On Friday 26 Sep 2003 1:15 am, you wrote:

> Ian,
>
> Great! Thanks for asking.
>
> Other end of the link will either be a PC running a terminal emulator, or a
> PDA with a +5.5/-5.5 volt serial port.

Here is you first problem.  From other posts on the topic of (RS232) serial
ports we know that most PCs will accept a 0/5V serial signal but what about
this PDA of yours with it +5.5/-5.5V serial port?  receiving from it should
be no problem but what signal levels does it expect you to send it?  Can you
find out?

>
> The length will be 3 feet. 6ft would be great if possible.

OK, fairly short then, so as a rough guess we can assume 100pF/yd cable
capacitance so design for more than 200pf load.

>
> Data rate of 9600 is fine, but of course, higher would be nice.
>

9600 is nice and slow so cable capacitance should not be too much of an issue.
How much higher do you want to go?

Ian

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