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From: markz@ssc.UUCP (Mark Zenier)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc,comp.periphs,comp.misc
Subject: Re: RS-232 protocol primer (long)
Message-ID: <1954@ssc.UUCP>
Date: 25 Jun 89 03:57:11 GMT
References: <1538@mtunb.ATT.COM> <592@megatek.UUCP> <1989Jun24.005740.19326@cs.rochester.edu>
Organization: SSC, Inc., Seattle, WA
Lines: 31

> |> Why is the word STANDARD in quotes?  There is, in fact, a REAL LIVE
> |> EIA standard, designated RS-232-C and dated 1981.  (Originally 1969,
> |> reaffirmed 1981.)  It DOES NOT specify the DB-25 interface connector,
> |> or any interface connector at all.  It DOES specify:

The sex of the connector.

"Section Three
3. Interface Mechanical Characteristics

3.1  The interface between the data terminal equipment and the data 
communications equipment is located at a pluggable connector signal interface
point between the two equipments.  The female connector shall be associated
with, but not necessarily physically attached to the data communications 
equipment..."

In article <1989Jun24.005740.19326@cs.rochester.edu>, ken@cs.rochester.edu (Ken Yap) writes:
> To add to the confusion, many terminal manufacturers (DEC especially)
> use the opposite type of connector from what most other people use. And
> yes, the standard doesn't specify a connector so in principle computers
> with 9 pin connectors are conforming, if irritating.

Dec and Zenith and very few others get it right, and put a male connector
on their DTE ports.  Lear Seigler, Qume, and every japanese printer 
manufacturer I've seen need a sex education lesson.  

Mark Zenier    uunet!nwnexus!pilchuck!ssc!markz    markz@ssc.uucp
                            uunet!amc!
-- 
Mark Zenier    uunet!nwnexus!pilchuck!ssc!markz    markz@ssc.uucp
                            uunet!amc!