[Elecraft] Re: What's wrong with Serial

[Bill Coleman]

On Jun 21, 2006, at 12:49 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:

> Mini-Dins are simply not reliable. The connectors break all-too  
> easily, mostly due to the pins bending if the connectors are not  
> aligned just right. We intentionally moved away from them at Apple  
> because of this problem.

And here I thought that it was because USB was a better solution....  
At least, that's what they told me at WWDC 1997. Instead, it was the  
stupid connectors for Serial and ADB.

> There really isn't a good connector solution at present. If you  
> look at what is available in a semi-rugged form factor, we are  
> limited to D-shells, DINs (not mini-Dins), RJs, and not much else.  
> The RJs are not shielded, so we end up duplicating connectors out  
> of necessity.

USB connectors are highly reliable, sheilded, and you could put two  
of them in the space that a single DB-9 fits....

> I think Wayne made a good choice with the connector, and it is up  
> to us to realize that it is not standard RS-232 and just deal with  
> it. Of course, few, if any, other ham rigs have "standard" RS-232  
> connectors on their rear apron...

Indeed.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901