Use a Nokia Serial Cable on an ARM9 Linkstation - Revision history

TimSmall: /* Means of connecting to the Linkstation Pro */

TimSmall — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:21:13 GMT

Means of connecting to the Linkstation Pro

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:21, 25 March 2010
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	The illustrations here show the direct attachment of the cable to the main circuit board of the Linkstation Pro - it is also possible to use a friction-fit connector via the hole in the bottom of the case. Whilst in principle this sounds like a far nicer solution, a hacked-up USB "A" socket is not a good match for the pad spacing on the bottom of the linkstation, and it is quite easy to short between the contacts, or between a contact and the metal case. More than one person has broken the serial port on their LSPro as a result.		The illustrations here show the direct attachment of the cable to the main circuit board of the Linkstation Pro - it is also possible to use a friction-fit connector via the hole in the bottom of the case. Whilst in principle this sounds like a far nicer solution, a hacked-up USB "A" socket is not a good match for the pad spacing on the bottom of the linkstation, and it is quite easy to short between the contacts, or between a contact and the metal case. More than one person has broken the serial port on their LSPro as a result.

-	Old style 5.25 inch floppy drive edge-connectors work very well (no shorting problems - the connector spacing is correct), but they can be hard to find these days, and ~~you need~~ to ~~be careful when cutting them up~~. They are pretty much exclusive IDC style connectors, and soldering to them is fiddly. That having been said, you can then connect to any LS Pro without invalidating your warranty...	+	Old style 5.25 inch floppy drive edge-connectors work very well (no shorting problems - the connector spacing is correct), but they can be hard to find these days (I did see a few on ebay) and they are difficult to cut-down to the correct size. They are pretty much exclusive IDC style connectors, and soldering to them is fiddly. That having been said, you can then connect to any LS Pro without invalidating your warranty...

-	If ~~someone~~ can find a ~~better-fitting~~ connector ~~for the purpose, I'd recommend using this method, but until then,~~ soldering directly to the Linkstation's board seems like the best solution. If you don't want your USB serial adaptor to be permanently connected, then a solder-on pin header is also a possibility, but it does have the disadvantage of requiring more parts, taking longer to construct, but still invalidating your warranty.	+	If you can't find a suitable 5.25" edge connector soldering directly to the Linkstation's board seems like the best solution. If you don't want your USB serial adaptor to be permanently connected, then a solder-on pin header is also a possibility, but it does have the disadvantage of requiring more parts, taking longer to construct, but still invalidating your warranty.

	= Preparing the Cable =		= Preparing the Cable =

TimSmall: /* Introduction */ Add floppy connector note.

TimSmall — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:18:40 GMT

Introduction: Add floppy connector note.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:18, 25 March 2010
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

-	At the time of writing, clones of the DKU-5 and CA-42 data cables for Nokia mobile phones are the cheapest widely available (I purchased mine from ebay). Both should be electrically compatible with the Linkstation Pro (as well as other Linkstations, and the Linksys NSLU2 as well, ~~for that matter~~) - they incorporate a USB to RS232-3V transceiver (all the examples I've seen build the transceiver into a longer-than-usual USB "A" plug), and a Nokia "Pop-Port".	+	At the time of writing, clones of the DKU-5 and CA-42 data cables for Nokia mobile phones are the cheapest widely available (I purchased mine from ebay - they can be had for around $2.50 / €2 including postage!). Both should be electrically compatible with the Linkstation Pro (as well as other Linkstations, and the Linksys NSLU2 as well, and any other device which speaks the RS232 logical protocol with 3volt TTL electrical signal levels) - they incorporate a USB to RS232-3V transceiver (all the examples I've seen build the transceiver into a longer-than-usual USB "A" plug), and a Nokia "Pop-Port".

	== Means of connecting to the Linkstation Pro ==		== Means of connecting to the Linkstation Pro ==
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	The illustrations here show the direct attachment of the cable to the main circuit board of the Linkstation Pro - it is also possible to use a friction-fit connector via the hole in the bottom of the case. Whilst in principle this sounds like a far nicer solution, a hacked-up USB "A" socket is not a good match for the pad spacing on the bottom of the linkstation, and it is quite easy to short between the contacts, or between a contact and the metal case. More than one person has broken the serial port on their LSPro as a result.		The illustrations here show the direct attachment of the cable to the main circuit board of the Linkstation Pro - it is also possible to use a friction-fit connector via the hole in the bottom of the case. Whilst in principle this sounds like a far nicer solution, a hacked-up USB "A" socket is not a good match for the pad spacing on the bottom of the linkstation, and it is quite easy to short between the contacts, or between a contact and the metal case. More than one person has broken the serial port on their LSPro as a result.

