gmcjetpilot
New Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2005
- Messages
- 20
What is the best way to wire in the data cable? 
ONE
Wire a permanent cable in the harness with a D9 (serial RS-232) connector that can plug into the laptop directly. When not in use you coil cable up and store under panel.
TWO
Wire the data wires to a connector serial RS232/DB-9 connector in or under the panel. When needed you connect the laptop with a serial DB-9 patch cable.
THREE
Like # TWO but use a RJ-11/12 phone jack in or under the panel and phone cable as a patch. They make a $2.00 RJ11/12 to serial DB-9 adapter for the laptop connection: http://www.stayonline.com/serial_to_rj_adapters/index.asp
I'm Leaning to # THREE. First I will not have to carry a roll of 4-6 feet cable and connector around under the panel. Although it works and likely cost little weight, I don't like rolls of wire laying around. On the other hand you don't ever have to hunt for a patch cable.
The standard phone line with RJ-11/12 type connectors is light and easily available, making it a nice patch cable. You can by a 8 ft cable for $0.25 or a cool self winding cable: http://www.eenid.us/zipdata-rj12.html
If I wanted I can carry the phone/serial adapter and cable in the glove box, in case I need an emergency(?) update on a trip. I could also use a 20 foot phone line (available cheep) in the hanger to keep the laptop out of the plane during updates or use a desktop computer.
Since updates are few and far between and I don't take always take my laptop everywhere, I don't see a huge disadvantage in not having a cable connector always wired up. Any thoughts, comments or other ideas?
[smiley=dankk2.gif]George
ONE
Wire a permanent cable in the harness with a D9 (serial RS-232) connector that can plug into the laptop directly. When not in use you coil cable up and store under panel.
TWO
Wire the data wires to a connector serial RS232/DB-9 connector in or under the panel. When needed you connect the laptop with a serial DB-9 patch cable.
THREE
Like # TWO but use a RJ-11/12 phone jack in or under the panel and phone cable as a patch. They make a $2.00 RJ11/12 to serial DB-9 adapter for the laptop connection: http://www.stayonline.com/serial_to_rj_adapters/index.asp
I'm Leaning to # THREE. First I will not have to carry a roll of 4-6 feet cable and connector around under the panel. Although it works and likely cost little weight, I don't like rolls of wire laying around. On the other hand you don't ever have to hunt for a patch cable.
The standard phone line with RJ-11/12 type connectors is light and easily available, making it a nice patch cable. You can by a 8 ft cable for $0.25 or a cool self winding cable: http://www.eenid.us/zipdata-rj12.html
If I wanted I can carry the phone/serial adapter and cable in the glove box, in case I need an emergency(?) update on a trip. I could also use a 20 foot phone line (available cheep) in the hanger to keep the laptop out of the plane during updates or use a desktop computer.
Since updates are few and far between and I don't take always take my laptop everywhere, I don't see a huge disadvantage in not having a cable connector always wired up. Any thoughts, comments or other ideas?
[smiley=dankk2.gif]George