I think that at least one detail is wrong: it uses another serial port (/dev/ttyS0, the one on the back is ttyS1). It is, IIRC, 'normal' serial port, only using ttl levels (i.e. lacking converters shifting 0/5V to +/-12V). So, tuner does not interfere with external serial port use.

Dragi "Bonzi" Raos
Zagreb, Croatia
Q#5196, MkII#80000376, 18GB green
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Dragi "Bonzi" Raos Q#5196 MkII #080000376, 18GB green MkIIa #040103247, 60GB blue