Michel D�nzer wrote: > Brendan J Simon wrote: > > > > I have replaced an intel laptop with a new PowerBook (USB & Firewire). > > I used to use minicom to to communicate with an embedded system and wish > > to do the same with my PowerBook. The problem is that the PowerBook > > does not have an RS232 port. > > I assume there is something that will convert USB to RS232 and I would > > like some recommendations for Linux supported devices. > > If you can connect a modem to the embedded system and initiate a connection, > you could link it to the PowerBook's modem :)
It's pssible but not really an elegant solution. The embedded system is made up of multiple CPU boards. One of them has a DB9 connection at the front panel but the others have internal header connectors. I have been made aware of a product from www.keyspan.com which has 2 mini-din8 connectors on it. An Apple reseller told me about it and I assume it is a USB based device. I can't remember the mini-din8 electrical specs but I don't think they have true RS232 signal levels (ie. +/-12volt). I think they might have TTL levels (0/5volt) but none the less I'm sure that an ordinary serial cable from mini-din8 to DB9 will work, though I would prefer a similar unit with true RS232 i/o using DB9 (or DB25) connectors. Anyone know how I would use such a device from a Linux/PPC powerbook ? Would I need a new kernel and/or have to write my own drivers for it ? Thanks, Brendan.
