Are you struggling to connect your Dell Ct109 serial port to a PS/2 device? If so, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation, as the Dell Ct109 does not come with a serial to PS/2 cable. However, it is possible to make your own cable with just a few simple steps. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a Dell Ct109 serial to PS/2 cable.
Before you begin, you will need to gather a few materials. These materials include:
- A Dell Ct109 serial port
- A PS/2 port
- A length of wire
- A soldering iron
- Solder
Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin following the steps below. First, you will need to strip the ends of the wire. Be sure to strip the ends of the wire long enough so that you can easily solder them to the serial and PS/2 ports. Next, you will need to solder the wires to the serial and PS/2 ports. Be sure to solder the wires to the correct pins on the ports. The pinouts for the serial and PS/2 ports are available online.
Once you have soldered the wires to the ports, you will need to test the cable. To test the cable, simply plug the serial end of the cable into the serial port on your computer and the PS/2 end of the cable into the PS/2 port on your PS/2 device. If the cable is working properly, you should be able to communicate with your PS/2 device. If you are having trouble getting the cable to work, you can try troubleshooting the cable by checking the following:
- Make sure that the wires are soldered to the correct pins on the ports.
- Make sure that the wires are not shorted together.
- Make sure that the cable is not damaged.
If you have checked all of these things and the cable is still not working, you may need to replace the cable.
Gathering the Necessary Components
To craft a Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable, you’ll need to acquire a few essential materials. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll require:
1. Serial Female Connector (DB9)
Start by procuring a DB9 (serial female) connector. This is the interface that will connect to your serial device. Ensure it’s a high-quality connector with sturdy pins and a secure locking mechanism to prevent loose connections.
Here are some key features to look for when selecting a DB9 female connector:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pin Count | Verify that the connector has all 9 pins present |
| Locking Mechanism | Ensure there’s a secure locking mechanism to prevent accidental disconnections |
| Material | Choose a connector made from durable materials, such as metal, for longevity |
By carefully selecting a high-quality DB9 female connector, you’ll ensure a reliable connection between your serial device and the cable.
Preparing the Serial Connector
The serial connector is a 9-pin connector that is used to connect the Dell Ct109 serial to PS/2 cable to the serial port on your computer. To prepare the serial connector, you will need the following supplies:
- A Dell Ct109 serial to PS/2 cable
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- A pair of wire strippers
- A pair of pliers
To prepare the serial connector, follow these steps:
- Using the Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws that hold the back cover of the serial connector in place.
- Using the wire strippers, strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from the end of each wire on the serial cable.
- Using the pliers, bend the exposed wires into a U-shape.
- Insert the U-shaped bends into the corresponding holes on the serial connector.
- Using the Phillips head screwdriver, tighten the two screws that hold the back cover of the serial connector in place.
NOTE:
Be careful not to lose the screws.
NOTE:
Be careful not to cut the wires.
NOTE:
Make sure that the U-shaped bends are all the same size.
NOTE:
Refer to the table below for the correct pinout.
| SERIAL PIN | PS/2 PIN |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 |
NOTE:
Make sure that the screws are tight enough to hold the back cover in place, but not so tight that you strip the screws.
Identifying the Pins on the PS/2 Connector
The PS/2 connector has six pins, arranged in two rows of three. The top row contains pins 1, 2, and 3, while the bottom row contains pins 4, 5, and 6. The pinout of the PS/2 connector is as follows:
| Pin | Signal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Data |
| 2 | Clock |
| 3 | Ground |
| 4 | +5V Power |
| 5 | Sense |
| 6 | Ground |
The data pin (pin 1) carries the data signal between the keyboard and the computer. The clock pin (pin 2) carries the clock signal that synchronizes the data transfer. The ground pin (pin 3) provides a reference voltage for the data and clock signals. The +5V power pin (pin 4) supplies power to the keyboard. The sense pin (pin 5) is used to detect the presence of a keyboard. The ground pin (pin 6) provides a reference voltage for the sense signal.
Connecting the Wires
To connect the wires, follow these steps:
1. Identify the wires.
The CT109 cable has nine wires. The colors of the wires are:
| Wire | Color |
|---|---|
| Ground | Black |
| Data 1 | White |
| Data 2 | Green |
| Parity | Yellow |
| Control 1 | Red |
| Control 2 | Orange |
| Shield | Silver |
2. Strip the wires.
Strip the insulation off the ends of the wires. Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire.
3. Solder the wires to the terminals.
Solder the wires to the terminals on the PS/2 connector. The following table shows which wire goes to which terminal:
| Wire | Terminal |
|---|---|
| Ground | Ground |
| Data 1 | Data 1 |
| Data 2 | Data 2 |
| Parity | Parity |
| Control 1 | Control 1 |
| Control 2 | Control 2 |
| Shield | Shield |
4. Test the cable.
Once the cable is soldered, test it to make sure it is working properly. To test the cable, connect it to a computer and a PS/2 device. If the device works properly, then the cable is working properly.