-	Old style 5.25 inch floppy drive edge-connectors work ~~perfectly~~, but you need to be careful cutting them up. They are pretty much exclusive IDC style connectors, and soldering to them is fiddly. That having been said, you can then connect to any LS Pro without invalidating your warranty...	+	Old style 5.25 inch floppy drive edge-connectors work very well (no shorting problems - the connector spacing is correct), but they can be hard to find these days, and you need to be careful when cutting them up. They are pretty much exclusive IDC style connectors, and soldering to them is fiddly. That having been said, you can then connect to any LS Pro without invalidating your warranty...

	If someone can find a better-fitting connector for the purpose, I'd recommend using this method, but until then, soldering directly to the Linkstation's board seems like the best solution. If you don't want your USB serial adaptor to be permanently connected, then a solder-on pin header is also a possibility, but it does have the disadvantage of requiring more parts, taking longer to construct, but still invalidating your warranty.		If someone can find a better-fitting connector for the purpose, I'd recommend using this method, but until then, soldering directly to the Linkstation's board seems like the best solution. If you don't want your USB serial adaptor to be permanently connected, then a solder-on pin header is also a possibility, but it does have the disadvantage of requiring more parts, taking longer to construct, but still invalidating your warranty.

TimSmall: /* Connecting to the Linkstation Pro */

TimSmall — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:10:40 GMT

Connecting to the Linkstation Pro

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:10, 25 March 2010
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	# Exit your terminal emulator, and unplug the cable from your PC.		# Exit your terminal emulator, and unplug the cable from your PC.

-	= Connecting to the Linkstation Pro =	+	= Connecting directly to the Linkstation Pro =

	Open up your Linkstation Pro - I have the v2 hardware undo the two screws at the back, and slide the side panel off.		Open up your Linkstation Pro - I have the v2 hardware undo the two screws at the back, and slide the side panel off.

TimSmall: /* Connecting to the Linkstation Pro */

TimSmall — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:04:49 GMT

Connecting to the Linkstation Pro

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:04, 25 March 2010
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	'''CAUTION''' - beware of sharp edges, wear gloves.		'''CAUTION''' - beware of sharp edges, wear gloves.

-	'''CAUTION''' - soldering is dangerous, there is a risk of inhaling toxic fumes~~, not to mention~~ burning yourself. Take adequate precautions.	+	'''CAUTION''' - soldering is dangerous, there is a risk of inhaling toxic fumes (carcinogens and sensitisers) as well as burning yourself. Take adequate precautions.

	[[Image:Lspro-v2-internal-side-removed.jpg\|thumb\|Linkstation Pro V2 with side panel removed]]		[[Image:Lspro-v2-internal-side-removed.jpg\|thumb\|Linkstation Pro V2 with side panel removed]]

-	Work out a way of getting the cable into the Linkstation - I slid it in through the "Kensington Lock" slot at the back, perversely, the 5 wire cable went in quite easily, but the 3 wire CA-42 was thicker, and more difficult. Flatten the cable slightly with a pair of pliers as you push it into the slot. If the cable isn't a tight fit, you should secure it to something inside the Linkstation at a later point (e.g. using a tie-wrap), to stop it being accidentally pulled out.	+	Work out a way of getting the cable into the Linkstation - I slid it in through the "Kensington Lock" slot at the back, perversely, the 5 wire cable went in quite easily, but the 3 wire CA-42 was thicker, and more difficult. Flatten the cable slightly with a pair of pliers as you push it into the slot. If the cable isn't a tight fit, you should secure it to something inside the Linkstation at a later point (e.g. using a tie-wrap), to stop it being accidentally pulled out - this can damage the cable as the steel edge of the Kensington slot is sharp.

