Need an NX interface plug

[kdn102]

Not only do I dabble in software, but I love tinkering with hardware too!

So, I was wondering if anyone knows of a place where I could buy the serial interface plug for my NX70?  I want to do a little experimenting.

I would also be interested in the plug for N710 series, and heck while I'm at it, I might as well ask about a 'testable' memory stick.  Something that plugs into the slot and has wire leads sticking out.

Thanks!

K

[n2ifp]

Here's a place for cables, maybe they could give a lead on connectors.

http://www.thesupplynet.com/

I have a PDF around somewhere with the Serial Specification.

[Unregistered]

Yeah, that can be obtained from Sony's hardware spec kit thing-a-ma-jig from their website. I don't have my own injection molding factory though ;)
And thanks for the tip on supplynet

Originally posted by n2ifp
...I have a PDF around somewhere with the Serial Specification.

[kdn102]

damn! I swear I was logged in for that *grrrr* I should have never started the 'more login places' poll!

Btw, that previous post was me ;)

[patrickl]

You can buy these at PC-Mobile (http://www.pc-mobile.net/connectors.htm) or Brando (http://shop.brando.com.hk/pdaconnector.php)

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by n2ifp
Here's a place for cables, maybe they could give a lead on connectors.

http://www.thesupplynet.com/

I have a PDF around somewhere with the Serial Specification.

Nice. Many of these items are much cheaper than what (third party stuff) is linked from Sony's site.

[patrickl]

Does Supplynet sell connectors? I only found some (rather expensive) cables

[Raybot]

I've been doing a little playing around with the connector myself ... I just got a USB charge/sync cable on eBay for $6USD IIRC ... look for the one with the sync button on the cable and the relatively chunky Clie connector ... the shell of the connector comes apart nicely and all 20 pins are accessible from nice solder points.

I'm currently trying to get this thing working with my old Palm IIIxe stowaway keyboard (or rather I'm trying to find time to do this!) ... I get the feeling that the serial line outputs on the Clie aren't actually the right polarity (they're 0 to 3.3 volts but I think they're also positive logic and not negative logic as is the case with RS-232 ie. you're supposed to hook an inverting linedriver onto it before you can use it) ... gotta put a scope onto it at some point to check this though!


- Raybot

[patrickl]

There are (or were before the crash at least ) several threads regarding RS232 cables and Clies.

I bought a Maxim 3.3V driver chip. Just like you I just need to find the time to hook it all up. I'm building a clip on GPS unit from a PDA holder and a GPS module and I want to hook it up to my Palm Vx keyboard.

[alexasha]

If you will succed please, let us know. I would like to hook up my palmIII keyboard to NX70V, but have no clue how.

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by Raybot
I've been doing a little playing around with the connector myself ... I just got a USB charge/sync cable on eBay for $6USD IIRC ... look for the one with the sync button on the cable and the relatively chunky Clie connector ... the shell of the connector comes apart nicely and all 20 pins are accessible from nice solder points.

I'm currently trying to get this thing working with my old Palm IIIxe stowaway keyboard (or rather I'm trying to find time to do this!) ... I get the feeling that the serial line outputs on the Clie aren't actually the right polarity (they're 0 to 3.3 volts but I think they're also positive logic and not negative logic as is the case with RS-232 ie. you're supposed to hook an inverting linedriver onto it before you can use it) ... gotta put a scope onto it at some point to check this though!


- Raybot

Yes, you need an RS232 level converter. Leggnet use to have the PDF on his site before, but I think he took it off. It gave a very detailed showing of the level converter. It has the pinouts, voltages, and schematic. Send me your email and I'll send it to you, it's only 30k in size.

n2ifp at skyweb.net, replace at with "@"

[Raybot]

Thanks for that n2ifp, I've actually got that printed out and have been meaning to build it for a while in order to play around with some other serial stuff (as in I've got half the components for it together, I've just got to find time to nip down to the local electronics store and grab the linedriver) ... seems strange though, this is the first PalmOS PDA I've come across where the serial lines were NOT already inverted (on the Palm III, V and VII AFAIK the voltage levels are 0-3.3V but the polarity is already inverted) ... Sony being Sony again I presume ...

At any rate, I did put a scope over the keyboard and it looks like it does use 3.3V signalling (actually, it seems to use anything from 3.3V to 6V depending on what voltage you power it with) so in order to interface with the keyboard all I think I'll be needing is a straight CMOS inverter (4069 perhaps) and not a linedriver (and hence not the associated complexity) ... again however it's a (non-trivial) matter of finding the time to go down to the local electronics store to get the necessary parts ...


*sigh* being a student dependant on public transport does have it's problems ... hehe


- Raybot

[kdn102]

Those are exactly what I wanted.  Thanks!

Originally posted by patrickl
You can buy these at PC-Mobile (http://www.pc-mobile.net/connectors.htm) or Brando (http://shop.brando.com.hk/pdaconnector.php)

I can't believe Brando has the nerve to sell them for 10 bucks a pop!  Even Pc-Mobile's $6 is a bit on the high side.  Though I would probably end up getting a 10 pack so they'd end up $4.  Hey, just noticed that pc-mobile is throwing in free strain relief...that's still a bit high when you can buy a charger or other cable for $6...

[kdn102]

Oh boy, now I can make myself some external power supply's! *laugh*

Though that's not what I really want them for...

[patrickl]

They are a bit expensive yes, but still a lot cheaper then most cables.

BTW, I'm still looking for a cradle connector. If anyone knows where to get those I'd be really happy. Now I sand down a cable connector to shape it like the cradle connector, but somehow I just can't get it right.