Shielding and Protecting the Cable
The Dell CT109 serial to PS2 cable is a vital component for connecting a serial device to a PS2 port. To ensure the cable’s longevity and reliability, proper shielding and protection are paramount.
EMI Shielding
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt the cable’s signal transmission. EMI shielding, such as braided copper or foil, helps minimize these disruptions by reflecting or absorbing electromagnetic waves.
Physical Protection
The cable should be protected from physical damage, such as cuts, abrasions, and bending. This can be achieved through the use of protective materials, such as PVC or rubber jackets, or by installing the cable in a conduit.
Strain Relief
Strain relief is critical at the cable’s terminations, where stress is concentrated due to movement or pulling. Strain relief devices, such as molded connectors or cable ties, prevent the cable from breaking at these points.
Proper Storage and Handling
When not in use, the cable should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid coiling the cable tightly, as this can damage the conductors.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Regularly inspect the cable for signs of damage or wear. If any issues are identified, repair or replace the cable promptly to prevent signal loss or equipment failure.
Testing the Cable
Once you have assembled your cable, it is important to test it to ensure that it is functioning properly. To do this, you will need a serial port on your computer and a PS/2 port on your device. Connect the serial port on your computer to the connector on the cable that is labeled “Serial.” Then, connect the PS/2 port on your device to the connector on the cable that is labeled “PS/2.” Power on your computer and device, and then open a terminal program or text editor on your computer. Type a few characters into the terminal window or text editor, and you should see the characters appear on your device’s screen. If you see the characters appear correctly, then your cable is working properly.
Here are some additional tips for testing your cable:
- Make sure that the serial and PS/2 ports on your computer and device are both enabled in the BIOS.
- Make sure that the baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits settings on your computer and device are all set to the same values.
- If you are using a USB-to-serial adapter, make sure that the adapter is properly installed and configured.
- If you are still having problems getting your cable to work, try using a different serial port or PS/2 port on your computer or device.
Troubleshooting
If you are having problems getting your cable to work, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No characters appear on the device’s screen. | Make sure that the serial and PS/2 ports on your computer and device are both enabled in the BIOS. Make sure that the baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits settings on your computer and device are all set to the same values. If you are using a USB-to-serial adapter, make sure that the adapter is properly installed and configured. |
| Characters appear on the device’s screen, but they are garbled. | Make sure that the baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits settings on your computer and device are all set to the same values. |
| The cable works intermittently. | Make sure that the connections between the cable and your computer and device are secure. Try using a different serial port or PS/2 port on your computer or device. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. No power to the keyboard or mouse
Check that the power supply is connected to the computer and the keyboard and mouse are plugged into the correct ports. Ensure that the power switch on the power supply is turned on.
2. The keyboard or mouse is not responding
Ensure that the keyboard and mouse are plugged into the correct ports on the computer. Try replugging the keyboard and mouse. If possible, try using a different keyboard and mouse to rule out any issues with the devices themselves.
3. The keyboard or mouse is typing or moving erratically
Check for any loose connections or damaged cables. Try replugging the keyboard and mouse. If the issue persists, try using a different keyboard and mouse to rule out any issues with the devices themselves.
4. The keyboard or mouse is not working after a recent software update
Check if the software update made any changes to the keyboard or mouse settings. Try reverting to the previous software version or updating to the latest version to resolve any compatibility issues.
5. The keyboard or mouse is not working after a BIOS update
Check if the BIOS settings have been modified to disable the keyboard or mouse. If so, reset the BIOS to its default settings.
6. The keyboard or mouse is not working after a hardware change
Ensure that the new hardware does not conflict with the keyboard or mouse. Check the device manager for any conflicts or missing drivers. Update or reinstall the drivers as necessary.
7. Advanced Troubleshooting for Connector Issues
If the previous solutions do not resolve the issue, inspect the following:
Keyboard Connector:
| Pin | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | +5V |
| 2 | Data |
| 3 | Ground |
| 4 | Clock |
Mouse Connector:
| Pin | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | +5V |
| 2 | Data |
| 3 | Ground |
| 4 | Clock |
Use a multimeter to test for continuity and voltage on the pins. Replace the cable if any pin fails the test.
Safety Considerations
Before working on any computer equipment, it is important to take safety precautions to protect yourself and your equipment. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Disconnect the power from the computer before opening the case.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to the computer components.
- Handle the components with care to avoid damaging them.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing or removing the components.
- Do not attempt to repair the computer yourself if you are not qualified to do so.
- If you are unsure about any aspect of the repair, consult a qualified technician.
- Keep the work area clean and well-lit.
- Do not eat or drink while working on the computer.
ESD Protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a sudden flow of electricity between two objects with different electrical charges. ESD can damage computer components, so it is important to take precautions to prevent it. Here are some tips for ESD protection:
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap when handling computer components.
