[mythtv-users] DirecTV -- Satellite Serial Port -- How can I build the cable?

[Ray Olszewski]

The URL that Jeremy and I both pointed you to (http://www.pcmx.net/dtvcon/) 
has a chart that lists the DRD430RG as one of the models its instructions 
work for. If that is the case, you have an RJ-11 jack (4 contacts), not an 
RJ-45 (8 contacts). So you need an RJ-11 to DE-9 (what you're calling a 
DB-9) cable or adapter.

1. You can wire one yourself if your skills are up to it (it sounds like 
they are). Note that this site provides 2 color-code keys, suggesting that 
RJ-11 colors are not completely standard.

2. The site lists one for sale for $US16, shipping included.

3. The Snapstream site I previously supplied also has a $US20 (+shipping) 
kit that includes the cable, plus audio and video cables. I caanot be 
certain that this cable is the same pinouts, but Snapstream is competetn, 
so the thing is likely to work.

There is a lot more helpful info at this site, including Windows-based 
freeware apps, with source, to control the DirecTV satellite box over the 
serial port.

At 03:25 PM 6/3/2003 -0700, Jeremy Oddo wrote:
>John Klimek said:
> > Thanks for the help guys.
> >
> > The receiver I have is an RCA DRD430RG.  On the back it has a "low speed
> > data" port.
> >
>Am at work and can't see which box I have, but it's probably close in
>model number to yours....
>
> > What exactly do I need to purchase?  I've built Super Nintendo LPT
> > adapters so I'm familar with DB25 adapters and such.
> >
> > I'm assuming I need a DB9F (9-pin female connector) connector and a
> > regular RJ45 connector.
> >
> > What I'm confused about is which pin goes to which color on the RJ45
> > connector.
> >
>OK, this is what I did to slap something together *quickly* to test it
>out.  I got a 9pin serial extention cable, cut one end off, got an old
>phone cord, cut one end off, stripped wires and solders as below:
>
>Serial Pins     RJ-11 Pins
>-----------     ----------
>      5              1
>      2              2
>      3              4
>
>To find which wire is which, I used a circuit tester--took a minute or so.
>  Of course, if you don't have a tester, it's a little harder :)  If you
>need the actual COLORS, I can tell you tonight when I get home (if I still
>have my crib sheet laying around).  I *think* the color codes are
>standard.