DSM-G600, DNS-3xx and NSA-220 Hack Forum
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#1 2007-11-16 16:06:51
- yaubi
- New member
- Registered: 2006-12-11
- Posts: 4
internal TTL to USB instead of serial port
Hi all.
I'm currently looking for a way to connect the DNS-322 console to my laptop USB port (which has no legacy serial port). As I'm absolutely not a hardware expert, I would prefer a no-dirty-hand solution.
I found that "TTL-232R-3V3 USB to TTL Serial Converter Cable" (http://www.ftdichip.fr/pdf/TTL232R3V3.pdf).
Anyone knows whether it could do the work?
Yoann
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#2 2007-11-16 16:17:55
- fordem
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- Registered: 2007-01-26
- Posts: 1938
Re: internal TTL to USB instead of serial port
If you're looking for something that will plug directly in - this will not work for you.
If you are prepared to get creative and replace the-6 pin header with a suitable 4-pin connector, I think it should work.
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#3 2007-11-16 20:07:36
- yaubi
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- Registered: 2006-12-11
- Posts: 4
Re: internal TTL to USB instead of serial port
fordem wrote:
If you are prepared to get creative and replace the-6 pin header with a suitable 4-pin connector, I think it should work.
Well, as long as it doesn't need me to play with chips, transitors or whatever, I'm happy. If it's just a matter of reading the doc to choose which of the 6 pins will get into a new 4-pin connector, I think I can do that.
Will it be that simple ? that was my question. As I don't understand all that "TTL, CMOS, MAX3232, BLABLA" jargon, I'm not sure this cable does the right thing. If it does, except the plug I'll have to change, I'll go for it ! 
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#4 2007-11-16 21:13:11
- fordem
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- Registered: 2007-01-26
- Posts: 1938
Re: internal TTL to USB instead of serial port
Very briefly - TTL or transistor-transistor-logic is a relatively ancient (like me - it's what I cut my teeth on some thirty years ago) form of integrated circuit logic, possibly the first to be used in significant quantities - it uses 5v to denote a high and 0v to denote a low.
The DNS-323 uses a later type of logic - CMOS or Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor - which uses 3.3V to denote a high and 0V to denote a low.
The Max 3232 is a "level shifter" integrated circuit made by Maxim that converts the 5-0V levels to 3.3-0V levels so that TTL & CMOS logic circuits can be interconnected
Since the USB-Serial converter you have chosen uses 3.3V levels - you can ignore all of the above - this is theoretically as simple as connecting the ground lead, the TX lead and the RX lead - although you may have to interchange the TX & RX leads.
Of course I now need to insert a legal disclaimer here - if you follow these instructions you may irrepairably damage, blah, blah, blah, etc. , etc. 
Last edited by fordem (2007-11-16 21:13:40)
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#5 2007-11-17 18:43:10
- yaubi
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- Registered: 2006-12-11
- Posts: 4
Re: internal TTL to USB instead of serial port
fordem wrote:
Since the USB-Serial converter you have chosen uses 3.3V levels - you can ignore all of the above - this is theoretically as simple as connecting the ground lead, the TX lead and the RX lead - although you may have to interchange the TX & RX leads.
Great & thanks for the answer ! Just ordered one. I'll keep you informed soon.
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#6 2008-02-16 06:07:18
- biscuit
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- Registered: 2008-02-13
- Posts: 10
Re: internal TTL to USB instead of serial port
Did anyone ever get anywhere with this? I don't have a serial port on any of my PC's so USB interface would be preferable.
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