USB Connection to netBook?

[garyjenkinson]

Hi,
I'm aware I can link my laptop (WinXP Pro) to my netBook using a USB Serial Port Replicator, but I like to find out if its possible to link using a USB1/Psion (Honda) only cable to cut out the male/female serial connectors in the middle?
If this configuration of cable is possible, does anyone know where I can source such a cable, be it custom-made, or as a standard off-the-shelf purchase? Also, am I correct in assuming I'd need a driver for this type of connection?
Many thanks,
Gary

[diem]

Such a cable would still need both the serial to USB conversion electronics and a driver. Thus, the only benefit of making such a cable will be removing the connectors in the middle of the cable.

If you still want to go ahead, there's nothing to stop you buying a USB serial port replicator and a Honda connector, then using a multimeter to work out which Honda pin connects to which D-type pin on your existing Psiwin cable, then hacking the serial plug off the replicator and connecting the Honda plug appropriately. The only problem I can envisage is that the Honda connector looks to me like one that requires a special tool to wire it up.

[garyjenkinson]

Hi Yan,
Thanks for that, but I'm not sure I'd want to do this myself, however if I did, wouldn't it be easier to "hack off" the serial connector off a PsiWin serial cable and wire up a USB connector onto this?
I'm assuming this would at least avoid the problems with trying to wire up the Psion Honda connector!
It was in recognition of my inability to effectively wield a soldering iron/multi-meter that I'm asking the forum if they know where I can either get one custom-made, or buy one ready-made!!
Thanks for your response,
Gary

[walterk]

Why don't you use the IR-connection. A modern laptop with WIN XP usually has one onboard.

cu
Walter

[diem]

Originally posted by walterk
Why don't you use the IR-connection. A modern laptop with WIN XP usually has one onboard.

Because XP (and 2000) do not have native support for the IrCOMM protocol used by the Psion, and even if you work around this, IR serial is noticeably slower than wired serial.