» Computer cables «

I was thinking about a page like this years ago but I never bothered. So why now, you may ask? Because of the exploding market perhaps? Nope. I've done another cabling course and want to put it down while it's fresh in my mind then? Again nope. It is because the world is full of wannabe computer stores and techies - half of whom don't even know what a command line is! - who have leapt on the computer bandwagon so late that the race isn't just finished, the horse has been put to graze and finally lead to the local glue factory.

Eh!?

I'll elucidate. A friend wanted a cable. No big deal...

• I phoned the nearest decent reseller, checked it was in stock and sent them round to collect it. Then I sent them back for a refund.
• A second so called consultancy wouldn't even check the suppliers lists.
• A third computer store ("under new management") proclaimed: "There's no such thing, can't be done".
• Giving up, I sourced it myself from a wholesaler and, getting desparate, my friend drove the distance - to be told they didn't know what he was talking about.
• Undetered, I sorted it personally, triple checked the part number, crossed referenced it with the suppliers parts database - because the sales staff didn't have a clue - and ordered it for early delivery. 9.15am next morning I phoned up asking "What the ruddy 'ecks this!"

Ah, you say, nodding sagely. I needed something esoteric like a 144 paired patch wire for an ISDN30 to Unix based call logging box. Nope, just a sodding serial to parallel gender bender. A relatively simple converter and no-one I spoke to had a clue what I was on about!

My friend goes to consumer shows doing signwriting and bought a P4 portable to speed things up and save lugging a bulky system box around. The only problem is his cutting plotter uses a serial port and the DELL laptop is lacking such legacy ports. Needless to say he is not happy about spending £2,000 on a door stop!

Incidentally,the prices quoted, depending on source etc went from £3.99 (trade) for a Vivanco cable (but out of stock) to 17.29 Euro for the same "Vivanco 25pin Serial To Parallel G/changer" to £67 from another supplier...

...That is until you find the Vivanco is a straight pin serial to serial OR parallel to parallel, and not a converter. It took finding a wiring diagram and a call to Vivanco UK to confirm this, so Blackbox are the only reliable source of serial to parallel cables, period.

While I get was getting him sorted, I figured there's likely lots of other folk in similar straights, so here you go...

Out of interest though, that solution never worked either because of non standard pinouts on the plotter. Sigh!


I've put this link at the top so I don't forget about it....
I've never bought here (yet) but Cable Universe in Plymouth have an amazing range of cables - including 5m USB extensions. Sweet eh. First time I've ever noticed them advertised. They also sell usb to parallel and more importantly albeit too late, usb to serial converters too.
Whether they would have worked this that plotter is another matter mind!

Incidentally, like most of my pages, if you think you belong here let me know and (as long as you're kosher) I'll add you to the links

Connect the wires as follows:

Connector number 1 - green wire with white rings
Connector number 2 - blue wire with white rings
Connector number 3 - orange wire with white rings
Connector number 4 - white wire with orange rings
Connector number 5 - white wire with blue rings
Connector number 6 - white wire with green rings

Remember to trim off any excess wire.

Belkin
These guys are veterans - with offices worldwide - they didn't have it either!

Black Box
I've know of these guy for years. True Pro's (read expensive) but did they have the "Parallel to Serial Interface Converter" which M6 Computers in Merseyside assured my friend didn't exist! The proof is in the eating, as can be seen from this image. The part code is PI047A and it retails at £67.
Give their sales team a call on 0118 965 5001

Broeder Cables

Cable Universe
Based in Plymouth have an amazing range of cables - including 5m USB extensions.

[ www.cornwall-electronics.co.uk ] Cornwall Electronics

Connexions (UK) PLC
  :-   Tel: 01707 272091 / Fax: 01707 269444
    Cable specialists with a fantastic range
Their Gary Ives recently emailed me to update me on their website too.

Farnell
These can be extortionately expensive and are next to useless for off the shelf computer cabling but if you want to make custom wiring up it could be a starting point.

Munster Computers
These guys over in Ireland seemed to come up with the goods on their website. I'm fairly sure I've met these guys at CTO and Ingram Micro trade shows in the past too!
The Vivanco 25pin Serial To Parallel G/changer is listed for 20.80 Euro (inc VAT at 21%) and the "3m Serial/parallel Ext. Lead" comes in at 38.65 Euro (inc VAT at 21%). It's also the wrong lead. That cable, like all the othe Vivancos are merely gender benders or straight extensions. Pity.

Open Directory Project: Computer Cables
Loads of links here. Not a one lead to the cable needed, but never mind.

Open Directory Project: Computer Cable Manufacturers
Loads of manufacturers links here. (But no Vivanco!)

RSD Connections
They don't appears to have that serial to parallel but otherwise, excellent range. Nice display stands if you are in the trade.

Vivanco
The shopping trolley is largely in german, but you can buy in Euro's direct
Else:
    Vivanco (UK) Ltd.
    Maxted Court, Maxted Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP27DE, England
    Phone: (+44) 1442 403 020
    Fax: (+44) 1442 403 030


Videk
Specialist suppliers of computer leads and cables for networking systems. They will make up custom cables to order too.

White paper on Category 5, 5e, 6, and 7 Specifications

I have shamelessly pilfered andy electronic list from Andy's Electronic Manufacturers and Parts Supplier List.
Fantastic site for radio and ham radio sites too. Not exactly my cup of tea, but there's a lot of work gone into his site.

I'd be happy to leave well alone as a link but I've seen so many good resources lost when sites vanish I thought I'd make an exception. Try his link first mind. If it's still live it's more likely to be updated...