[nycbug-talk] The serial cable jungle

[Jesse Callaway]

On Tue, Feb 22, 2005 at 02:44:11PM -0600, Tillman Hodgson wrote:
> Howdy folks,
> 
> I'm trying to find some information on how to pin those little
> RJ-45<->DB9M adpaters such that I can hook up a typical Intel server (as
> opposed to Sun box) to my Digi PortServer II.
> 
> Google ain't showin' me no luv.
> 
> A few things that I know for sure:
> 
> * A Cisco-style console cable doesn't work -- anyone know how *these*
>   puppies are wired?
> * 10-pin RJ-45? wtf? Digi and their altpin scheme is evil
> * Digi part number 76000697 looks like what I need, except it's a
>   bazillion Canadian dollars (well, it's more than making my own
>   adapters using generic stuff I can pick up at the electronics supply
>   store)
> * The PDF "Digi Terminal Server Cable Guide" only lists DB25 examples.
>   Does anyone know of a reasonably accurate DB25->DB9 pin mapping guide?
> 
> Thanks all,
> 
> -T

I checked the Digi website and they are pointing you to resellers which offer $25USD for a 10 pack. That's cheaper than building them yourself. I've priced this project out before, and it's cheaper. Materials will cost you about the same. And then you have to build them. Bust out the multimeter. Rebuild a couple of them...  by now you've lost a little money. But I admit it is fun.

http://www.digi.com/products/consolemanagement/digicm.jsp

I don't think the fact that it's a CM model instead of a PortServerII will be of any signifigance. But of course you can check with the sales person on the phone.

-jesse