Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!lll-lcc!lll-tis!helios.ee.lbl.gov!nosc!ucsd!ames!killer!pollux!dalsqnt!rpp386!pigs!haugj
From: haugj@pigs.UUCP (Joe Bob Willie)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Maximum Length of a PC Serial Cable?
Message-ID: <193@pigs.UUCP>
Date: 19 Jul 88 19:15:12 GMT
References: <1986@silver.bacs.indiana.edu>
Reply-To: haugj@pigs.UUCP (Joe Bob Willie)
Organization: Big "D" Oil and Gas
Lines: 22

In article <1986@silver.bacs.indiana.edu> regoli@silver.bacs.indiana.edu (michael regoli) writes:
>before i go crazy trying to do something that can't be done, does
>anyone know a safe limit on the length of a serial cable?  i'd like
>to run a serial cable approximately 30 feet @ 9600 bps to drive a
>laser.

rs-232 cables can be run up to 150 feet without difficulty, even
longer lenghts with higher quality cables and connectors.  the most
important things is to use a shielded cable and connector hoods.
after making up the regular connections, such as pins 2, 3, and
7, connect one end of the cable to the ground on pin 1 of a 25 pin
connector.  the 9 pin connectors only have 1 ground so you will have
to make that connection at the laser end.

also, avoid routing the cable near ac power lines or florescent
lights.  those will induce noise onto the serial cable.

- john.
-- 
 John "Evil USENET User" F. Haugh II          HECI Exploration Co, Inc., Dallas
 UUCP: ...!killer!rpp386!jfh                            jfh@rpp386.UUCP :DOMAIN
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