With regard to the article at http://www.hpmuseum.org/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/hpmuseum/articles.cgi?read=118
regarding the connection of the HPIL-RS232C to the PC, I would appreciate clarification on the following based on my background of no exposure to serial interfacing.
The purpose of the special adapter is to correct the positions of the pins of the HPIL RS232C interface to that expected for a RS232C interface for a PC (DTE device) as well as to provide for the null modem functionality of connecting two DTE devices serially.
The diagram on the above web page indicates the corresponding pins to be connected from the HPIL RS232C interface to the PC (DB25-S). I would like to use a 9 pin serial cable to the PC, instead of the 25 pin cable. All the pins are accounted for on the 9 pin serial cable except the protective ground, pin 1. Is this pin on the HPIL RS232C interface required to be connected to the PC?
Can any damage be caused to the PC or the HPIL RS232C interface if the pin connections are incorrect in the adapter?
Does this pin assignment work for the HP 71B connected to a PC through the HPIL RS232C interface?