Make our own VEX programming cable?

[Chris_Elston]

Has anyone just tried to make your own VEX programming cable? We would like to have an additional one around. Does anyone know any information like a pin out?




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[Kingofl337]

Why? You can buy them from Radioshack for $50.00 now. You could also check
aat vexlabs. I think they have them for less.

[Chris_Elston]

No programming kits within MILES of our location or online. I snagged one on eBay however. I'll just have the kids ohm this cable out and we can make another for a spare.

Originally Posted by Kingofl337

Why? You can buy them from Radioshack for $50.00 now. You could also check
aat vexlabs. I think they have them for less.

[Gdeaver]

It's not simple to duplicate the programming modual. It's a usb to serial cable and that little orange box. In that box is a microcontroller that handles the programming. Not an easy thing to clone.

[Chris_Elston]

It's doesn't HAVE TO BE a USB to Serial cable does it? Our Dell D810 has a real serial port on it.

I know all about USB to Serial converters. I have my own design. I use a FTDI USB serial chip to handle the RS-232.

Other cables for reference...
http://www.plccables.com

bottom line, no problems.

I am using the FTD FT232BM chips.
http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/FT232BM.htm


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[Gdeaver]

You can use another usb cable as long as you use the right driver. I believe others have used a serial cable. That's not the problem. It's the code on the pic inside the little orange box.