From: rwoodsaj@cc.curtin.edu.au
Subject: Re: Cable/connector for ZQ-5200 (SHARP handheld connector)
Organization: Curtin University of Technology
Distribution: inet
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1992 05:33:46 GMT

Keith Pleas writes:
>desouza@math.berkeley.edu (Paulo de Souza) writes:
>>There is NO part number. They do not sell the cable separatly - They do NOT
>>sell the connector separatly. If you want to buy it from Sharp you have to
>>buy the whole Software+Cable package. Hard to take but true !!!!
 
>*Not* true.  I've received private mail from a firm in Germany who has
>the connectors (unfortunately the shippng and handling is the same
>price as the connector for a total of $40).  I've also received private
>mail from someone in Australia who has gotten them in the past through
>his local Sharp dealer.
 
>>  (I wrote)
>>  >PS: I checked the files available in the ftp area at Berkeley (thanks
>>  >    Paulo), but there wasn't any mention on how to obtain the necessary
>>  >    connector.
>>As I said you have to build your own. There is none available. You can also
>>buy the cable separatly a lot cheaper from Nictrix, see the files in the
>>file server form more info on that.
 
>Well, the document Cables_you_can_buy lists the Nictrix cable for variously
>$58 or $84.95.  At $84.95 it's not much of a bargain...
 
>-------------------------------------------------------------------
>           Keith R. Pleas
>      CIS: 72331,2150
> Internet: keithp@halcyon.com
>     (or): keithp@curlew.wa.com
 
I admit it.  I am the Australian whom Keith refers to...   I also wrote
the article on how to make your own serial converter for the Sharp.
 
As Paulo said, some people have constructed a "connector" themselves with the
use a few pieces of wire and some 5 minute araldite.  Messy, but it works.
 
Alternatively, since everyone is having so much trouble sourcing the proper
15-pin serial connectors, I am willing to buy and post the cable and shells to
anyone who would like one.  
 
I have just checked with my Sharp dealer and he has a few connectors left.  He
also added that the connector is not a Sharp spare parts line.  
 
I will charge US$15 for the connector only and US$25 if you would like the
connector and a metal protective shell.  Postage via Air Mail.
 
The connector fits very nicely into the 15pin socket on the Sharp.  The solder
end of the connector is designed to be soldered into a printed circuit board
however some accurate soldering will allow you to solder wire directly to
these pins.  The connector itself is unpolarised, i.e. it can be plugged into
the Sharp upside-down.  You can mark the connector with a white marker pen to
say "UP" on the upper surface.
 
The shell is made of sheet metal and comes in two pieces which fit around the
connector.  The shell guards the connector pins and also polarises the
connector.  The connector will need to be glued to one of the shell pieces
since the shell does not retain the connector itself (although it is a pretty
nice fit there is no retaining mechanism).  You will need to find yourself two
smallish screws to hold the shell pieces together since they are not provided
with the shell :-(
 
Since my Sharp dealer only has a few left, I must make the request that you
must first email me asking if I have any connectors or shells left.  I will
then email you back if I do and you can then send the money and when I recieve
your money I will send you the connector/shell.
 
This procedure is necessary since I don't know how many people are likely to
respond and my Sharp dealer has only got three connectors and shells left.  He
said he could get more (he wouldn't tell me where) but that could take a
while.
 
You can either send US$ notes (I will hopefully be going to the USA next year
so I can use that currency then) or if you are from any other part of the
world (or simply prefer the security) a bank draft made out in AUSTRALIAN
DOLLARS for A$20 (connector) or A$33 (connector plus shell).
 
Please remember if you are interested EMAIL ME FIRST BEFORE YOU SEND ANY
MONEY.
 
My address is:  Andrew Woods,
                20 Rhonda Avenue,
                Willetton W.A. 6155
                AUSTRALIA.
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