Article
Wireless RS 232 Link
Using licence-exempt Short Range Devices (SRDs)
As we show in this article, off the shelf radio modules called Short Range Device (SRDs) with an integrated microcontroller are here, making home construction of a wireless RS232 link a reality for DIY constructors.Wireless transmission of ‘information’, be it digital data, music or video, is sure to find wide application areas. Today, those of you with an active interest in ‘over-the-air’ technology have a large number of options to choose from, ranging from transmission of infrared light pulses (remote controls, IrDA) right up to more challenging fields like RF applications called DECT, Bluetooth, Wireless LAN and so on. For ‘large’ Windows computers you can buy ready-made modules which are not only easy to add to existing equipment, but also certified and complete with a manufacturer’s product warranty, not forgetting a suitable driver for the software link.
Materials
Gerber file
CAM/CAD data for the PCB referred to in this article is available as a Gerber file. Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can exclusively download these files for free as part of their membership. Gerber files allow a PCB to be produced on an appropriate device available locally, or through an online PCB manufacturing service.
Elektor recommends the Elektor PCB Service service from its business partner Eurocircuits or AISLER as the best services for its own prototypes and volume production.
The use of our Gerber files is provided under a modified Creative Commons license. Creative Commons offers authors, scientists, educators and other creatives the freedom to handle their copyright in a more free way without losing their ownership.
PCB
Component list
Resistors:
R1-R4 = 1kOhm8
Capacitors:
C1,C3,C9 = 100nF
C2,C4 = 10µF 16V radial
C5-C8 = 1µF 16V radial
Semiconductors:
D1 = 1N4148
D2,D3,D5 = LED, green, 3mm, low current
D4 = LED, red, 3mm, low current
IC1 = 7805CP
IC2 = MAX232CP
IC3 = ER400TRS from LPRS (see text)
Miscellaneous:
JP1 = jumper with 2-way pinheader
JP2 = jumper with 3-way pinheader
K1,K3 = 2-way pinheader
K2 = 9-way sub-D socket (female), angled pins, PCB mount
K4 = BNC socket, 50Ohm, PCB mount (Farnell # 365-0558)
RS232 cable (non crossing)
PCB, order code 030204-1
R1-R4 = 1kOhm8
Capacitors:
C1,C3,C9 = 100nF
C2,C4 = 10µF 16V radial
C5-C8 = 1µF 16V radial
Semiconductors:
D1 = 1N4148
D2,D3,D5 = LED, green, 3mm, low current
D4 = LED, red, 3mm, low current
IC1 = 7805CP
IC2 = MAX232CP
IC3 = ER400TRS from LPRS (see text)
Miscellaneous:
JP1 = jumper with 2-way pinheader
JP2 = jumper with 3-way pinheader
K1,K3 = 2-way pinheader
K2 = 9-way sub-D socket (female), angled pins, PCB mount
K4 = BNC socket, 50Ohm, PCB mount (Farnell # 365-0558)
RS232 cable (non crossing)
PCB, order code 030204-1
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