Hi folks, I just received my Keyspan USB adapter as used on the NCE pro cab system. The nine pin connector will not engage the nine pon connector on the adapter. Both have mounting screws that project out and prevent engagement. Has anyone else had this problem? What did you do about it?
I have joined the NCE users group but I am waiting for owner approval before I can post.
73
Bruce in the Peg
People were just mentioning that on the JMRI list. You'll have to get a short 9 pin serial cable to connect between the two. If you are using a 9 to 25 adapter you might be able to unscrew the mounting screws on the adapter without affectign the integrity of the unit - the mounting screws are usually what holds the case on on devices like that and the Keyspan adapter. The short piece of cable is probably the best bet - you cna even get cables that do the 9 to 25 part as well.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy, what do I call this short piece of cable and where would I get one? I presume this cable has no mounting ears at all, right?
If the 2 would connect but for the mouting pins (one end is male and the other female), then what you want is a 9 pin straight through male to female cable.
I have tried Staples and "the source (Radio Shack in Canada)" I cannot guess where else to try. Most of the clerks don't have a clue what a 9 pin DIN is.
Bruce,
Based on my experiences here in the States, I'm not surprised that the folks at Staples or CellPhoneShack didn't have a clue about a DB9.
But if you do a search for "DB9" in the Electronics category on www.amazon.ca, you'll get lots of hits.
Many of them will be USB to Serial adapters, which you already have, but there are also a number of cables, connectors, and gender changers. Hopefully one will fit your needs.
Edit: I also seem to remember hearing someone state they were able to remove the screws on one end or the other to make it work. Is that an option for you?
Which Keyspan adapter is it? The only one I turn up with a quick search is the 19HS, and lookign at the biggest picture I can find, it looks liek it would be OK to remove the nuts on it - a small nutdriver or needlenose pliers are needed. Computer tool kits used to include the proper nut driver because the nut mounted on the connectors ont eh PC would often unscrew when you tried to unscrew the cable plugged in to it.
If you can;t get them off, and want to go the cable route, here's the cable from The Source: http://www.thesource.ca/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Parallel+%26+Serial&product=2600117
Notice that you will, however, need to remove the nuts on the female end.
The last person that worked for Radio Shack and knew anything about electronics quit workign there in 1987. Hint: That's when I stopped working there
Thanks Randy. I don't know how you come up with these things. Since I now have the correct part number, I called the local "source" and they have three of them in stock. I should be able to get one this afternoon.
Thanks again!
Like I said, you'll still have to undo the bolts on the cable/ I'd check first to see if you cna undo the ones ont he Keyspan or the adapter first, and save yourself some money.
What you are looking for is a 9 pin serial EXTENSION cable that has the type of male / female connectors you need.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.