Hey guys. Looking to get add an MSC-400 to my system. One thing that I wanted to take advantage of is the RS232 and Video Sensor Cables. I see URC sells the VID cables and RS232 M or F cables in packs of 6. Seems kind of pricey to me since I only need a few. So I figured I could make my own alot cheaper.

One thing I noticed is that it use mini plugs to terminate into the unit with 4 pins (3 lines and a ground). So a standard stereo mini jack will not work. Are these something I can get at radio shack? I have never really seen them before.

Also, on the VID cables, does anyone know the wiring pinouts? It is using a composite video output so I assume only two of the 4 pins on the mini plugs are wired, but which two?

Thanks for any help.

Ernie

FYI, all of the cables you are referring to can be purchased individually. Part numbers are as follows:

VID6

RS232M

RS232F

They retail for 12-17 bucks. What's your time worth?

Its not only time but length as well since I would be able to make custom runs by doing it myself.

Ernie

I can appreciate that. FWIW I'd recommend extending via CAT5 to serial adaptors in conjunction with the above listed parts but if you insist on creating this yourself the pinout for the rs232 is tip: n/a ring1: tx ring2: rx ring3: ground. You may have a hard time finding that style of 4 circuit mini plug.

Mouser sells both normal and right angle versions. Not cheap though. Ask me how I know :-) (ends with attached cable)

Thanks guys. I havent had much luck finding the 4 conductor tips. I did pick up a URC Serial cable and video cable and was able to make due but it is tight and I had to compromise a little on placement. It works for now but I would still like to try to find those tips.

Thanks for the Pinout Tweaterguy, I will have to try Digikey and other like it again to see if have any better luck. I could always do the dice and slice if I really have to.

Thanks
Ernie

Again, Mouser has them in stock Kobiconn 172-7435, and 172-7436. Just avoid the "-E" since it is not a 4 conductor. They do cost about $4.50 apiece. Six feet long.

Ok, I see what you mean Joe. Sorry, I thought you meant they have premade cables similar to URC's. $4.50 isnt bad I suppose but it would still be nice to find just the 4-pin end so I can solder it directly to the run. Just makes for a cleaner setup but in the end the result is the same.

Thanks again.
Ernie

Hi, then the 171-7435-EX should be what you are looking for. However, due to the small size, I think you will find it is easier to make the pre-made ones longer than to solder to the smaller unit (if you use heat-shrink). It is difficult to make as rugged a connector as a molded unit.

Wow Joe, you da man! I dont know how you found that, guess I wasnt looking hard enough. Thanks.

I see what you mean by it being tight in there. I have done some fairly compact soldering jobs over the years so I am up for the challenge. Thanks for all of the info guys, not sure where else I could have found it.

Ernie