Null Modem Cable

[GMAN6]

Hi i have a null modem cable which has both female ends and the port on my desktop and laptop are both female too, is there an adapter i have to get or is it just the wrong cable, this cable was supplied with my echolink 777.

 

[Robbo]

Hi,
The 9 pin serial port on a PC is MALE.

If you have not got a 9 pin male connector on the PC, then your PC might not have a serial port.

You may need to purchase an additional interface card.

Just to be sure, can you post a piccie of the connectors?

Robbo

 

[mazen_094]

Sorry about that! But really it might be a SVGA port. Many laptop models come with a SVGA port for an external screen. The normal PC COM port has two lines of pins, while the SVGA port has THREE lines of holes.

There is a USB to COM connector in the market you can try one. It is not strongly recommended tho.

 

[Robbo]

There is a USB to COM connector in the market you can try one. It is not strongly recommended tho.

There are lots of them available, and they can be troublesome to get working, you are right.

For a desktop a serial I/O card is a better option. Although I did get mine working OK on my Laptops.
It was this one from Amazon:-
_http://www.amazon.co.uk/EW-Link-SERIAL-RS232-Cable-ADAPTER/dp/B000LU61ZM/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1196337132&sr=8-2
running with XP home.

I have heard the Maplin one works well, but it is a lot more expensive.

 

[GMAN6]

Hi yes it turns out the connection on the laptop is for a monitor i dont have one on my desktop just the dvi connection looks like i might have to try the usb connection, and as its a small form acer L100 i cant add a card.

 

[GMAN6]

Looks like i don't have much choice but to get the usb to serial lead. do you think it could be more hassle than its worth should i just get an old pc with serial or would you say thats a drastic move.

 

[Mickha]

A USB to Serial adapter is cheap and does the job, have a read through the forum and you will find many people using them.

 

[GMAN6]

yes i will try the lead first. so do all the receivers connect to PC via the serial port or are there other ways with more advanced receivers.

 

[Robbo]

yes i will try the lead first. so do all the receivers connect to PC via the serial port or are there other ways with more advanced receivers.

The Linux boxes connect via a network connection. I think they may have USB ports also.

The later Technomates and Clarktechs have USB ports also, so a Flash drive can be used. I imagine other receivers would have them also.