Ippogrifo

I read that Dell serial sync cable is guaranteed for sync only, and that Axim is not RS232 compliant!!!

The only solution seems to purchase a CF to serial port adapter, but I know that such accessory are very expensive!

I already spent 130 usd about purchasing serial cables for Axim, Garmin GPS 12 and for my Sony-Ericsson T68i mobile phone plus serial nullmodem adapter/cable and gender-changer!

Anybody know, if possible, how modify contacts on serial connector of Dell serial sync cable or the whole serial cable, to have a usable serial port on Axim (already 'nullmodem'), to connect serial peripherals?

Thanks!

csims

If I'm reading that right then you already have everything you need. Just to be clear you need the following:

For Serial connections:
Axim Serial cable(Not USB)
Null modem adapter(and/or gender changer if needed.)
Serial cable for whatever you want to connect to.(For example: to connect to the Garmin GPS 12, you need a Garmin PC cable or similar.)


If you are able and/or willing, then by all means modify your Axim Serial cable to have a nullmodem adapter builtin.

There have been numerous threads asking about how to modify the serial cable. Just do a search and you'll find it.

Ippogrifo

Thank you for your kind reply.
Sorry my friend, I can't explain better because I speak english not fluently...

I already have serial cables for Axim and for peripherals, and null modem adapter/cable too.

My problem is that axim doesn't recognize my 56k modem, or my mobile phone as a modem, or my GPS 12.

I heard that the problem should be non compliance to rs232 standard of dell Axim although with original serial cable.
So i asked if is possible to modify such serial cable to give to my Axim a real serial port (already nullmodem ...if possible!).
Thanks

csims

I also have a GPS 12 that I connect to the Axim.

Using the following:

Axim Serial Cable <> 9 pin M/F Null Modem Adapter<> 9 pin M/M Gender Changer <> Garmin PC Serial Cable

When using Mapopolis it works fine.

Set the GPS 12 interface for NMEA/NMEA 9600 on the GPS(at least for Mapopolis.. It seems other programs only work at 4800 from what I've read.)

If you are trying to upload or download data from the GPS it won't work this way. Someone got it to work by adding a battery pack to trigger one of the pins. You'll find his thread under GPS Talk.

Ippogrifo

Nice info!
Thank you!
I'll try asap!

Unfortunately my first problem is connecting Axim to my Trust Communicator 56k modem and to my S.E. T68i mobile phone, for internet connection...

thks

fm80

Deluo (see banner ad at bottom of page) sells a serial-to-Axim connector that works for their GPS, at least. It is $14.99.

I don't know if that means it is standard RS-232 or not, but it might be a start.

davej574

I recently developed a custom serial communication program using Embedded Visual Basic to automate setup of some fiber to the home "Gateways".

I had the same problem with serial communication using the Dell Axim serial sync cables and a null modem cable. Mainly, it didn't work.

There were some messages I found using Google searches that contained some good info, others were saying that powering up in a certain sequence worked for them.

Since my app, had to work first time every time no matter how things were turned on, I worked very hard to come up with a cable that does work.

The main problem is that the serial sync cable needs power for the chip in the cable and it normally gets it from the host computer. Once you provide that power, it works every time.

I have since taken my plans and had a cable made by Black Box that has the correct wiring along with a 9v battery terminal and holder attached to the Axim end. So custom cabling is available from them at ~ $25 per cable.

Note the voltage coming from a computer serial port is just shy of 12v and according to several messages the chip needs just over 5v to be active, so I figured split the difference.

To build your own it's just a null modem pins 2,3 on Axim end switched with 3,2 on other end. Pin 5 is straight thru to the other end. And apply power to lines 5 +ve, 4 -ve on the Axim end.

I actually got fancier and connected the -ve to pin 4 and then the +ve down to the other end and connect to pin 7 and then put a jumper in the far end from pin 8 back to pin 5. This allows the custom cable to be plugged into the Axim serial sync without the power supplied and as soon it is plugged in (at least in my application) pins 7,8 are jumpered in the DCE device and that gives the Axim cable the connection and power it needs. I used two male 9 pin connectors, one hood, a 9volt connector and battery, a length of 4 conductor cable and as a container for the battery I used a square plastic container that used to hold tooth floss, with a little tape on the top to ensure it stays closed the Axim sync cable screwed into the other end and although it not the best looking it's quite robust for a prototype.

I hope this looks ok on this forum, here is the wiring diagram for my cable, check with a ohm meter for your app if 7-8 is jumpered on modem,gps, etc otherwise just apply power to 4,5 on Axim end. Disconnect cables to save power after use.


DCE end ||| Axim end
&nbsp;&nbsp;2 -------- 3
&nbsp;&nbsp;3 -------- 2
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n bsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 -ve 9v
&nbsp;&nbsp;5 -+------ 5
&nbsp;&nbsp;8 -| jumper to 5
&nbsp;&nbsp;7 -------- -ve 9v


I hope this helps somebody.

Regards,

Dave Joyce

vannd

I just opened the little chip box and soldered a jumper wire from any pin with power (cst,pwr,etc...) to pin 4. To keep chip always on when plugged into the AXIM. Using the AXIM to power its own chip.

Solder carefully not responsable for hot irons. But have modified 4 cables using this method and have not had any problems. Have not tried this method with a gps. But the devices this is used for only uses tx,rx and grnd.

DCE end ||| Axim end
2 -------- 3
3 -------- 2
4 jumper cst
5 -------- 5



Good luck,

Don V

csims

Could you guys please post what it is you are connecting to? Also programs used if applicable.

There really needs to be a list of things that you are working with so someone doesn't go and kill something with voltage applied to it that it doesn't need.(Not everyone knows Electronics..me included.)

The Battery mod seems to help in cases where uploading is needed to a device or where communication will not start due to the way the manufacturer made the cable and/or interface. For the latter the only thing I know of is models of the Garmin Etrex.(If someone knows what models or if it's all models chime in.). From what I understand this is also needed so you can use programs like OziExplorerCE so that upload/download can be initiated for retrieving/sending routes/tracks/waypoints between the Axim and GPS.(I know I'm unable to to get it to work with my current setup and the battery mod will supposedly fix it.)

What I know works from personal experience:

Garmin GPS 12: Axim Serial Cable <> Radio Shack 9 pin M/F Null Modem Adapter<> Radio Shack 9 pin M/M Gender Changer <> Garmin PC Serial Cable *No cable modifications*
Program: Mapopolis & Platinum+GPS Maps

Cisco Routers/Switches: Axim Serial Cable <> Radio Shack 9 pin M/F Null Modem Adapter<> Radio Shack 9 pin M/M Gender Changer <> Cisco Console Cable *No cable modifications*
Program: PockeTTY

3Com Remote Access Switch 1500: Axim Serial Cable <> Radio Shack 9 pin M/F Null Modem Adapter<> Radio Shack 9 pin M/M Gender Changer <> 3Com Console Cable *No cable modifications*
Program: PockeTTY



Just add to this so we can get a FAQ going(and perhaps a sticky where appropriate), because there seems to be many people who are using the Axim Serial Cable for various applications.

vannd

Not a problem I connect to a Siemens Building Automation Panels using a program called Datamate Base 3.0.
This method will work for send and recieving data from the panel to the AXIM.
Using the jumper method is basically the same as adding a battery to pin4 it's just called an AXIM. I used a battery to determine what needed to be done to the cable. I'm trying to keep what i carry simple, a battery pack is to bulky.

Don Vann
Service Specialist Sr.
Reliant Park