How to make your own ETX to Autostar serial cables

Disclaimer: These methods and tips are from my own observations, I make no warranty to their acccuracy or safety. Use at own risk.

This is a collection of tips and suggestions that I have collection from various sources, namely Marc M. Triola, M.D. (mtriola@ibm.net) for his tips on parts from Radio Shack, as well as Cameron Brennan (etx@neurosurgeon.net) for the pinout to a working serial cable.

Parts

Telephone handset cable (not the phone to wall cable) or
Radio Shack 25ft handset cord (279-305)
Radio Shack 9 pos. metal hood (276-1508) $2.19
Radio Shack 9 pos. female d-sub (276-1428a) $1.49

Pinout

Thanks to Cameron Brennan (etx@neurosurgeon.net) for the original pinout diagram.

Autostar pin Serial port pin

#1 #3 (PC Transmit)

#2 #2 (PC Receive)

#3 no connect

#4 #5 (ground)

Autostar pin	Serial port pin
#1	#3 (PC Transmit)
#2	#2 (PC Receive)
#3	no connect
#4	#5 (ground)

How to make your own ETX to Autostar serial cables

Parts

Pinout

Links