Epson 4100 manual Making a Serial Cable

B-8 Appendix B—Serial Interface

MAKING A SERIAL CABLE

Interfacing two RS-232-C serial devices is simply a process of connecting grounds and tying together the output and input signal pairs.

The wiring diagrams on Page B-10 list the nine most commonly used RS- 232-C serial interface signals and their pins versus the pin assignments on DCE and DTE devices. Most computers are DTE devices. Most modems, repeaters, and translators are DCE.

Connections that are usually required appear as solid lines. Connections that are normally optional appear as dashed lines. The full compliment of connections is sufficient for the majority of situations. For special cases, consult your device's technical reference manual.

Serial connectors come in two genders: male and female. A female connector is mounted on the printer. Use a male connector on the printer end of the cable.