Andrews - Psion Organiser USB Adapter: A better USB connection?

[Martin]

6th January 2023

Andrew posted a video update to his USB Comms Link (here). He askes for comments so I thought I would post mine below.

Hard wired
Great idea, I must admit I was one of those that broke one of his socketed examples
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USB CommsLink.JPG

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Type of lead
Currently I'm using a short (500mm) lightweight lead which slips easily into my laptop case and a lightweight lead doesn't 'push' aganinst the sockets. The image will show a fine white lead - but on reflection a grey one might look more in-keeping.

Sincerely

[amenjet]

I'm going to build some USB adapters with micro USB connectors as I found some connectors that will have some material through the PCB which should hold them more firmly to the PCB. I may make some with cables attached, they do follow on from the original Comms Link in style, which is quite nice and if a cable restraint system can be made that works, then they should be quite robust and repairable. I may or may not make a new PCB for these, I'm not sure at the moment.

Andrew

[Yves]

Great idea! I will buy one or 2 if you decided to built them.

[Martin]

Out of interest

When I surveyed the Organiser II forum members about the Comms Link.. May 2022

Although a limited Sample size 18 - with no response from 8
Respondents
Do you have a Comms Link?
8 (Yes) 2 (No)

Would you purchase a USB Comms Link
6 (Yes) 2 (maybe's) 2 (No)

I've since had contact with at least 2 others (Australia and Italy) who have shown an interest in purchasing a USB Comms Link.

Sincerely Martin

PS Some members have shown an interest in purchasing more than one!
PPS Peter might have some 'standing orders'

[thesourcerer]

Thanks Martin. I have a stock of the 4 line Comms Links, but no USB versions at the moment.
I will probably get any future 2 line ones converted to 4 line, since they are more versatile.
I hope to get some more USB ones when Andrew is satisfied with his latest modification.

[amenjet]

I've made a few USB adapters but I want to create some tests for the handshake lines, so I can verify that they are actually working. I'm not sure anyone uses them over USB but the capability is there.

The modification of 2 line to 4 line comms link is fiddly but definitely do-able.

Andrew

[Hawsey]

Hi , I would have one also please