Checking your cable

How to check to see if your cable needs to be modified How to check to see if your cable needs to be modified
There are 2 methods you could use to check to see if your RS232 cable needs the modification to work with an iPAQ PDA. There are 2 methods you could use to check to see if your RS232 cable needs the modification to work with an iPAQ PDA.
1. Visual. Remove the backshell from the DB9 connector as in step one below and check the input power line component as in the diagram on the right. If you have a 33R resistor then your cable will need modification. If you have a ferrite, or 0R resistor, your cable is ok to use with a PDA. 1. Visual. Remove the backshell from the DB9 connector as in step one below and check the input power line component as in the diagram on the right. If you have a 33R resistor then your cable will need modification. If you have a ferrite, or 0R resistor, your cable is ok to use with a PDA.
2. Check resistance. With a multimeter check the resistance between pin9 on the DB9 connector and the red wire on the consult connector. Any reading above 33 ohms will need modification. It your reading is between 0 and 5 ohms then your cable will not need modifying to work with a PDA. 2. Check resistance. With a multimeter check the resistance between pin9 on the DB9 connector and the red wire on the consult connector. Any reading above 33 ohms will need modification. It your reading is between 0 and 5 ohms then your cable will not need modifying to work with a PDA.

Setup

Warning:Warning: Only attempt this modification if you are an experienced and competent solderer Only attempt this modification if you are an experienced and competent solderer

Tools requiredTools required: Side Cutters, Soldering Iron, multistranded wire, solder Side Cutters, Soldering Iron, multistranded wire, solder

PreparationPreparation: Modifying the RS232 cable requires about 10 minutes for someone who is competent. Please only attempt this if you are a competent solderer. If you are unsure at any stage please get help from a competent solderer or send it back for modification.
Read and understand all steps before starting. Modifying the RS232 cable requires about 10 minutes for someone who is competent. Please only attempt this if you are a competent solderer. If you are unsure at any stage please get help from a competent solderer or send it back for modification.
Read and understand all steps before starting.

MethodMethod

Step1Step1 Remove the DB9 connector backshell by removing the 2 securing screws exposing the circuit board. Remove the DB9 connector backshell by removing the 2 securing screws exposing the circuit board.

Step2Step2 Locate and VERY CAREFULLY remove the 33R resistor from the circuit board using the soldering iron. Be careful not to heat the circuit board for more than 2 seconds, you stand the risk of damaging the circuit board. Both sides of the 33R resistor will need to be molten before it can be removed. Locate and VERY CAREFULLY remove the 33R resistor from the circuit board using the soldering iron. Be careful not to heat the circuit board for more than 2 seconds, you stand the risk of damaging the circuit board. Both sides of the 33R resistor will need to be molten before it can be removed.

Step3Step3 Prepare the shorting wire by stripping about 30-40mm of wire, then twist 4-5 small strands of the copper core together and solder (wet or tin). The twisted, soldered strands should be no more than 0.5mm diameter. Prepare the shorting wire by stripping about 30-40mm of wire, then twist 4-5 small strands of the copper core together and solder (wet or tin). The twisted, soldered strands should be no more than 0.5mm diameter.

Step4Step4 Solder the end of the tinned wire onto the circuit board where the 33R resistor used to be. Be sure that the wire is soldered to both of the pads that the 33R resistor used to be soldered onto. Solder the end of the tinned wire onto the circuit board where the 33R resistor used to be. Be sure that the wire is soldered to both of the pads that the 33R resistor used to be soldered onto.

Step5Step5 Trim off excess wire with the side cutters and replace the backshell. Trim off excess wire with the side cutters and replace the backshell.