no serial port on new laptop... cross-over cat-5 cable???

Megajolt Kit assembly Question and Answers. Be sure to review the <a href="http://www.autosportlabs.net/MJLJ_V4_kit_assembly_guide">Kit assembly guide</a>

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xdawgedawg
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2009 3:11 am
Location: san francisco california

no serial port on new laptop... cross-over cat-5 cable???

Post by xdawgedawg »

hey guys,

i just picked up a MJLJ V4... got the kit version... nice...............

i spoke to a computer person about not having a serial port on the laptop and that i didnt want to buy all these adapters just to connect the laptop and the MJLJ together. so he took a look at the kit and said that i should be able to use a "cat 5 crossover cable".

do you guys think this might work? or should i just use the adapters?

thanks

brentp
Site Admin
Posts: 6274
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 6:36 am

Post by brentp »

Hello,

Actually, you do need a serial connection on the laptop- a network crossover cable will not work.

First, you will need to get a USB-Serial adapter for your laptop. Most any adapter will work, but we have a page here that lists some types that are known good:
http://www.autosportlabs.net/USB-serial_adapters

Next, you will need an RJ-11 to serial cable for the Megajolt- You can buy one here:
http://www.autosportlabs.com/rj11-seria ... -p-43.html

or knock up a custom cable using the instructions in the Operation guide, here:
http://www.autosportlabs.net/MJLJ_V4_Op ... o_the_MJLJ

Once you have these bits you should be on your way!
Brent Picasso
CEO and Founder, Autosport Labs
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Broke4speed
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2009 4:49 pm

Post by Broke4speed »

I whipped up the handy RJ-11-to-serial adapter from the manual, and use a 3' serial-to-USB cable/adapter. That way, all that peeks out from behind the dash is the USB portion. Very convenient, and I never have to worry about losing the adapter.

xdawgedawg
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2009 3:11 am
Location: san francisco california

Post by xdawgedawg »

power here, ground there, 5-volts here, 5-volts there.... the l.e.d. lit up!!!!! everything went well and smoothly with the assembly... now its just the serial adapter to an rj11 (not a rj45). i will dig into my junk draw and see what i can find...

thank guys

xdawgedawg
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2009 3:11 am
Location: san francisco california

Post by xdawgedawg »

found a box of old computer stuff... dissected some cables, did a little bit of soldering... TAH-DAH!!! serial adapter!!!

i went out and purchased a usb to serial cable, had a few issues with the com ports, but all issues have been resolved...

i am loving this more and more....

thanks to all

brentp
Site Admin
Posts: 6274
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 6:36 am

Post by brentp »

Most excellent! Keep us posted on your forward progress!
Brent Picasso
CEO and Founder, Autosport Labs
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