	==== Locate the serial header ====		==== Locate the serial header ====

TimSmall: /* Means of connecting to the Linkstation Pro */

TimSmall — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:03:12 GMT

Means of connecting to the Linkstation Pro

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:03, 25 March 2010
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	The illustrations here show the direct attachment of the cable to the main circuit board of the Linkstation Pro - it is also possible to use a friction-fit connector via the hole in the bottom of the case. Whilst in principle this sounds like a far nicer solution, a hacked-up USB "A" socket is not a good match for the pad spacing on the bottom of the linkstation, and it is quite easy to short between the contacts, or between a contact and the metal case. More than one person has broken the serial port on their LSPro as a result.		The illustrations here show the direct attachment of the cable to the main circuit board of the Linkstation Pro - it is also possible to use a friction-fit connector via the hole in the bottom of the case. Whilst in principle this sounds like a far nicer solution, a hacked-up USB "A" socket is not a good match for the pad spacing on the bottom of the linkstation, and it is quite easy to short between the contacts, or between a contact and the metal case. More than one person has broken the serial port on their LSPro as a result.
		+
		+	Old style 5.25 inch floppy drive edge-connectors work perfectly, but you need to be careful cutting them up. They are pretty much exclusive IDC style connectors, and soldering to them is fiddly. That having been said, you can then connect to any LS Pro without invalidating your warranty...

	If someone can find a better-fitting connector for the purpose, I'd recommend using this method, but until then, soldering directly to the Linkstation's board seems like the best solution. If you don't want your USB serial adaptor to be permanently connected, then a solder-on pin header is also a possibility, but it does have the disadvantage of requiring more parts, taking longer to construct, but still invalidating your warranty.		If someone can find a better-fitting connector for the purpose, I'd recommend using this method, but until then, soldering directly to the Linkstation's board seems like the best solution. If you don't want your USB serial adaptor to be permanently connected, then a solder-on pin header is also a possibility, but it does have the disadvantage of requiring more parts, taking longer to construct, but still invalidating your warranty.

Marcaureleii at 22:42, 14 November 2009

Marcaureleii — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:42:07 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:42, 14 November 2009
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	Replace the cover, plug the USB A connector into your PC, fire up your terminal emulator at 115200 baud, 8n1, no flow control, and power-up your Linkstation...		Replace the cover, plug the USB A connector into your PC, fire up your terminal emulator at 115200 baud, 8n1, no flow control, and power-up your Linkstation...
		+
		+	Tip: if your output is unreadable, try to set your emulator at 57600 baud, it works for me ....

JonSenior: Added LSLive category

JonSenior — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:30:25 GMT

Added LSLive category

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:30, 6 January 2009
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-	{{Articles\|Hacking\|Hardware\|LSPro\|Kurobox\|KuroboxPro}}	+	{{Articles\|Hacking\|Hardware\|LSLive\|LSPro\|Kurobox\|KuroboxPro}}
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

TimSmall: Add image captions

TimSmall — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:42:21 GMT

Add image captions

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:42, 16 June 2008
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	Cut the data cable about 60mm from the Nokia connector end, strip away approx 20mm of the outer sheath, and remove approx 3mm of insulation from each inner core.		Cut the data cable about 60mm from the Nokia connector end, strip away approx 20mm of the outer sheath, and remove approx 3mm of insulation from each inner core.

-	[[Image:CA-42_and_DKU-5_disassembled.jpg\|thumb]]	+	[[Image:CA-42_and_DKU-5_disassembled.jpg\|thumb\|Two cables cut and stripped - ready for signal identification]]

	The cables I bought were of two different designs, this may well vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.		The cables I bought were of two different designs, this may well vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
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-	[[Image:LSproV2_CA-42_solder_detail.jpg\|thumb]]	+	[[Image:LSproV2_CA-42_solder_detail.jpg\|thumb\|A 3-wire type cable soldered directly to the LSPro serial header]]

	Pull sufficient cable into the Linkstation to reach the serial header. With the board still screwed in, and the serial header at the bottom, the holes (from left to right) are:		Pull sufficient cable into the Linkstation to reach the serial header. With the board still screwed in, and the serial header at the bottom, the holes (from left to right) are:
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	Using your continuity tester, verify that none of +3.3v, rxd, or txd are shorted to gnd.		Using your continuity tester, verify that none of +3.3v, rxd, or txd are shorted to gnd.

-	[[Image:LS_Pro_v2_with_CA-42_cable-added.jpg\|thumb]]	+	[[Image:LS_Pro_v2_with_CA-42_cable-added.jpg\|thumb\|CA-42 cable routing on an LSPro]]

	== Try it Out ==		== Try it Out ==

	Replace the cover, plug the USB A connector into your PC, fire up your terminal emulator at 115200 baud, 8n1, no flow control, and power-up your Linkstation...		Replace the cover, plug the USB A connector into your PC, fire up your terminal emulator at 115200 baud, 8n1, no flow control, and power-up your Linkstation...

