GenBoard/BuildProcedures/SerialPort (2004-11-10 22:14:48)

This page is obsolete. See GenBoard/Manual/CommConfiguration


How to make the RS232 connector for GenBoard/VerThree

Only 3 wires are needed for the cable.

DB9 dir SV2 EC18 (optional) Earphone plugfunction
3 --> 1 pin14 RING Data transmitted from PC => genboard
2 <-- 2 pin15 TOP Data received by PC, transmitted by genboard
5 <-> 3 - Base GND

SV2 is the 3 pin connector next to the MAX232 chip, near the regulator and EC18. Pin 1 on SV2 is the "top" pin, with GND on the side closest to the EconoSeal loom connectors.

Only the SV2 header is populated. The pinout of SV1 is the same. Pin 3 of SV1 is the pin closest to Pin 1 of SV2.

The EC18 pins in the above table (pin 14 and 15) are otherwise free pins where the RS232 signals are often connected to.

DB9 works well but using a 1/4" earphone plug looks cleaner in an automotive enviroment. Even if 3.5mm plugs is used in the Autronic harness their manual recommends using 1/4" plugs if it's installed in a panel. This is a good advice, go with the 1/4" plug. The biggest problem with 3.5mm is that most of the female connectors are low quality and will cause problems with time.


GenBoard/AdvancedComm shows how to extend the range of the the serial link (up to 20000km) for development and tuningsoftware testing purposes.