Redpark Lightning Serial Cable (L2-DB9V3)

detail

Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with a Lightning connector to RS-232 serial devices at baud rates up to 115.2 Kbps.

This cable is used in conjunction with the Rsc Mgr SDK to create iOS applications that communicate with serial devices. It is licensed under the Made for iPod (MFI) program for private deployment under the terms of the Enterprise, Education, and Personal iOS Developer Licenses. Under current Apple policy, this cable cannot be used in applications sold on the App Store.

The cable is approximately 180cm long and features a male DB-9 connector.

Supports communication speeds up to 115.2Kbps and requires iOS 11.0.x or later.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between the L2-DB9V and L2-DB9V3?

A: The L2-DB9V was first released in 2014. The L2-DB9V3 was released in November 2018 as the successor to the L2-DB9V. It uses a new generation Lightning connector and Apple APIs to communicate with iOS devices. Redpark's serial SDK is the same for both cables, however the RxForwardCount and RxForwardTimeout features are not recommended when using the L2-DB9V3.

Q: What devices have serial ports?

A: Ham radios, dive computers, point-of-sale terminals, Arduino and other microcontroller platforms, scientific equipment, data loggers, RFID readers, car engines, routers and other network devices, glucose meters, fire control panels, irrigation controllers, weather stations, specialty printers, scales, temperature sensors, flight recorders, satellite radios, model cars (including model boats, model airplanes, model rockets), CNC machine tools, and more.

Q: What iOS version is required?

A: The L2-DB9V3 requires iOS 11.0.x or later.

Q: Is there a way to connect to a device using TTL (logic levels)?

A: Yes, by connecting an external RS-232 to TTL adapter to the DB-9 connector on the cable.

Q: Can I power my iOS device using this cable?

A: No. Please use the Serial+Power Adapter (L4-SERP).

Q: Can I power my serial device using this cable?

A: No, power cannot be supplied through the RS232 connection. Some low-power devices can be powered through the RS232 signal lines, but this does not work in all instances due to usage outside of RS232. It is up to the user to determine whether the RS232 output signals provide enough power for their particular application.

Currently, the L2-DB9V uses a MAX3243 or similar driver to convert logic level signals to RS232 level signals. The specifications for the MAX3243 can be used as a guide to determine if the signal levels are appropriate for your application.
Redpark reserves the right to change the RS232 driver circuitry at any time.

Q: What apps does it work with?

A: The cable and SDK are provided so that you can create your own apps.

Q: Does it work with apps sold on the App Store?

A: Not at this time. This is due to Apple policy.

Q: How can I tell if my iOS device recognizes the cable?

A: Open the "Settings" app on your iOS device. Select "General" and then "About". If the serial cable is connected properly, it will appear in the list.

Q: How can I check which firmware version I am using?

A: Once you have found the serial cable in the "Settings" app, select "Serial Cable" to view its parameters.

Q: What is the pinout of a DB-9 connector?

A: You can find it in the SDK User Guide.