TimSmall: Rework section headers etc.

TimSmall — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:26:09 GMT

Rework section headers etc.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:26, 16 June 2008
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	{{Articles\|Hacking\|Hardware\|LSPro\|Kurobox\|KuroboxPro}}		{{Articles\|Hacking\|Hardware\|LSPro\|Kurobox\|KuroboxPro}}
-	== Introduction ==	+	= Introduction =

-	At the time of writing, clones of the ~~Nokia~~ DKU-5 and CA-42 data cables for mobile phones are ~~cheaply and~~ widely available (I purchased mine from ebay). Both should be electrically compatible with the Linkstation Pro (and the Linksys NSLU2 as well, for that matter) - they incorporate a USB to RS232-3V transceiver (~~usually built-~~into a longer-than-usual USB A plug).	+	At the time of writing, clones of the DKU-5 and CA-42 data cables for Nokia mobile phones are the cheapest widely available (I purchased mine from ebay). Both should be electrically compatible with the Linkstation Pro (as well as other Linkstations, and the Linksys NSLU2 as well, for that matter) - they incorporate a USB to RS232-3V transceiver (all the examples I've seen build the transceiver into a longer-than-usual USB "A" plug), and a Nokia "Pop-Port".

		+	== Means of connecting to the Linkstation Pro ==
		+
		+	The illustrations here show the direct attachment of the cable to the main circuit board of the Linkstation Pro - it is also possible to use a friction-fit connector via the hole in the bottom of the case. Whilst in principle this sounds like a far nicer solution, a hacked-up USB "A" socket is not a good match for the pad spacing on the bottom of the linkstation, and it is quite easy to short between the contacts, or between a contact and the metal case. More than one person has broken the serial port on their LSPro as a result.
		+
		+	If someone can find a better-fitting connector for the purpose, I'd recommend using this method, but until then, soldering directly to the Linkstation's board seems like the best solution. If you don't want your USB serial adaptor to be permanently connected, then a solder-on pin header is also a possibility, but it does have the disadvantage of requiring more parts, taking longer to construct, but still invalidating your warranty.
		+
		+	= Preparing the Cable =

	=== What You Will Need ===		=== What You Will Need ===
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	* Some means of stripping insulated wires.		* Some means of stripping insulated wires.
	* A willingness to invalidate your warranty.		* A willingness to invalidate your warranty.
-	* A CA-42, or DKU-5 (some later Nokia phone cables ~~FIXME~~ - ~~insert model numbers here~~ - which look similar are actually pure USB cables with no transceiver - DON'T use these - you can tell because the USB plug is shorter, they are also a bit cheaper).	+	* A CA-42, or DKU-5 (some later Nokia phone cables e.g. the DKU-2, CA-53, CA-70 - '''which look similar''' are actually pure USB cables with no transceiver - '''DON'T use these, they won't work''', and you might break your linkstation or USB port - you can tell because the USB plug is shorter, they are also a bit cheaper - if you want to double-check, use a multimeter to check whether the contacts of the USB "A" plug are connected directly to those of the pop-port).
	* Suitable safety gear.		* Suitable safety gear.
	* Pliers, glue/tape, and volt meter (optional).		* Pliers, glue/tape, and volt meter (optional).
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	If you don't have all of these, then find someone who does. Maybe ask your local TV repair place to do the work (they'd probably be glad of the business).		If you don't have all of these, then find someone who does. Maybe ask your local TV repair place to do the work (they'd probably be glad of the business).

-	==~~= Getting Started =~~==	+	== Determining the wiring assignment of your cable ==
		+
		+	Several companies produce clones of the CA-42 and DKU-5 cables, unless you are very confident you know them already, it's necessary to determine which colour of wire in the cable maps to which signal assignment.

