I need 10, USB to RS-485 dongles for a project. The legit FTDI ones from Digi-Key are a bit steep at $25 a pop.
The clones on Ebay are about $1, but use the cloned Prolific PL-2303HX chip (SSOP28) that causes no end of driver issues with Windows, so one solution might be to simply swap the cloned chip for a real one.
The problem is where to purchase the legit versions, Digi-Key and Mouser don't sell them. Does FTDI or other vendor offer a drop in substitute for the PL-2303HX, if so I can add a dozen on my next Digi-Key order or if they don't, a reliable source for a legitimate PL-2303HX in a SSOP28 package?