T T Enter filename to type: ZLT Version 1.2 ^S pauses, ^C aborts, ^X goes to next file, ^Z disables/restores paging, Types normal/crunched/crlzh/squeezed files and LBR members, wildcard (*,?) filespecs permitted. Syntax: TYPE [du: or dir:]afn.typ [/n] TYPE [du: or dir:]lbrname afn.typ [/n] "n" = delay between characters T) Strike Any Key -- ( M-Map of areas T-type S-find file R-get times H-HELP C-change area F-FOR N-NEW Q-exit to cpm L-lux [attach to archive] D-dir B-bbs E-stats K-DOWNLOAD G-goodbye I-file info Z-run system command U-upload J-Misc. T)D4:WDPROC> ()Command? (T T Enter filename to type: nec-cable.txt ^S pauses, ^C aborts, ^X goes to next file, ^Z disables/restores paging, NEC-CABL.TXT When I bought a used NEC PC-8201A, it didn't come with a cassette cable. It did, however, come with some software on cassette, so I was inspired to build a cable. This document will take you step-by-step through my elegant, (and inexpensive!) solution, converting a Tandy cable so that it works with the NEC. All parts are available at your local Radio Shack, and you need only know how to solder. You'll need these parts: Cassette Recorder Interface Cable, #26-1207 $5.95 8-pin DIN plug, #274-026 $1.79 ----- Total: $7.74 And these tools: [more] Small screwdriver, needlenose pliers, soldering iron (low wattage), small rubberband (optional), voltmeter (optional). 1. Disassemble the cable's 5-pin DIN connector: Lift the tab with the screwdriver and slide the cover up the cable. Separate the metal halves - one half will come free while the other is held to the cable. Carefully pry the strain relief open just enough to free the cable. Slide the clear insulation away from the pins. 2. Unsolder all the wires, and put aside the 5-pin connector. 3. Solder the wires to the 8-pin plug: You will notice that the 8-pin plug is nearly identical to the 5-pin connector you just set aside. You need only solder the five wires to the new connector as shown below; we will re-use the other parts. By the way, you may want to confirm the insultation colors (listed in the right column) by using your voltmeter to trace the wires to their connectors. [more] notch Tandy pin NEC 7 6 ----- --- --- o U o REM 1 (1) 3 o o o 1 GND (2) GND shield o o o REM 2 (3) 5 4 EAR (4) MIC red 2 MIC (5) EAR black (6) REM 1 thin shield Connector (7) REM 2 white (rear view) (8) If you look closely at the back of the connector, you may see the pin numbers. Assembly tip: To make it easier to connect the wires, I wrap a small rubberband around the handle of my needlenose pliers, which I then use as a temporary clamp to hold the connector steady while I solder the wires to it. [more] 4. Inspect your work, test the cable. Make sure there are no cold solder joints, and above all, make sure nothing is touching pin 8! (When plugged into the PC-8201, pin 8 carries +5 volts). Once you're certain everything looks good, you may test the cable. 5. Re-assemble the connector: Slide the clear insulation back over the solder connections. Press the connector into the metal half with the strain relief. Once it's aligned, use the pliers to bend the legs of the strain relief back onto the cable, being careful not to crush the cable. Replace the second metal half, taking care to align the two small tabs with the slots in the other half. Then slide the cover over the metal halves until the cover's tab clicks into place. 6. You're done! Now you have cassette cable for a NEC PC8201, and a 5-pin DIN connector left over. [more] There you have it - simple, elegant and inexpensive. Enjoy! Andy Meyer, N2FYE Sysop, moebius Citadel: (201) 968-8235, 1200 baud only uucp: ameyer%nsscb@ulysses.att.com or ..att!ulysses!nsscb!ameyer T) Strike Any Key -- ( M-Map of areas T-type S-find file R-get times H-HELP C-change area F-FOR N-NEW Q-exit to cpm L-lux [attach to archive] D-dir B-bbs E-stats K-DOWNLOAD G-goodbye I-file info Z-run system command U-upload J-Misc. T)D4:WDPROC> ()Command? (