Serial port is missing on my CnM

[Marco]

Hi all,
I wanted to build a serial cable as described in http://projects.kwaak.net/twiki/bin/view/Epc700/SerialConsoleHowto.
However, inspecting my CnM Minibook (the one from Maplin in the UK) revealed that the 4 pins connector is probably missing!
Is it supposed to be accessible/visible from the small holes in the battery compartment, or the minibook must be completely open (which I'd rather avoid)?
Cheers!
Marco

[G0AOZ]

From the bottom, you need to unscrew and remove both the cover and battery before the aperture for connecting the serial port becomes visible.  The battery is a very snug fit in the compartment and appears to virtually block off the hole to this socket.

If I was going to do this mod, and I may well do, then I'd be thinking of trying to mount a mini socket of some sort alongside the 9v power connector on the rear edge.  Then I'd make a small adaptor to plug into the mini socket with 9-pin serial connector (including RS232) on the other end.

If, however, you don't want to drill holes or make this a permanent feature, there may be just enough space to curl the four wires around the underside of the battery but you'd need to leave the cover off for the cable to exit...

Good luck!

RDP

[G0AOZ]

And I've just checked...

The plug that connects the WiFi board from the screen to the motherboard is the same type.  So if you find yourself a busted screen, you've got yourself a connector!

RDP