I would love to see SparkFun make a “Pro” RS232 Shifter board that would allow for shifting all of the signal lines (Tx, Rx, RTS, CTS, DSR, CD, DTR).
The [“PRT-00449” is nice for simple tasks, where only TX & Rx are needed. Unfortunately, many devices require use of the flow control signals to properly communicate.](https://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=449)
There aren’t many devices that need more than RxD and TxD.
Perhaps this is true in the traditional microelectronics area, but I've been developing automation systems that interface with old school/non-traditional equipment.leon_heller:
There aren’t many devices that need more than RxD and TxD.
Over the past few months, I’ve needed signaling lines for a least a dozen different devices. These include Audio Video components (AV Receivers, TVs), Home Automation Systems, Home Alarm Systems, and Industrial Equipment.
I did find a [module at Tronisoft that provides CTS & RTS in addition to TX/RX. Unfortunately it seems a bit spendy for what it is.](Product not found!)
I’d simply design and build my own PCB for that sort of thing, if I needed it. I doubt if the demand would make it viable for anyone to stock such a thing.
Leon
yes, agreed, build it yourself. Since it’s powered, you could just use max232 class chips. Pretty simple to do and there are tons of designs all over the internet.
Yup - looks like the route I will go, I’ll probably end up using the ICL3243
As an update for folks looking for such a thing…the guys are Mikro have got one. I brought a Sparkfun one at first, and found that I need the RTS/CTS (as talking to a GSM modem downloading files from the internet)