Connecting a USB TTL Device to a Superboard II

[Jeff]

The Superboard does not have an RS-232 interface by default. In todays world, the better interface is USB. So I went about connecting a USB - TTL device so I could transfer data from my PC to my Superboard.

Here is the USB-TTL device, available on eBay for about $7.00

UART Device.jpg (79.69 KiB) Viewed 10736 times

[Jeff]

I wanted the device to be separate from the Superboard and connect by a cable. J3 was the perfect candidate. TX Data and Ground are already present and there are 3 unused pins. I selected Pin 12 for +5V and Pin 8 for TX DATA, and installed some jumpers on my Superboard.

Here is the power jumper.... I placed it on the bottom side of the motherboard.

Power Jumper.jpg (69.43 KiB) Viewed 10735 times

And the Jumper for TX Data... neatly tucked under IC chips so it stays in place!

TxData Jumper.jpg (184.13 KiB) Viewed 10735 times

Here is the circuit diagram. Note that TX goes to RX, and Rx goes to TX.

Circuit Diagram.jpg (28.13 KiB) Viewed 10735 times

The other short blue jumper is the clock jumper that I used to speed up the ACIA to 9600 baud.

One last step is to download the drivers for the USB - TTL device and install them on your PC.

Enjoy!
/Jeff

[BillO]

Jeff, Isn't that device powered from the USB?

The ones I use are:http://www.ebay.ca/itm/201332938880?_tr ... EBIDX%3AIT

If that is the case, it might not be a good idea to connect the 5V from it to your computer's Vcc.

[Jeff]

Hi Bill,

I tested the Vcc and Gnd Pins with the unit just connected to the host computer, and there is no voltage across them. Basically, the unit provides a USB connection for a device, and needs to be powered by that device. (But your concerned are much appreciated!)

Here is the circuit info sheet that came with it.

Device Info.jpg (93.46 KiB) Viewed 10720 times

/Jeff

[BillO]

Ah, okay. I see there is a jumper to the right of where it says 'FT232BM' that connects the USB power. As long as that is not closed you will be fine.

Sorry for the alarm Jeff.

[MK14HAK]

Jeff whats the link to yours please?

[Jeff]

Here is the link to the USB-TTL device I used. Its a bit more than others, but has a more compatible connector on it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/371288534219?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

/Jeff