	[[Image:CA-42-small.jpg\|thumb\|A Nokia CA-42 Clone Cable - Note long USB connector body]]		[[Image:CA-42-small.jpg\|thumb\|A Nokia CA-42 Clone Cable - Note long USB connector body]]

-	===~~= Prepare~~ the Cable ====	+	=== Cut and Strip Insulation from the Cable ===

	Cut the data cable about 60mm from the Nokia connector end, strip away approx 20mm of the outer sheath, and remove approx 3mm of insulation from each inner core.		Cut the data cable about 60mm from the Nokia connector end, strip away approx 20mm of the outer sheath, and remove approx 3mm of insulation from each inner core.
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	# The RS232 transceiver is powered from the phone/Linkstation, as well as txd, rxd, and gnd, you also need to connect power (3.3v) to the linkstation board (this was my DKU-5 cable, and had 5 wires - an additional wire was used to signal what sort of cable was plugged into the phone (I think), and can be safely left disconnected).		# The RS232 transceiver is powered from the phone/Linkstation, as well as txd, rxd, and gnd, you also need to connect power (3.3v) to the linkstation board (this was my DKU-5 cable, and had 5 wires - an additional wire was used to signal what sort of cable was plugged into the phone (I think), and can be safely left disconnected).

-	==== Identify Each Wire ====	+	=== Identify Each Wire ===

	Establish which core is connected to which pin on the Nokia connector end (Nokia "pop port") using your continuity tester. The part of the "pin-out" which we care about are:		Establish which core is connected to which pin on the Nokia connector end (Nokia "pop port") using your continuity tester. The part of the "pin-out" which we care about are:
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	# Exit your terminal emulator, and unplug the cable from your PC.		# Exit your terminal emulator, and unplug the cable from your PC.

-	~~===~~= Connecting to the Linkstation ~~===~~=	+	= Connecting to the Linkstation Pro =

-	Open up ~~the~~ Linkstation ~~pro~~ - I have the v2 hardware undo the two screws at the back, and slide the side panel off.	+	Open up your Linkstation Pro - I have the v2 hardware undo the two screws at the back, and slide the side panel off.

	'''CAUTION''' - high voltages are present in the power supply, and may be present even after the device is disconnected from the mains. Don't touch anything in the power supply area!		'''CAUTION''' - high voltages are present in the power supply, and may be present even after the device is disconnected from the mains. Don't touch anything in the power supply area!
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	* txd (data out of Linkstation) - connect this to the wire that was connected to pin '''7''' of the Nokia pop port		* txd (data out of Linkstation) - connect this to the wire that was connected to pin '''7''' of the Nokia pop port

-	Don't poke too much bare copper through the holes, or you'll touch the grounded steel of the chassis, 3 mm of bare copper is enough. Find some way of holding the cable in place while you solder the connectors - I used a couple of dabs of hot-melt glue, but you could try some strong tape, or a willing assistant.	+	Don't poke too much bare copper through the holes, or you'll touch the grounded steel of the chassis and cause a short-circuit once the device is powered on, 3 mm of bare copper seemed to be enough. Find some way of holding the cable in place while you solder the connectors - I used a couple of dabs of hot-melt glue, but you could try some strong tape, or a willing assistant.

-	(If you are using a cable which uses the device-powered transceiver design, then you may wish to initially connect just gnd, and +3.3v to the cable, and then wire rxd and txd together (and isolate with some tape). Replace the cover and screws, and power-up the linkstation, your terminal emulator should then behave as a "loop-back" and characters which you type should be echoed back to you - see the [[#Sanity_Check_Your_Findings]] section).	+	If you are using a cable which uses the device-powered transceiver design, then you may wish to initially connect just gnd, and +3.3v to the cable, and then wire rxd and txd together (and isolate with some tape). Replace the cover and screws, and power-up the linkstation, your terminal emulator should then behave as a "loop-back" and characters which you type should be echoed back to you - see the [[#Sanity_Check_Your_Findings]] section.

	Using your continuity tester, verify that none of +3.3v, rxd, or txd are shorted to gnd.		Using your continuity tester, verify that none of +3.3v, rxd, or txd are shorted to gnd.
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	[[Image:LS_Pro_v2_with_CA-42_cable-added.jpg\|thumb]]		[[Image:LS_Pro_v2_with_CA-42_cable-added.jpg\|thumb]]

-	Replace the cover, and power-up your Linkstation.	+	== Try it Out ==
		+
		+	Replace the cover, plug the USB A connector into your PC, fire up your terminal emulator at 115200 baud, 8n1, no flow control, and power-up your Linkstation...

Ramuk: add category template

Ramuk — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 05:35:10 GMT

add category template

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:35, 14 June 2008
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		+	{{Articles\|Hacking\|Hardware\|LSPro\|Kurobox\|KuroboxPro}}
	== Introduction ==		== Introduction ==