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From: bruce@balilly.uucp (Bruce Lilly)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: cheap ethernet transceivers
Keywords: cheap Ethernet transceivers
Message-ID: <1990Jul31.031438.19090@blilly.UUCP>
Date: 31 Jul 90 03:14:38 GMT
References: <6Xc1m12w162w@remote.halcyon.wa.com>
Sender: root@blilly.UUCP (Root)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Bruce Lilly, Flushing, NY
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In article <6Xc1m12w162w@remote.halcyon.wa.com> markw@remote.halcyon.wa.com (Mark Ward) writes:
>I'm looking for a few cheap ethernet transceivers (isn't everyone).
>I almost asked about using the 15 pin cables, but I caught the other
>messages in time :-)... Where can I get a book that actually says
>blah blah chip so an so does this, and in the xceiver, we use a silly
>matching transformer and a couple whatevers and gouge you big bucks?

You don't *really* expect to find a book that says *that*, do you?

>I mean isn't it possible to build my own transceivers? Almost did it
>with appletalk (they sold you a diagram for $20), but now the boxes are
>so cheap I don't need to worry about it... 

Yes, it's possible, however:
1)	Ethernet(tm) runs at 10 Mb/s, so experience with high-frequency
	circuit design is essential. Building the unit on a PC board with
	adequate grounding (perhaps even a ground plane) is necessary.
2)	You'll want some type of box or enclosure, which will need to
	accomodate the 15-pin D connector and a BNC connector (assuming
	thinnet -- don't even think about making your own tap for thick
	cable).
3)	The cost of the components, enclosure, connectors, PC board
	fabrication, and your time to design, build, and debug the units will
	probably total as much as or more than the price of a commercial
	unit.

>I desperately desire a book that will quence my thirst for knowledge on
>transceivers, ethernet, layers, ftp, tcip, amd ethernet controller chips,
>the pin-outs of those silly 15 pin cables.....

IC's are described in ``Handbook of LAN Technology'' by Paul J. Fortier,
published by McGraw-Hill ($64.95).  The pinout of the 15-pin cable is
shown in ``Keeping the Link'' by Martin Nemzow, also published by
McGraw-Hill ($39.95). (No, I don't work for McGraw-Hill) There are other
books; check your local library or technical bookstore, as well as
application notes from the IC manufacturers.

Of course, you'll probably find that it's simpler, quicker, and less
costly to simply purchase a unit.
>-mark


--
	Bruce Lilly		uunet!vmp!sonyd1!blilly!balilly!bruce