Axim x50v cradle connector plug available

skimask · 02-15-05, 06:32 PM

A connector 'kit' is available at www.gomadic.com
Part number is IPC-13 (I think) for $3.95 each.
I just ordered 5 of them and I'm going to use them for prototyping, and probably wreck them in the process, figure out exactly what the cradle pinout is, build up a few cheap serial cables, etc.
I'll be setting up a small webpage for this project, so keep an eye out.

02-15-05, 07:05 PM

Sounds like a plan. Would it be possible to make a vga out cable with this?

02-15-05, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by tancerman

Sounds like a plan. Would it be possible to make a vga out cable with this?

that would definetely be something great

02-15-05, 07:40 PM

I was reading another thread about this. Didn't really understand it. Skimask can you post your results when you do this? Possibly even make a guide? Thanks in advance!

Emmtee · 02-15-05, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by tancerman

I was reading another thread about this. Didn't really understand it. Skimask can you post your results when you do this? Possibly even make a guide? Thanks in advance!

I've seen skimask has posted to all relevant threads (thx) ;)

Just for convenience let's replicate the gathered info:

Originally Posted by Emmtee

Updated pinout-schematic, now clarified for USB and VGA ID PINS
If anybody has additional information or has verified additional pins please post replies

:approve:

UPDATED PINOUT

http://www.aximsite.com/boards/attac...achmentid=6461
Older version:
http://www.directupload.net/images/050217/FlYAe54J.png

UPDATED PINOUT

Rest of this thread including the image as attachment can be found at http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=59614

skimask · 02-15-05, 09:27 PM

Believe me, I've got the info replicated, duplicated, print-icated, saved----icated and collected----icated...!!!
And as has been stated before, making the serial cable isn't going to be as simple as a wire for wire connector to connector type deal. Somewhere in the middle, there's going to have to be an RS-232 driver, logic level translation, either a MAX232 type chip or a few of transistors. And the other kicker will be whether or not 'stealing' power from other pins (i.e. RI, DTS, etc) will keep the cable compatible with all serial devices. Might have to have some sort of on-board power source (i.e. a couple of watch batteries???). That's why I plan on starting with a 'breakout PCB'.

(the following is guessing since I don't have the part on hand)
From the picture of the connector, it looks like there's 2 rows of pins that stick out a bit, not sure how far they stick out, not sure how far apart the 2 rows are, not sure what the pin spacing is. After I get my hands on them, I'll measure it all out and design a PCB to go with it.
The breakout PCB will be just that, only a breakout PCB, bring the tiny pins out to easy to work with holes/pads to solder something else into. Since there is 38 pins, I was thinking about putting these holes in the same pattern as a 40 pin .6" DIP socket so a person could hook up an IDC ribbon cable socket to it. That way a person could play with the connector and not have to keep the Axim in the same plane as the pieces/parts you were working on. Or maybe just 38 holes in a couple of rows, or both.
I've got a pretty good source to get some quality PCB's made at a reasonable cost, so when I get that all sorted out, I'll get a bunch of them made.
As I've stated in other threads, I'm not out to make money on this, just recoup my costs. The main point of why I do this stuff is development---ya know, progress.
And besides, if I get a good serial/VGA/power cable going for $10 in parts, does that or does that not beat the heck out of 3 different cables for $50 each (give or take)?

On another note, does anybody have a good working version of a Hyperterminal type program for WM2003SE (or WM2002, whatever) that seems to work with all the options (i.e. com speeds, handshaking, change COM ports? I'd write my own, but I don't feel like reinventing the wheel.

Emmtee · 02-18-05, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by skimask

And the other kicker will be whether or not 'stealing' power from other pins (i.e. RI, DTS, etc) will keep the cable compatible with all serial devices. Might have to have some sort of on-board power source (i.e. a couple of watch batteries???). That's why I plan on starting with a 'breakout PCB'.

Hm, at least when connecting to RS232 ports you should be able to "steal" the power from the RS232 side anyway ;)

Regarding the breakout box - for development purposes probably the best solution :)

Just a note: use shielded cables for the RGB lines unless you'd like to see ghost images (reflections) - just a general VGA hint, not specially related to the X50v.

