sundance-communications.com Forums Telephony Discussion Phone & VoIP Systems NEC Telephones & Systems DS cable connection

Couple of basic questions about our aging, but reliable DS-2000 system. Finally installing 3.22.12 software. I believe it now has 3.14.xx. First of all, do you feel this is a wise move, or might I be inviting potential problems by disturbing our current status-quo? Secondly, I need some advice about making a connection between this older system and a new laptop. Access into the CPU is through a standard (NEC) 8-lead cable w/RJ45. The original specs called for this to terminate at the PC via a serial jack. Problem is, my new PC has USB, Ethernet & HDMI connections, but none of the older style. The Ethernet connection would appear to directly accept the RJ45 cable and I believe the wiring config is the same. Question is, can I "talk" to the DS system this way, or will I risk frying something? I'm certain you pros have already remedied this problem, so I'm asking for your help. Thanks in advance! Dan

pick up a USB /Serial adapter

the pin out for the serial adapter and the cable is in the DS hardware manual

as to upgrading the software I wouldnt do it just to do it if there are features you need in the newer release than go for it otherwise I wouldnt

I concur with Skip. Lots of older gear uses a DB-9 serial port interface, but the new PCs just don't have them. I use an inexpensive USB to DB-9 serial adapter, and it serves me very well.

Trying to make this go to an Ethernet port just flat out will not work.

Skip/Toolie,
Thanks for your help. USB to Serial connector certainly makes sense. However, if I use this, I still need to connect from the Serial to the RJ45 cable extending from the box. I gather that is the purpose of Skip's reference to the wiring diagram. As an alternative, can I go directly from the USB to the RJ45 cable, or must I go through a Serial connection? Using one connector rather than two seems cleaner, but you're the pros. Please clarify. Thanks again, Dan

Dan


buy a usb/serial connector there cheap

get a serial to 8 conductor adapter and a 8 conductor cable to go the KSU you can make your own or buy them from nec (again cheap to buy ready made)

Skip,

Quick response, you're really on top of your game tonight!

I added the cable at time of install. Looks like I simply need to get two connectors and I'll be in business.

Thanks again, you're the best!