I have a simple (heh yeah right!) idea for a time saving device, but need some help implementing it.
I need to switch 4 to 8 RS232 devices to one.
What I am after is a simple way to switch one device (PC) to multiple end points (GSM modems, linux console, voice modems etc) without having to keep unplugging cables.
Various things have been suggested, such as USB to RS232 adapters and Ethernet, and PIC's.
USB to RS232 adapters are messy and they dont always keep the same port number, particularly on the cheaper ones, so I dont want to use these. Messy with cabling everywhere for 8 ports at least.
Ethernet isn't available on the devices.
PIC's, whilst a good idea, isn't format independant, I would have to bit bang 8 software ports at 7E2.
I have some 74HC154 chips and thought paired with some MAX232's for level shifting would do the trick, I have been told that this wouldn't.
I have seen this:
Homebrew Designs - Serial Port Multiplexer
But the 150 isn't readily available, so I was hoping to swap it out for another 154.
Any help / assistance appreciated!
Regards
Wilksey
I need to switch 4 to 8 RS232 devices to one.
What I am after is a simple way to switch one device (PC) to multiple end points (GSM modems, linux console, voice modems etc) without having to keep unplugging cables.
Various things have been suggested, such as USB to RS232 adapters and Ethernet, and PIC's.
USB to RS232 adapters are messy and they dont always keep the same port number, particularly on the cheaper ones, so I dont want to use these. Messy with cabling everywhere for 8 ports at least.
Ethernet isn't available on the devices.
PIC's, whilst a good idea, isn't format independant, I would have to bit bang 8 software ports at 7E2.
I have some 74HC154 chips and thought paired with some MAX232's for level shifting would do the trick, I have been told that this wouldn't.
I have seen this:
Homebrew Designs - Serial Port Multiplexer
But the 150 isn't readily available, so I was hoping to swap it out for another 154.
Any help / assistance appreciated!
Regards
Wilksey