Re: Re: CurrentCost serial cable wanted

[Jim Noble <yahoo-groups@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Kevin Hawkins wrote:
> A PC RS232 port still requires the +/- 12V although most PC's I accept
> will work with 5V level signals.  The serial cable from CC I assume
> level converts to near 12V.
>

If they're using a MAX-3232 (which is what most of the ebay 3.3v TTL to
rs-232 converters seem to be using), it'll be +/-5v.
(Same device as used here:
http://e.inste.in/2008/06/15/interfacing-the-currentcost-meter-to-your-pc/
)

Shame there aren't any TTL to RS-423 converters on ebay - RS-423 is much
better at driving over distance, and AIUI would happily talk to an
RS-232 port at the far end.

I briefly contemplated a custom PCB with RJ45 sockets at each end and a
suitable line driver (MAX-3171?) to make it easy to use with structured
wiring, but stalled when I failed to find a nice compact box to put one
in (was hoping to find something like those RJ45 to 9-pin D shells, but
with RJ45 at both ends)...

Jim


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