Date   : Tue, 30 Jul 2002 21:03:20 +0100
From   : Ben Newsam <ben@...>
Subject: Re: BBC to Mac Link Lead

In message <XIy22XDmpuR9EwHy@...>, Mike Tomlinson 
<mike@...> writes
>Thus it was envisaged that it would be possible to make a Beeb a DCE or
>a DTE just by reversing the domino plug, providing for a "standard"
>cable which would provide two functions.  Those of you reading this who
>had to make up RS232 cables to connect a variety of equipment can stop
>laughing now [1] :)

Sorry, I can't! <Snort>

>[1]  in reality, this was a joke, as the RS232 "standard" was so wide-
>ranging and ambiguous as to be interpreted in wildly different ways by
>different equipment manufacturers.  However, with the use of a breakout
>box, it was usually possible to get two different devices talking to
>each other.

Indeed. The most masterly, complete, and well written (short) guide to 
the problems of RS232 connections that I have seen was contained in the 
leaflet that came with the serial add-on to the Amstrad PCW machines. I 
even went to  the trouble of typing it into the word processor so that I 
could print it out for occasionally giving to people. Don't tell on me, 
please.
-- 
Ben