- Use an anti-static mat on your work surface.
- Handle the components by the edges, avoiding contact with the pins or connectors.
- Do not touch the computer case or other metal objects while handling the components.
- If you must touch the computer case, first touch a metal object to discharge any static electricity from your body.
| ESD Protection Measures | Description |
|---|---|
| Anti-static wrist strap | Worn on the wrist, this strap grounds you to prevent ESD. |
| Anti-static mat | Placed on your work surface, this mat prevents static electricity from building up. |
| Handle components by the edges | Avoid touching the pins or connectors, where ESD damage can occur. |
| Discharge static electricity before touching the computer case | Touch a metal object to remove any static charge from your body. |
Additional Tips for Optimizing Performance
Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your Dell CT109 serial to PS2 cable:
• Make sure that the cable is properly connected to both the serial port and the PS2 port. A loose connection can cause data errors or performance issues.
• Use a high-quality cable. A cheap cable may not be able to handle the data throughput required for optimal performance.
• Keep the cable as short as possible. A long cable can introduce signal loss and performance degradation.
• Avoid running the cable near sources of electrical interference, such as power lines or motors. Electrical interference can cause data errors or performance issues.
• If you are using the cable to connect a modem, make sure that the modem is properly configured for the correct serial port settings.
• If you are using the cable to connect a mouse or keyboard, make sure that the device is properly configured for the correct PS2 port settings.
• If you are experiencing performance issues, try restarting your computer. This can sometimes clear up any software or hardware conflicts that may be affecting the performance of the cable.
• If you are still experiencing performance issues, contact Dell technical support for assistance.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble getting your Dell CT109 serial to PS2 cable to work, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The cable is not connecting | Make sure that the cable is properly connected to both the serial port and the PS2 port. |
| The cable is not working | Try using a different cable. |
| The cable is not working properly | Try restarting your computer. |
| I am experiencing performance issues | Try using a shorter cable. |
| I am experiencing performance issues | Try avoiding running the cable near sources of electrical interference. |
10. Fabricating the Cable From Scratch
Creating the PS/2 Connector
Begin by cutting the RJ45 connector from the Ethernet cable, leaving around 2 inches of wire. Separate the four pairs of wires and identify the color-coded pairs representing pins 1 and 2 (orange and green) and pins 3 and 6 (brown and blue). Strip approximately 1/4 inch of insulation from each wire.
Insert the stripped wire into the corresponding pins on the female PS/2 connector. Refer to the provided table for the correct pin assignments. Secure the wires by crimping or soldering the connections.
| Pin | Color |
|---|---|
| 1 | Orange |
| 2 | Green |
| 3 | Brown |
| 6 | Blue |
Slide the PS/2 connector’s housing over the wires and secure it in place.
Connecting to the Serial Port
On the serial end, strip approximately 1/4 inch of insulation from the remaining four wires (red, black, white, and yellow). Consult the pinout diagram to determine the correct pin assignments for your particular Dell CT109 model.
Insert the stripped wires into the corresponding pins on the DB9 connector. Crimp or solder the connections to secure them. Reattach the DB9 connector’s housing.
How to Make a Dell CT109 Serial to PS/2 Cable
A Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable is a type of cable that allows you to connect a serial device to a PS/2 port. This type of cable is often used to connect a legacy serial device, such as a mouse or keyboard, to a modern computer that only has PS/2 ports. Creating your own Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes.
To make a Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable, you will need the following materials:
- A 9-pin serial cable
- A 6-pin PS/2 cable
- A soldering iron
- Solder
- Heat shrink tubing
Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials, you can follow these steps to create your own Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable
- Cut the 9-pin serial cable in half.
- Cut the 6-pin PS/2 cable in half.
- Strip the ends of the serial cable wires about 1/2 inch.
- Strip the ends of the PS/2 cable wires about 1/2 inch.
- Tin the ends of the serial cable wires with solder.
- Tin the ends of the PS/2 cable wires with solder.
- Connect the following serial cable wires to the corresponding PS/2 cable wires:
Serial Cable Wire PS/2 Cable Wire TXD DATA RXD DATA GND GND
- Solder the connections you made in step 7.
- Slide heat shrink tubing over the soldered connections and heat it up with a heat gun or lighter to insulate them.
- Your Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable is now complete.
People Also Ask
What is a Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable?
A Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable is a type of cable that allows you to connect a serial device to a PS/2 port.
How do I make a Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable?
To make a Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable, you will need to gather the following materials: a 9-pin serial cable, a 6-pin PS/2 cable, a soldering iron, solder, and heat shrink tubing. Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials, you can follow the steps outlined in the article above to create your own Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable.
What are the benefits of using a Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable?
There are several benefits to using a Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable, including:
- It allows you to connect a legacy serial device to a modern computer that only has PS/2 ports.
- It is a relatively simple process to create your own Dell CT109 serial to PS/2 cable.
- It is a cost-effective way to connect a legacy serial device to a modern computer.
