Date   : Thu, 18 Jul 2002 10:29:49 +0100
From   : Philip Blundell <pb@...>
Subject: Re: BBC to Mac Link Lead

On Thu, 2002-07-18 at 09:26, RWAPSoftware@... wrote:
> > RWAPSoftware@... wrote:
> > > I want to link a BBC to a MAC computer via the serial ports.  Does anyone
> > > know the pinouts for the leads and in particular, where I can get the din
> > > plug for the BBC from?? It seems to need two notches in the din plug,
> > whereas
> > > all the ones I see available nowadays only have one notch..
> >  
> > The notches are irrelavant and misleading.  As long as there's at least
> > one locating lug you'll be ok.
> >  
> > Having a plug with one notch is the usual situation, and it is standard
> > practise to align the plug so the notch is as the top as the plug can be
> > accidently inserted upside down.
> 
> >Except of course the RS423 domino DIN has the notches to the east/west,which
> >makes the above mechanically difficult!
> 
> Hmmm... So, what is the preferred orientation - I had one din plug sent to 
> me, but that still only has one notch!!

Your plug should have a large cutout in the metal shell as well as the
normal DIN keying; it wants to be inserted with this cutout facing up.

If you can't figure out which way round it's supposed to go, just try
both.  You won't damage anything by plugging it in backwards, it just
won't work.

p.