I've done some homework, and I know this serial cable dell sends is funky. What I'm using the serial connector for is to connect an OBD car interface cable to the axim. The OBD cable works fine with other laptops/desktops. But not with the Axim.
BUT, there is a workaround for it, but I wanted to get some more input. Review this web page before reading further
www.arlab.it/axim.html
That page has a details on the Sipex chip in the Axim cable as well as other goodies.
Notice he was able to get the OBD cable to connect to the car when using a 9 volt battery connected to pin 4 on the DB9 connector of the Axim cable. I did the same it connects.
What I don't seem to understand is this....
I tried another work around. I took power from the Axim side of the sipex chip (3.5 volts) and tied it to pin 4. It wouldn't hook to the car then. So I'm trying to figure that one out. I'm stumped.
He had some other interesting ideas on getting this Sipex chip to remain on and work, I may try out (i.e hooking pin 22 to 23 on the sipex chip).
So any thoughts on how I can get this to work properly? a 9 volt battery isn't my ideal fix....