Looking for a Serial device

[TropicalBound]

Hello,

I am looking for a device that connects TCP (CAT5) to a serial port. I guess you could compare it to a JetDirect box that connects TCP to a parallel port. Does anyone know if something like this exists?

Thanks!

TB

[jdc2000]

There are a variety of devices available. What exactly are you planning to do with it? What device will be connected to the serial port end? What sort of data transfers will be done?

[TropicalBound]

Hi JDC2000,

I have an Alpha system that currently sends print queues to a DELNI serial switch, and then on to the printers. I want to bypass the DELNI and print directly to TCP. The printers utilize a 25 pin serial connection. I found a 9 pin TCP - Serial device online, but not 100% sure that using a 9 - 25 pin connector will work.

[jdc2000]

So, the printers are receiving serial input form the current switch? If that is the case, odds are they are not using all 25 pins on those connectors. You need to check the serial port pinout diagrams for those printers to be sure which pins they are using. If they are only using the usual pins, you should be able to either buy or build your own 25 pin to 9 pin serial adapter to take care of that problem.

The ethernet to serial is still a question though. Specs on your current switch would help. I assume that the Alpha system is sending the print jobs via ethernet to the DELNI switch, which is then using that data to select which printer to send it on to?

[SpywareDr]

FWIW, a DELNI uses 15-pin AUI ports. The pinout of an AUI is:

Pin    Circuit   Description
  1    CI-S      Control In Circuit Shield
  2    CI-A      Control In Circuit A
  3    DO-A      Data Out Circuit A
  4    DI-S      Data In Circuit Shield
  5    DI-A      Data In Circuit A
  6    VC        Voltage Common
  7    CO-A      Control Out Circuit A (not used)
  8    CO-S      Control Out Circuit Shield (not used)
  9    CI-B      Control In Circuit B
 10    DO-B      Data Out Circuit B
 11    DO-S      Data Out Circuit Shield (not used)
 12    DI-B      Data In Circuit B
 13    VP        Voltage Plus (+12V)
 14    VS        Voltage Shield (not used)
 15    CO-B      Control Out Circuit B (not used)
Shell  PG        Protective Ground

[TropicalBound]

Thanks guys! As usual, this forum is fantastic.

I found this cable adapter and figured I might give it a try.

[jdc2000]

The Net232 unit should work. It uses only 5 pins on the RS-232 connector, as shown on page 2-5 of the manual (see uploaded image). The appropriate 9 pin to 25 pin adapter should work with this device and your printers. Check the printer specs and/or the pins used on your current 25 pin connectors.