Kits: SPK_WRT : Serial Port Kit for WRT54G(L)
by Wim Van Gool (Belgium)
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Short Description:
This kit lets you add up to two serial ports to a Linksys WRT54G(L)
router. By re-flashing your router, you can run custom code
to turn it into a wireless "routerBot" that controls servos, or talks
to other electronics via serial (like an iPod or RS-232 port on a
computer). Each port can use either TTL or RS-232 levels depending
on wiring.
Skill level: Intermediate - requires
fairly simple surface mount soldering.
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Post mods / hacks, pics, videos and support questions here.
Features / Specs:
- Provides access to the two serial ports available on Linksys WRT54G and WRT54GL routers (L is the Linux version with extra flash made for hackers).
- A Maxim MAX3222CWN+ (spec) RS-232 transceiver converts from the router's TTL levels to RS-232 levels, although access is also provided to the original TTL levels on the pcb. Solder bridges select which level will be used.
- Includes everything needed to add one port (except wire), including the IDC connectors and one female DB9 connector with mounting hardware. PCB has holes to access 2nd port, and the RS-232 chip is a dual transceiver.
- The Max chip and capacitors require surface mount soldering, but these are some of the easiest surface mount parts to solder. Some wick / braid and tweezers are all you really need.
- RoHS Compliant (lead-free)
- Inspired by Rod Whitby's guide to adding a serial port
Buy:
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Just the PCB
in stock
- $7.99
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Kit
in stock
- $12.49
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Surface Mount Components Already Soldered
in stock
- $18.99
The kit with the SOIC Max RS-232 chip and 1206 caps already soldered.
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Extra DB9 Connector Kit
in stock
- $3.49
Includes:
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Parts List and Spec Sheets:
- U1: MAX3222CWN+ (spec), dual RS-232 transceiver
- C1-4: 1206 .1 uF ceramic capacitor
- 10 pos. (2x5) female IDC socket
- 10 pos. (2x5) shrouded header
- rt. angle friction-lock header
- 3 pos. crimp terminal housing
- (3) crimp terminal contact (accepts 22-28 AWG wire)
- pcb
- female DB9 connector with solder cups and mounting hardware (mounting hardware not shown in pic)
Kit Building Instructions:
--> Instructions are here. The instructions include step-by-step details on soldering the surface mount parts, all you really need are some tweezers and solder wick / braid.
How it Works:
There really isn't anything but the max RS-232 transceiver in this circuit. It uses capacitor-based charge pumps
to increase the voltage from 3.3V to RS-232 levels.
One thing to point out is that a decision has to be made whether to use the TTL or RS-232 levels, wires can't be connected to both since the R output ports of the MAX chip would fight anything attached to them. Simply make a solder bridge to connect the chosen serial port on the router to the MAX chip.
(complete instructions)