I'm really interested what can be measured when grounding pins 5 & 6 like done by the dockingstation.

ah - btw - should you want to build a 3.3V powered cable (max 2323 shold be perfect) then you can probably derive any power from the CF slot (dummy card). But maybe there's some hidden "on use" function supplying power to the external port when some pins get connected :)

PS:

my posted schematic has changed for the USB port

Updated image is now referenced in my earlier post (edited)

skimask · 02-18-05, 06:38 PM

Stealing power for the MAX232-type-chip. I brain dumped a bit on this one. Getting power for the chip won't be a problem, however, I don't think 'stealing' it from the RS232 side would be the politically correct answer. As for me, I don't plan on connecting my Axim exclusively to a PC or other 'RS232 host'. I'm looking at controlling some of my projects with it and maybe doing some datalogging on my truck (OBDII stuff). I think the best place to grab a bit of power would be from the Axim itself, one of the +5v lines.

Breakout box - yep, definetely the way to go. Jeeze...I should've ordered them overnight delivery...but I'm in ND., nothing gets here overnight...

VGA shielded cables... certainly, but I'm sure regular cabling will work for a proof of concept even if it isn't perfect.

Pin 5 & 6 - Have you cracked open your docking station too?

Emmtee · 02-19-05, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by skimask

Stealing power for the MAX232-type-chip. I brain dumped a bit on this one. Getting power for the chip won't be a problem, however, I don't think 'stealing' it from the RS232 side would be the politically correct answer. As for me, I don't plan on connecting my Axim exclusively to a PC or other 'RS232 host'. I'm looking at controlling some of my projects with it and maybe doing some datalogging on my truck (OBDII stuff). I think the best place to grab a bit of power would be from the Axim itself, one of the +5v lines.

Breakout box - yep, definetely the way to go. Jeeze...I should've ordered them overnight delivery...but I'm in ND., nothing gets here overnight...

VGA shielded cables... certainly, but I'm sure regular cabling will work for a proof of concept even if it isn't perfect.

Pin 5 & 6 - Have you cracked open your docking station too?

Pin 5&6 -> I've measued 0 ohm to gnd lines at the outside of the dockingstation, but to be honest - additionally I shot some pictures showing the dockingstation insides ;)

On the OBD2 interface - nice idea - but doesn't the OBDII port provide voltage too? Usually one hooks up a LS05 voltage regulator and can use any reasobable powersource ;)
I prefer to use port power where available (indicator LED) - but I had situations where a battery or USB port came in handy ;)

Maybe just another hint: 5V RS232 works with 3.3V levels too, but I had severe troubles with a max232 clone IC at speeds exceeding 33k until I replaced that one with a genuine and 3.3V level IC (max2323) - which is 100% compatible to max232 - a little bit more expensive - but provides high-speed datarates in addition!

But hey - let's start an Axim-OBD2 thread ;)

skimask · 02-19-05, 04:04 PM

I just got the connectors in hand today and took some measurements. Hopefully they're accurate enough for prototyping. The only caliper I've got is an older plastic one. It hasn't failed me yet, but ya never know. And I'll be posting all of this info on my web site when I get some pictures taken.
On the actual connector itself, the pins are .026" wide, .040" pitch, 2 groups of 18 pins separated by 1 empty pin space, pins on 'bottom' are slightly longer (.100") than pins on top (.070"). Connector can only be plugged in one way, it's blocked the other way. And the space between the pins, for jamming a breakout board into, is about .035", too small for a 'standard' .062" PCB, but just right for a .031" thickness board. Problem is that costs more. Total width from end pin to end pin = .760".

Any preferences as to how the breakout should be? 40pin DIP ribbon cable header, with a few unused pins used a extra grounds? Split them up right from the start into VGA, serial, USB, Power on different headers? I want to have a decent breakout board but I don't want to have a mess hanging out of the bottom of the Axim while I'm playing with it either...

MAX232 - I'm going to look deeper at the DS275, smaller, might be better, don't know.

OBDII - oh ya, I'm there...as soon as I get a working serial port coming out of this thing! But it's already been done on an IPaq. But I'll bet it hasn't been done in VGA!

Have you got a site where you're posting pic's or did I miss that earlier?

