Kits : SPK_WRT : Serial Port Kit for WRT54G(L) - Curious Inventor Page 1 of 4

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Kits: SPK_WRT : Serial Port Kit for WRT54G(L)

by Wim Van Gool (Belgium)

Short Description:
This kit lets you add up to two serial ports to a Linksys
WRT54G(L) router. By re-flashing your router, you can run
custom code to turn it into a wireless "routerBot" that controls
servos, or talks to other electronics via serial (like an iPod or
RS-232 port on a computer). Each port can use either TTL or
RS-232 levels depending on wiring. Skill level: Intermediate -
requires fairly simple surface mount soldering.

Support and Showcase Forum:

Post mods / hacks, pics, videos and support questions here.

Features / Specs:

 Provides access to the two serial ports available on Linksys WRT54G and WRT54GL routers (L is the Linux version with
extra flash made for hackers).
 A Maxim MAX3222CWN+ (spec) RS-232 transceiver converts from the router's TTL levels to RS-232 levels, although

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access is also provided to the original TTL levels on the pcb. Solder bridges select which level will be used.
 Includes everything needed to add one port (except wire), including the IDC connectors and one female DB9 connector with
mounting hardware. PCB has holes to access 2nd port, and the RS-232 chip is a dual transceiver.
 The Max chip and capacitors require surface mount soldering, but these are some of the easiest surface mount parts to solder.
Some wick / braid and tweezers are all you really need.
 RoHS Compliant (lead-free)
 Inspired by Rod Whitby's guide to adding a serial port

Buy:

Just the PCB Kit Surface Mount Components

in stock - $7.99 in stock - $12.49 Already Soldered
add to cart add to cart in stock - $18.99
add to cart

The kit with the SOIC Max

RS-232 chip and 1206 caps
already soldered.

Extra DB9 Connector Kit

in stock - $3.49
add to cart

Includes:

 (1) rt. angle 3 pos. friction

lock header
 (3) crimp pins, female
 (1) 3 pos. crimp housing
 (1) db9 female solder cup
connector
 mounting hardware for the
db9: 2 each, lock washer,
nut, screw
Parts List and Spec Sheets:

 U1: MAX3222CWN+ (spec), dual RS-232 transceiver

 C1-4: 1206 .1 uF ceramic capacitor
 10 pos. (2x5) female IDC socket
 10 pos. (2x5) shrouded header
 rt. angle friction-lock header
 3 pos. crimp terminal housing
 (3) crimp terminal contact (accepts 22-28 AWG wire)
 pcb
 female DB9 connector with solder cups and mounting hardware (mounting hardware not shown in pic)

Kit Building Instructions:

--> Instructions are here. The instructions include step-by-step details on soldering the surface mount parts, all you really need are
some tweezers and solder wick / braid.

How it Works:
There really isn't anything but the max RS-232 transceiver in this circuit. It uses capacitor-based charge pumps to increase the
voltage from 3.3V to RS-232 levels.

One thing to point out is that a decision has to be made whether to use the TTL or RS-232 levels, wires can't be connected to both
since the R output ports of the MAX chip would fight anything attached to them. Simply make a solder bridge to connect the chosen
serial port on the router to the MAX chip.

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Comments (2): (expand to read and post comments)

a preview of the most recent posts:
Dave Mitton (unregistered) : On the WRT54GS v2, the serial port pinout has a different orientation, from t…
bobrusso : Can someone much smarter than me please explain how to do this with a WRT54GS…
flag
13 days ago, Dave Mitton (unregistered) said:

On the WRT54GS v2, the serial port pinout has a different orientation, from the one shown in the instructions. It’s at the front and
pin 1 is inboard.
I installed the components, then flipped the board and put the header on so the component side was down. This got the correct
sequence.

flag
4 days ago, bobrusso said:

Can someone much smarter than me please explain how to do this with a WRT54GS version 1.0 ? Didn’t seem to work. Also a
WRT150N.
~ Bob.Russo@US.Army.mil

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