged to email ACTiSYS Tech Support for the specific Windows 10/11 workaround.
Mac OS: There are known issues with the Mac OS IrDA stack. It is highly recommended to contact support before attempting to use the device with Mac.
Automatic Installation: For supported legacy systems, the installer typically runs from a driver CD and completes without user action before you plug in the dongle. Key Benefits Speed: Supports full IrDA speeds from 9.6K to 4M bps. Performance: Users have reported that the ACT-IR2012UL
is 5 to 7 times faster for medical device applications compared to older models like the ACT-IR2002UL.
Bidirectional Support: Unlike some legacy adapters that only allow data downloads, this model supports both uploading configuration data and downloading logs. Troubleshooting & Tips
BIOS Settings: Ensure that the computer's USB port is enabled in the BIOS settings before use.
Verification: After installation, the device should appear under Infrared devices in the Windows Device Manager.
IrComm/OBEX: The adapter supports Windows 7 through 11 (32- and 64-bit) specifically for IrDA-OBEX applications.
For long-term reliability in environments where future OS support for IrDA may be uncertain, the manufacturer also recommends the ACT-IR100UDv3-XX as a stable alternative. ACT-IR2012UL - ACTiSYS Corporation
The ACT-IR2012UL is a high-speed Very Fast Infrared (VFIR) USB-to-IrDA adapter manufactured by ACTiSYS Corporation. Finding and installing the correct driver for this device is essential for ensuring wireless data transfer between your PC and IrDA-compliant devices like data loggers, industrial meters, and medical equipment. Driver Compatibility and Availability
The ACT-IR2012UL is designed for longevity and supports a wide range of Windows operating systems. However, the installation method varies depending on your OS version: act-ir2012ul driver
Windows 10 and 11 (32-bit and 64-bit): While compatible, these systems often require a specific workaround or updated driver package from the manufacturer.
Windows 7, 8, and 8.1: Native drivers often support these systems through Plug-and-Play, though manual installation is sometimes needed for customized OS versions.
Legacy Systems: Supports Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows Server 2003. How to Download the ACT-IR2012UL Driver
ACTiSYS does not typically offer a direct public download link for the most current Windows 10/11 drivers to ensure users receive the correct version for their specific hardware revision.
Check Serial Number: Locate the serial number on your adapter. The prefix (e.g., "UN", "LI", or "TA") determines which specific driver version you need.
Contact Support: Email tech-support@actisys.com with your device's serial number, purchase date, and OS version.
Third-Party Vendors: Authorized retailers like Jacobi Shop may provide download links to the "TSPack" driver for their customers. Installation and Troubleshooting
For most modern systems, the device uses a Plug-and-Play (PnP) interface. If the device is not recognized automatically:
Manual Update: Open Device Manager, right-click the unrecognized USB device (often listed under "Ports" or "Other Devices"), and select Update Driver. Point the wizard to the folder containing the downloaded .inf files.
Windows 11 Workaround: Users may need to "downgrade" or manually select specific Prolific-based drivers if the default Windows Update version causes compatibility issues (common with older serial number prefixes).
IrComm Issues: If using the device for IrComm (serial emulation), 64-bit Windows users may need to upgrade to the ACT-IR100UDv3 as certain legacy software like IrComm2K does not support 64-bit architectures. Technical Specifications Overview ACTiSYS IrDA Infrared Wireless Communication: jacobi.de
ACT-IR2012UL - USB IrDA FIR Infrared Adapter * up to 4Mbps. * communication distance of 100cm. * no external power is needed. jacobi ceos Blog - News and Hints from the JACOBI SHOP - jacobi.de
ACT-IR2012UL Driver : Installation and Compatibility Guide The ACT-IR2012UL Due to age and lack of modern drivers,
is a high-speed (VFIR) USB-to-IrDA adapter designed by ACTiSYS Corporation
to provide wireless data transfer for devices like medical equipment, PDAs, and industrial instruments. Finding the correct ACT-IR2012UL driver
is essential for maintaining connectivity as operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 evolve. 1. Driver Support and Official Downloads
ACTiSYS generally recommends contacting their technical support team directly via email at tech-support@actisys.com to obtain the most current drivers for Windows 10 and 11.
Windows 11 & 10 Support: These adapters often require a specific driver package or "workaround solution" provided by the manufacturer for full compatibility.
Legacy Systems: Native drivers are often already integrated for older systems, but manual installers are available for Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8.
Manufacturer Resource: You can find manual and driver updates on the ACTiSYS Support & Downloads page. 2. Compatibility Highlights ACT-IR2012UL is known for its high bandwidth and broad OS support:
Operating Systems: Supports Windows 98SE through Windows 11 (32 & 64-bit), Linux, and macOS (though macOS may have IrDA stack issues). Data Rates
: Supports a full range of IrDA speeds, including SIR, FIR, and VFIR up to 16 Mbps.
Bi-directional Communication: Unlike older models like the IR2002UL, the
supports two-way communication, allowing you to both upload and download data to medical devices like AEDs. 3. How to Install the Driver
If Windows does not automatically recognize the adapter as a Plug-and-Play (PnP) device, follow these steps:
Request Driver: Email ACTiSYS to receive the correct .inf file for your specific Windows version. This device was most popular during the Windows
Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Update Driver: Find the "USB-Infrared Adapter" (often listed under "Infrared devices" or "Other devices"). Right-click it and select Update driver.
Manual Selection: Choose "Browse my computer for driver software" and point the wizard to the folder where you saved the manufacturer's driver files.
Reboot: After installation, restart your PC to ensure the IrDA stack is properly initialized. 4. Technical Troubleshooting
IrComm Issues: If your application uses IrComm (rather than OBEX), you may need third-party software like IrComm2K. Note that IrComm2K generally does not support 64-bit Windows. Hardware EOL: Some older versions of the
use internal ICs that are End-of-Life (EOL). If your serial number is incompatible with Windows 10/11, ACTiSYS may recommend their "Intelligent" ACT-IR100UDv3 adapter as a modern replacement.
Device Recognition: Ensure the USB port is enabled in your computer's BIOS settings if the device is not detected at all.
Are you experiencing a specific Device Manager error code (like Code 10 or Code 43) while trying to install the driver? Blog - News and Hints from the JACOBI SHOP - jacobi.de
This device was most popular during the Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP eras. However, many industrial users still need it for Windows 7, 8, 10, and even 11. The driver availability varies:
If the official site redirects endlessly, archive repositories like archive.org or reputable educational tech forums may have verified copies, but always check the SHA-256 hash against known good values.
The ACT-IR2012UL driver is more than just a file—it is the key to unlocking reliable long-range infrared communication from a USB port. While Microsoft and hardware vendors have moved on, the industrial and retro-computing communities continue to depend on this device.
By following the identification, download, and installation steps in this guide—paying special attention to 64-bit Windows signature issues—you can resurrect your IR2012UL and connect to legacy equipment that has no other digital lifeline.
Remember: Always scan legacy drivers with antivirus software, and prefer virtual machines for running untrusted driver packages. The ACT-IR2012UL may be a relic, but with the right driver, it remains a remarkably capable tool.
Last updated: April 2026. This guide is based on community-contributed archives and reverse-engineered installation experiences. ACTiSYS no longer provides direct support for consumer installations.