Incidentally, now that I look at your connector layout in the picture vs. what I've got in my hand, I'm a bit confused.
I know you're picture says cradle front and Axim front, but it isn't clear which side is left/pin#1 or right/pin#38...
Could you clarify this a bit?

Emmtee · 02-19-05, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by skimask

OBDII - oh ya, I'm there...as soon as I get a working serial port coming out of this thing! But it's already been done on an IPaq. But I'll bet it hasn't been done in VGA!

Have you got a site where you're posting pic's or did I miss that earlier?

Incidentally, now that I look at your connector layout in the picture vs. what I've got in my hand, I'm a bit confused.
I know you're picture says cradle front and Axim front, but it isn't clear which side is left/pin#1 or right/pin#38...
Could you clarify this a bit?

Posting: www.dicrectupload.net or use the attachment feature here

Pin1 - simple: just imagine watching the axim connected to the cradle from the front, rotate the picture in your mind - then it should be clear :)

skimask · 02-20-05, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by Emmtee

Posting: www.dicrectupload.net or use the attachment feature here

Pin1 - simple: just imagine watching the axim connected to the cradle from the front, rotate the picture in your mind - then it should be clear :)

Another note on the PCB...I could have it made as .062" thick, which would be LOTS cheaper, but a person would have to bend back one row of pins 90 degrees, solder that row with a bit handing over the edge, all while holding the connector bent upwards. Then bend the other row of pins over to where it was and solder the other row...But it would be LOTS cheaper!

Picture - Ok, but which way do I rotate my mind?, I mean the picture...

2 rows of pins, which ones are in the 'front'? 1-18 or 19-36?

Sorry, I'm just not seeing the picture.

BTW - I'm calling this AximBOB (break out board)

Emmtee · 02-20-05, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by skimask

Another note on the PCB...I could have it made as .062" thick, which would be LOTS cheaper, but a person would have to bend back one row of pins 90 degrees, solder that row with a bit handing over the edge, all while holding the connector bent upwards. Then bend the other row of pins over to where it was and solder the other row...But it would be LOTS cheaper!

Picture - Ok, but which way do I rotate my mind?, I mean the picture...

2 rows of pins, which ones are in the 'front'? 1-18 or 19-36?

Sorry, I'm just not seeing the picture.

BTW - I'm calling this AximBOB (break out board)

Ok, obviously you folks are using some "funny" browsers - but this one should ALWAYS work: http://www.aximsite.com/boards/attac...achmentid=6412

the x50v connector has just ONE row, the soldering-pins inside the external connector are alternating even and odd. My schematic shows the Axim and cradle docked together with pin 1 obviously pointing to the side with the Axim's "Home" button.

skimask · 02-20-05, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by Emmtee

Ok, obviously you folks are using some "funny" browsers - but this one should ALWAYS work: http://www.aximsite.com/boards/attac...achmentid=6412

the x50v connector has just ONE row, the soldering-pins inside the external connector are alternating even and odd. My schematic shows the Axim and cradle docked together with pin 1 obviously pointing to the side with the Axim's "Home" button.

Yep, you're right on the one row. As first look, I thought the Axim had a top and bottom row since the connector's I got from Gomadic have two rows on them. My bad. The picture is clear now.
However, as I said, the connectors I received have 2 rows on them and on these connectors, Pin #1 (as you are looking at the Axim head-on, buttons on the bottom) runs to the connectors bottom row left-mode side...i.e. evens to the front, odds to the back.
I should have a page up on my webpage tomorrow sometime with pictures and diagrams.

Emmtee · 02-20-05, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by skimask

Yep, you're right on the one row. As first look, I thought the Axim had a top and bottom row since the connector's I got from Gomadic have two rows on them. My bad. The picture is clear now.
However, as I said, the connectors I received have 2 rows on them and on these connectors, Pin #1 (as you are looking at the Axim head-on, buttons on the bottom) runs to the connectors bottom row left-mode side...i.e. evens to the front, odds to the back.
I should have a page up on my webpage tomorrow sometime with pictures and diagrams.

That's the same as the original powercable connector has - one row gets mapped to two rows in order to allow soldering.

Btw - I've figured out a possible 5V source (depends how much you need to drain) - the VGA out port has 3 output lines with 5V when in mirror mode.

please see the attached & updated diagram ( :attention ).