VisorCentral.com - Mark Space DataCord availability

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VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Accessories (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=3)
-- Mark Space DataCord availability (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=3875)

Posted by potter on 07-17-2000 05:20 PM:

I just received an email news anouncement from Mark/Space. In it is states:

quote:
UPDATED: DataCord Status Report
< http://www.markspace.com/datacord.html >

Since our last issue, we are pleased to announce that the DataCord 5 has joined the DataCord 3 in shipping, and that our first production samples of the DataCord HS (for Handspring Visor) have come back and passed testing. Now that the first samples have passed, we hope to start offering the DataCord HS for sale in August.

The cables are designed for connection to modems, routers, and other serial devices that have a DB-9 or DB-25 connector and will be available in versions designed to connect to all of the currently available devices
running PalmOS:

Mark/Space DataCord 3: For the Palm III and Palm VII series
(as well as the TRG Pro and Symbol 1500)

Mark/Space DataCord 5: For the Palm V series

Mark/Space DataCord HS: For the Handspring Visor

The DataCord 3 and DataCord 5 are available now in limited quantities. Handspring Visor versions are projected to be available in August.

All cables are 3 feet in length, shielded, and feature high quality connectors with blackened metal thumbscrews. DataCord HS also includes the circuitry needed to make the Visor serial lines RS232 voltage level compliant.

For further information and pictures, visit:
< http://www.markspace.com/datacord.html >

Posted by Trinition on 07-17-2000 06:24 PM:

Yes, I too got that e-mail. I would liek to order one. But I'm wary.

Will it work? They say it will generate the proper RS-232 voltage levels (5V I believe). But wouldn't that reguire a power source? MarkSpace says they get the +5V from the Visor. Where? Can anyone find the pin that give 5V?

What would be MarkSpace's return policy?

------------------
--
Trinition ([email protected])

Posted by potter on 07-17-2000 07:56 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by Trinition:
They say it will generate the proper RS-232 voltage levels (5V I believe).

If I remember correctly, RS-232 signals are between -5 and -12 (or was it 24) is low and between +5 and +12 is high. For TTL between 0 and +0.7 is low, and between +3 and +5 is high.

quote:
But wouldn't that reguire a power source?

There are two different techniques that they could be using: 1 powering the circuit off of one (or more) or the signal lines, and 2 using a charge pump. The Handspring serial cradle uses both of these, powering its self off of one of the control lines coming from the host computer.

quote:
MarkSpace says they get the +5V from the Visor. Where? Can anyone find the pin that give 5V?

There is no out right 5V coming from the Visor. Maybe one can get some power out of the USB port (would not think so). Or since when at rest as TXD line is high, one could get power there (though this would be error prone, since heavy serial out would invalidate this assumption). I would think it more likely to pull the power from RS-232 device, similar to the Handspring Serial Cradle. But, I would hope, improved, but pulling power from any of the lines driven by the RS-232 device.

quote:
What would be MarkSpace's return policy?

Do not know. Cannot comment.

Posted by Marfu on 07-17-2000 10:42 PM:

Using capacitors you can easily increase voltage to just about any level you want. I remember a "stun gun" project that used a sequence of capacitors and transistors to increase the voltage of a 9 volt battery to 10,000 volts. You sacrifice amperage, but for use as TTL and RS-232 I don't think it matters.

[This message has been edited by Marfu (edited 07-17-2000).]

Posted by Bret Snyder on 08-02-2000 05:57 AM:

MarkSpace has updated their dates for the Handspring cables. Their site now says:

"Hotsync Cable (H2) Coming mid-August 2000!
Modem Cables (M9 and M2) Coming September 2000!"

All times are GMT. The time now is 06:27 AM.

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