[comp.sys.mac.hardware] Looking for good buy on serial port switchbox

ireland@ac.dal.ca (06/01/90)

I'm looking for a serial port switcher box (mini 8 connectors, at least 3)
so that I can switch one of my serial ports among an Imagewriter, modem, and
digitizing tablet.  Does anyone know of a good place to get such a thing by 
mail order.  The local apple dealer wants $70 for one, which doesn't seem
reasonable.  One of the companies that sells public domain and shareware stuff
(I don't remember their name) has one listed in their catalog for about $30,
but they don't ship to Canada.

Thanks for your help.

Keith Conover
Biochemistry Dept.
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Keith@ac.dal.ca

andyp@gvgpvd.GVG.TEK.COM (Andy Peterman) (06/02/90)

In article <1673@ac.dal.ca> ireland@ac.dal.ca writes:
>I'm looking for a serial port switcher box (mini 8 connectors, at least 3)
>so that I can switch one of my serial ports among an Imagewriter, modem, and
>digitizing tablet.  Does anyone know of a good place to get such a thing by 
>mail order......

A company called DataSpec makes a some serial switchboxes that are
really nice and low priced.  They have a 4 way using 8 pin mini din
connectors that is in a nice thin box with 4 pushbuttons (which I find
a lot easier than a rotary switch).

I bought one for $48 from one of the large Mac mail order houses (I
can't remember which one) but there's a catalog from a company called
ORA Electronics in Chatworth CA that has them for $30.00 (in low
quantities, cheaper if you order more than 11).  They also have every
imaginable cable and other adapters for the Mac (and other computers).

There address and phone is:

	ORA Electronics
	9410 Owensmouth Ave.
	P.O. Box 4029
	Chatsworth, CA 91313
	800-423-5336
	818-772-2700
	818-718-8667 (FAX)

Good luck.

	Andy Peterman

Disclaimer:  I am not connected with ORA in any way and have only seen 
their catalog.  I have not ordered from them, although I know someone 
who has with no problems.

jones@optilink.UUCP (Marvin Jones) (06/02/90)

In article <1673@ac.dal.ca>, ireland@ac.dal.ca writes:
> I'm looking for a serial port switcher box (mini 8 connectors, at least 3)
> 
> Keith Conover
> Keith@ac.dal.ca

The best deal I could find for an ABCD (4-way) MiniDin-8 switch box when I 
got mine was $30 from ORA Electronics in Chatsworth, CA.  These are the  same 
people who import and distribute the "Data Spec" line of computer cables, which 
you may have seen in computer stores.  Their catalog is a great collection of 
cables, adapters, converters, etc.  They even have raw PC and panel mount 
miniDin connectors for home-brew projects .... an item I periodically see 
requests for here on the net.  


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roskar@jhunix.HCF.JHU.EDU (Veljko Roskar) (06/02/90)

The best prices I have seen are from System Connection in Utah (800)825-1985,
(801)224-3330 fax(801)224-3334, not just for switchboxes but for any
computer cables and wiring stuff.  The boxes are :
3-way  SBM-3MD8 $28
4-way  SBM-4MD8 $35

roskar@jhunix.HCF.JHU.EDU (Veljko Roskar) (06/02/90)

There is also ALTEX electronics in Texas (800)531-5369 or fax (512)344-2985
or (512)349-8795.  Get the catalog.  Part numbers for the 4-way 8 pin mini DIN
box is: ABMD8-4 @$33.95, there is no 3-way.